Aventura

Situated just 12 miles north of Miami, Aventura is one of the premium shopping districts of the area, boasting the Aventura Mall. It’s the largest in Florida, with over 300 stores. Around it is beautiful residential neighborhoods with modern condos and an assortment of excellent restaurants and eateries. The area is replete with luxury, where many tech professionals and entrepreneurs make their homes.

One big draw of the area is Tidal Cove Waterpark, with seven water slides and a surf simulator. Also in the area is Gulfstream Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack with onsite shopping, dining, and a casino. There’s also a Liberal Arts theater, multiple golf courses, and the popular running route, the Aventura Circle.

Nearby is Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River State Park, where the sparkling high rises of the city fall away into the serene world of the local mangroves and wading birds protected in this local estuary. You can spend the day kayaking along the shoreline or biking along the many miles of scenic trails. There’s also a fishing pier and picnic area for tranquil day trips.