Tag Archives: things to do in southern florida

The Top Romantic Spots in South Florida

access_timeFebruary 19, 2020personScott Patterson

Valentine’s Day might already be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to really wow your special someone. If you’re on the hunt for the most romantic spots in South Florida, here are a few places you just have to visit. Get ready to experience sparkling coastlines, unbelievable restaurants, and endless entertainment!

The Rusty Pelican

Picture this: you’re relaxing on the coast with your special someone, enjoying an amazing meal and breathtaking views. If this sounds like your dream date, it’s time to head to The Rusty Pelican. This stylishly updated landmark has been a Miami favorite for years, and there’s no better place to discover some of Florida’s best seafood.

Wondering what’s on the menu? Expect to see plenty of American fare, all with a Miami twist. You can never go wrong with the Atlantic salmon or the Rusty Pelican board for two. If you want to add a little decadence, consider signing up for their exclusive champagne and caviar tastings!

The Kampong

Open to the public by appointment only, The Kampong is an awe-inspiring tropical botanical garden that you won’t want to miss. This hidden hem is tucked into the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, and now is the time to schedule your visit.

You and your date will be whisked away on a magical journey—either with or without a docent—surrounded by Florida’s native tropical flora. Guided tours last for about an hour, but you can also schedule a self-guided tour and take as long as you’d like. Be sure to check out The Kampong’s calendar of events, too. There’s always something fun going on!

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina

If your date is a foodie at heart, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina is the place for them. This fine dining experience is a love letter to the American steakhouse experience, with a few exciting twists thrown in. Chef Michael Mina’s legendary artisanal flavors pepper every dish to perfection…but the steak is absolutely indulgent.

Just head to Miami’s JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa to start your culinary journey. Diners can enjoy a whiskey cart, world class seafood and steak, as well as a broad selection of cocktails. Don’t forget dessert, too—their beignets are phenomenal!

A Coastal Stroll

Couple exploring romantic spots in South Florida

When in doubt, South Florida’s beaches are a fantastic backdrop for a date, even in the winter. Looking for recommendations? You can never go wrong with Sunny Isles Beach, which features miles upon miles of pristine coastline. For a less commercialized experience, Dania Beach is the way to go.

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of entertainment and beachside fun, just head to North Miami Beach and start exploring. Here, you’ll find plenty of activities, restaurants, and coastal excitement to fill an entire weekend. Top spots include Haulover Park and St. Bernard de Clairvaux.

Uncover More Romantic Spots in South Florida

South Florida has so much to offer, and I’d love to give you some of my personal picks. I’m Scott Patterson, your local real estate expert. If you’re getting ready to buy or sell your home, let me handle all the details. Just drop me a line with any questions—I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Have Some Fun at the Top 5 Winter Events in South Florida

access_timeJanuary 27, 2020personScott Patterson

Can you believe the holidays are finally over? Although the hustle and bustle of the festive season might be gone (for now), the fun never ends when you live near Miami! Ready to get out of the house and enjoy some of the best winter events in South Florida? Here are a few that you won’t want to miss.

Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show – January 25th

Woman on motorcycle driving to Winter Events in South Florida

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dedicated motorhead or a casual enthusiast—you won’t want to miss this spectacular display of vintage bikes! Just head to Dania Beach’s Frost Park to watch the festivities unfold all morning and afternoon.

Not sure what to expect? Here, you’ll find more than a few collectors and riders showing off their favorite motorcycles. If you have a bike of your own, you can even enter it into the competition to see how you stack up or participate in the annual parts swap. Of course, there will also be plenty of live music, food, games, exhibits, and more.

The Century Celebration – January 31st

Football players running to Winter Events in South Florida

If you’re a die-hard football fan, we have the perfect event for you. Come rub shoulders with some of the NFL’s top hall of famers at the Century Celebration, a charity event that supports the Ray of Hope Foundation.

Now is the time to grab your tickets for the event, which takes place at Hollywood’s illustrious Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. If you’re lucky, you might even run into Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, or your favorite player! There’s nowhere else in the city where you can have fun and meet football’s biggest stars, all while supporting a good cause.

