Posted by Welcome to Miami! Before my recent trip here, the adult playground of Las Vegas used to be my favorite “fun city.” Then I discovered South Beach! I had been to Miami before, but this trip opened my eyes to a side of the city that I had missed out on. It has everything I love; ocean, beach, culture, and great food! If Casinos and Broadway-style shows are your thing, stick to Vegas. Otherwise, check out Miami for a unique vibe and international flair.
My first observation is that Collins Avenue is the gateway to all things beachy in Miami. From North to South, it follows the coastline and ends in South Beach. If you really want to get a feel for the logistics of Miami, take a tour. We opted for the open-air London double-decker bus. Being from England this amused me. A quaint English tradition in the mix of Miami! It stopped being amusing when we were on top of the bus, on a high bridge over the water, with gusts of wind threatening to blow us into orbit. Credit to the bus driver we arrived safely but tousled in the city of Miami proper.
Upon disembarking the roller coaster ride, we enjoyed lunch in Little Havana. Since this was a hop-on-hop-off system, we took our time over Cuban coffee and a Cubano sandwich, watching the senior population socialize over board games in the square. Little Havana is a buzz of activity and gave us a glimpse of what the real Havana could feel like. Our bus roamed through the business district and parked at Bayside Marketplace. This is a trendy spot to shop and eat and wonder how anyone can afford those yachts. Your bus will take you back to South Beach to navigate back to your hotel. In spite of the bridges, the bus tour is a great way to get a unique overview of the city.
Visit the website for current rates and many tour options. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city. https://miamidoubledecker.com/
You will hear much about the Art Deco district, where hotels built in the 1920s have been modernized while keeping their original feel. They are pretty affordable and there are plenty to choose from. Most include easy access to the beach with hotel beach loungers (ours charged for a sun-blocking umbrella, but even in October it was well worth the cost). Most are also within easy walking distance of a multitude of restaurants and bars. We opted to stay at the Shelborne South Beach, which was the perfect choice. It leads directly to the beach, has a great outdoor pool, and a convenient restaurant and bar for midday meals or dinner. Check out the hotel for yourself at this link https://www.shelborne.com then book at a competitive rate at booking.com on this site!
Miami’s large Hispanic population means there is a smorgasbord of authentic Hispanic food available. Check out Ocean Drive for a selection of high-end restaurants where the famed Versace house is located, alongside other unique historic buildings. At night when the temperature dips, enjoy the sight of lights bouncing off the waves.
The food options ar overwhelming! We had more than our fair share of Cuban, and enjoyed authentic Mexican. For breakfast we chose an Italian bakery next to our hotel, with Cuban coffee from the hotel. Be aware of eating at one of the many hotel restaurants as you will get charged a hotel fee along with your meal for the privilege of eating there.
TRAVEL TIPS: Miami traffic is highly congested. It doesn’t flow it crawls, and parking is a huge challenge. We ubered to the airport and used public transportation to get around. If you rent a car, there is no guarantee you will be able to park near your hotel, unless indicated that there is private parking available.
Personal safety: I always ask staff at the hotel if it’s safe to walk around at night. Miami is just as busy at night as it is during the day, but guard handbags, phones, and wallets just as you would anywhere and stick to the main areas.
Above all, enjoy the miles and miles of beautiful beaches and warm water. Miami’s tropical climate makes it a great choice for a warm getaway at any time of the year. Happy Trails to Miami, USA!
