When you hear the word Miami, you immediately have wonderful pictures in front of your eyes: miles of fine sandy dream beaches, palm trees, Caribbean flair and of course the sun. And so is the reality in the most famous city of the Sunshine State Florida!
Miami is a year-round travel destination with a subtropical climate and endless possibilities. In addition to sunbathing, swimming and water sports, Miami also offers a whole range of other highlights that are perfect for a round trip.
Below we present you the most exciting tours, most beautiful attractions and best sights in Miami.
1. South Beach
The ideas that most people have of Florida almost always refer to Miami Beach and, more precisely, to the southernmost part of it – South Beach, known as SoBe for short. The extensive, fine sandy beach is very well maintained and, with its lifeguards on the colorful high seats, corresponds perfectly to the photos in travel catalogs.
The motto here is “see and be seen”. Perfect bodies and beautiful, expensive cars are on display from morning to night. During a Florida vacation, this stretch of coast is part of the program for at least one day.
2. Art Deco District
Miami has the second largest Art Deco district in the world. Around 1000 buildings in the typical pastel colors with the characteristic style elements of the 1930s and 1940s are located here. On Ocean Drive in particular, there is one Art Deco house after the other. Most of the buildings were built after a hurricane destroyed most of the city in 1926 and had to be rebuilt.
Many houses show maritime elements and resemble steamers or ocean liners in their shape. Curved lines and airy courtyards are very common. A stroll through the district, which was rediscovered by the television series “Miami Vice”, should not be missing on any visit program.
3. Little Havana
Miami is colorful and rich in contrasts, shaped by American, European and Cuban influences and in many places is strongly reminiscent of the Caribbean. This is no coincidence, as more than 50% of the population come from Central or South America and many of them speak little English even after decades. Most of the immigrants come from Cuba and value very close cohesion among one another.
This is particularly evident in the Little Havana district. It’s colorful and lively here – there are great restaurants and a diverse cultural offering. A stroll through the streets with the exotic smells and the omnipresent music is a very special experience. Little Havana is one of the most exciting sights in Miami.
4. South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is perfect for anyone looking for a place to relax in between. Although the spacious complex on the southern tip of Miami Beach is very popular at any time of the day, there is always a relaxing, quiet atmosphere. Many athletes can be seen here in the morning hours: joggers, yoga groups and people with their personal trainers. The view from the observation deck of the Government Cut Canal, through which the cruise ships set off on their long journeys, is unique.
Miami has the largest cruise port in the world and it’s rush hour between 4pm and 5pm. The promenade is located directly on the Atlantic and leads to the marina, so that long walks along the sea are possible. Anyone traveling with children will appreciate the many play and sports equipment that can be found everywhere.
5. Bayside Marketplace
For most tourists, shopping is definitely part of a vacation in the United States. While Miami has a large number of shopping malls, the Bayside Marketplace is certainly one of the nicest. Due to its unique flair, the “Bayside” can undoubtedly be one of the city’s most popular sights.
Located directly on the ocean and airy, it offers a very successful mix of shops, cafés (including the Hard Rock Café Miami) and open-air snack stands. Especially at sunset and in the evening it is worthwhile to enjoy an exotic cocktail or other refreshment in one of the many bars.
6. Vizcaya Museum
The castle-like Villa Vizcaya was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of the Italian Renaissance and is located in the suburb of Coconut Grove. It was privately owned by an American industrialist who spent the winters in warm Florida. The house is one of the oldest buildings in the city and is now a national historical monument.
The more than 70 salons and rooms were furnished by the former owner with European furniture and art objects from different eras. The villa, which is more likely to be in Tuscany, is surrounded by an extensive park in which there are still various staff and farm buildings. The wonderful orchid garden is particularly recommended.
7. Miami Zoo and Jungle Island
Zoos are always extremely popular excursion destinations, especially for families with children. In Miami you can choose between the zoo and the “Jungle Island”, which is located on a small island called Watson Island but can be easily reached by car. The Miami Zoo is the only zoological garden in the United States that is located in the subtropical climate zone and therefore offers ideal living conditions for numerous exotic animals from Africa, Asia and Australia. Of the more than 500 animal species it houses, at least 40 are threatened with extinction. There is a great deal of commitment here for their protection and conservation.
Alternatively, vacationers can spend a relaxing day in Jungle Island. The most popular attractions here are the monkeys, some of which roam freely, and the many free-flying parrots and cockatoos. A rare specimen from the cross between a lion and a tigress, a so-called liger, can also be seen here. There is of course a petting zoo for the kids. Those who like animals can spend some wonderful hours in both parks.
8. Wynwood Art District
The creative heart of the city beats in the Wynwood district between Miami Beach and the airport. About 20 years ago this was a shabby area with abandoned warehouses and drug dealers on every corner. Art has saved this part of the city from decay and over time a very active scene has emerged here. More than 70 galleries, studios, museums and trade fairs have settled here.
An open house takes place at regular intervals, where interested visitors can take a look behind the scenes. Particularly impressive, however, are the huge amount of graffiti and wall paintings that turn a walk into a visit to an open-air museum, where you don’t even know where to look first. Since there are now many cafés and restaurants in the neighborhood, physical well-being is also taken care of. Wynwood is a must for any art lover Miami vacationer.
9. Miami Sea Aquarium
The Miami Aquarium is another Miami attraction that is great for young and old. The numerous specimens of the fascinating underwater world include the most varied species of turtles, crocodiles, alligators, fish in all sizes and colors and pinnipeds such as seals, walruses and the gentle manatees.
The entertainment program of the park includes various interactive exhibitions and shows with dolphins and orcas. The highlight for many visitors is swimming with dolphins, which is possible here. Cool off on hot days in the large water playground, which is of course one of the main attractions for children.
10. Lincoln Road Mall
The Lincoln Road Mall is not a shopping center, but a very beautiful, car-free shopping street with shady trees and fountains that is more reminiscent of Europe than the USA. Many tourists and locals stroll from shop to shop, take a break in between in one of the many cafés or restaurants and watch the passers-by.
Almost all American brands have a shop on Lincoln Road, so you have the opportunity to buy many souvenirs to take home with you. The farmers’ markets, which always take place on Sundays, are also an experience.
