Ultimate Guide To Holidays in Miami

Miami lies on the south east coast of Florida and is a hugely popular place to go on holiday. It has a distinct Latin feel thanks to the Cuban, Central and South American influences, making it a fascinating destination.

If you’re looking for a beach holiday and city adventures combined then Miami could be your perfect choice. With hundreds of attractions for all the family, miles of soft sand and shopping and nighttime entertainment to suit all tastes, a holiday to Miami is an ideal option for many holidaymakers.

What are the beaches like in Miami?

Year-round sunshine, white sand and warm blue sea make Miami beaches among the best in America. South Beach is the most popular along the coast and so can be busy at weekends. Public facilities are readily available and lots of restaurants and cafes line the beaches, providing somewhere to while away the hours if you’ve had enough sun for one day.

To be right at the heart of all the action during your holidays in Miami, head to South Beach, which is nicknamed ‘America’s Party Beach’ and is great for people-watching. The South Beach is the city’s most gay-friendly destination, while the two-mile-long Sunny Isles Beach further north is perfect for water sports enthusiasts and families.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, consider heading to Homestead Bayfront Park Beach, the most southerly beach in this area. Here you’ll find a natural atoll pool, pristine white sands, and a fantastic seafood restaurant that’s popular with the locals and those on holiday.

South Beach

Nicknamed the ‘American Riviera’, lively South Beach draws you in with its beautiful white sands and historic, iconic buildings – if you’re not already, you’ll definitely go home an architecture buff. Hang out on Lincoln Road, sipping cafecito (strong and sweet espresso) and watching the beautiful people stroll by.

Ocean Drive

This iconic street in the South Beach neighbourhood is the heart of the Art Deco District. A silent star of countless movies and music videos, come here to see and be seen at the clubs, bars, restaurants and shops – it’s 24-hour living at its best.

Miami Beach

Set in the middle of the island is the more residential Miami Beach. Here you can take romantic strolls along the boardwalk, or tee off on the local golf course; if you’re after a peaceful and laid-back holiday, relaxed Miami Beach is the perfect place.

Spend some time at the beautiful Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, where you can see many rare tropical plant species. This huge garden includes the Wings of the Tropics exhibit, where you can watch exotic butterfly species native to South and Central America. Or head to the Miami Seaquarium, where you’ll see some of the most amazing marine life in the world, from Orca Whales to Sea Turtles.

Hollywood Beach, found in North Miami Beach is another popular choice due to its boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants.

Culture & history

Miami has a strong mix of international cultural influences including Cuban and Haitian; this can be seen especially in areas like Little Havana.

The Art Deco architecture of South Beach is a designated National Historic District. Local residents have restored many of the pastel coloured buildings to their former 1930s and 40s style.

In North Miami Beach you’ll find a 12th century Spanish monastery and further afield the Biscayne National Park.

Natural attractions

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in heaven here; as this destination is next to one of America’s greatest wildernesses, the Everglades National Park. Home to many rare and endangered species from panthers to crocodiles, it’s an incredible contrast from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Miami. Experience peace and tranquillity in its scenic pinelands, go canoeing on the lakes, and head to the Shark Valley visitor centre for a magnificent panoramic view of the park. By car, you can reach the Everglades in about 30 minutes.

Nightlife

South Beach has a huge variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It tends to be classed as more of a ‘couples and singles’ crowd than for families.

Throughout Miami there are quieter areas with restaurants as well as ballets, music concerts and casinos for those who don’t want the party atmosphere of South Beach on their Miami holiday.

Eating Out

Thanks to its diverse cultural mix of inhabitants, a holiday to Miami boasts a wide variety of dining options. From Cuban to Indian and French to Brazilian the choice is pretty much endless. The unique blend of American, Latin and Caribbean influences has even gained its own cuisine name – Floribbean.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the restaurant scene, which reflects the city’s diverse population and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city has long been touted for its vibrant Caribbean and Central American cuisine, and is home to some superb Spanish, Argentinian, and Peruvian restaurants. During your getaway, you’ll also find plenty of places serving American and European cuisine, as well as delicious cocktails like minty Cuban-inspired Mojito and the coconut-rum blended Pina Colada.

Seafood is in abundance and flavour is key to Miami residents. So expect lots of options and lots of taste!

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