Miami Journey | Miami travel, maps, plane tickets, deals, vacation packages in Miami, and what to see in Florida

See the Wild Monkey Jungle

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for monkeys? Do you love seeing the monkeys running around doing their own thing? Then you are in luck because at Monkey Jungle, all of the monkeys are allowed to be free and wild.

In 1933, an animal behaviorist by the name of Joseph DuMond let loose six monkeys into southern Florida’s wild area. In doing so, DuMond had made a huge impact on the thinking of those who work with animals. So instead of seeing just six monkeys, you are going to see closer to 400 monkeys on the land of Monkey Jungle.

How big is Monkey Jungle? Their land is 30 acres in size. So the monkeys there never have to worry about not having enough free space to have fun in.

The six original monkeys of Monkey Jungle were of the Java type. These days, there are more than 80 of them, and they are likely to be the first type of monkeys that you come across at Monkey Jungle. These monkeys are fantastic divers, and you can see them show off those great diving skills during their daily feeding times.

Besides the Java monkeys, there are 20 other types of primates living at Monkey Jungle. One of which is the Golden Lion Tamarin. In nature, this primate usually lives in Brazil. However, its near extinction has lead Monkey Jungle to try to save the lovable Golden Lion Tamarins. Interested in seeing the many monkeys of Monkey Jungle? Go to Miami and visit this jungle for monkeys on your next trip to Florida.

See the Architecture of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Do you have an interest in seeing great works of architecture? Whether you are an architect who loves to see beautiful buildings to help inspire your own work, or a traveler who enjoys looking at great and majestic looking buildings, you are sure to find the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens something of particular interest. That is because the Vizcaya Museum is built by one of the best architect from the early 1900s. Who is this famous architect? That talented architect’s name is James Deering.

At Vizcaya, there are three main things for visitors to see. First and foremost, there is the main house that is designed by James Deering. Secondly, there are the formal gardens that make up 10 acres of land. Finally, there is the native forest for all to see at the Vizcaya Museums and Gardens.

In the main house of the Vizcaya Museum, you will find great treasures that have been collected from all parts of the world. Also, you will get to hear the musical sounds of a pipe organ if you come sometime between 4 and 4:30 pm. Outside of the main house, you will find yourself treated to a magnificent view of the Biscayne Bay. Also, you will get to enjoy the radiant colors of the orchids in the Orchidarium.

With the exception of Tuesdays, a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens can be made on any day during the week. Adult admission into the Vizcaya Museum is $15. Meanwhile, children under the age of five can visit for free.

Eat Like a Local with SoBe Tour des Forks

Vacationing in Miami is not just about seeing new sights. It is also about new experiences, and food experiences are a part of that as well. However, to really taste the foods of Miami, you are going to want to avoid all of the Miami dining tourist traps. Instead, you are going to want to eat like a Miami local.

Even if you are a stranger to the city of Miami, you can still find all of the best eateries in Miami. All you really need is a Miami tour guide that is knowledgeable about the best dining options to show you all of the best places to eat. Not sure where to find a Miami food tour guide? Try the guides who work for the SoBe Tour des Forks. They know where to find good Miami local eats.

The SoBe Tour des Forks is a good way for you to sample different Miami cuisines for lunch. On the food tour, you get to visit five different local Miami restaurants. One of which is a café that serves Nouvelle cuisine. Another stop on the SoBe Tour des Forks is a place that serves up famous Cuban coffee. Love French food? Then you are in luck because A La Folie is known for its authentic French food. Ever had authentic Brazilian cuisine? You can try some at the Boteco Copacabana. Then you can have your dessert at The Freeze Ice Cream Factory. They make their sorbet and ice cream right at the store, and you will have some on Miami’s SoBe Tour des Forks.

Shop & Dine at Coco Walk

Shopping is one of life’s greatest things to do. In fact, for some people, it can be downright therapeutic. After a long and crazy day, finding a new blouse to buy can be just the trick to lifting your spirits. That is partially why the Coco Walk is so popular for anyone in or near Miami.

Coco Walk is the place to shop for Miami residents and visitors. There are loads of upscale stores there. So shopaholics can definitely get their much needed fix at the Coco Walk.

Where is Coco Walk exactly? It sits by the boating village of Coconut Grove. The buildings that are a part of Coco Walk were built with the intentions of fitting in with the rest of Coconut Grove. Therefore, while you are walking around Coco Walk, you are likely to feel instantly relaxed due to the unwinding nature of the atmosphere around there.

What types of clothing stores are there at Coco Walk? Some of the stores there are the White House Black Market, Divine Clothes, and the Gap. For lingerie items, you can visit Victoria’s Secret. Interested in some beach attire to wear down to Miami beautiful beaches? Check out Palm Produce Resort Wear and Maui Nix Surf Shop.

Dining at Coco Walk gives you a couple of different options. For American food, there’s Chili’s and the Cheesecake Factory. Bice Bistro serves up Italian food. Meanwhile, Coco Wok gives you Asian cuisine. Only interested in a couple scoops of ice cream? Try the Romeo & Juliet Italian Ice Cream place.