CanadaFest – February 7th

Maple syrup and hockey are probably the first things you think of when Canada comes to mind, but this country has so much more to offer. Southern Florida’s unique Canadian population is eager to share their culture with our community, and you’re invited to join in! Come learn more about our northern neighbors at CanadaFest, an all-day celebration hosted by Le Soleil de la Floride.

Hollywood’s ArtsPark will act as the center for all the festivities—and there’s no better spot to sample some of Canada’s best beer, wine, and food. Younger attendees will also love the exciting games and live music, too.

Dania After Dark: Artwalk & Street Festival – February 8th

Have you been searching for an event that’s free, pet friendly, and fun for all ages? Look no further than the Dania After Dark Street Festival, which takes 1st Street by storm all year long. This is the number one place to get to know Broward County’s finest creators—and they’ll have plenty of unique wares for sale.

Take a drive to Downtown Dania Beach every second Saturday of the month to experience this community extravaganza for yourself. There’s something exciting in store for everyone—even the area’s younger residents! Live music, vendors, food trucks, and plenty of art will also be on display for you to enjoy.

Discover More Winter Events in South Florida!

Ready to uncover even more of the best winter events in South Florida? We have you covered! Come check out our personal picks on our event page or give us a call for some recommendation. As always, we’re here to help you with all of your real estate needs!

6 New Year’s Eve Parties & Celebrations Around South Florida

access_timeDecember 13, 2019personScott Patterson

Every time we cross into a new year, it’s a special occasion, but this year, we won’t just be entering into a new year—we’ll also be kicking off a new decade.

As we say goodbye to the 2010s, it’s a great time to reflect on the changes and growth that this decade brought…but it’s also the time to celebrate what the 2020s have in store! Wondering what sort of New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening around the communities of South Florida? Here’s your quick guide.

Fontainebleau’s New Year’s Eve with the Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers, this year's headliner for Fontainebleau Miami Beach's New Year's Eve event. — Photo courtesty of hollywoodreporter.com

When: December 31st, 9pm

Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach

What: Every year, Fontainebleau Miami Beach brings in a big name artist for 21-and-over New Year’s Eve celebration. This year, the Jonas Brothers will be hitting the stage and playing poolside all night long! There are a variety of ticket packages available, including reserved tables right by the action, and a family experience area for guests under 21. The base ticket for premium admission also includes access to an open bar!

A Night of Elegance

A man wearing a tux for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 8:00pm

Where: Leona’s Palace, Hollywood

What: If you’re looking to ring in the New Year in style, then A Night of Elegance is the red carpet event you’ve been waiting for. Live music will be provided by Gairy Sweetness, DJ Squeeze & DJ Capone, and complementary glasses of champagne will be distributed before the midnight countdown.

Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve

When: December 31st, 8pm

Where: Bayfront Park, Miami

What: One of the largest free dance parties in the city and home of the “Big Orange” drop, the Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve event consistently tops lists as one of the best celebrations in the country of its kind. In addition to the free celebration, Miami local Pitbull will be hosting a VIP event at the park, filled with gourmet food, craft cocktails, and live music from Mr. Worldwide himself.

New Year’s Eve at GG’s Waterfront

Four glasses of champagne served for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 4pm

Where: GG’s Waterfront

What: This year, Hollywood’s popular GG’s Waterfront restaurant will be serving up their five-star seafood and waterfront views all day long. Early dinner kicks off at 4pm with a chef’s prix fix, and a Gala party will be held at 9pm, where guests can also enjoy live music, dancing, an open bar, and party favors.

Miami Beach New Year’s Eve Cruise 2020

When: December 31st, 9pm

Where: Anticipation Sternwheeler, 1200 N. Ocean Dr.

What: Celebrate the new year from one of three decks right on the water, as you cruise from Hollywood Beach to Miami Beach on the Anticipation Sternwheeler. Not only will you have prime views of the fireworks all around the area, but you can also enjoy bouncing from deck to deck to enjoy the festivities. On the first deck, you’ll find a DJ and casino games, the second offers dancing and live music, and the third slows things down with fresh air and scenic views.

