Experience South Beach, Miami.
Miami in brief
Miami, Florida is a dream destination that everybody loves to visit. Miami, a sub-tropical city is located int he southeastern Florida off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It has the largest Latin American population outside of Latin America. Though Miami is nicknamed the “Capital of Latin-America” but it is also known as the “Cruise Capital of the World.” Miami has the major port that manages some of the world’s largest number of passenger cruise ships.
Miami is undoubtedly an exciting and one of the most vivacious cities in the USA. It is best known for its Latin culture and world famous sizzling vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and beautiful people. Within easy easy short distance drive takes you to various surreal swamps, abundant wildlife and many lovely tropical islands and keys. With all its trendy nightlife, beaches and world class hotels, I can see why Miami attracts tourists from all over the planet. It is definitely a melting point of ethnic cultures with its wide array of exciting attractions, activities and offers something for everyone. No wonder, it is one of the world’s most popular holiday destination hot spots. I am so excited and so thrilled to be here in Miami to explore this dream destination all alone.
View of various parts of Miami
Why Go?
Miami has a diverse cultures and has a strong dose of the arts and a splash of ocean water. To look at the fantastic art museums and the blossoming gastronomical scene. I found it hard to believe that just a century ago, this colourful Floridian city was covered in swampland but once developers rushed into the area, this city became one of the most popular tourist destinations with spectacular city skylines in the country was born. Today, with South Beach before you and the Everglades behind you, you can walk through the bustling streets past historical homes with Spanish words and Caribbean music floating into your ears.
This mini melting pot has preserved multicultural neighbourhoods like famous Little Havana as enclaves for unique attractions to thrive. United, they form an electric network – Miami. Its reputation for vibrant nightlife and extravagant parties in Miami Beach, a barrier island to the east of the mainland. Meanwhile, the down-to-earth city proper cultivates an artsy vibe. For a taste of Miami Beach, sign up for one of the city’s best boat tours, where you will be able to marvel at the glitzy skyline from the water.
The trip
As we descend into Miami airport from New York, we flew over Biscayne Bay and I could spot the wonderful white sandy beaches that attract nearly 14 million visitors each year – Yes, welcome to Miami. I was to spend over a week here to explore this city that I heard so much positive feedback through social media – Trip-advisor, friends and tourists that I have come in contact with. I was to have a treat-of-a-lifetime in this dream destination that everyone loves to visit.
Staying in South Beach, located within Miami Beach is a hot spot for both day and night. It is call the American Riviera and an Art Deco Playground but there is more to this than just known for its fine white sandy beach and colourful buildings. This place offers unbelievably a vibrant mix of world-class galleries, boutiques to designer and speciality stores. At the same time, it is a dining hot spot for everything from gourmet to casual beachside cuisine. By night time, this place becomes alive with crowds both tourists and locals ready to go out and have a world-class evening out. This place cannot be over-looked by visitors who come here to this destination. With its world-class partying hotspot, tis destination is more notable and perhaps, more memorable than the night life.
I woken to Miami way of life instantly and took a stroll along the main street and the beach on foot, noting that this palm-tree lined city is amazingly stunning with sunny beaches that ranged from family resorts to part scenes that offer everything from sunbathing and water sports to shopping, dining and entertainment. As I began to uncover that Miami is more than just visiting a single destination. With its incredible array of tourist attractions, it gave me a great opportunity, not only to admire and enjoy the attractions but to explore some of its major attractions
My highlights of Miami
Miami Beach
Travellers go to Miami mainly for Miami Beach and they go to Miami Beach mainly for South Beach, the regions’ unrivalled crown jewel, which visitors say they can’t get enough. Here, the art deco history of the city meets the bright lights and vibrant nightlife of the younger generation.
There is something for everyone in Miami Beach – and a lot of it. White sand, an eclectic dining scene, prime shopping, luxurious spas and world are all staples in Miami Beach.
