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+ Bayfront Park: Versatile venue’s bayside in Downtown

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+ Sightseeing four-wheel limo style

Looking like a Jeep/Limo hybrid, the tricked out ride used for the Tons of Fun Tours offered throughout Miami by Florida Jeep Tours provides an unforgettably unique experience. Climb aboard the eight-passenger vehicle, complete with captain's chair for an open-air and also air conditioned tour of Miami's hottest neighborhoods. Ride through the celebrity playground that is South Beach, take in the serene and natural setting of Key Biscayne, the thriving young hot bed of condominium lifestyle with bustling nightlife and restaurants in Brickell, tour the artsy and urban area of Wynwood and the old-Florida, yacht-filled and still somewhat bohemian Coconut Grove. Here's a breakdown of what they offer: Miami's Best Jeep Tour is a three-hour tour that takes you across Biscayne Bay on the historic Venetian Causeway through some of the 32 man-made islands that dot the Bay, over to South Beach, playground of the rich and famous and home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. There is also a similar albeit shorter two-hour nighttime tour that showcases the area's glowing neon and pulsing all-night-long party atmosphere. The two-hour South Beach Jeep Tour follows the same route as above then heads back to Miami via the MacArthur Causeway past Star Island and Palm Island, the home, past and present, to celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Al Capone, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Marc Anthony. To book a tour visit their website here.

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+ Lush gardens inspirational at Ancient Spanish Monastery

Traverse West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach and just after the bend in the road, there's a hidden gem where gardens, statues and and gorgeous open-air courtyard of this historic building are enough to get anyone's creative juices flowing. It's the Ancient Spanish Monastery which was dismantled stone by stone in 1925, transported to the United States then re-constructed at its current location in 1952. The result is a gorgeous, inspiring location filled with statue-filled manicured garden pathways with benches for reflecting, writing, drawing or painting. The open-air courtyard with flowing fountains, stately columns and welcoming archways are perfect for meandering through. The grounds easily transport visitors to old-world Spain, so much so if you sit quietly, the once-inhabiting monks' presence can almost be felt. The Ancient Spanish Monastery is located at 16711 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach. (305) 945-1461, www.spanishmonastery.com

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+ Kitesurfers glide, soar through the air

Catching some air then gliding on the water is the ultimate thrill when it comes to kitesurfing and just like the name implies, the sport uses both skill sets. Riders are strapped to what looks like a cross between a boogie board and a small surfboard while they hang on to a kite contraption that allows them to soar through the air and then land on the water. It's ideal for adventurous types who love getting out on the water and experiencing more than just tanning on the beach. MiamiKiteboard in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne even does trips out to remote islands with great sandbars. The warm waters of Crandon Park make it the ideal place to learn and participate. Miami Kiteboard is located at Crandon Park, North Beach, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-345-9974. Click here to visit their website.

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+ Fruit & Spice Park: A visit to this South Dade gem is priceless

The trek to Fruit & Spice Park in The Redland may be a far jaunt but it's worth the trip. The 37-acre park is the ideal way to take in the natural setting of this southern area of South Florida. Thanks to the park's tropical climate, the grounds are home to more than 500 varieites of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts as well as a variety of exotic plants. The varieties of fruits and plants is astounding like 150 of mango, 75 of banana and 70 of bamboo. Also growing here are pumpkins, avocados, persimmons, black sapotes, papaya, starfruit, dragonfruit, guava and jackfruit. They all make the perfect ingredients for the fantastic smoothies prepared at the on-site Mango Cafe. They've also got a Fruit & Spice Park sampler, a variety of fresh salads, wraps and other specialties. Fruit & Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187 Ave., 305-247-5727, www.fruitandspicepark.org

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+ Cape FL Lighthouse: Shining beacon of Key Biscayne

The island of Key Biscayne is a haven for nature lovers, beachgoers, hikers, bikers and explorers and one of the best spots to enjoy all of these is at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The park is comprised of nature and bike trails, a beach with picnic tables and barbecue grills and one of the most impressive sites on Key Biscayne, the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846, guided tours of the regal white lighthouse that greets beachgoers at the tip of the park, as well as the lighthouse keeper's cottage, are available twice daily Thursdays through Mondays. The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. So, cook up some grub or eat at Lighthouse Cafe or Boater's Grill, do some kayaking or snorkeling and by all means, be prepared to climb the lighthouse steps and be amazed by the view. 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-361-5811, www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/

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+ Dr. Paul George walking tours offer a Miami history lesson

Miami-Dade professor Dr. Paul George is an iconic figure in the Miami community thanks to his popular walking tours of the city's historic neighborhoods. For more than two decades, Dr. George has shown tourists and locals alike what makes the Magic City tick when it comes to places like Little Havana the home of famed Calle Ocho, the Miami Cemetery where legendary Miami figures like Julia Tuttle are buried and the Miami River cruise along the historic body of water that meanders through the now skyscraper-like landscape of Downtown Miami. His tours touch on the architecture of the area as well as the historic figures responsible for developing it; local black history; the influence of Al Capone and other mafia figures and historic events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. The tours usually depart from History Miami located at 101 W Flagler St. 305-375-1492, www.historymiami.org

