Zoo Miami

Why it matters: Zoo Miami is supported by the nonprofit Zoo Miami Foundation, whose mission is to inspire people to preserve nature through conservation, education, and community engagement. It’s the largest zoo in Florida and one of the few tropical zoos in the continental U.S., built cageless so animals roam in open, moated habitats. It’s sprawling, so rent a bike or take the tram, and go early because the animals are most active before the midday heat.