by DK
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Big Cypress National Preserve
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Take Cover
Visit the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center to learn about Florida’s wildlife and watersheds, using games and hands-on devices.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Everglades City
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Take Cover
Across a causeway from Everglades City, Chokoloskee Island is home to the Historic Smallwood Store & Museum (www.smallwoodstore.com), an old Indian trading post on the bay that still holds some vintage products and historic exhibits.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Key West
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Letting Off Steam
After visiting the Hemingway Home and the lighthouse across the street, walk to the Southernmost Point (South St, 33040). Taking photos at the US’s most southerly mainland spot is de rigueur. While grown-ups read the historic markers, kids can run along the waterfront plaza.
Shopping
Walk along Duval Street, in the Old Town, where merchandise ranges from tacky T-shirts to fine art glass. Cayo Hueso y Habana (410 Wall St, Mallory Square, 33040; 305 293 7260) is part-museum part-mall, with souvenirs such as rooster mementos and hand-rolled cigars.
Find Out More
Film
The Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key is home to about 20 dolphins, including those that starred in Flipper (1963). Families can spend the day with these mammals in their nearly native habitat.
Next Stop…
Dry Tortugas National Park
Board the Yankee Freedom II fast ferry (www.drytortugas.com) for a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park (www.nps.gov/drto), located 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West. The Dry Tortugas comprise seven reef islands, of which Garden Key is the most visited. The islands are a treat for bird-watchers, especially between March and October. Besides awesome coral reefs, families can explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson (www.fortjefferson.com), the largest brick fortification in the US.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Big Pine Key
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Take Cover
Head for the small visitor center at the National Key Deer Refuge, located within the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza. It has indoor displays that help visitors discover the local habitat and wildlife.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
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Take Cover
The park’s Sand and Sea Nature Center introduces visitors to local sea life, with exhibits and an aquarium. Learn about the park’s six different habitats, play games, watch one of 30 nature videos, and guess what is in the Mystery Boxes.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Marathon
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Letting Off Steam
Head south to Sombrero Beach (2150 Sombrero Beach Rd, MM 50; 305 743 0033), which offers plenty of room to play, as well as barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a playground.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Islamorada
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Letting Off Steam
For young kids who are not yet comfortable swimming in the sea, the pool at Founder’s Park (87000 Overseas Hwy, MM 87) is a good option. The park also has a beach, a skate park, and a tennis court.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Key Largo
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Take Cover
If inclement weather threatens, head to Shellworld (97600 Overseas Hwy MM 101.9; 305 852 8245), for merchandise such as specimen shells, plush toys, and Key Lime products.
< More Things to Do: The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
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Take Cover
Besides the 30,000-gallon (113,562-liter) aquarium, the park’s visitor center houses six other aquaria that display the local sea fauna. Listen to rangers at the center explain how they are re-growing damaged coral. The center’s theater screens videos about the park, and natural history exhibits interpret the different habitats of corals.
Eat and Drink
Miami
Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and around
Downtown, Little Havana, Vizcaya, and around
Miami Beach and around
The Gold and Treasure Coasts
The Gold and Treasure Coasts
Orlando and the Parks
Orlando and the Parks
The Space Coast
The Space Coast
The Northeast
The Northeast
The Panhandle
The Panhandle
The Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast
The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Coral Gables
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Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Publix Supermarket and Deli (2270 SW 27th Ave, 33145; 305 445 9661; www.publix.com) sells take-out subs, salads, chicken wings, beverages, and other snacks. Zip to Salvador Park for a picnic.
Snacks
Al’s Coffee Shop (2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 33134; 305 461 5919; www.alscoffeeshop.com) is the place to find sandwiches, salads, burgers, and good coffee.
Snacks and coffee at the popular Al’s Coffee Shop, Coral Gables
Real meal
The Cascade (in The Biltmore Hotel; 305 913 3200; www.biltmorehotel.com), overlooking the hotel’s famed swimming pool, serves contemporary French and Caribbean cuisine. It also offers a kids’ menu.
Family treat
Ortanique on the Mile (278 Miracle Mile, 33134; 305 446 7710; www.ortaniquerestaurants.com) has a Caribbean-style decor and cuisine. Adults can enjoy a curry crab cake melt or corn fritters, while kids can ask for chicken fingers or pasta.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Coconut Grove
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
The Cheesecake Factory (CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave, 33133; 305 447 9898; www.thecheesecakefactory.com) serves flatbreads and starters, such as crab balls and chicken lettuce wraps.
Family treat
Le Bouchon du Grove (3430 Main Hwy, 33133; 305 448 6060; lebouchondugrove.com) serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and entrées with a French influence.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
The Barnacle Historic State Park
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Eat and Drink
Real meal
Rincón Argentino (2345 SW 37th Ave, 33145; 305 444 2494; www.rinconargentino.com) serves soups, salads, steaks, seafood, and scrumptious home-made pasta.
Family treat
Lulu (3105 Commodore Plaza, 33133; 305 447 5858; www.luluinthegrove.com) has al fresco seating with views of Coconut Grove’s festive street scene. Try their grilled octopus.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Peacock Park
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
Dolce Vita Gelato Café (3462 Main Hwy, 33133; 305 461 1322) offers gelato and other sweet treats for a bayside picnic in Peacock Park.