Miami Children’s Museum for the Little Ones

Museums are perfect for inquiring minds, and no minds have the tendency to inquire more than those of young children. That is why the Miami Children’s Museum is a great spot for the special little ones in your life. It is a museum that actually targets the interest of children.

Once only a 2000 square foot building, the Miami Children’s Museum has grown to be nearly 30 times its original size. No longer situated in a center that is dedicated to shopping, the museum now stands on an island that is close to Miami’s downtown area. In 2006, the museum even added rooms that are to be used for educational purposes.

Currently, the Miami Children’s Museum houses 14 exhibits that are sure to be interesting for your kids. At the Castle of Dreams, your child can have fun touring the castle made of sand. Plus, they will get to see different sands from all over the globe.

It is never too early to learn about money. At the Miami Children’s Museum, kids won’t just be learning how to spend money. They will actually also gain valuable knowledge about what it takes to earn money and save it too.

Not sure how to get your kids to live healthier? Bring them to the Health and Wellness Center exhibit. They will learn the significant of engaging in physical activities and eating right.

Tired of having your children always looking up to pop icons? Want them to idolize real life heroes instead? Take them to the Safety Zone exhibit, and they will soon look at everyday local heroes in awe.

Miami’s Gator Park

Are you brave enough to see an alligator up close? If the sight of a large alligator does nothing to terrify you, then the Gator Park in Miami is appropriate for you. At Gator Park, you will see the everglade’s numerous animal species—including the popular alligators.

The main thing to do at Gator Park is to go on one of the day’s airboat tours. The airboat tour starts out at a very slow pace, allowing you to easily spot the park’s wildlife. When it comes to the park’s alligators, the guides will do their best to point the alligators out to you. So even if you are not good at spotting the alligators on your own, you still will not have to miss out on seeing these magnificent reptiles.

Want to do the airboat tour with just the people in your party? Then book the private airboat tour. It permits you to have a much more in-depth experience during your visit.

Finished with your airboat tour? Go to one of Gator Park’s wildlife shows. Watch how alligators can be caught with just the bare hands. Feeling extremely bold? Hold an alligator of a smaller size. Just make sure you capture your courageous moment on film, since you are probably going to show it off to the folks back home.

Feeling hungry during your time at Gator Park? Grab a quick bite at one of the park’s dining facilities. Have a hot dog or hamburger if you are trying to play it safe. Willing to be a bit more adventurous? Have some alligator tail.

Bring the Kids to Jungle Island

If you are going on a family vacation in Miami, then you ought to spend a day at Jungle Island. Your kids will be able to find great amusement there. Plus you will feel your inner child come to live while partaking in the fun at Jungle Island.

At Jungle Island, the main attractions are the shows and exhibitions. They are fun to watch, and they are educational for the kids as well. Also, chances are pretty high that you will crack a smile while viewing the animals perform in their various shows.

In total, there are currently three animal shows that are available for your viewing pleasure at Jungle Island. For starters, there is the Winged Wonders show that presents you with birds that really know how to entertain—including a large cassowary and a fast-flying vulture. Then there is the Tale of the Tiger show that takes place at the Jungle Theatre. The show will be able to capture your attention with the wonderful display of black panthers, tigers, spotted leopards, ligers, lynx, and cougars. Finally, there is Dr. Wasabi’s Wild Adventures, which will introduce you to animals from all around the world.

When it comes to the exhibits, there are more than a dozen for you to visit on Jungle Island. The Posing Area enables you to take a snapshot with one of Jungle Island’s exotic parrots. Manu Encounter lets you interact with parrots, macaws, and squirrel monkeys. Meanwhile, the Primate Chat exhibit shows off the swinging abilities of the gibbons.

Highlights of Miami Seaquarium Shows

If you love creatures of the sea, then the Miami Seaquarium will definitely float your boat. This place has more than just beautiful views of Miami’s skyline. It is the place for you to come and see a multitude of marine animals in all their glory.

The Miami Seaquarium is comprised of 38 acres, and you can visit the place any day out of the whole year. From 9:30 am to 6:30 pm daily, the Miami Seaquarium is there to open your eyes to the wonderful world under the sea. However, do keep in mind that in order for you to actually see all of the shows available for viewing at the Miami Seaquarium, you will need to be there by 2:30 pm at the latest.

Some of the more popular shows at the Miami Seaquarium are the ones that feature dolphins and sharks. The Top Deck Dolphin Show is sure to amaze both the young and the young at heart with the phenomenal acrobatics that the stars of the show are able to do. Then there is the Flipper Dolphin Show that will have you on your feet once you see how Flipper and his friends are able to perform tail walks and other cool tricks. Have a preference for killer whales? Then you have got to see Lolita in action in the Killer Whale and Dolphin Show. Rumor has it that she can actually walk gracefully on the surface of the water! Don’t believe it? Well then, I guess you just have to see it to believe it.

Welcome to Miami Journey

Share your Miami travel stories, vacation pictures, and news. Click "Add a Post" to get started.