Activities

For a complete listing visit the Miami Travel Bureau.

Ancient Spanish Monastery Location: 16711 W. Dixie Hwy. North Miami Beach, FL 33160 Telephone: 305/945-1461 www.spanishmonastery.com	Built in Segovia, Spain in 1141, the Monastery Cloister is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst brought the pieces to America and in 1952, Miami developers reassembled the monastery on its current site. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Adults $5, children (under 12) $2, seniors (55 and older) $2.50, students with valid I.D., $2.50.
Art Deco Historic District 1001 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33119 (305) 672-2014 www.mdpl.org	The nation's largest 20th Century National Register Historic District. The area features more than 800 historic buildings erected during the 1920s and 1930s and contains a variety of architectural styles. Walking tours of the district depart Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. from the MDPL Center, $15. Self-guided audio-tour available daily, $10 cassette rental. Bike, rollerblade, and private group tours are also available.
Art Deco Welcome Center 1001 Ocean Dr Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 672-2014	While you don't need to go out of your way to see SoBe's Art Deco buildings, if you want to learn about them, you can rent a self-paced audio tour from the Art Deco Welcome Center. The route can be covered in as little as an hour. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight Cover charge: $5.00
The Bass Museum of Art 2121 Park Ave Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 673-7533	The Bass Museum of Art is a modest-sized museum with a small but solid permanent collection. It is housed in an Art Deco building adorned with carved nautical features. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
Biscayne National Park 9700 SW 328th St. Homestead, FL 33033 (305) 230-1100 www.nps.gov/bisc	A 53-foot glass-bottom boat and a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran takes adventurers across southern Biscayne Bay, through wilderness, mangrove creeks, islands, and out to tropical coral reefs teeming with sea life. Family snorkeling and scuba diving available from the boat. Canoe and kayak rentals, picnic area, walking trails, fishing, camping and shower facilities available. Reservations required. Beautiful waterfront visitor center offers exhibits, films and information. Open daily 8 a.m.-5:30p.m. Glass bottom boat tour: adults $19.95, children (under 13) $12.95. Scuba diving $44.95, snorkeling $29.95. Glass-bottom boat departs at 10 a.m., scuba/family snorkel departs at 1:30 p.m. Scuba diving departs at 8:30 p.m.
Center for the Fine Arts 101 W. Flagler Street Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 375-1700	Also notable for its architecture, the Center for the Fine Arts is part of the Metro-Dade Cultural Center, a huge Spanish-style complex designed by Philip Johnson. The museum emphasizes art of the Americas produced in this century. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
Coopertown Airboat Rides and Restaurant 22700 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33194 (305) 226-6048 www.coopertownairboats.com	Offering airboat rides and alligator exhibitions since 1945. Professional guides lead tours through Hardwood Hammock to see national wildlife in its native Everglades environment. Just 11 miles west of Florida' s Turnpike. Gift shop and restaurant with a menu that includes frog legs and gator tail. Open daily 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Coral Gables Merrick House 907 Coral Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 460-5361 www.citybeautiful.net	This was the boyhood home of George E. Merrick, founder and developer of the City of Coral Gables, This historic landmark house originally began as an 1899 frame house which was added onto in 1906. The house has been restored to the 1920s period and filled with the Merrick family's art, furniture and personal treasures. Open for tours Wednesday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. Gardens open daily. Adults $2, children 50 cents.
Deering Estate at Cutler 16701 SW 72nd Ave Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department Miami, FL 33157 (305) 235-1668 www.deeringestate.org	One of the most beautiful and unique parks in South Florida. More than 420 acres, offering tours of endangered natural areas, historic and archeological sites, recreational facilities and a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. The park also contains the historical remnants of the Richmond Cottage, portions of which date back to 1896, and the Mediterranean Revival winter home of Charles Deering, completed in 1923. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. Adults $6, children $4.
Everglades Alligator Farm 40351 SW 192nd Ave. Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 247-2628 www.everglades.com	Explore the Everglades on a thrilling airboat tour and enjoy live shows every hour featuring alligators and snakes. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $14.50, children (4-12) $8, children (under 4) free.
Everglades National Park 40001 State Rd. 9336 Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 242-7700 www.nps.gov/ever	The third largest national park in the Continental U.S., encompassing 1.5 million acres of rare and beautiful ecosystems. The park contains a visitor center, nature trails, a full service marina, boat launching ramps, boat rentals and camping facilities.
Everglades Safari Park 26700 Tamiami Trail Miami, FL 33144 (305) 226-6923 www.evergladessafaripark.com	Features an alligator farm and show, guided airboat rides, a jungle trail, an interpretive center, a restaurant and a gift shop. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $15, children (5-11) $5, children (5-11) $5, children (under 5) free.
Fairchild Tropical Garden 10901 Old Cutler Rd. Miami, FL 33156 (305) 667-1651 www.fairchildgarden.org	This 83-acre garden, established in 1938, is one of the world's preeminent botanical gardens, with extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees and vines. Features a 16,000-square foot conservatory, a museum of plant exploration, vine pergola, sunken garden, winding paths, 11 lakes, lily ponds, overlooks, vistas and an outdoor tropical rainforest. Offers narrated tram tours, self-guided tours and programs in environmental education, conservation and horticulture. Garden Shop sells tropical gardening books and unique gifts. Garden café. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed December 25. Adults $8, children (3-12) $4, Garden members and children (under 3) free.
