Attractions
Seminole Reservation:
An hour west of Fort Lauderdale on the road to Naples, the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation boasts the Ah-Tah-Thi-Khi Museum, giving visitors an insight into the history and culture of Florida’s so-called "unconquered" Indian tribe. The museum features exhibits and a living village where visitors can watch artisans at work. There is also a nature trail to explore, and a film on Seminole history is shown regularly.
Address: Big Cypress Seminole Reservation;
Telephone: +1 (863) 902 1113;
E-mail:museum@semtribe.com;
Website:www.seminoletribe.com/museum;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm;
Admission: $6 (£3) (adults), $4 (£2) (children 4-12 and seniors)
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Everglades National Park:
The vast Everglades National Park that spans the tip of the Florida peninsula, 35 miles southwest of Miami, has been described as a 40mile-wide slow-moving river of grass, interspersed with shallow wetlands. It is the only subtropical preserve in North America, containing temperate and tropical plants. It also boasts dozens of endangered species that find a home in this natural habitat, like the swallowtail butterfly, American crocodile, leatherback turtle, southern bald eagle and West Indian manatee. The best way to explore the Park is by canoe; private operators however run rapid air-boat tours, which are popular with thrill-seeking visitors. The Park has been accorded several honours including its designation as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. A few sections of the park still remain closed due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina and Wilma; visitors are advised to check on the latest situation before visiting.
Telephone: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Centre: +1 (305) 242 7700;
Website:www.nps.gov/ever;
Transport: Greyhound buses service Homestead, but no public transport is available from there to the park entrance. There is no public transport within the park, but canoes and kayaks can be rented in the park;
Opening time: Open year round; the main park entrance (near Homestead and Florida City) is open 24 hours a day;
Admission: $10 (£5) per vehicle, or $5 (£2.50) per pedestrian or cyclist, valid for seven days
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Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit:
Nothing is staid or boring in Miami, least of all its museums. The Museum of Science north of Coconut Grove, contains more than 140 exhibits, all designed to be hands-on and interactive, coupled with live demonstrations and collections of rare natural history specimens that make discovering and learning a great deal of fun. The Wildlife Centre boasts more than 175 live reptiles and birds of prey, and the adjacent Space Transit Planetarium provides more thrills with projected astronomy and laser light shows.
Address: 3280 South Miami Avenue;
Telephone: +1 (305) 646 4200;
Website:www.miamisci.org;
Opening time: Daily from 10am to 6pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas;
Admission: $17 (£8.59) (adults), $11 (£5.56) (children 3-12), free for under threes. Other concessions available. Prices include museum galleries, planetarium shows and wildlife centre.
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Miami Seaquarium:
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway;
Telephone: +1 (305) 361 5705;
Website:www.miamiseaquarium.com;
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm;
Admission: $27.95 (£14) (adults), $21.95 (£11.10) (children 3-9)
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Sea World:
Telephone: +1 (407) 351 3600;
Website:www.seaworld.com;
Opening time: Daily from 9am, but closing hours vary according to the month, closing earlier in winter;
Admission: $64.95 (£32.84) (adults), $53.95 (£27.28) (children 3-9). Packages and combination tickets are available
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The Marine Life Center of Juno Beach:
Some years ago Juno Beach resident Eleanor Fletcher, affectionately known locally as "the Turtle Lady", began assembling a collection of turtle artefacts and information that has grown to become the Marine Life Center on the oceanfront at Loggerhead Park, which monitors turtles along the Gold Coast. The Center is essentially a turtle hospital, and visitors can see ill and injured creatures being rehabilitated. The Center has numerous exhibits, including tropical fish and shells, and a gift shop. Evening guided "turtle walks" are offered during June and July, but bookings must be made in advance.
Address: 14200 US Hwy One, Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach;
Telephone: +1 (561) 627 8280;
Email:info@marinelife.org;
Website:www.marinelife.org;
Opening time: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm; Sunday 12pm to 3pm;
Admission: Free
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Walt Disney World:
Orlando's most familiar landmark is undoubtedly the turreted Cinderella Castle that stands in the centre of the original Disney Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom, at Lake Buena Vista. The park was opened in 1971 and has been making childhood fantasies come true ever since. Today it is just one of four Disney parks that cover more than 28,000 acres of Orange and Osceola counties in central Florida, with accompanying resorts, shopping complexes, hotels and waterparks. Apart from the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Orlando now includes Epcot, a futuristic showcase of the world's different cultures and traditions; MGM Studios, a working animation and television studio; and Animal Kingdom, where a huge variety of animals are kept in themed surroundings along with a cast of Disney characters.
Telephone: +1 (407) 824 4321;
Website:www.disneyworld.com;
Opening time: Open daily, but park hours vary according to the month and day; it is best to check on their website for up to date information;
Admission: Admission to any one park: $63 (£32) plus tax (adults), $52 (£26) plus tax (children 3-9). Park Hopper tickets can be added to the price for $40 (£20) for access to all parks. Various other packages and combination tickets are also available.
