Zoo Miami

This zoo was once considered one of the best in the country, but Hurricane Andrew took its toll in 1992. Though it hasn't returned to its former heights, it's not for want of trying. It certainly has cred with the animal welfare brigade. Opened in 1981, it was billed as a 'progressive' zoo: there are no cages or fences here, with animals cleverly enclosed by moat-style perimeters. And there are plenty of animals too: the site covers 940 acres, which is where the free monorail service comes in handy. Animal-wise, all the old faves are present, from elephants and rhinos to storks and flamingos, via bears, camels, kangaroos, tigers and monkeys. For kids, there's a wildlife carousel ride and Paws, a petting zoo with pony rides and meerkats, along with shows in the amphitheatre and animal feedings. Other big draws include Dr Wilde's World, featuring a 500-gallon aquarium, and amphibians, reptiles and insects, and the largest open-air Asian aviary in the western hemisphere, with more than 70 bird species.