Family treat
Peacock Garden Café (2889 McFarlane Rd, 33133; 305 774 3332; www.jaguarhg.com/home-peacock) serves tasty home-made soups, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, and steaks in a pleasant setting.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Fairchild Tropical Garden
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
Lakeside Café (on site) serves kids’ meals, made-to-order
sandwiches and salads, desserts, and ice cream.
Family treat
Red Fish Grill (9610 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, 33156; 305 668 8788; redfishgrill.net; dinner only), in Matheson Hammock County Park, next door to Fairchild Tropical Garden, offers a fine-dining experience by the waterside.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Deering Estate at Cutler
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
Panera Bread (13617 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, 33176; www.panerabread.com) stocks baked goodies for a picnic in the estate’s grounds.
Snacks
Offerdahl’s Café Grill (14685 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, 33176; www.offerdahls.com) offers family meals, and half-portions for kids.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Zoo Miami
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
(on site) offers casual fare with a view of the beautiful Lake Iguana.
Snacks
Carousel Café (on site) has burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and chicken tenders.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Coral Castle
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
Rosita’s Restaurante (199 W Palm Dr, Florida City, 33034; 305 246 3114) offers authentic Mexican food to pack and take to the Homestead Bayfront Park nearby.
Snacks
Mango Café (24801 SW 187th Ave, 33031; 305 247 5727), in Fruit & Spice Park, uses the park’s produce to complement its sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
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Eat and Drink
Picnic: under $25; Snacks: $25–50; Real meal: $50–80; Family treat: over $80 (based on a family of four)
Picnic
Cacique’s Corner Restaurant (100 W Flagler St, 33130; 305 371 8317) is one of a number of downtown eateries selling quick Cuban take-out items that can be enjoyed on the waterfront at Bayside Park.
Snacks
Vizcaya Café (ground floor, north wing of Vizcaya; 305 856 8189) serves sandwiches, burgers, and snacks. Seating is indoors in a library setting and outdoors near the pool. Kids’ meals come with French fries and applesauce. Top them off with a dark-chocolate-dipped Key lime popsicle.
Real Meal
Tradewinds Waterfront Bar & Grill (401 Biscayne Blvd; 305 416 6944; www.tradewindsbarandgrill.com) offers pierside dining. There are inexpensive lunch specials, plus seafood, ribs, steaks, and hot fudge sundaes.
Family Treat
Seasons 52 (321 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 33134; 305 442 8552; www.seasons52.com) is part of a small, Florida-born chain, with a healthy menu that is great for families concerned about their eating habits. Everything is fresh, seasonal, and under 475 calories.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Calle Ocho – Little Havana
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
Tinta y Café (268 SW 8th St, 33130; 3052850101), a typical Cuban café, offers sandwiches in full and half portions. Do try the papaya or mango juice.
Real meal
Versailles Restaurant & Bakery (3555 SW 8th St, 33135; 305 444 0240; www.versaillesrestaurant.com) serves American and Cuban dishes.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Pérez Art Museum Miami
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
La Sandwicherie Brickell (34 W 8th St, 33130; www.lasandwicherie.com) offers French-style sandwiches, juices, and tasty smoothies.
Real meal
Rigatti’s Café (100 S Miami Ave, 33130; 305 377 1672) is an Italian restaurant that serves pasta, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Miami Children’s Museum
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
The Food Court (401 Biscayne Blvd, 33132; 305 577 3344; www.baysidemarketplace.com) has lots of take-out food counters. Take the picnic to the adjacent Bayfront Park.
Snacks
La Moon (97 SW 8th St, 33130; 305 860 6209; www.lamoonrestaurant.com) serves authentic Colombian food, although kids will love the arepas (corn cakes) and hot dog toppings.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Jungle Island
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
Lakeside Café (on site) offers pizza, wraps, and burgers.
Real meal
Batch Gastropub (30 SW 12th St, 33130; 305 808 5555; www.batchmiami.com) has a reasonably priced menu of light, fun pub fare.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Miami Seaquarium®
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Eat and Drink
Snacks
Pink's Hollywood Hot Dogs (on site) offers a choice of tasty toppings with their hot dogs.
Real meal
Donut Gallery Diner (83 Harbor Dr, 33149; 305 361 9985; www.donutgallerydiner.com) serves breakfast, and sandwiches and entrées for lunch, as well as a good selection of salads, but no donuts.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Virginia Key Beach Park
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
Winn-Dixie (604 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, 33149; 305 361 8261; www.winndixie.com) has a deli and bakery. Pick up ready-made sandwiches and dessert for a beach picnic.
Family treat
The Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, 33149; 305 361 3818; www.therustypelican.com) gives diners a choice of sushi, small plates, sandwiches, and grilled seafood and steaks, along with views of Biscayne Bay.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Crandon Park
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Eat and Drink
Picnic
La Nouvelle Boulangerie (328 Crandon Blvd, 33149; 305 365 5260; www.laboulangerieusa.com) offers fresh pastries and sandwiches for a picnic in Crandon Park.
Family treat
Cantina Beach (455 Grand Bay Dr, 33149; 305 365 4500; www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne), in The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, has Mexican and American choices, plus fruit smoothies, on its kids’ menu.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
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Eat and Drink
Real meal
Lighthouse Café (on site; 305 361 8487;www.lighthouserestaurants.com) offers breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and Cuban entrées.
Family treat
Boater’s Grill (on site; 305 361 0080) serves burgers, pasta, and fancy seafood dinners.
< Eat and Drink: Miami
South Beach
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