As an international city bursting at the seams with diversity in all categories of life from music and art, to food and culture, Miami, Florida is a melting pot of folks from all walks of life. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing historical and tropical getaway lounging on yachts and enjoying breathtaking sunsets every night, or more inclined to dive into the night life scene that can be considered a more tropical version of New York City, Miami has a little bit of everything for you.
While there are many more places to see and things to do, below are some of the gems I have discovered during my many years in and around Miami that can be accomplished in one day for a quick, mini vacation.
1. Visit Miami Beach
Endless white sands and tropical blue waters make this beach iconic in so many ways. Make sure to stop by here at least once during your stay.
IMPORTANT: For non-locals, DO NOT, I repeat, do not, leave your items unattended on the beach. If you want to go swim in the water, I highly encourage you to do so, but make sure to leave valuables either at your hotel, in your car out of sight, or take the bare necessities with you to the beach in a plastic baggie that you can bury in the sand. I am speaking from experience. A casual 10 minute dip in the water resulted in my wallet and cell phone being stolen which resulted in quite the dramatic turn of events for me solo-tripping in Miami. Don’t be the older version of me, be the smart newer version who buries her belongings in the sand.
2. Art Deco District
Think 1950’s Cuban charm and that’s what you’ll get in the Art Deco District. The streets are lined with charming boutique hotels full of character in a timeless style of architecture. Some hotels take it even beyond the building, and place century relevant automobiles nearby to really give the full effect. Stroll along the streets to check out the local artists and if you plan it right, you could even attend Art Basel which takes place in Miami around September each year. Art Basel, which stages three major fairs each year—in Hong Kong, Basel and Miami Beach—focuses on modern and contemporary art and puts more than 250 galleries and 4,000 artists from across the globe in front of the art world’s top curators, museums and collectors.
3. Little Havana
If you are looking for some culture with great food and fun dancing spots, check out Little Havana. This neighborhood is located West of Downtown Miami. It is safe for tourists, but like any other major city, be smart and don’t wander around at night in unfamiliar areas. The best place to grab both great food and hear live music is Ball & Chain!
4. Everglades National Park
When I was younger, I would spend weeks in the heart of Florida with family on the national award winning orchid farm that my family owned. Being in and around the everglades (and all that it possesses..) was as natural to me as anything else. Taking the airboat out for a spin to enjoy sunsets, or visiting rehabilitation centers for injured crocs was so much fun. I can proudly say that I was around all kinds of creatures that folks would typical be fearful of. Understanding that they were an important part of the circle of life allowed me to develop a deep sense of appreciation and respect for creatures in the everglades, rather than fear. The Florida Everglades ecosystem is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.
5. Local Restaurants – Not Chains
Why would you want to travel all the way to beautiful Miami, Florida where hundreds of different cuisines mesh together in a delicious and unique way that’s satisfying beyond words to your taste buds, only to go to the McDonald’s drive through for a hamburger? Challenge your tastebuds to go beyond the norm. Ask locals for their favorite places – a practice I use in every single city I go to around the world. Avoid places that are super touristy like South Beach. If you want to check out some really great hot spots for the area, check out this website https://www.thrillist.com/eat/miami/best-restaurants-miami
6. Wynwood Walls
Unique outdoor destination featuring huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. Located at 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, this unique area is overflowing with incredibly talented artists who have clothing shops, ice cream shops, but most of all, buildings upon buildings of graffiti. Several blocks host some of the most stunning wall art pieces I’ve ever seen. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because there is a lot to see!
