The Complete Guide To A Fun-filled Miami Vacation
Have you ever wanted a holiday involving not just sun, sea, and sand, but somewhere with plenty of activities on offer too? If you have, Miami is the ideal destination. South Beach is likely to live up to every stereotype you have of Miami, from the golden sands and turquoise ocean, to the surfers, models, celebrities and rollerbladers. Simply put, there are plenty of other things to see and do whilst you are there. Of course, there are many cities in Florida to get away from it all and relax, but if you want fun, shopping, the beach and the parties, Miami has got you covered. Just pack your sunglasses and suntan lotion and you are ready to go.
Many marine animals call the Miami shores home, however if you want to see the animals up close, consider a visit to Miami Seaquarium, which has everything from dolphins and killer whales through to crocodiles and tropical birds. Miami Seaquarium tickets are easy to purchase at discounted rates ,there are many reputable online sellers out there that sell them. While you might be close to the beach and sea, there is no better place to witness sea life up close than to visit an aquarium. I remember being a small child and visiting Florida, and I was absolutely absorbed by the sea life and see some of the more interesting looking fish and animals I had ever seen. So whether you are a family with small children, a couple on a romantic holiday or traveling solo, a trip to the aquarium is a must.
Monkey Jungle is home to nearly 400 primates, running free on a 30 acre reserve, and the only protected habitat for endangered primates in the USA to be open to the public. The primates get to run free, whilst it is you that is caged! Don’t let this put you off – there are plenty of opportunities for you to interact with the monkeys, and you can even feed them.
Whilst the rest of the Florida Keys are a little too far away to visit in a day, the northernmost island, Key Biscayne, can be easily reached from Miami. One of the most beautiful areas of the United States, the Florida Keys are sure to make you ohh and aww as you snap countless pictures of the gorgeous surroundings. You can easily visit Key Biscaybe via the picturesque Rickenbacker Causeway which connects the two together. A small island of only 12,000 people, the scenery is stunning and a wonderful day trip from Miami.
Of course nothing beats a day (or days) at the beach. While the thought of Miami beach might make you dread the crowds, take some time to explore a bit more and find a beach a bit more relaxed if that is what you are looking for. However, if you love the crowds, the partying and friendly people, pull up a chair in the sand on Miami beach and have a wonderfully (and hot!) beach day. If you have never experienced Florida heat and humidity before, be prepared. Miami is hot, especially in the summer, and it is not a dry heat. The air is thick, wet and humid. So while you might not plan on going for a swim when you go to the beach, always pack your suit, as we think you will quickly change your mind after being outside for only a couple hours, if that!
Shopping
No trip to the Miami would be complete without doing some shopping, and you would be surprised at some of the savings you can make compared to buying products back home. Miami’s Dolphin Mall is great shopping destination, boasting a combination of traditional and outlet shops. The greater Miami area also offers a great number of discount outlet shopping malls, so while the upscale, high end fashion shopping might be not be for you (it certainly isn’t for me as I have the fashion sense of a toddler). The outlets offer an astounding selection of stores, all walking distance to each other, if a day at the outlet malls is something that appeals to you. While Miami is known for its sunshine, depending on what time of year you visit, you might get caught on a rainy day, in which case visiting the outlets might make for a great afternoon.
Who doesn’t want to relax by the beach in beautiful Miami and enjoy a nice cocktail? db Bistro Moderne in the heart of downtown to try their amazing White Cosmo. While it might cost $16 in the evenings, $9 at happy hour is almost a steal. For the guys looking for a killer stiff drink try the Dewar’s Smash at Gotham Steak. The Dewar’s Smash will set you back $14, but we couldn’t image you’d be standing if you drank more than a couple. This manly drink not only gives you the scotch you love, but also adds in the mint, lemon and sugar so many drinks in Miami are known for. You can stumble into almost any bar or restaurant in the Miami area and find some amazing drinks, especially during happy hour. So don’t be shy, sit back, relax and enjoy a drink you two, you deserve it.
Whilst Miami offers plenty of opportunities for getting some well-earned rest and relaxation, don’t forget to make the most of the many other things that there are to see and do whilst visiting. Miami Seaquarium and Monkey Jungle are favorites amongst children, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For the sports lovers, a trip to see a basketball or baseball game might be of interest. And while I personally can’t stand Lebron James and the Heat, there is nothing more entertaining than a good basketball game! For those visiting in the summer months, the Miami Marlins have weekly home games between April and, lets be honest, September.
So as great as all of this is, Miami is so much more than South Beach, take the time to explore a little further and rent a car if you need to. Renting a car if only for a day can be a great way to get a bit further out of the city and into the real Florida. And lets be honest, if you take the girls to the outlet malls, you’re going to need a rental car just to bring back the bags of clothes to your hotel. As much as lounging on the beach and spending the evenings in bars and clubs is many people’s idea of a perfect holiday, there is much more to Miami and you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore it!
Images provided by Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Gabriel Kaplan and Wicker Paradise via Flickr and the creative commons license.