2025 Travel, Accommodations, and Other Information 

 

Air Travel 

Miami International Airport (MIA)
2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142
🌐 miami-airport.com

MIA is the closest and most convenient airport to the conference hotel and zoo. It is served by all major U.S. airlines as well as numerous international carriers.

   

   https://www.miami-airport.com/       

Additional Airports (Optional)

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – ~45 minutes north of Miami
  May offer lower fares on some airlines, but will require a longer ground transfer.

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ZRA 2025 Annual Conference – Hotel Information

We are pleased to announce that the Miami Marriott Dadeland will serve as the official hotel for the 2025 ZRA Annual Conference, taking place November 3–8, 2025, hosted by Zoo Miami.

Conference Hotel

Miami Marriott Dadeland
9090 S Dadeland Blvd, Miami, FL 33156
 (305) 671-2694

 

Reservations can be made here: 

Book your group rate for Zoological Registrars Association ZRA 2025 Annual Conference

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:  Miami Marriott Dadeland for 179.00 USD per night

Last Day to Book : Monday, October 13, 2025

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Planning Your Trip!

We are thrilled to host you in Miami, Florida! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip and ensure a smooth and productive conference experience.

Miami Weather

• Daytime highs: 80–86°F (27–30°C), with cooler days later in the week 
• Nighttime lows: 68–72°F (20–22°C)
• Humidity: Moderate — less muggy than summer, but still tropical 

Packing Tips

1. Clothing: Light layers — short sleeves or light pants for daytime, with a sweater or light jacket for evenings.
2. Rain gear: Bring a compact umbrella or light rain jacket just in case.
3. Suncare: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are still essential with strong sunshine.
4. Footwear: Comfortable shoes are recommended for a zoo visit. It’s a big zoo!
5. Swim gear: Pack swimwear for beach or poolside opportunities in warm weather.
6. Useful Items: Reusable water bottle, insect repellant, earbuds/headphones, laptop for workshops.

Planning Tips

• Check your e-mail for the Arrival & Departure schedule to coordinate rides from the airport to the hotel.
• Download Whova, log in or sign up, update your account profile, and start interacting with other attendees! 
• Review the conference program. Please pay special attention to bus loading and departures times. 
• If you are attending the Species360, Tracks, or AnimalCare Software Workshops, please bring your laptop.
• Remember to fill out your silent auction form before arriving. This will save you time when you drop off items at the conference registration table.

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Transportation: 

Welcome to Miami! For your convenience, we've compiled all the best transit options for traveling around Miami from the Miami Marriott Dadeland.

Rental Cars, Rideshare, and Parking (Door-to-door convenience)

• Driving from MIA is about 10 miles / 20-25 minute drive - Est cost: $25-35
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) - Prices vary based on demand.
• Taxi - many taxi companies at the airport. Taxi line found in the arrivals area. 
• Hotel Parking - Valet parking is available at $29/day. Mention the conference at check-in!

 

Public Transportation (Budget-Friendly)

The hotel is adjacent to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station, making it easy to reach many popular destinations without a car. This station is the terminus of the Metroroil system’s Green and Orange Lines. Miami-Dade Transit Official Site

To / From Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Route: Take the free MIA Mover automated train from terminals to the Miami Airport Metrorail Station. Transfer to the Orange Line Metrorail southbound to Dadeland South Station, right next to the hotel. 
• Total Travel Time: Roughly 40 minutes depending on connection times.
• Cost: $2.25–$3 per trip.

From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) -

• Route: Take the free FLL shuttle to the Tri-Rail Station. Take the southbound Tri-Rail train to the Metrorail Transfer Station. Transfer to the Metrorail (Green or Orange Line) southbound to Dadeland South.
• Total Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on connection times.
• Cost: Fares are based on the Tri-Rail zone system, typically costing $3–$6. Your Tri-Rail ticket allows a free transfer to Metrorail, so you only need to purchase one fare.

From the Hotel

• To Downtown Miami/Brickell: Take the Orange Line northbound. This tran connects directly to downtown and the free Metromover system around downtown.

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Dining Information 

We're thrilled you’re joining us! This neighborhood offers an array of excellent dining and shopping just steps from the hotel, ensuring you have plenty of great places to eat and unwind during your stay.

On-Site Dining at the Miami Marriott Dadeland

Whitney’s Restaurant
Start your day with a full breakfast or unwind with lunch and dinner offerings featuring American classics.

• Open daily from 6:30 AM
• À la carte and buffet options available
• Located on the lobby level

Le Mirage Lobby Lounge
A relaxed lounge offering light fare, cocktails, and a great atmosphere to network with fellow attendees.

• Open daily through late evening
• Ideal for informal meetups and after-session downtime

 

Nearby Areas to Explore - Dadeland is home to many areas; here are the ones within a short walk or train ride to the next station.

Downtown Dadeland: An urban village atmosphere with outdoor cafes, shops, and diverse restaurants. All within a few minutes walk.

• Sit-Down: 
  • Ghee Indian Kitchen - inventive, farm-to-table Indian cuisine
  • Pubbelly Sushi - modern Japanese and sushi
  • Fratelli by Jholano's - cozy, family-owned Italian
  • Eleventh Street Pizza - popular New York-style and Sicilian-style sourdough pizza
  • Shorty’s BBQ – Local favorite for classic barbecue
• Quick Eats:  
  • Mr. Baker – Authentic Cuban bakery with famous Cuban coffee.
  • Dadeland Café – New York-style deli with breakfast and lunch options, offering a variety of specialty coffees. 
  • Carrot Express - Healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare, including bowls, wraps, and juices.
  • Delicias De Espana - A Miami Institution. Spanish market with a cafe serving traditional Spanish tapas and meals.
  • Crema Gourmet – A modern, gourmet cafe that serves an all-day breakfast menu, great coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.
  • Panera Bread - Casual spot known for soups, salads, and sandwiches, with a full breakfast and lunch menu.
• Website: Downtown Dadeland Directory 

Dadeland Mall: One of Miami's most popular shopping and dining destinations, directly across the street. - Less than a 10-minute walk down Dadeland Blvd.

• Highlights: North Italia (fresh pasta and pizza), The Cheesecake Factory (extensive American menu), and Earls Kitchen + Bar (upscale casual).
• Website: Dadeland Mall Dining

Dadeland Plaza: 

• Highlights: Diverse strip mall with fantastic local eateries and some familiar food chains. 
• Address: 9563 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156; One parking lot down from Trader Joe’s

Dadeland South: Dadeland Station Shopping Center at the Dadeland South Metrorail Exit, just one stop down or take a rideshare!

• Highlights (Retail & Grocery): Target (full-size Super Target with a Starbucks), Whole Foods Market (gourmet grocery with prepared foods and a coffee bar), Best Buy, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
• Website: Dadeland Station Shopping Center Directory

 

Necessities (Groceries & Liquor) 🛒 

Publix Super Market at Dadland – Approximately 0.1 miles away (3-minute walk)

• Florida's most beloved grocery chain is known for its bakery, deli, and friendly service. This location also has a pharmacy and a liquor store!

Trader Joe’s – Located just outside the main entrance; 0.2 miles away (5-minute walk)

• A grocery store offering unique and private-label organic foods, vegan, and gluten-free options.Check their seasonal items like apple pie spread, pumpkin loaf, fall leaf tortilla chips, and vanilla cardamom cold brew coffee!

GoPuff Liquor Dadeland – Approximately 0.1 miles away (2-minute walk)

• A convenience store featuring many top-selling alcohols.

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