Florida Seminole Tourism and AH-TAH-THI-KI Seminole Museum Everglades Adventures 12261 SW 251st St. Miami, FL 33032 (305) 257-2134 www.seminoletours.com	Explore the Florida Everglades and the Big Cypress on a Seminole Indian Buggy Safari or airboat. See gardens of palmetto, towering Big Cypress hammocks and jungles of rare tropical plant life, while tracking animals from all over the world. Wildlife shows, Seminole Indian gift shop and Swamp Water Café also on site. Tours start at $20 for adults and $10 for children. Include a swamp buggy tour and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Museum. Family and overnight packages available.
Fruit & Spice Park 24801 SW 187th Ave. Homestead, FL 33031 (305) 247-5727 www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/parks	Established in 1944, this tropical paradise is nestled in the heart of the Redland District, just 35 miles south of Downtown Miami. More than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from throughout the world are found in this lush 32-acre park. Guided tours conducted daily. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $3.50, children (under 12) $1. Picnic facilities available.
GameWorks The Shops at Sunset Place 5701 Sunset Dr., Suite 134 Miami, FL 33143 (305) 667-4263 www.gameworks.com	Created as the quintessential entertainment destination, under the direction of Steven Spielberg, it delivers a great social experience around games. Features a full bar and the Gameworks Grill, a full service restaurant serving a wide selection of entrees. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.- 2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - midnight.
The Historical Museum of South Florida 101 W. Flagler Street Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 375-1492	The Historical Museum of South Florida is also part of the complex, chronicling the history of south Florida's settlement. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
IMAX Theatre at Sunset Place 5701 Sunset Dr., Suite 134 South Miami, FL 33143 (305) 663-4629 www.imax.com/miami	State-of-the-art theatre, featuring a giant, six-story screen, 12,000-watt wrap-around IMAX Digital Sound System, stadium seating, IMAX films and IMAX films in 3-D. Call for hours of operation and admission fees.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149 (305) 361-6767 www.marjorystonemandouglas.org	Offers hands-on marine exploration, coastal hammock hikes, fossil-rock reef walks, bike trips, local history lectures and beach walks. Marine exploration trips scheduled at low tide only. All trips led by naturalistic guide. Reservations required. Call for tour information and reservations.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-7256	Botanical garden in the heart of Miami Beach Region: Miami Beach - Art Deco District/South Beach
Miami Metrozoo 12400 SW 152nd St. Miami, FL 33177 (305) 251-0400 www.miamimetrozoo.com	Experience the wonders of tropical America at the zoo's newest interactive exhibit, Dr. Wilde's World. Featuring walks on the wild side among rare, endangered animals in a cageless environment. Restaurant and concession stands. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. Adults $8.95, children (3-12) $4.75 plus tax. Prices are subject to change.
Miami Museum of Science & Space Transit Planetarium 3280 S. Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33129 (305) 854-4247 www.miamisci.org	From robotic dinosaurs to live animals, explore Greater Miami's nationally recognized science center that offers something for everyone. The Museum features national traveling shows and more than 140 hands-on exhibits illustrating principles of physics, electricity, light sound and health. Trek the path blazed by early scientist and researchers throughout the Americas in the Smithsonian Expeditions exhibit. Relive expeditions into unexplored territories to discover rare artifacts that have formed America's foremost collection of natural history treasures from the region. The outdoor Wildlife Center rehabilitates injured animals and displays more than 175 live animals to the public. Daily live science and wildlife demonstrations. Museum store on site. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; box office closes at 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Combined museum/planetarium admission: adults $9, seniors and students $7, children (3-12) $5.50. Laser shows: adults $6, children (3-12) $3.
Miami Seaquarium 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149 (305) 361-5705 www.miamiseaquarium.com	Enjoy 38 acres of entertainment, great shows and exhibits. Home of Lolita, the Killer Whale and TV superstar Flipper. Laugh with the island adventures of Sally, the Sea Lion, and thrill to the power, grace and beauty of dolphins performing with Lolita. An exciting two-hour program lets you slip into a wet suit and enter the world-famous Flipper Lagoon for an up-close encounter with dolphins. See Nile Crocodiles at Discovery Bay, also home to white-tailed deer, indigenous fish and rays. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $23.95, children (3-9) $18.95. Taxed not included.
Miccosukee Indian Gaming 500 SW 177th Ave. Miami, FL 33194 (305) 222-4600 www.miccosukee.com	Located just west of Florida's Turnpike, this multiservice gaming and entertainment complex features poker, lightning lotto, high-stakes bingo and more than 520 video pull-tab machines. Full-service restaurant and lounge. Nightly entertainment offered including monthly professional boxing and concerts. Open daily 24 hours.
