Miami

The 'river of grass' — 1.5 million acres of sawgrass, alligators, and wading birds; Shark Valley's 15-mile tram loop and observation tower is the easiest classic visit.

The first of the Florida Keys, home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park's glass-bottom boats and snorkel trips over the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US.

The 'Venice of America' offers water-taxi canal cruising past mega-yachts, a palm-lined beachfront promenade, and Las Olas Boulevard's café row — an easy rail hop north.

Stone crab claws

Sweet, chilled, pre-cracked Florida claws with mustard sauce, harvested October to May and best eaten at the source.

Try it at: Joe's Stone Crab, South Beach

Cuban sandwich

Roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard pressed flat on Cuban bread — Miami's version famously skips Tampa's salami.

Try it at: Sanguich de Miami, Little Havana

Cafecito & croquetas

A sweet, syrupy Cuban espresso shot with crisp ham croquetas, properly ordered standing at a ventanita window.

Try it at: Versailles ventanita, Little Havana

Key lime pie

Tart-sweet custard made with real Key lime juice in a graham crust — locals argue only over the topping.

Try it at: Fireman Derek's Bake Shop, Wynwood