Nature & Wildlife Areas in Miami

THE 5 BEST Miami Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Miami

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Traveler rating
Good for
7 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

What travelers are saying

  • Sharon R
    Tampa, FL28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monkey Jungle was founded in the 1930s and is still owned by the same family. It really is a hidden gem located outside Miami Proper. We were able to spend about 2.5 hours there wondering around the lush grounds. Everything is super clean and well maintained. There are of course monkeys, but also some reptiles that will get your attention, and several bird species. We attended three different informational shows . It was fun to feed the tortoises and the iguana , along with learning their histories. You can also purchase packets of dried fruit to place in bowls for the monkeys to retrieve. . The staff are very friendly and are full of great information . (I believe there are over 400 monkeys on property). We even got to see one swim ! I definitely suggest stopping in. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
    Written February 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sergio C
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This morning, we had a fantastic experience at Deering Estates! Their representative Jessica's knowledge of the grounds and passion for the place really made a difference. It's wonderful to see someone so dedicated to supporting our group and hobby. Deering Estates is a great spot for family visits and community support. Thank you Jessica !!!!!!!
    Written September 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liliana E
    Miami, FL99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent park! It is like going to the zoo but has more because you can feed the animals and take a ride with the camel.
    Easter is great for egg hunting.
    Restaurants are full.
    Written March 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Manatee4Me
    Charlotte, NC281 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was pleased to learn that the Simpson Park now offers naturalist-guided walks on the weekends. I think this is a great way to see the park. It was hurt by last year's Hurricane Irma, but is still worth seeing (especially for the price - it's free!).
    Written September 5, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ron S
    Weston, FL1,043 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were at FIU for a dance competition and had some spare time and decided to take a walk though here.

    Well, we didn't want to leave. It was absolutely bucolic in there and a quiet respite and enclave in the city on this lovely campus.

    Lots of ways to go and things to see.

    Enjoy yourself and take a walk in nature.
    Written January 17, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MrMiamiExplorer
    Miami, FL1,272 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had not visited this preserve in a long time, and was eager to see if it has changed. Parking and admission were free. At the front entrance there are fields for recreation as well as a butterfly garden, and a small 1 room nature center. From the outside you may expect that the nature trail is short, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was still hiking an hour later. Be very careful not to get lost while hiking and always keep an eye out for the orange paint markings on the trees to help navigate your way out as the main trail sometimes disappears and other non-marked trails split off. I followed the paint markings on the trees and still ended up going in a circle at one point before I noticed familiar surroundings. Hiking boots are best as much of the trail is touch terrain of tree roots and jagged rock. There are is also a deep solution hole that you don't want to fall into. It is amazing to think that this escape from civilization is surrounded on all sides by farms and plant nurseries. As I walked through the ancient forest I could almost imagine encountering Native Americans or the Blair Witch. We observed a lot of wildlife during the 1 hour hiking the preserve including: zebra longwing and sulfur butterflies, mockingbirds, mourning doves, grackles, red bellied woodpecker, brown & bark anole lizards, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, golden silk spiders, pearl spiders, tree snails, ground snails, and unfortunately lots of mosquitoes. We will return.
    Written June 23, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MrMiamiExplorer
    Miami, FL1,272 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Though I do appreciate and admire every park, natural area, and green space in Dade County, unfortunately not a lot of care has been put into Modello Wayside Park. It is very similar to nearby Seminole Wayside Park in that it doesn't even have a parking lot or official entrance. You have to literally pull off US1 and jump the curb to park under the trees themselves. Residents that live nearby can however walk there. Just like Seminole Wayside Park, there are shaded areas for picnicking, but also trash in need of removal and homeless folks lurking about. There were also no restrooms, so the trees themselves must serve this purpose.
    Written November 27, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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