traveldk.com

This Mayan-influenced Deco structure of the 1930s came of age in 1964, when John and Johanna Bass donated their extensive collection of art. It consists mainly of 15th–17th-century European paintings, sculpture, and textiles, and highlights include Renaissance and Baroque works, as well as paintings by Dürer and Rubens, and a 16th-century Flemish tapestry.

Key Biscayne is blessed with some of Miami’s top beaches. Certainly the most impressive is this one, which is actually rated among the top ten in the country. Located on the upper half of the key, it’s 3 miles (5 km) long and enormously wide, with palm trees and picnic areas. The waters are calm and shallow, and good for snorkeling. There are also concession stands, 75 barbecue grills, a winding boardwalk, and convenient parking. Very popular for parties.

Winding along the western shore, this is the heart of Key Biscayne’s upscale residential district. The lucky ones with houses on the outer side of the road have magnificent views of Downtown Miami from their back gardens. Although the area has its share of mansions, most of the houses are more modestly proportioned. Still, it’s a rarefied neighborhood where flocks of ibis can be found picking away on someone’s lawn.

Part of Crandon Park, this center contains a unique black mangrove reef of fossilized wood and roots along the northeast shore of Key Biscayne. Wearing suitable foot protection, you can wade in shallow waters to explore the underwater world. The nature center is named after the woman who almost single-handedly saved the Everglades from being overrun by housing developments, and it offers information and guided tours.

This has been a Miami institution since the 1960s, when the hit TV series Flipper was filmed here. Trained dolphins still swim in the cove where Flipper once swam, and you can join them under a trainer’s watchful eye for a fee. There are live shows throughout the day, featuring sea lions and killer whales as well as dolphins. Other areas provide viewing stations to see manatees, sharks, a mangrove of pelicans, and a coral reef aquarium.

See more than 3,000 species of animals and over 110 species of plants at this 18.6- acre theme park. The centerpiece is the beautiful tropical gardens, and a highlight is the park's worldfamous bird show, with parrots, storks, macaws, cockatoos, cranes, a Blythe hornbill, and other unusual birds. But there are more than birds here: there is a huge collection of reptiles (including a rare albino alligator) and poisonous snakes, in the Serpentarium, and a petting farm with lots of friendly animals. You don’t even have to pay admission to enjoy the beautiful views at the Lakeside Cafe – it overlooks a sea of pink flamingos in Flamingo Lake.