Check out So Flo by the way of a local. Spend a week or a year in the sunshine state exploring the best places!
1. Play with a tiger cub at Zoological Wildlife Foundation
Take a walk on the wild side. Miami
2. Indulge in Sushiritos at Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen
Japanese fresh takes on sushi and other Japanese classics served in a laid-back and chill setting. Fort Lauderdale
3. Spend the day at Perez Art Museum
Visit this four story contemporary art museum and see artists like Andy Warhol, John Chamberlain and Basquiat. Miami
4. Bayfront Park
Right next to Perez Art Museum. it overlooks Biscayne Bay with views of the water, bridge and downtown Miami. Outdoor concerts are held here as well, check out the schedule. Miami
5. Eat South Florida’s best ice cream at Jaxson’s
This old fashioned parlor has been scooping out giant ice cream sundaes since 1956, and was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dania Beach
6. Flagler Museum
The house that Flagler built – a man who made Florida what it is today by building a railroad throughout Florida in the late 1800s. Tour through his 55 room mansion, with an incredible backyard overlooking the intercostal. Palm Beach
7. The Breakers
Down the street from Flagler Museum – look around this historic hotel which opened in 1896. At that time, rooms started at $4 a night, with food included (we can dream of that price now!) If you don’t want to spend $500 a night to stay there, stop by HMF and have some eclectic dishes and upscale cocktails in the lavish dining room and lounge. Palm Beach
8. Carb-load at The Salty Donut and Parlour Vegan Bakery
Can’t leave South Florida without these sweet treats.
The Salty Donut – Be sure to try their shot infused mini donuts. Miami
The Parlour Vegan Bakery. Plantation
9. Airboat through the Everglades
Take a thrilling adventure through Everglades swamps and grasslands. Basically guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, snakes and other native Floridian animals in their natural habitat.
(source)
10. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This estate includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens, native woodland landscape and a historic village outbuildings compound. Miami
(source)
11. Peanut island
Off of Palm Beach, this island is 80 acres of tropical park with swimming areas and paved parkways. Only accessible by boat/kayak/paddle board. Bring some beers and beach chairs, and relax on the beach shores. Palm Beach
(source)
12. Sponsor a turtle at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Loggerheard Marine Center focuses on threatened and endangered sea turtles through education and rescuing sea turtles. With the outside center, you can see the turtles that are being nurtured back to health before being released. When I went, I was lucky enough to see three day old hatchlings that hadn’t made it from their nest to the ocean. Juno Beach
13. Ferry to Florida’s Dry Tortugas
7 islands + dive and snorkeling sites + 19th century Fort Jefferson. Key West
(source)
14. Explore Miami’s art district in Wynwood
To the Wynwood to the walls.
Events: Art Basel is a collection of modern and contemporary art shows which takes place in December. Miami
15. Bike down Hollywood boardwalk
Various types of bikes are available for rent along the boardwalk. When you want to take a break, grab a piña colada from Jimmy Buffet’s Bar. Hollywood
16. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Laudy’s beach hot spot.
17. Drop it like a squat at Barry’s Bootcamp
Contrary to popular belief, getting out of bed does not count as a sit-up. Group class set-up designed to give you the best cardio & strength training. Miami
18. Lauderdale by-the-sea
A more chilled, locals beach spot. Fort Lauderdale
19. Stroll down Lincoln Road
Although a bit touristy, this mile long, pedestrian-only promenade boasts of excellent shopping and dining. Miami Beach
(source)
20. Morikami Japanese Gardens
Embody zen and Japanese gardens at this center for Japanese arts and culture. After taking in the bonsai and beautiful gardens, head to Cornell café, which has been featured on the Food Network.
Events: Hatsume Fair Festival in April and Lantern Festival in October. Delray Beach
(source)
21. Swim in crystal clear water in Bahia Honda State Park
Life’s a beach. Big Pine Key
22. Climb up Key West’s first light house
Check out these killer views of Key West from the 360 degree view at the top. Key West
23. Eat your way down Las Olas Boulevard
3 must try restaurants: Sweet Nectar, Taco Craft and Louie Bossi’s. Fort Lauderdale
(source)
24. Sample a flight of local brews at Funky Buddha Brewery
A brewtiful way to end the day. Oakland Park
(source)
24. Catch a movie in plush seats with bites & cocktails at iPic
No better way to enjoy a movie. Boca Raton
(source)
25. Dine in opulence at the Versace House
Miami’s most photographed location, which was previously owned by Italian fashion impresario Gianni Versace – and was once listed for $125 million. Stay the night for $1000, or eat dinner inside at Gianni’s. Miami
(source)
26. Find the best latte
No foam-o here.
Switchbox Coffee. Oakland Park
Ella Cafe. Davie
Brew Urban Cafe. Fort Lauderdale
27. Get your glam on at Academy of Glam
Get made up by celebrity make up artist Victoria Duke, and her glam squad. They offer makeovers, lessons and incredible beauty products. Davie
28. Cleanse at Jugo Fresh
Miami-based fresh, organic and plain ol’ good cold-pressed juices, smoothies, food and treats. Sold in Whole Foods throughout South Florida, as well as their flagship store at Wynwood Walls.