Have The Best Beach Vacation in Miami

Miami does not really need an introduction. It is well known across the globe for its glitz and glamor and its beaches and sunny weather. Miami is a city that will capture you with its dazzling glamor and hold you in its spell. The beauty of the city’s nature will also steal your heart from Biscayne Bay and the clear blue South Florida skies. Miami is glamor first and foremost but spend a little time here and dig a little deeper to see what is under the surface. Or simply go with the flow and indulge in the glamor in true Miami style.

1. Miami Beach

Travelers go to Miami mainly for Miami Beach and they go to Miami Beach mainly for South Beach, the region’s unrivaled crown jewel, which visitors say they can’t get enough of. Here, the art deco history of the city meets the bright lights and vibrant nightlife of the younger generation. There’s something for everyone in Miami Beach – and a lot of it. White sand, an eclectic dining scene, prime shopping, luxurious spas, and world-class nightlife are all staples in Miami Beach. Just make sure to bring plenty of loot – Miami Beach can be done on a budget, but you’ll severely limit your options and it won’t be near as fun.

2. Little Havana

Located to the immediate west of downtown Miami, Little Havana is the symbolic and cultural capital for Cuban-Americans in Miami. The neighborhood brings in droves of visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent food. Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the center of activity here. Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park, is located at the corner of Calle Ocho and 15th Avenue and is a pleasant place to hang out and take in a game of dominoes or chess. Travelers recommend El Pub for its authentic Cuban food and cheap prices and also enjoy the Versailles restaurant. For a departure from the neighborhood’s signature flavors, consider Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Every March, the Calle Ocho Music Festival takes over Miami for a week, drawing thousands of attendees for a massive street festival celebrating Carnaval with tons of music, food, and dancing.

3. Zoo Miami

This beautiful zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, representing more than 500 different species. It’s famous for providing a natural environment for its residents without the use of cages – rather, the zoo employs strategically placed moats to separate the animals from the visitors. Petting zoos and plenty of “edutainment” programs are sure to keep your little ones interested. The whole family will enjoy the giraffe feeding and mild rides. Recent visitors praise the zoo’s cleanliness, the generous amount of space the animals have to roam, and the friendly and knowledgeable employees. When planning your visit, keep a few traveler tips in mind: The zoo is large, meaning you’ll be walking a fair amount, which will be alleviated by a good pair of sneakers. To avoid the crowds, get to the zoo right when it opens at 10 a.m. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you’ll be happy to hear there are plenty of water fountains, misters, and shaded play areas.

4. Wynwood walls

This open-air street art installation – one of the largest in the world – is one of the reasons a formerly run-down neighborhood found new life as the art hub of Miami. Founded in 2009 as a way to jump-start revitalization in the neighborhood lying between downtown and the Design District, the Wynwood Walls acts as an outdoor art museum covering more than 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls. The walls garnered such a positive response from the community that a year later the lot adjacent became known as the Wynwood Doors, where metal roll-down gates transformed into even more canvas space. The walls and doors are saturated with bright, eclectic street art and whimsical graffiti. Since its start, more than 50 artists from 16 countries have brought the walls to life.

5. Crandon Park

Crandon Park comprises the northern portion of Key Biscayne. The key began as a coconut plantation, before being donated with the stipulation that Miami-Dade County uses the land as a public park. With its abundance of activities, it’s not hard to spend multiple days exploring the park’s offerings. A tennis center, complete with 26 courts, a golf course, a marina, and a beach all call the sprawling Crandon Park home. Past travelers suggested visiting the key during low tide when you can walk out into the ocean and marvel at the numerous tide pools. Visitors were also impressed by the quality of the beaches in Crandon Park, which come complete with palm trees and white sand. Remember to bring food, drinks, chairs, and umbrellas, as the island doesn’t offer much in terms of amenities, according to recent reviews.