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+ Stiltsville Tours: Homes on water evoke old Miami

The 1920s and 30s may have been the heyday boom in Florida. The time Art Deco got famous, when Flagler's railroad was chug-chugging and visits to Miami were about sun and fun. It was also the time when a little place called Stiltsville on Biscayne Bay emerged. Today, there are a mere three or four "shack" homes built either on wood or reinforced concrete pilings ten feet above the shallow water. They're situated one mile south of Key Biscayne's Cape Florida. There are several tour companies that make trips out to Stiltsville and recount the story of how the houses were built and the transformation of its heyday to the few that still stand. Island Queen Cruises does their tours through History Miami. Miami historian Dr. Paul George conducts the tours. Call 305-379-5119 for reservations. www.islandqueencruises.com

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+ Zoo Miami: An adventure in the jungle

Zoo Miami is one of the most unique attractions in Miami and is not your conventional zoo see, there's no cages here, well, virtually none. Moats separate a majority of the animals from the visitors which makes it a much more natural experience. Strolling along the pathways, either on foot, on a safari cycle, in the safari tram tour or on the monorail, is an adventure in everything wild. Monkeys climb on tree limbs and branches in King of the Jungle, while the Huon tree kangaroo, koalas and a crocodile monitor lizard hang out in the Australia exhibition. Flamingos, giraffes, hippos, snakes, rhinos, lions, tigers, lizards, eels, spiders and more, they all live here in this massive 327 acre park. Kids can enjoy more than just the wildlife with the ever-popular Diego Zoo show, with the famous character from Dora the Explorer. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, FL 786-619-3418, www.zoomiami.org

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+ Oleta River State Park: Explore nature on land or in water

Oleta River State Park makes perfect use of its surroundings in the most unlikeliest of places, near Biscayne Boulevard and on the way to Sunny Isles Beach. It's Florida's largest urban park and just for that is worth exploring for adventure seekers and lovers of the outdoors. The bike paths here are extensive and range from novice trails to more challenging ones that provide an exciting ride for even the most experienced mountain biker. The scenery makes the adventure that much more exhilarating. Kayaking or canoeing along the river provides incredible views of mangrove forest preserves filled with native South Florida plants and wildlife. Picnics are easy here too with nine pavilions available for rent and grills and picnic tables throughout the park. They've also got rustic cabins available for overnight guests. A dip in their manmade beach makes the outdoor experience complete. Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 NE 163 St., North Miami Beach, FL 305-919-1844 www.floridastateparks.org/oletariver

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+ CIFO Art Space: Contemporary art in warehouse space

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+ HistoryMiami CityTour: A lesson on the Magic City

Miami may be a young city but there's still a rich history to be learned and that's what the HistoryMiami CityTour provides for out-of-towners who want to learn about the place called "The Magic City." Tours are done by boat, coach, bike or on foot and feature some of the city's most historic and iconic spots. Dr. Paul George, a professor at Miami leads tours of The City of Miami Cemetery, where Julia Tuttle, one of Miami's most legendary pioneers, is buried as well as historic Little Havana homes , among several others. While long-time Miami resident Frank W. Schena leads the eco-history tours of  The Redland Farm, Cape Florida Lighthouse and Miami Beach Boardwalk. The boat tours go to Elliot Key and Boca Chita while another goes to Stiltsville where seven homes are built on stilts in the middle of Biscayne Bay. This one's a sight to behold. Departure spot depends on which tour. HistoryMiami is located at 101 W. Flagler St. and it's best to call or visit their site to find the departure location.

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+ Miami Science Museum & Planetarium: A world of hands-on exploration

Hands-on, interactive permanent as well as traveling exhibitions are what Miami Science Museum is all about. Add in the interpretive presentations, Wildlife Center and Planetarium laser shows and it's a full day affair! Visiting this attraction means learning about all things scientific, whether it's wind, electricity, the human body, dinosaurs, sharks, energy this place gets people moving since most all displays are interactive. Head outside to the Wildlife Center and see their amazing collection of turtles, snakes, birds of prey and other critters. It's also a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds so it's an educational lesson as well. And in the Planetarium, daytime shows focus on the telescope and on identifying the stars and planets. In the evening, laser shows take over, they've been a hit here for years and keep going strong. Watch laser lights move and groove while listening to the sounds of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley. On the first Friday of the month they open up the rooftop observatory for star viewing. The Miami Science Museum & Planetarium is located at 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL

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+ Freedom Tower: Historic building houses provocative exhibitions

The Freedom Tower is Miami's Ellis Island, a historic building that symbolizes the city's melting pot of immigrants. The national historic landmark has seen many ups and downs and was on the verge of disappearing when it was donated to Miami Dade College. It has now become a space for provocative art exhibitions, most recently Instruments of Torture. The connection began last Fall with the unveiling of the world map mural located in the Freedom Tower's Mezzanine floor. Other major art exhibitions featured here included the works of masters Goya, Dali, DaVinci as well as presentations by authors and other dignitaries. There's always an interesting cultural artistic or literary presentation happening at the Tower and with a central location in Downtown Miami it's easy to make a day of it visiting here. The Freedom Tower is located at 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL