Miami is known for its bright colors, sandy beaches, amazing bodies, and parties. The city can be found in the southeastern part of sunny Florida along the Atlantic Ocean. The bright and colorful city has many Cuban influences that can be seen, especially in the shops along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. The famous South Beach can be found in Miami, which is known for its beautiful golden sand, turquoise waters, trendy nightclubs, and art deco buildings. The port in Miami is known as the “cruise capital of the world,” leading the number of cruises and is the busiest port for cruise lines. Experience Miami with these top-rated things to do and see the vibrant city for yourself.
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South Beach Miami
The infamous South Beach is known for people in amazing shape strutting along the beach or relaxing poolside. The beach is popular with tourists as well as locals who all flock to people watch and experience the soft golden sand and gorgeous waters. Palm trees and blue skies decorate the gorgeous beach, and nearby are lots of cafes, clubs, shops and much more to do and see. The area is quite popular, and there will be large amounts of people flocking to see the beach as well as the surrounding area. Try the Nikki Beach Club or the Café Nikki for some fresh baked goods before your day at one of the most famous beaches in the U.S.
Art Deco along Ocean Drive
The Art Deco period is obvious as you tour around the city. Miami has over 800 buildings that date from the 1920s to the 1940s. Many of these have made it to the Historic Places list. The Art Deco District Welcome Center can be found on Ocean Drive, just north of 5th street. They have self-guided audio tours that visitors may find interesting. Ocean Drive has many buildings to see from this time era and walking down the drive is the best way to experience them as well as some of the best of the city.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Visit the stunning museum and gardens and feel like you have been transported to Europe. The area is a favorite for wedding and quinceanera pictures as the gardens and architecture are remarkable. The mansion was built in the early 20th century for James Deering who was an industrialist. The museum is full of antiquities from Europe as well as original fittings and artwork from the 16th to 19th centuries. The lovely gardens and impressive museum are located conveniently in the downtown area. This is a great place to visit if you’re at the port and have a day to spend off of your cruise ship.
Little Havana
Thousands of Cubans have settled in Miami and particularly on SW 8th street known as Calle Ocho. Smell the aroma of cigars from one of the cigar stores and see the Mediterranean-style houses and experience the authentic Cuban vibe of the area. Try some of the authentic Latin cuisines or get a souvenir at the shops that are available. Visitors can expect to hear mostly the Spanish language that is spoken here and if you’re feeling adventurous try one of the nightclubs for a good time. Listen to the Cuban music floating through the air and see one of the most popular places in town to experience. Don’t forget one of their fantastic cigars!
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is much more relaxed than the South Beach area. You can drive and park, or take the Metro to get to it. There are many shops, bars, restaurants, gorgeous beach areas, a park named Peacock Park to make a nice walk and some fantastic boutiques. Many of the bars and restaurants have fantastic views of the sand and ocean, and the vibe is comfortable and much slower here. Shop at Coco Walk, catch a movie and enjoy the sights. The view does not disappoint, and everything you need is at Coconut Grove.
Key Biscayne
Also known as the “Key,” is a beautiful and quiet place for those who want a getaway from the bustling city of Miami. There is a bicycle path, palm trees, wide sandy beaches, fantastic ocean views and peace and quiet. Crandon Park has bot barbeque and picnic areas. Towards the tip of the island, there is a great place to swim in the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. There aren’t shops or nightlife here, as it is more of a beautiful place to experience some of the best of Florida.
Miami Zoo
The Miami Zoo is known as one of the top zoos in the U.S. This is a large, family-friendly place that will keep you entertained for at least an entire day. There are bicycles and paddle boats to rent in the zoo for some smooth cruising. Try the water playground for the kids on the hot summer days, or visit the large interactive center that is fun for the whole family to cool off a bit. Try feeding one of the giraffes and make sure to see the Asian Aviary. The zoo is very large, and there is a lot of walking involved, but there are also plenty of indoor things to see if you get tired or need to sit in the air conditioning for a while. This is a great zoo and a great place to spend a day!
Tours Galore!
One of the best ways to experience the chaotic city is to take a tour. Try a culinary trip to experience some of the authentic foods, a speedboat or regular boat tour to zipping across the gorgeous water, a sightseeing tour to experience the architecture, facts, history, and sights, or many others! Cater your tastes and desires and find the perfect tour for you.
Party, Explore and Enjoy!
Miami is a huge city that is full of life. Parties, dancing, nightclubs, shopping, amazing food, bars and all right along the gorgeous stretches of ocean in the state. Stop in at one of the museums, ride the free downtown trolley, stop by the American Airlines Arena, catch a baseball game at Marlins Park, or shop to your heart’s content. Are you ready to relax? Spend a day at a gorgeous beach, with all the amenities and entertainment close by. Don’t forget to see Little Havana and experience Cuban life, food and cigars in this popular area. The art deco buildings and the neat architecture line the streets, especially along the famous Ocean Drive, where visitors can walk the street or drive. Experience one of the most vibrant cities in America and try one of these festive things to do in Miami.
