Miami is one spot often found on bucket lists across the world. Known mostly for its beaches, Miami has a plethora of tourist attractions ranging from art galleries, museums, national park and zoo, sports arenas, and many iconic buildings that you can recognize from pop culture, references including the 2006 Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrel action-thriller film, Miami Vice. Although it faces frequent storms, the climate is generally between mild and warm. The waters surrounding Miami is a haven for surfers and vacationers alike.
A few facts about Miami:
- The City of Miami is a part of Miami-Dade County, Florida (USA)
- It has a population of 467,963
- In its total area of 56.07 sq. mi.; it has over 300 high-rises, making it the city with the third highest skyline in the U.S.
- It is nicknamed, “the Capital of Latin-America”
Miami has an interesting diversity of attractions, making it a hotspot for people looking to chill at the beach, o naturalists, history-buffs, science-enthusiasts, and artist-lovers.
Beaches in Miami
1. Miami Beach and the South Pointe Pier
The Miami Beach is the most popular among all the tourists with a US Visa. Located on a barrier island rather than the peninsula, it is flanked by the Biscayne Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Its blue waters and white sandy beaches make it a perfect spot for a little sunbathing, surfing, and other water-sports. It also holds other places of historical and natural beauty such as mangrove forests, the Jackie Gleason Theatre of the Performing Arts, and South Pointe Pier. The Miami Beach hosts interesting art and cultural events throughout the year.
2. South Beach
Like the Miami Beach, the South Beach, or SoBe is also flanked by the same water bodies on either side. It has vivid and thriving nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques, and hotels. It also has a beautiful Ocean Drive that is a major motorist-magnet.
3. Key Biscayne and Crandon Park
To the South of Miami Beach lies a relatively more peaceful shore where a small community is located called the Key Biscayne. It is protected from the frequent storms and floods that Miami faces by the offshore reefs of Crandon Park; thus, making it the perfect getaway from the city-life.
Museums, Markets other muses
1. Art Deco Historic District
This US historic district is popular as the place where the famous Italian designer, Gianni Versace lived. It has over 900 historic buildings that are said to inspire artists as well as technologists with their beauty and modernity.
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Once belonging to the businessman James Deering, the Vizcaya Museum is home to 15th to 19th Century European art, architecture, and antiques. The villa is surrounded by gardens and even an expanse of native forests.
3. Bayside Marketplace and Bayfront Park
The Bayside Marketplace is located at the waterfront and hosts numerous tourist shops. If you are interested in taking back some souvenirs, this is the place. Besides this and the popular chain stores, it also hosts live events and performances on a daily basis. The adjoining Bayfront Park is a green expanse dotted with interesting sculptures and monuments. It also has an amphitheater, a children’s playground, and a Pepper Fountain!
4. Little Havana and Calle Ocho
This one is a little off-beat from the general scene of Miami. Little Havana is a Cuban district in Miami where you can spend time absorbing the beauty and warmth of the Cuban culture. The open-architecture, the cuisine, the Latin music, and of course, hand-rolled cigars. Most people come here in March to attend the Calle Ocho Festival.
5. Street Art, Wynwood Walls
This is a must-see sight. Resembling graffiti, the Wynwood Walls are murals by Tony Goldman, in 2009, turning the sober exterior of the warehouse district into vivid pieces of art. Although initiated by Tony Goldman, several artists from across the world joined in to manifest this dream into reality.
6. Miami Children’s Museum
If you are looking for a spot of special interest for children, you can head over to the Miami Children’s Museum. It’s a 56,000 sq. feet of space designed to stimulate the curiosity of children and adults alike. It holds exhibits in arts, community, communication, and a kids’ park as well.
Here’s a list of a few more places you must check out on your next visit to Miami:
- Nature-lovers’ Paradise: Everglades National Park, Jungle Island, Coral Castle, the Miami Zoo, and the Deering Estate at Cutler.
- Obscure and Hidden Attractions: Miami Beach Cinematheque, Wag Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, Perez Art Museum of Miami (PAMM), Umbrella Plaza, Giralda Plaza, SoundScape Park, Little Haiti Cultural Complex, and Holocaust Memorial.
If you have time, you can also plan a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center located around 213 miles from Miami, and check out the NASA space museum.
Although famous for its beaches and markets, Miami has much to offer even in terms of art, culture and heritage. The city has several modern as well as rustic sights that make one fall in love with the city. Be sure to add this to your itinerary on your next visit to the United States of America.