New Year’s Eve Party at Miami Shores Country Club

A man wearing a suit for a New Year's Eve event.

When: December 31st, 8pm

Where: Miami Shores Country Club

What: Bottomless bubbles, an open bar, fresh seafood, delicious desserts, party favors, live music—Miami Shores Country Club is pulling out all the stops for their New Year’s Eve bash. It’s sure to be equal parts elegant and exciting!

Ring in the New Year in South Florida

New years are for new beginnings…and what better way to start anew than by finding a home in South Florida? If you’re thinking of relocating to the area, I’m here to help. Take some time to explore my in-depth guides to the area, browse my resources for buyers, and narrow down your options with my specialized search tool. Once you’re ready to take the next steps, I’m just a phone call away!

6 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events Happening in South Florida

access_timeNovember 27, 2019personScott Patterson

If you haven’t pulled out the holiday decor and started playing “Jingle Bells” yet, then you’re going to have to get started soon. November is almost over, and we’re nearly at peak holiday season—and the South Florida area is coming alive with celebrations!

From festive parades to snow-filled festivals, here are the top holiday events to check out around the area this year.

45th Annual North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade

When: November 28th, 10am

Where: Along 125 Street from NE 6 – 12 Avenues

What: Marching bands, giant floats, festive characters—the North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade has been going on for decades and is quite the staple in the South Florida area. If you need some plans on the morning of your Turkey Day, be sure to come out and watch.

North Miami Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

A Christmas tree with lights on it at a holiday event.

When: December 5th, 6pm – 8pm

Where: City Hall

What: Ring in the start of the holiday season with the rest of the North Miami Beach community at the annual Tree Lighting. Not only can you witness the dazzling lights come alive on this year’s tree, but there will also be Christmas carols and refreshments available. It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade

A person holding a candy cane beside twinkling lights at a holiday parade.

When: December 7th, 7pm

Where: Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

What: Fun fact: the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane parade is one of the longest running parades of its kind in the entire country. What started as a small gathering in the 1950s has grown to become a tradition for thousands! If you’re curious what sort of floats and entertainment to expect, you can check out a few videos of the previous year’s parades here.

Christmas Near the Beach

When: December 14th

Where: Arts Park @ Young Circle

What: A giant Christmas tree, a Christmas pageant, Santa Claus, live music, dancing, giveaways—Christmas Near the Beach packs all of the holiday highlights you can think of into one event. The celebration lasts for five hours and is totally free to attend, and often brings in several thousands visitors of all ages from around the area.

Snow Fest & Community Safety Day Parade

When: December 14th, 5pm – 11pm

Where: City Hall

What: Snow in Florida? At the Snow Fest celebration—one of the biggest holiday events in the area—anything is possible! Last year, over 10,000 people came out to enjoy the giant snow mountain, rock climbing wall, carnival rides and games, food and drinks, live music, and more. This year promises to be even bigger than the last!

Winterfest Boat Parade

Fireworks over a body of water at a holiday event.

When: December 14th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: 512 NE 3 Ave., Fort Lauderdale

What: Heralded as “the Greatest Show on H20,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade lasts for 2.5 hours and stretches 12 miles along the waters of New River, to the Intracoastal Waterway, to Lake Santa Barbara. The pre-show features tons of non-motorized vehicles, while the main event brings in giant showboats and yachts, each decked out in holiday decor and dazzling lights. You can also expect live music and special guests throughout the night!

Discover Life in South Florida

You don’t have to miss out on celebrating all of the best holiday events—not when you find your home in South Florida! Take some time to get to know a little more about what life here has to offer by browsing my area guides and top local picks.

Once you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your real estate journey, narrow down your options with my buying resources and specialized search tool, and give me a call to get started!

The Best Rainy Day Attractions in the South Florida Area

access_timeNovember 22, 2019personScott Patterson

We might not get typical winter weather in South Florida, but we’re not immune to a chilly rainy day here and there. Luckily, even when the weather doesn’t reflect our reputation as the Sunshine State, you’ll still find plenty of things to do!

