M-m-Miami?
Why Miami?
Do you know that people do something called “walking their cars” in South Beach? A car is put in neutral and then walked like a show thing slowly rolling on in the street. Music playing typically.
Only in Miami.
(Cover image by Ronny Rondon)
Image by Nichlas Anderson
Miami has a significant role in the states representing Latin American and Caribbean culture. It’s a cosmopolitan mecca that’s incredibly upbeat and lively but at the same time a welcoming retreat of pastel tones.
Here are a roster of highlight places within Miami, and just outside of it.
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South Beach
South Beach is an OG spot of color, of music, of shaking your hips, and bronzing your bod along the notorious stretch of sand. There might be music festivals going on, there will always be stalls with sun hats and neon towels.
Remember MTV’s spring break here? It’ll be loud but also serene by the beach. Serene via a reliable balance of soft waves and placidity. And loud mayhem via the crowds and their rowdiness, South Beach crowds are not quiet per se. Expect boom box noise levels along various sections of the sand.
There is something about experiencing South Beach, the beach itself, and the strip of restaurants parallel to it, that screams America.
Image by Dushawn Jovic
Where Not to Stay
There’s nothing to be gained from staying right on South Beach that’s something I don’t suggest.
Image by Ryan Parker
Big Pink
The Big Pink is another OG spot in South Beach. Super flamboyant decor, it’s the epitome of the beach with flavorful features such as different kinds of burgers that appeal to the masses. As well as an indulgent brunch comprised of waffles the size of a full plate. Bring your buddies, and tuck in.
Great sweet potato fries at Big Pink
Fairchild Botanical Gardens
Larger than the Miami Gardens, Fairchild is a celebration of horticulture, 83 acres worth. It’s an expanse of a place, water stretches amidst it and there’s a vast amount to explore and to wonder at. It’s an uplifting garden that’s an afternoon to meander through, blossoms and leaves, trees, and life pristine.
Image by Jason Briscoe
Image by Ussama Azam
Where to Stay? Standard Hotel & Spa
Standard Hotel & Spa
The Standard is retro classy, its Miami location is just what puts the cherry on the sundae that is Miami Beach immersion.
It’s beachside with a beautiful pool area, waterfront eatery, and spa that’s worth the indulgence. Though for adults only, like its standard, the place is playful and feels almost like a tropical apartment compound. It has that exotic yet worn feel to it. The restaurant serves organic food and the spot is overall in the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
It’s close to the bustle of South Beach but not right there, the ideal location.
Boating South Beach
There are numerous tiers of boating in the area, something I recommend as Miami is built with the waters an innate part of its culture. Boating includes:
Speed Boats
Speed boats which means sightseeing through the waterways with fun commentary about the history of houses, architecture, notable homes (Rihanna’s old house yay!), and have a scope of small to larger vessels to choose from depending on your party size.
Private Yacht Charters
For a more exclusive boating tour, a yacht charter offers a customized and luxurious foray into the waters and out further into the deep. This often also includes a privately cooked and catered meal aboard the vessel.
Jet Ski Tours
For more excitement or a thrill Miami vice style, you can board your jet ski and take to the waters with speed in your own hands. Guided tours can bring you up and along the coastline and also give narration to the houses of the surrounding area as well.
Kayak or Paddleboard
For a more leisurely yet still active experience, try kayaking or paddle boarding. This brings you through smaller canals at a cooler pace and lets you admire the surrounding homes from an intimate vantage point.
Water Taxis
Finally, water taxis are larger-scale, a fun way to scope the area sea-side. You can shimmy on and off, grab a drink at South Beach, and then get back on per your agenda.
Everglades Tour
The Everglades are an experience like nowhere else and one of my top recommendations for the Miami area. It’s an astounding 1.5 million acres that house not only conservation of glades but wildlife such as manatees and alligators, yes, scary and something that kids can learn about nature from. 45 minutes from Miami, the Everglades is something.
This airboat tour provides an in-depth immersion into the wetlands, it’s unlikely you won’t see a range of reptiles, birds, and if you’re lucky, the dangerous creatures. Especially if you’re traveling with children, the Everglades is a place that’s giving fantastic wildlife as well as environmental awareness.
Homestead
Homestead is known as a capital of tropical fruit growth. There are many many tropical fruit farms in specificity and variation. There’s a mango farm, a banana farm, different kinds of dragonfruit, there are jackfruit, black sapote, and on and on.
Homestead is worth a visit if you have a penchant for agriculture or fresh eats, and if you have an interest in the diversity of the fun abyss that is tropical fruit. It’s an oppositional pace than the lights of Southbeach, Homestead is a reprieve that almost feels Central America-esque.
*Safety tip
As warm as Miami is almost year-round, it’s cold in the indoor spaces which notoriously blast AC. If you get chilled easily, carry a light jacket or sweater when going indoors from outdoors regularly. This includes movie theaters, malls, museums, and even restaurants.
Bottom line
Miami is so American. It’s one of those hot spots, and it’s one of those outstanding havens. Beaches here and there, great locations to chow down, and a zesty nightlife. There are a handful of wonderful outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round from ages kid to senior. It’s a place to relax as well as casually experience novel extravagances.
Miami feels like a sumptuous getaway: tropical, fresh, and rhythmic. Maybe try walking your rental car? See how it feels.
Image by Andre Tan
