Picnics, Parks & Gardens in Miami

The sunny skies and warm Atlantic have been beckoning tourists to Miami's beaches since the city was first built. Beyond the tide and sands, however, there lies another Miami, a tropical paradise of fauna and recreational sites well known to native Miamians, but perhaps a hidden treasure to those familiar with the glossy magazine version of the city. The city of greater Miami boasts an array of parks centered on the lovely climate that keeps natives' sweater collection to a minimum. Complimented with lovely palms and rare tropical birds, the parks of Miami are unlike anything else found in the continental United States. Or, if you're looking for sites to listen to live music or participate in sports, the variety of green spaces is on par with any world-class metropolis. For starters, the pair of bay front parks aptly named 'Bayfront Park' and Bicentennial Park, respectively, are common sites for big events such as the annual World Music Conference as well as traveling concerts and political rallies. These parks are perched right on Biscayne Bay, overlooking the pristine turquoise waters with views of the MacArthur causeway and downtown Miami. The smell of the salty breeze and view over to the beach are a warm reminder of why this is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Travel a bit further southwest in Miami Dade County and you'll fall upon Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. This can be categorized somewhere between nature reserve and scientific wonderland. Since 1938, this garden has been collecting a rare tropical plant collection and assembling a unique balance of flora and fauna on its' gigantic premises. It also hosts the annual International Mango Festival and Chocolate Festival, which bring in numerous visitors to appreciate both the landscape and these sweet indulgent delights. From the simplicity of dozens of city parks for sports and outdoor activities to the extravagance of exotic venues like Parrot Jungle Island and Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami goes much further than the surface of the glam of it's well-established night life. It is a city with a unique flare, both in its distinct culture and exotic tropical landscape.

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