Here are the top rainy day attractions around the South Florida area to check out during the next cold snap or downpour.

Dezerland Park

An arcade, virtual reality games, mini bowling, trampolines, a bar and lounge—Dezerland Park is a one-stop shop for all things entertainment. With over 250,000 sq. ft. of indoor space, there’s plenty of room to burn off that rainy day energy.

Perez Art Museum Miami

Miami’s flagship art museum, the Perez Art Museum offers stunning displays of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building itself is quite the sight—designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects Herzog & de Meuron—with sleek and sharp lines jutting out to the waterfront. You could spend a whole day listening to the rain gently fall on the rooftop as your browse the latest exhibits.

Museum of Contemporary Art

If you want to make the art museum rounds, the the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami should be next on your list! The 25,000 sq. ft. building houses a rich collection of sculptures, paintings, and more created by local, national, and international artists. Keep in mind, the main gallery of the museum is closed until November 26th, but will reopen after the installation of two new exhibitions—Cecilia Vicuña’s About to Happen and Alice Rahon’s Poetic Invocations

Frost Museum of Science

A woman standing in front of the glass at an aquarium.

A beautiful new addition Miami’s Museum Park, the Frost Museum of Science stretches across four acres of land, offering a state-of-the-art planetarium and aquarium, as well as six floors of interactive exhibits.

The three-level aquarium mimics the Gulf Stream, with the top floor reserved for creatures of the open water like hammerhead sharks and mahi-mahi, the second floor for colorful parrotfish and damselfish, and the bottom level for fish of the deep—showcased through the breathtaking 30-foot oculus.

Not to be outdone, the planetarium offers an 8K visual system, which is twice what you’d find in a typical planetarium, as well as six 3D-capable projectors and 250 seats. If you haven’t visited the Frost Museum yet, it should be at the top of your list!

Pines Ice Arena

Want to get in the holiday spirit? Spend the day hitting the ice at Pines Ice Arena! The indoor rink hosts public skates sessions every day of the week and offers skate and helmet rentals.

HistoryMiami

HistoryMiami is a Smithsonian Affiliate in heart of downtown that’s committed to sharing and remembering Miami’s past. The museum houses over 37,000 artifacts, dating all the way back to the prehistoric ages, detailing over 10,000 years worth of local history. The current rotating exhibit is all about the highlights of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and you’ll also find collections on the Miami International Airport, the Whitman Family, and the history of our unique local culture.

Boxroom Escape Games

If you’ve never done an escape room before, it’s definitely worth a try—and Boxroom Escape Games was voted #1 in South Florida! Teams can be comprised of 2 – 8 people, and there are six rooms of varying difficulty to choose from. See if you can solve the puzzles and escape in 60 minutes!

Explore Life in South Florida

No matter the season or the weather, you’ll always find something new to explore around South Florida. If you need a few more suggestions for rainy day attractions, check out my top picks for local spots!

Thinking of making South Florida your new home? I can help with that, too! With years of local experience, a wide variety of helpful resources, and a commitment to achieving your goals, I’m here to make sure your real estate experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Ready to take the next steps? Just give me a call.

The Top South Florida Fall Events You Can’t Miss

access_timeNovember 5, 2019personScott Patterson

As we gear up for the holiday season, fall is still in full swing in South Florida. It might not seem to be getting much colder, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with a little autumn spirit. Ready to get out and enjoy some of the best South Florida fall events? We’ve got a list of activities you won’t want to miss, and they’re fun for the entire family!

South Dade Seafood Festival

Seafood and wine at South Florida fall events

Living so close to the coast means that Floridians get access to some of the country’s best seafood. The South Dade Seafood Festival is a celebration of the area’s finest cuisine, and you’re invited to join in on the fun!

Wondering what’s in store? On November 2nd, BrandsMart USA will be hosting one of the most mouthwatering seafood events in the Miami area. Now is the time to try some delicious fish, conch, crab, shrimp, and more. There will also be plenty of live music and drinks to go around!

Camelot Days Medieval Festival

Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all fair Floridians! The Camelot Days Medieval Festival is heading to Hollywood, and it’s going to be a jolly good time! All jokes aside, this festival is going to be one you won’t want to miss, especially if you love some knights, jousting, and checking out local artisans.

From November 3rd to the 17th, TY Park will come alive with medieval spirit. Come enjoy live combat, magic, and all kinds of family fun. Locals love cheering on their favorite side during the live chess game and feasting like a king at traditional-style eateries.

Fall Art on the Square 2019

Want to support local artisans while taking in the lovely landscape of West Palm Beach? Mark your calendars for November 9th! Fall Art on the Square is just a short drive from Miami, and it’s perfect for a day trip. It’s also the great opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Curious about what you’ll find? This combination market and competition features some of the best artisans from around the country. Come browse the entries and pick up some one-of-a-kind finds, all while enjoying gourmet bites and a good drink.

Don’t Miss Out on These Top South Florida Fall Events!

Think it’s too late to enjoy some of the best South Florida fall events? Believe it or not, autumn is the perfect time to buy a home, and I’m here to make the process easy.

Trust the Scott Patterson Group to get the job done right. We’ll be there with you every step of the way, from setting up showings to handing you the keys to your dream home. Our buyer resources and handy search tool will keep you in tune with the South Florida market, too. Ready to get started? We’re just a phone call away!

Stock Up at South Florida’s Top Farmer’s Markets!

access_timeOctober 29, 2019personScott Patterson

Although it’s getting chillier, one of the perks of living in South Florida is having year-round access to fresh produce! Here, you’ll find plenty of farmers markets all along the coast that are fully stocked with some of the best organic fruits and veggies. Here’s my list of South Florida’s top farmers markets—I know you’ll find a spot you’ll love!

Yellow Green Farmers Market

Want to check out South Florida’s largest farmers market? Yellow Green is the top spot for locals looking for fresh produce and artisanal goods. This 100,000 square foot warehouse is home to over 300 vendors, and it’s open all year round.

One of the best parts about this market is its open-air atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Florida’s stunning weather while also shopping for locally sourced products. Be sure to check out the Amish butter and organic pet treats for your furry friends—they’re some of my favorite products.

Laurenzo’s Farmers Market

Peaches at Florida's top farmer's markets

Looking for a market with a unique Italian twist? Laurenzo’s is the place to go. This local hotspot has all the delicious eats you’ve been searching for, along with some one-of-a-kind imports you won’t find anywhere else. This family-owned business has been serving North Miami Beach for over 45 years, so you can trust their quality and expertise.

You can enjoy Laurenzo’s market 7 days a week, and you’ll always find something new and exciting to try. You can’t miss out on their tomato sauce and homestyle meals—they’re just like how grandma used to make them!

The Aventura Market

Interior of Florida's top farmer's markets

Do you have an appreciation for organic produce, Miami-based artisans, and top-notch quality goods? Then the Aventura Market is the place for you! This small-scale farmers market features over 35 vendors, and you can’t beat its convenient Aventura Mall location.

Wondering what you’ll find at the Aventura Market? The options are endless! Be sure to stop by—the market is open every weekend and features a wide variety of locally-sourced goods. I personally love their custom tea blends, fresh cut flowers and succulents, and international cuisine.

Coconut Grove Organic Market

Vendors at Florida's top farmer's markets

Whether you’ve been eating organic for years or are looking to start, the Coconut Grove Organic Market should be your go-to spot for Miami’s freshest produce. Every Saturday, Grand Avenue comes alive with farmers and fans of this decades-old market.

There’s something truly special about meeting the person who grew your food. Here, farmers are always on hand to talk about the growing process, and they’d love to give you some recommendations! It’s also a great place to grab some pre-made goodies, including picks for vegans and vegetarians.

Florida’s Top farmers Markets Are Waiting for You!

Ready to explore Florida’s top farmers markets for yourself? Then it’s time to consider making your move to South Florida! Whether you’re relocating from across the country or down the street, we’ve got you covered. The Scott Patterson Group is ready to go the extra mile to find your South Florida dream home. Feel free to reach out to us—we’re excited to team up and help you take your next steps.

Halloween in South Florida: The Top Events Happening in the Next Week

access_timeOctober 25, 2019personScott Patterson

Happy Halloween, South Florida! With October 31st just around the corner, the next few days promise to be filled with tricks, treats, spooks, and scares.

Whether you’re taking the kids out for candy or looking for an evening of fun, here are the top Halloween events around South Florida.

Halloween Night of the Haunted Carnival

A stack of small pumpkins in someone's hand at a haunted carnival.

When: October 25th, 6pm

Where: Back Yard Concert Lawn & Plaza

What: A haunted house, a costume parade, carnival games, live performances, and more—the Haunted Carnival has a little something for ghost and ghouls of every age. Stick around until 10pm for a screening of Beetlejuice!

A Nightmare in Leah

When: October 26th

Where: Leah Arts District

What: Come out for an all-out, family-friendly block party in the Leah Arts District! You can enjoy live music, painting demonstrations, trick-or-treating, and a few special surprises.

Spooky Symphony

When: October 27th

Where: Miami-Dade County Auditorium

What: The Alhambra Orchestra and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony will be putting on their annual Spooky Symphony this Saturday, featuring music from Frozen, Wonder Woman, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes!

Ghosts in the Garden

When: October 27th

Where: Miami Beach Botanical Garden

What: Carve your own jack-o-lantern, take in some spooky art, and enjoy the creative costumes on display during the garden parade.

Not-so-Spooky Halloween Festival

When: October 31st

Where: Westwood Park

What: If you have a few kiddos, this is the event to check out. Come gather goodies at the trunk-or-treat, then stick around for a showing of Hocus Pocus.

Hallowave

When: October 31st

Where: Washington Avenue Business Improvement District

What: The Hallowave is a full mile of Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating, games, iconic characters, and more. Don’t miss out on the dog costume contest!

Monster Mash Bash

When: October 31st

Where: City Hall

What: The Monster Mash Bash is sure to be a graveyard smash. A haunted house, live music, costume contest, carnival rides and games, vendors, prizes, and more—it’s the place to be on Halloween night!

Explore Life in South Florida

If you’re curious about all that life in South Florida has to offer, I’m more than happy to show you around. Check out a few of my in-depth guides to area, browse my buying resources, and give me a call when you’re ready to start your real estate journey!

Get in the Fall Spirit with These Seasonal South Florida Celebrations

access_timeSeptember 26, 2019personScott Patterson

Although we may not have autumn’s quintessential crisp temperatures and changing leaves, we still have plenty of fall fun in South Florida.

From Oktoberfest celebrations to food festivals to book fairs, you’ll find something happening pretty much every weekend! Check out a few of the top upcoming highlights, and add them to your schedule!

Miami Carnival

When: October 11th – 15th

Where: Locations vary

What: A celebration of Brazilian and Trinidadian culture, the Miami Carnival is one of the most lively and colorful events in the region. You can expect parades, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, and tons of food and drinks. The most popular parts of the carnival include the Junior Carnival and J’Ouvert!

Oktoberfest Miami

When: October 11th – 13th, 18th – 20th

Where: German American Social Club on Miller Drive

What: Celebrating its 62nd year, Oktoberfest Miami is the longest continuously-running Oktoberfest in the country! Come one of the two weekends for authentic German beer food, music, and more.

Grovetoberfest

When: October 12th

Where: Regatta Park

What: If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss Grovetoberfest. With over 500 craft beers, tons of tastings, and live music, it’s one of the largest celebrations of its kind!

Cardboard Boat Race

When: October 12th

Where: City of Hollywood Marina

What: Grab a team, assemble a boat, and see if you have what it takes to stay afloat for the Cardboard Boat Race! Boats can be built on or off site, and cardboard will be provided. The winners of the race get trophies and bragging rights! Check out some of the designs from last year, and get to building.

