For those tourists looking for the ideal summer destination, there can be few better places to visit than the largest metropolis in the Sunshine State. Florida’s fantastic weather, when allied with Miami’s fabulous beaches and vibrant cultural life, ensures summer fun which will suit every generation. Of course, in order to fully enjoy everything that the wider metropolitan area has to offer, it would be wise not to depend on the sometimes unreliable and infrequent American public transit system. A far better plan would be take advantage of car hire Miami style, which provides the freedom to explore the entire city, and to enjoy its attractions to the full.
Miami beach
Any visitor to Miami automatically heads to the South Beach area as their first point of call. This part of the city not only represents the popular image of Miami in the global consciousness, due to its regular appearance in films of all kinds, but also boasts some of the finest beaches in the entire state. Perhaps the most famous of the many streets on this area is Ocean Drive, which contains many of the buildings which have made the architectural style of Miami so instantly recognisable. Park Central Hotel and the Imperial, in particular, showcase flamboyant bands of color which mirror the ocean view, and make an excellent point from which to start exploring the rest of Miami’s Art Deco District.
Of course, South Beach is also known for its hectic and vibrant atmosphere, and the newly arrived visitor might want to spend a more sedate day on a similarly beautiful beach. If that is the case, then choosing a rental car will have been a wise decision, as Key Biscayne can easily be reached via the Rickenbacker Causeway. This small island town, made famous as one of the favoured retreats of ex-President Richard Nixon, is also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Florida Keys. With some of the most luxurious resorts in America situated in and around the island, visitors can also take advantage of guided boat trips to the nearby coastal reef, or just sunbathe for the day on gorgeous white sand beaches.
After a little rest and recreation, however, most tourists will want to experience the legendary status of Miami as a party location. This is best done during the summer by attending one of the many festivals which take place in the city, one of the biggest of which is situated in Little Havana. Always a vibrant spot, for ten days in March this Cuban-American enclave erupts into life as part of the Carnaval Miami. Sporting events, musical entertainment and cuisine from across Latin America is available during the Carnaval, and the celebrations culminate in Calle Ocho, a street festival featuring over 30 music stages, and which covers all of Little Havana.
Whilst the Carnaval might be the biggest single festival event in Miami, there are plenty of others throughout the summer. If wild partying isn’t what is being looked for, then the Miami International Film Festival might be more suitable. Also taking place in March, the festival showcases the best in world cinema. With over 70,000 attendees, it includes appearances from Oscar winners and nominees, with a special focus on Latin American film. For a more Caribbean party atmosphere, the Miami Goombay Festival in June might appeal, whilst the world-class music on show at Festival Miami in September includes classical, jazz, blues and Latin American influenced compositions. Throughout the summer, Miami is likely to be hosting a party which will appeal to you!