Miccosukee Indian Village & Airboat Tours P.O. Box 440021 Tamiami Station Miami, FL 33144 (305) 223-8380 www.miccosukeetribe.com	Visit an authentic Indian village and discover a culture centuries old. Guided tours take you through the past, present and future of the Miccosukee tribe. See craft demonstrations, a museum and alligator wrestling. Enjoy a thrilling airboat ride. Gift shop and restaurant. Open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. year-round. Adults $5, children (5-12) $3.50, children (under 4) free, seniors $4. Airboat rides $10.
Monkey Jungle 14805 SW 216th St. Miami, FL 33170 (305) 235-1611 www.monkeyjungle.com	Escape on a jungle safari. Explore the wilds of South America, Asia and Africa. Witness crab-eating monkeys diving for treats. Delve into the lush, tropical Amazonian rain forest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys. Also contains one of the richest fossil deposits in southern Florida, with more than 5,000 specimens. New exhibit includes rare Amazon parrots, the Cameroon Jungle and the Lemurs of Madagascar. Offers continuous presentations, snack bar and gift shop. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $15.50, children (4-12) $8, children (4-12) $9.95, children (under 4) free, seniors $12.95.
North Collins Bingo 18288 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach q, FL 33160 (305) 932-7185 www.northcollinsbingo.org
Parrot Jungle and Gardens 11000 SW 57th Ave. Miami, FL 33156 (305) 666-7834 www.parrotjungle.com	Parrot Jungle is a world-famous bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botanical garden. Founded by Austrian-born Franz Scherr, the park opened in 1936. The Trained Parrot Show highlights some of the park's more talented residents with the amazing and hilarious antics of trained parrots, cockatoos and macaws. Dragons & Monsters marks the premiere of the only albino alligator on exhibit in South Florida, along with other exotic reptiles. Jungle Creatures allows visitors to come face to face with some of the exotic and fascinating creatures that prowl at night. Primate Encounter offers visitors an opportunity to learn about some of their closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Other areas of interest include aldabra tortoises, alligator/crocodile pits, Lory aviary, and petting zoo. Parrot Jungle will be relocating in the Fall of 2002. Visit now! Park opens daily from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $15.95 plus tax, children (3-10) $11.95, children (under 3) free. Suggested visit: 3 1/2 hours.
Redland Tropical Gardens 22540 SW 177 Ave., Miami, FL 33170 (305) 247-2016	Offers tours as an introduction to the Redland Historic Agricultural District or to the Everglades. Redland tours are available Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Everglades tours Sunday-Wednesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours vary in price and are customized accordingly. Group rates are available.
Regal Theater 1100 Lincoln Rd Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 674-6766	You may also wish to catch a movie at the newly opened Regal Theater, an 18-screen megaplex which often shows gay-themed films. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
Richard Petty Driving Experience P.O. Box 10043 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (407) 939-0130 1800bepetty.com	Offer guests the opportunity to ride or drive an authentic NASCAR Winston Cup style race car. Dates scheduled in Miami-Dade County are January 3-6, 2002. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on dates listed. Admission: Ride Along Experience $99, Rookie Experience $349, Kings Experience $749, Experience of a Lifetime $1,199. Driving programs last for 3 hours, riding programs generally 15 to 30 minutes.
SoFlo Productions 1749 NE 15 St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 564.4958 www.sofloproductions.com	SoFlo is the premier organization for leisure and sports for the gay man of South Florida. Offering a monthly calendar packed full of fun, social events and activities in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area. SoFlo provides the business traveler, vacationers and local guests the right environment to meet other gay men from many different backgrounds, age ranges and professions.
The Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida 301 Washington Ave Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 672-5044	The Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida celebrates over 230 years of the Florida Jewish experience with photos, documents and artifacts displayed in an Art Deco former synagogue. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
Tropical Fun Center 272nd Street and U.S. Hwy. 1 Homestead, FL 33032 (305) 246-3731 www.tropicalfuncenter.com	A family-fun center in a lush, tropical setting featuring an adventure-style mini-golf course, raging river kiddie bumper boats, thrilling go-cart track and air-conditioned arcade game room. Available for any and all party needs. Wheelchair accessible. Open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Sunday until midnight. Suggested Visit: 3 hours.
Venetian Pool 2701 De Soto Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 460-5356 www.venetianpool.com	A Venetian-style lagoon carved out of coral rock, this historic landmark and swimming pool features caves, stone bridges and waterfalls. Operates year-round. Call for information on rates and hours of operation. Closed Mondays. Children must be at least 38 inches tall or 36 months old and show proof of age to enter facility.
Vizcaya 3251 S. Miami Ave Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 250-9133	Vizcaya was the palatial estate of James Deerling, the International Harvester magnate, although it is better known today as the home of Thanksgiving's White Party, a shining star on the gay party circuit. Built in 1916, the mansion is furnished with impressive antiques and artwork, and is set amidst 10 acres of formal gardens; 34 of the 70 rooms are open to the public. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight
The Wolfsonian Foundation Gallery 1001 Washington Avenue Miami/South Beach , Florida (305) 531-1001	The Wolfsonian Foundation Gallery houses a 50,000-piece collection of Art Deco and Art Nouveau decorative and fine arts. Clientele: Mixed Gay/Straight