The new trend in vacations, a staycation is a vacation where you don't travel far, and South Florida offers numerous opportunities for wonderful staycations. Check back for more information .
Biscayne National Park
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, this park is the largest marine park in the national park system. It protects and preserves a marine eco-system with living, fish-bejeweled coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay, and emerald islands. Dante Fascell Visitor Center (open 9am-5pm) houses a museum, art gallery, auditorium/environmental and educational discovery room. Glass-bottom boat tours of the bay and reefs, snorkeling and scuba diving trips, canoe and kayak rentals (island excursions for sightseeing are available November-May). Open daily 7am-5:30pm.
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, this park is the largest marine park in the national park system. It protects and preserves a marine eco-system with living, fish-bejeweled coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay, and emerald islands. Dante Fascell Visitor Center (open 9am-5pm) houses a museum, art gallery, auditorium/environmental and educational discovery room. Glass-bottom boat tours of the bay and reefs, snorkeling and scuba diving trips, canoe and kayak rentals (island excursions for sightseeing are available November-May). Open daily 7am-5:30pm.
Boucher Brothers Watersports
954-524-8662
305-535-8177
Lots of fun in, on and above the water: wave-runners, parasailing, banana boats, wind surfers, snorkeling, rafts, kayaks, boogie boards and deep sea fishing charters. Team-building scavenger hunts and beach olympics are also available for corporate and group events, from Key Largo to Palm Beach. Safety-certified instructors for beach events.
954-524-8662
305-535-8177
Lots of fun in, on and above the water: wave-runners, parasailing, banana boats, wind surfers, snorkeling, rafts, kayaks, boogie boards and deep sea fishing charters. Team-building scavenger hunts and beach olympics are also available for corporate and group events, from Key Largo to Palm Beach. Safety-certified instructors for beach events.
Cape Florida Lighthouse
305-361-8779
The oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, the 95-foot-high Cape Florida Lighthouse at the tip of Key Biscayne has been restored to its authentic 1855 condition in Bill Baggs State Park. This tower has survived hurricanes, an 1836 Seminole Indian attack and several fires. Park also offers an award-winning beach, bike paths, an oceanfront and a harbor-front café and fishing. Tours: Thur.-Mon. at 10am and 1pm. Children under 8 are not permitted to the top of the lighthouse. Entrance fee: $5/car with 2-8 people; $3/car with 1 person. $1/person (walking, biking)
305-361-8779
The oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, the 95-foot-high Cape Florida Lighthouse at the tip of Key Biscayne has been restored to its authentic 1855 condition in Bill Baggs State Park. This tower has survived hurricanes, an 1836 Seminole Indian attack and several fires. Park also offers an award-winning beach, bike paths, an oceanfront and a harbor-front café and fishing. Tours: Thur.-Mon. at 10am and 1pm. Children under 8 are not permitted to the top of the lighthouse. Entrance fee: $5/car with 2-8 people; $3/car with 1 person. $1/person (walking, biking)
Club Nautico
305-673-2502
Like the freedom of the sea? The fun of fishing? The adventure of diving? The joy of being on the water with family and friends? Whether you’re completely new to the sport of boating and want to jump in, or you’re an experienced boater blessed with ample time to boat frequently, Club Nautico offers Powerboat Rentals/Yacht Charters, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Fishing and Sunset Cruises in beautiful Key Biscayne for everyone!
305-673-2502
Like the freedom of the sea? The fun of fishing? The adventure of diving? The joy of being on the water with family and friends? Whether you’re completely new to the sport of boating and want to jump in, or you’re an experienced boater blessed with ample time to boat frequently, Club Nautico offers Powerboat Rentals/Yacht Charters, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Fishing and Sunset Cruises in beautiful Key Biscayne for everyone!
Crandon Park
305-361-5421
Ride on the restored carousel by the sea at Crandon Park (weekends and certain holidays). The historic carousel is at the heart of the Family Amusement Center, which includes an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, sea horse-shaped splash fountain and a host of marine play sculptures at the beachfront playground. The park's beautiful two-mile beach is consistently named among the top-ten beaches in the nation, celebrated for its pristine sand, calm water, winding promenade and convenient amenities. Open 8am-sunset. $5 per car.
305-361-5421
Ride on the restored carousel by the sea at Crandon Park (weekends and certain holidays). The historic carousel is at the heart of the Family Amusement Center, which includes an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, sea horse-shaped splash fountain and a host of marine play sculptures at the beachfront playground. The park's beautiful two-mile beach is consistently named among the top-ten beaches in the nation, celebrated for its pristine sand, calm water, winding promenade and convenient amenities. Open 8am-sunset. $5 per car.
Fury Water Adventures
866-748-9412
Fury Water Adventures is the number one excursion in and on the waters of Key West. Fury expertly maintains a state-of-the-art fleet of boats to offer the best in safety! Choose from underwater explorations on one of three catamaran reef snorkeling boats, thrills in the air on parasailing boats, get a chance to see marine life without getting wet on a glass bottom boat, or take in a famous Key West famous sunset aboard a Sunset Sail or Sunset Cruise. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Ultimate Adventure that includes reef snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing & kayaking.
866-748-9412
Fury Water Adventures is the number one excursion in and on the waters of Key West. Fury expertly maintains a state-of-the-art fleet of boats to offer the best in safety! Choose from underwater explorations on one of three catamaran reef snorkeling boats, thrills in the air on parasailing boats, get a chance to see marine life without getting wet on a glass bottom boat, or take in a famous Key West famous sunset aboard a Sunset Sail or Sunset Cruise. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Ultimate Adventure that includes reef snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing & kayaking.
Haulover Beach Park & Marina
305-947-3525
Oceanfront park with 1.5 miles of beach, complete marina, charter fishing boats, a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. Beach is open sunrise to sunset. An underground walkway connects the bay and ocean sides of the park. Parking: $5/car; $10 buses/RV. Clothing-optional area designated at the northern 1/3-mile of beach, in the signed-area only. Gawkers strongly discouraged!
305-947-3525
Oceanfront park with 1.5 miles of beach, complete marina, charter fishing boats, a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. Beach is open sunrise to sunset. An underground walkway connects the bay and ocean sides of the park. Parking: $5/car; $10 buses/RV. Clothing-optional area designated at the northern 1/3-mile of beach, in the signed-area only. Gawkers strongly discouraged!
Hollywood Beach
954-921-3016
Come see why Travel + Leisure magazine named the Hollywood Broadwalk one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks! The broadwalk, a 2.5-mile-long pedestrian promenade, bustles with joggers, skaters, cyclists and old-fashioned charm. Bicycle, jet ski and cabana rentals, waterfront restaurants, an organic market, seaside hotels and smaller motels, and the 500-seat Hollywood Beach Theater that hosts Friday night concerts bimonthly, are all right here! Convenient trolley service, from Hollywood Beach to Downtown makes it easy to experience the entire city of Hollywood!
954-921-3016
Come see why Travel + Leisure magazine named the Hollywood Broadwalk one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks! The broadwalk, a 2.5-mile-long pedestrian promenade, bustles with joggers, skaters, cyclists and old-fashioned charm. Bicycle, jet ski and cabana rentals, waterfront restaurants, an organic market, seaside hotels and smaller motels, and the 500-seat Hollywood Beach Theater that hosts Friday night concerts bimonthly, are all right here! Convenient trolley service, from Hollywood Beach to Downtown makes it easy to experience the entire city of Hollywood!
Matheson Hammock Park Beach
305-665-5475
A top-ranked family park with nature trails, a sand beach with lifeguards, picnic grounds, concession stand and marina. There's also a restaurant serving dinner (closed on Mondays). Park is open daily sunrise to sunset; beach is open from 8:30am-5pm on weekdays, 6pm on weekends. Admission is $5 per car, $10 per RV and $12 per trailer.
305-665-5475
A top-ranked family park with nature trails, a sand beach with lifeguards, picnic grounds, concession stand and marina. There's also a restaurant serving dinner (closed on Mondays). Park is open daily sunrise to sunset; beach is open from 8:30am-5pm on weekdays, 6pm on weekends. Admission is $5 per car, $10 per RV and $12 per trailer.
Miami Catamarans
305-345-4104
Join Miami Catamarans on a sandy beach and sail among dolphins, manta rays, and other marine life in the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay! Experience the fun of sailing while enjoying a great view of the Downtown Miami skyline and a beautiful sunset. Rentals & Lessons: Hobie Cats for beginners to experts! The Miami Catamaran fleet includes Hobie Wave, Gataway, Hobie 16' and Windrier Trimarans. Mention Welcome to Miami and the Beaches or Bienvenidos a Miami y Sus Playas for 30 minutes free on a one hour rental.
305-345-4104
Join Miami Catamarans on a sandy beach and sail among dolphins, manta rays, and other marine life in the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay! Experience the fun of sailing while enjoying a great view of the Downtown Miami skyline and a beautiful sunset. Rentals & Lessons: Hobie Cats for beginners to experts! The Miami Catamaran fleet includes Hobie Wave, Gataway, Hobie 16' and Windrier Trimarans. Mention Welcome to Miami and the Beaches or Bienvenidos a Miami y Sus Playas for 30 minutes free on a one hour rental.
Oleta River State Park
305-919-1846
Oleta River's mangrove forests, tropical hammocks and surrounding waters offer an urban oasis of outdoor activities in Miami: mountain biking, picnicking, canoeing, swimming, children's playground, fishing and kayaking. Guided nature walks upon request. Open daily from 8am-sunset. Admission is $5 per car of up to 8 people; $3 for a car with one person; $1 for walk/bike/roll-ins. Cabins rentals available for up to two weeks; for reservations call 1-800-326-3521.
305-919-1846
Oleta River's mangrove forests, tropical hammocks and surrounding waters offer an urban oasis of outdoor activities in Miami: mountain biking, picnicking, canoeing, swimming, children's playground, fishing and kayaking. Guided nature walks upon request. Open daily from 8am-sunset. Admission is $5 per car of up to 8 people; $3 for a car with one person; $1 for walk/bike/roll-ins. Cabins rentals available for up to two weeks; for reservations call 1-800-326-3521.
Sailboards Miami Watersports
305-361-SAIL (7245)
Windsurf, stand-up paddle board, and kayak rental, as well as a school and shop! Great fun for all ages and all fitness levels. Just minutes from Miami Beach on beautiful Biscayne Bay. Venture over to the nearby Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to get a glimpse of the Vizcaya castle and mangrove sanctuary. Print out or present this coupon on your smart phone for $5 off any rental!
305-361-SAIL (7245)
Windsurf, stand-up paddle board, and kayak rental, as well as a school and shop! Great fun for all ages and all fitness levels. Just minutes from Miami Beach on beautiful Biscayne Bay. Venture over to the nearby Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to get a glimpse of the Vizcaya castle and mangrove sanctuary. Print out or present this coupon on your smart phone for $5 off any rental!
South Beach Dive and Surf Center
305-531-6110
The South Beach Dive and Surf Center is a renowned PADI 5 Star facility conveniently located in the heart of Miami Beach’s trendy and vibrant South Beach, within walking distance to many hotels, restaurants and tourism enclaves. The one-day dive and snorkel trips to Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary is a great addition to the awesome wreck diving in Miami. Whether you want to take a class or just enjoy the beauty that lays underneath our turquoise blue waters, the South Beach Dive and Surf Center is your gateway to adventure!
305-531-6110
The South Beach Dive and Surf Center is a renowned PADI 5 Star facility conveniently located in the heart of Miami Beach’s trendy and vibrant South Beach, within walking distance to many hotels, restaurants and tourism enclaves. The one-day dive and snorkel trips to Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary is a great addition to the awesome wreck diving in Miami. Whether you want to take a class or just enjoy the beauty that lays underneath our turquoise blue waters, the South Beach Dive and Surf Center is your gateway to adventure!
Tarpoon Lagoon
305-887-8726
305-532-1445
Miami Beach’s only waterfront dive shop! Offering snorkeling and SCUBA trips, as well as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Open Water Diver course, the most widely recognized and respected diving certifications in the world. Not sure if a full-blown course is for you? Take the one-day Discover Scuba Diving program and experience what you'’e missing.
305-887-8726
305-532-1445
Miami Beach’s only waterfront dive shop! Offering snorkeling and SCUBA trips, as well as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Open Water Diver course, the most widely recognized and respected diving certifications in the world. Not sure if a full-blown course is for you? Take the one-day Discover Scuba Diving program and experience what you'’e missing.
