DK Travel : Miami : Places of interest

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Key West Aquarium

The Touch Tank is a great attraction for children, allowing them to pick up starfish, native conchs, and horseshoe crabs. Elsewhere, they even get the chance to pet a live shark. When it opened, in 1934, this was Key West’s first tourist attraction, and it continues to draw capacity crowds, not only for its hands-on features, but also for the highly entertaining and educational guided tours. Seeing the amazing and rare sawfish go to work during feeding time is not to be missed.
Lake Okeechobee

This huge lake – the name means “big water” in the language of the Native American Seminoles – is the second largest freshwater lake in the US, covering 750 sq miles (1,942 sq km). Though not particularly scenic because of a high dike that was built all the way around it, it is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The towns around the lake are relatively undeveloped for tourism, some even rather grim. The best to use as a fishing base is pleasant little Clewiston. The main industry south of the lake is sugar cane – growers are often at odds with environmentalists who are trying to preserve the Everglades.
Laroche, Orchid Thief

In 1997, Laroche was fined for poaching with the aid of Native American Seminoles, who are exempt from the law.
Lincoln Road Mall

Second only to Ocean Drive in its star-quality appeal. Lined with sculpture-fountains and plants, this pedestrian area with its outdoor eateries is always lively. Score, at No. 727, is very good after dark (see Lincoln Road Markets).
Little Haiti

Little Haiti is not so much dangerous as disconcerting – to see so much poverty just steps away from such wealth. The one attempt at promoting tourism was the Caribbean Marketplace. Though critically acclaimed, it has had mixed success.
Lowe Art Museum

Greater Miami’s finest art museum boasts solid collections of ancient and modern world art.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

This is the only surviving remnant of the northern Everglades, a vast area of mostly sawgrass marsh that is so characteristic of the Everglades environment. The inviting public-use areas provide viewing opportunities for a large variety of wetland flora and fauna, including egrets, alligators, and the endangered snail kite. Activities include nature walks, hiking, canoeing, bird-watching, and bass-fishing. A 5-mile (8-km) canoe trail provides the best way to see and explore the refuge up close.
Mallory Square, Key West

Especially at sunset, this huge square at the Gulf end of Duval Street is a gathering place for all sorts of locals and visitors. Street performers keep it lively, and there are plenty of vendors of food and souvenirs (see Mallory Square).
Mallory Square, Key West, at sunset

Although you will most likely be there with a hoard of other sunset-viewers, the beauty of this moment and the general air of merriment will provide you with a memorable experience. Watch a tall ship sail in front of the huge setting sun, blazing orangy-pink at the Gulf’s edge. True romantics should keep an eye out for the beguiling green flash that’s said to occur just before the sun disappears below the horizon – if you catch it, it means good luck in love (see Mallory Square).
Mangoes, Key West

A restaurant, bar, and sidewalk café, located on a busy corner (see Mangoes).