Right in the heart of the Miamis’ famous South Beach is Lummus Park Beach, an urban park in the middle of all the action. Right on the Atlantic Ocean, Lummus Park Beach is an iconic spot that has been featured in countless films, television shows and music videos. This place is the ideal place to start or end a walking tour of the top attractions in Miami. It is just steps away from wonderful bars, restaurants, shops and even Art Deco architecture. This beach with its crystal clear blue water and the white sandy beaches is a must-see for any Miami visitor, even the locals can’t get enough of it. This long stretch of beautiful beach that goes for miles and miles away is just stunning.
Bayfront Park
In the city of skyscrapers, Bayfront Park provides a welcome green space in downtown Miami. This park is located right in the city centre of Downtown Miami. What’s more, the park boast a waterfront location on Biscayne Bay. This is what visitors come to see. Whilst there, you get to set off on an unbelievably scenic walk right by the blue waters. The panoramic views of the bay and the lines of buildings along the shoreline is something that you couldn’t get lucky enough to enjoy this place. It is home to a wide range of events and performances and a flying trapeze school. It is a gorgeous spot for visitors and locals who come to hang-out and enjoy what the area has to offer. However, some visitors noted that vagabonds tend to populate the area, meaning it me be unsafe after dark.
Bayside Marketplace
Situated between Bayfront Park, Miamarina and the Port Miami cruise ship terminal, the Bayside Marketplace is a popular hub for visitors who want to shop and dine, it is also a popular and free to people-watch and walk around. This is a one-stop shop to grab all sorts of Miami souvenirs. The Marketplace with more than 150 shops and eateries, there is something for everyone. This place also features live music from local bands every afternoon and evening and is home to tour boat operators.
Bus Tour
Miami is a main hub for bus tours and you get to selected a bus tour that suits you on what you prefer to see. On couple of occasion, I went on two different coaches for sightseeing and tours of the city. It takes you to various places and most of the tours allows you enough time to wander around which is a great way to explore more of the city. The informative tour guides gives you a great insight on the history of the area and you will understand more of the area once the tour ends.
Boat Tour
Whilst in the area, I would recommend going on a boat cruise around Miami. You certainly see it from different perspective you cruise around the harbour and islands, seeing where rich and famous live. This is the great way to explore Miami and by the end of the tour, you depart with full knowledge of this city.
Airboat Tour
Knowing Miami, with thousands of “must-do” activities and attractions, a visit to the Everglades National Park is absolutely an amazing experience. Just 60 kilometres west of downtown Miami and a world away from flashy South Beach, the Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wetland in the U.S. It is one of the country’s most unique ecosystems that consists of swamps, sub-tropical jungles and flooded wetlands which makes it a perfect home to crocodiles, manatees and Florida panthers. Known as the “River of Grass” for its slow-moving water, the national park offers a unique look into the diverse ecosystem and vegetation that filters water as it moves farther south towards the Florida Bay and Key West. Yes, the most fun and better way to experience the Everglades is by an airboat ride. What a thrill it is. However, for precaution, the airboat rides may be too loud for sensitive ears.
Exploring the area
The best way to get around Miami and exploring the area is by car. Driving around in this area is possible if you have the time and want to see more of the area on your visit. Having your own wheels will give you the freedom to roam the streets and neighbourhoods as you please. Taxis or ride-hailing services are another option, however your wallet won’t thank you for hailing them so often. There are several free public transportation options are also available, including the trolley and Metromover. These can be viable options if you’re planning to base yourself downtown. And as with most big cities, bike-share and scooter programs are another option for exploring short distance. However, to fully enjoy your stay in this area and to make the most of the region’s attractions, I’d recommend staying right in the main centre of the area.
After spending a week in Miami, I went away without being disappointed. I began to realise how this city offers so many attractions for everyone from family to solo travellers. There is so much to see and do to enjoy but you can’t get enough of. Spending a week in Miami and for anyone is not enough to thoroughly explore this dream destination. I now can see why it is known as the capital of the world-class nightlife apart from its surreal beautiful white sandy beaches and attractions.
Categories: NORTH AMERICA
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