Wolfsonian-Florida International University
Mitchell Wolfson Jr., heir to a family fortune built on movie theaters, was known as an eccentric, but I'd call him a pack rat. A premier collector of propaganda and advertising art, Wolfson was spending so much money storing his booty that he decided to buy the warehouse that was housing it. It ultimately held more than 70,000 of his items, from controversial Nazi propaganda to King Farouk of Egypt's match collection. Thrown in the eclectic mix are also zany works from great modernists such as Charles Eames and Marcel Duchamp. He then gave this incredibly diverse collection to Florida International University. The former 1927 storage facility has been transformed into a museum that is the envy of curators around the world. The museum is unquestionably fascinating and hosts lectures and rather swinging events surrounding particular exhibits.

Heritage Miami II Topsail Schooner
This relaxing ride aboard Miami's only tall ship is a fun way to see the city, since it's on a schooner (as opposed to the other tour company's cruising boats), which gives you more of a feel of the water. The 2-hour cruise passes by Villa Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, and Key Biscayne and puts you in sight of Miami's spectacular skyline and island homes. Call to make sure the ship is running on schedule. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, there are 1-hour tours to see the lights of the city, for $15 per person.

Miami Metrozoo
This 290-acre, sparsely landscaped complex (it was devastated by Hurricane Andrew) is quite a distance from Miami proper and the beaches -- about 45 minutes -- but worth the trip. Isolated and never really crowded, it's also completely cageless -- animals are kept at bay by cleverly designed moats. This is a fantastic spot to take younger kids (the older ones seem bored and unstimulated here); there's a wonderful petting zoo and play area, and the zoo offers several daily programs designed to educate and entertain. Mufasa and Simba (of Disney fame) were modeled on a couple of Metrozoo's lions. Other residents include two rare white Bengal tigers, a Komodo dragon, rare koala bears, a number of kangaroos, and an African meerkat. The air-conditioned Zoofari Monorail tour offers visitors a nice overview of the park. An Andean Condor exhibit opened in 2000, and the zoo is always upgrading its facilities, including the impressive aviary. Note: The distance between animal habitats can be great, so you'll be doing a lot of walking here. For this reason, there are benches and shaded gazebos strategically positioned throughout the zoo so you can rest when you need to. Also, because the zoo can be miserably hot during summer months, plan these visits in the early morning or late afternoon. Expect to spend about 3 hours here.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Miami Airport South
Marriott's award winning economy hotel lodging chain features clean, convenient, quality accommodations and the peace of mind you get from Marriott consistency - all for a great value. The Fairfield Inn Miami Airport South is conveniently located five miles from Hialeah Race Track and six miles from downtown Miami and the Orange Bowl. Parking is USD 8 per night for registered guests and USD 9 per night for long-term parking. Complimentary transportation is provided to and from Miami ...

Days Inn Miami/Airport North
Welcome to the Days Inn to Miami Airport North! The closest hotel to Miami International Airport we offer Free transportation to/from airport-24 hour, Free transportation to Port of Miami and Free Parking. Your comfort is important to us all rooms are nicely appointed with refrigerators available upon request. If you have some time to spare while visiting the Days Inn Miami Airport North why not spend an afternoon on our pool deck and enjoy our olympic sized outdoor pool while soaking up the ...

Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Fairfield Inn by Marriott is conveniently located just 4 miles northwest of the Miami Intl Airport, and centralized to all of Miamis most exclusive locations including South Beach, Downtown Miami, Dolphin Stadium, and the Port of Miami. With many dinning options available the hotel is located minutes away from many local restaurants and in walking distance of many of South Americas incredible flavors. Offering 24hr Airport Shuttle Service to and from the Miami Intl it makes it convenient if ...