Looking for a (free) oasis in Miami Beach? Looking for some peace and quiet off the beach? Then check out the Botanical Garden in Miami Beach. This small but great urban green space does not only showcase Florida native plants and trees, but also offers a Japanese garden, water fountains, and if you look close enough you will also see lizards, butterflies, koi and if you are lucky one or the other turtle.
Florida has not only beautiful sunrises, but also beautiful sunsets. In order to see the sun set over the water, the West Coast is the place to be. Places like Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, Naples, etc. are all offering not only prime view on the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, but also a nice and tranquille escape from the glamour and craziness that Miami can turn into.
Matheson Hammock is a scenic park in the Southern part of Miami. Besides the atoll-pool, it’s a place to wonder around and to check out the marine, the mangroves and the rich fauna with pelicans and anhinga (water turkey) just to name a few. In addition, the park offers a nice view of the Miami skyline.
Besides a verity of flowers, the Japanese Garden is also home to quite a few animals. Especially iguanas could be spotted everywhere that are actually an invasive species here in Florida. Besides the animals I was able to capture on camera, you also get to spot turtles, aligators and kois.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden is located about an hour North of Miami and is a center of Japanese arts and culture. The garden is home to a variety of flowers, those include for example the blossoms of the Fire Bush, Allamandas and Plumbagos.