South Beach Seafood Festival

When: October 22nd – 26th

Where: South Beach

What: Named by USAToday as one of the Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the country and rated as the Best Seafood Festival in the US by the Travel Channel, the South Beach Seafood Festival is a can’t-miss. In addition to some of the best flavors in the country, you can also expect live music, games, demos, and plenty of drinks.

Miami Beach Pop Festival

When: November 8th – 10th

Where: South Beach

What: Jack Johnson, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, The Roots, Maggie Rogers—this three-day music festival is bringing in some big names. No matter what your favorite genre is—from dance and hip hop to pop and rock—you’ll probably find a familiar name on the lineup.

Miami Book Fair

When: November 17th – 24th

Where: Locations vary

What: Close out the season by curling up with a perfect book at the Miami Book Fair. For eight days, you can explore vendors, authors, and all things literature.

Explore Life in South Florida

Whether you hail from Hollywood or Miami, you’ll find that our area of South Florida is always busy with things to do. The best way to explore it all? Find your new home in one of our unique communities!

Take some time to get to know more about the South Florida area, and browse my buying resources for more information. Ready to get started? Just give me a call!

Scott’s Picks: Your Exclusive Guide to South Florida’s Best Parks

access_timeSeptember 17, 2019personScott Patterson

Did you know that Florida has some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world? It’s true! When you call the Sunshine State home, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning serenity of nature.

These are my top picks for South Florida’s best parks — they’re the perfect spots to unwind in the great outdoors.

Biscayne National Park

Light house at one of South Florida's best parks.

Get ready to explore Florida’s most interesting ecosystems. From coral reefs to islands, you’ll find it all at Biscayne National Park. This coastal preserve features its own mangrove forest, a campground, four marinas, and so much more.

Planning a visit? Don’t miss out on the amazing snorkeling opportunities. Here, you’ll be able to see dolphins, sharks, manatees, and even tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you can even schedule a private tour of the park, which includes access to the bay and keys. Another can’t-miss spot is the Boca Chita Lighthouse, which features stunning waterfront views.

C.B. Smith Park

Water park at one of South Florida's best parks.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s fun for the entire family, there’s a reason why C.B. Smith Park was rated as one of South Florida’s best parks. Hidden away in Pembroke Pines, it’s hard to believe that this park is less than a half-hour from Miami’s city center!

Here, you’ll find a plethora of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love the water park, batting cages, and more. Don’t worry, though—there’s plenty of fun for the adults, too. This park also has a driving range, tennis courts, and fishing spots. Full RV hookups are also available for camping year-round, so come and enjoy what C.B. Smith Park has to offer.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades at one of South Florida's best parks.

We’ve all heard of the Florida Everglades—it’s a kind of place you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Luckily, you can enjoy this unique part of the state just a stone’s throw away from Miami.

The Everglades National Park offers plenty of activities for visitors. Whether you want to explore nearly 30 miles of trails or enjoy the starry sky with a telescope, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. This is also a fantastic spot to learn about conservation, as park rangers are eager to educate visitors on the area’s one-of-a-kind features.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park

Beach at one of South Florida's best parks.

Everyone knows about Florida’s stunning beaches, but if you want to get away from the crowds, this is the spot. You’ll find John U. Lloyd Park in secluded Dania Beach, and there’s no shortage of fun things to enjoy.

This park is the perfect spot to enjoy a dip in the ocean and collect shells on the shore. Best of all, you can enjoy all your favorite activities without large high-rises or tourists. I recommend the kayaking or sailboating—it’s a great way to take in the Florida coast, and you can rent all of the equipment you’ll need.

Ready to Call South Florida Home?

It’s not too late to come enjoy South Florida’s best parks. If you’re considering a move to the Miami area, I’ve got the resources you need to make the right decision.

Want info from an area expert? Just call me, Scott Patterson. I’m a Miami local and have years of experience in South Florida real estate. I’d love to answer any questions you might have. Just give me a call so we can chat—I can’t wait to help jumpstart your real estate journey!