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COCONUT GROVE. Constructed in 1916 for industrialist James Deering, this Italianate palace is often referred to as the Hearst Castle of the East. Intended to appear centuries-old at completion, it is absolutely rife with architectural detail and elaborate accents. In fact, more than a thousand artisans took five-plus years to complete the ornate flourishes. Deering was fascinated by 16th-century art and architecture, and most of his fine collection remains on display. The beautifully landscaped grounds aptly complement the building, whose name remembers the Basque term for a raised site.
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SOUTH BEACH. The streamlined buildings that comprise this district reflect the architecture of the '20s and '30s, when wealthy vacationers made Miami the resort destination of choice. The area, after its initial heyday, experienced a period of neglect, and tenants were largely retirees. Reinvigorated in recent decades, the pastel-hued neighborhood is again in vogue, mixing old and new with aplomb. The Art Deco Welcome Center provides a great introduction to the area and carries maps of notable structures. Tours of the district can be arranged through the Miami Design Preservation League.
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CORAL GABLES. The fantastical Venetian Pool was created to satisfy the imaginative urges of local designer Denman Fink. In 1923, he transformed a rock quarry into a dramatically beautiful swimming pool that's still a favorite place to cool off. Its setting features canals, a man-made island, fountains, waterfalls, coral caves and other whimsical touches. The pool's impeccable condition is maintained by daily drainage and an evening refill of more than 800,000 gallons of artesian water. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Children under 3 are not permitted.
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SOUTH BEACH. Intensely moving, this memorial created by artist-architect Kenneth Treister honors victims and offers solace to survivors. Included in its design are an arbor that depicts the history of the Holocaust in black granite and a tunnel that opens up to "The Sculpture of Love and Anguish." This enormous bronze arm, with its base of writhing human forms, is variously interpreted as a symbol of despair or hope. The memorial also encompasses a reflecting pool and walls inscribed with the names of thousands of victims. The overall effect is visually and emotionally stunning.
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DOWNTOWN. Fascinating collections of historical photography and Florida ephemera colorfully depict greater Miami's intriguing past at this museum. From the earliest inhabitants to the Spanish invasion, from the rise of the cigar industry to the Depression – informative displays foster newfound appreciation of South Florida. Don't miss the museum store, which carries an excellent selection of regional books and gifts.
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CORAL GABLES. Lush and meticulously maintained, this garden showcases a wide range of tropical plants. Within its 83 acres, palms and cycads flourish, and a 16,000-square-foot conservatory shelters rare specimens. The Fairchild also offers an arboretum and rainforest, and it houses a world-renowned research facility. Leisurely strolls through the grounds are sure to provoke plenty of "oohs and aahs," and you may gain inspiration for your own little patch of paradise back home. A small museum, gift shop and café take care of practical needs. Free tram tours run on the hour.
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SOUTH DADE. Teeming with natural, archaeological and historical appeal, the Deering Estate proves endlessly engaging. Excavations at the bayfront compound originally owned by Charles Deering (whose brother James built Vizcaya) have uncovered the remains of prehistoric animals, and evidence suggests that Paleo-Indians were here more than 10,000 years ago. Historic buildings also distinguish the 420-acre property – the 1922 Stone House, Richmond Cottage and 19th-century Richmond Hall. For an altogether different perspective of the estate, reserve a spot on the weekend canoe tour.
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SOUTH DADE. The only US zoo set in a subtropical climate, Metrozoo mesmerizes visitors with remarkable exhibits and creatures from around the world. Favorite animals include clouded leopards, Komodo dragons and tree kangaroos. They get ample competition from exotic standards like giraffes, lions, meerkats, koalas, gorillas and colorful birds. When the heat starts to take its toll, Dr. Wilde's World provides a rainforest-themed, air-conditioned refuge for hands-on fun. A petting zoo and wildlife shows also keep kids engaged.
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9. Wolfsonian
1001 Washington Ave, Florida International University, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-531-1001
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SOUTH BEACH. An intriguing cross section of objects distinguishes this eclectic museum, which has been built around Mitchell Wolfson Jr.'s private collection of decorative arts. A seven-story Mediterranean Revival building houses furniture, paintings, prints, industrial designs, books and sculpture donated by Wolfson. More than 100,000 items from the Industrial Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries help to elucidate the use of art and design in political propaganda, travel, architecture and other disciplines in nations around the globe.
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WATSON ISLAND. Tropical birds have the run of this unusual island park off MacArthur Causeway. Approximately 1100 macaws, parrots and other winged residents join giant reptiles and exotic primates to impart special character to the attraction. Although the 18 landscaped acres showcase some 500 species of plants and flowers, don't come expecting peace and quiet – some of the opinionated inhabitants are neither shy nor retiring. Be sure to catch a performance – the sight of a parrot riding a miniature bike is enough to make even the most jaded visitor smile. Other shows include Winged Wonders (singing Amazons and Andean condors), Reptile Giants (snakes, alligators, crocodiles) and Wild Encounters (apes, tigers, even a liger).
You want quality leisure activities. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide quality information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city parks that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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