Caspian Persian Grill:

The OG - First Persian restaurant in South Florida. Still around for all the right reasons.
Pro tip: get the Faludeh for dessert with lime

Shahs of Kabob:

There are several locations in South Florida. I highly recommend the one in Doral, it’s a drive but it’s in a cool upscale food court called “Shoma Bazaar”
Pro tips: Try their garlic sauce with your kabobs & sit at the tables with swings for chairs

Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana:

This pizza/pasta place has a few locations in South Florida. The closest to Aventura is Midtown - close to Wynwood and Miami Design District. This pizza /pasta place has spectacular pasta & their dough is to die for!
Hands down best value in South Florida
Pro tip: get the olive oil (spicy or regular) and balsamic next to the ovens to dip your crust (or bread).

Versaille Notorious Authentic Cuban Cuisine

Brush up on your spanish. Don't forget plantains. The cafe con leche puts starbucks to shame.

Skinny Louie’s Smash Burgers

Like In-n-Out but with nightlife and graffiti. Be prepared to wait in line and to fight for a table...get extra napkins!

This is in Wynwood, which is known for it’s colorful murals and fun nightlife, is one of the city’s most happening districts. Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists. The surrounding streets have converted warehouses housing craft breweries and funky art galleries,
Wynwood Pro tip: find the Wynwood Jungle and then find your way to the rooftop (Fable) for a drink, Moroccan desert vibes, and breathtaking nighttime views.

Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt at Carillon Resort South Beach:

Elevated Michelin Star dining experience. Known for the ten-course tasting menu. Intimate, beautiful setting & modern French dishes with Asian influences.
Pro tip: your wallet will definitely feel lighter upon leaving

Mia Market:

Food court at the top of Miami Design District. I recommend the little italian place in the back. Grab a cocktail at the front, order your ravioli, and slide in to a booth in the back for some primo people watching. Swing on the swings on your way in or out.

Aventura Mall:

Miami's best luxury shopping mall

Beaches:

There is public beach access with a small parking lot in Sunny Isles, just north of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Marco Polo Resort. This is directly across the intracoastal causeway from Aventura (5 min).

There is parking a bit further south at Newport Fishing Pier (10 min).

Two parks further south have large parking lots: Haulover Park and North Beach Oceanfront Park, 15 min. Of course, If you are feeling adventurous, you can head to Ocean Drive, South Miami Beach (25 min).
Pro tip: Haulover Beach is clothing optional

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:

Built in 1916 as the private home and winter retreat of James Deering, this lavish villa is a tribute to the Italian Renaissance. The museum contains much of the original furnishings and artwork, and is surrounded by lush, formal gardens (23 min).

Perez Art Museum:

Pérez Art Museum Miami is a modern and contemporary art museum. A private institution with a permanent collection dedicated to international art of the 20th and 21st centuries that reflects Miami's diverse community and pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas (22 min).

The Miami Design District:

Neighborhood dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture and dining experiences. Home to Art Basel, Miami Design District embodies a singular dedication to the unity of design, fashion, art and architecture, and a commitment to encourage a neighborhood comprised of creative experiences (19 min).

Lincoln Road:

Extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Biscayne Bay to the west on Miami Beach
Here you will see trees you have never seen before.
Lincoln Road has shops, cafés, ( most with outdoor seating) galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Lincoln Road is an iconic pedestrian district that serves as a hub for modern culture seekers. There are more than 11 million visitors annually from all over the world not just for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife but also for its architecture.
Lincoln Road serves is a charging station for the mind, body and spirit (28 min).

Key West, Florida:

The island of Key West is Florida's southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop, and also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway - of the coolest drives in the USA. Anywhere you stop along the route be prepared to see chickens and turtles- probably not alligators - but no beaches!
It’s known more for its coral reefs and destinations for diving and snorkeling
than for its beaches (3 hrs 19 min).

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park:

Approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The park extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. These areas were established to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. 1 hour 19 min.
For divers: don’t miss the sunken statues on the reef’s ocean floor.

Hard Rock Casino:

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood's gaming area offers guests a selection of 2,500 of the most popular slots, nearly 200 table games, and a new 45-table Poker Room.
Betting denominations range from one cent to $5 on the general gaming floor, while the High Limit Slots room offers $1 to $1,000 bets.

Table Games feature live dealers for games like craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, mini-baccarat video poker, video craps and video roulette games.
Pro tip: quit while you are ahead (32 min).

Golfing:

There is golfing at Turnberry Isle right next to the Aloft Aventura. If you want to stay at a golf resort- there is only one by the beaches - Turnberry Isle is a JW Marriott property - but not recommended due to there being a waterpark on the resort that will interfere with your ability to sleep past 6 am. Closer to Miami is Shula’s in Miami Lakes, it has the best rates and nice golf. The Biltmore is historic and stunning with an incredible pool and great golf. It is in Coral Gables and rates start around $260.
Last would be Doral, very expensive golfing and a far distance away. (Southwest )

Everglades National Park:

The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States

Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitats for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

It is an international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area.

Activities include tours - ranger led - boating & kayaking.

Boat Tours:

If you want an inexpensive day on the water while checking out the stunning homes along the intracoastal waterway -
Watertaxi Ft Lauderdale - one price of about $40 lets you hop on hop off all day with an app that tells you when and where the next watertaxi is arriving/departing. Or just get on the watertaxi in Ft Lauderdale going to Margaritaville, Hollywood - a nice leisurely hour long cruise each way.

watertaxi.com

Catch the scenic boat tour out of Bayside, Miami, to view “the homes of celebrities” on the islands in Biscayne Bay. Surprisingly un- cheesy. About $30

miamitourcompany.com/celebrity-homes-boat-tour