As far is US cities go, Miami is one of the most fun. With sunny weather year-round, pleasant climates and beautiful beaches, it’s hard not to fall in love at first sight. If you’re planning a trip to Miami, chances are you won’t be disappointed. Just be sure to fill your itinerary with some of the best places to see in the city. You’ll need to visit the beaches for sure, but there are a few other places you won’t want to miss. Here are the best Miami attractions for both locals and tourists to visit.
Miami vs Miami Beach: What’s the Difference
For anyone who hasn’t ever visited Miami, Miami and Miami beach might seem like the same thing. However, the two are distinct cities that are each governed by their own municipality. Regardless, it’s a good idea to visit both Miami and Miami Beach to view all the attractions in the area.
Best Miami Beaches
What’s a trip to Miami if you don’t visit the beach? Miami has some of the most beautiful and enjoyable beaches – not only in the US, but worldwide. When it comes to beaches in Miami, there are a few you shouldn’t miss out on.
Lummus Park Beach
Lummus park beach is a great place to relax over the weekend. Some of the main activities of the beach include volleyball, sunbathing, swimming and more. The beach also sports trees for shade and some outdoor exercise equipment.
If you get hungry, you won’t need to go far, as Lummus Park Beach has some great restaurants to dine at.
South Pointe Park Pier
South Pointe Park Pier is a lovely, quiet beach away from the busy city life. Facilities as the beach include a play area for children, picnic areas and a fishing pier. For those who like to swim, the beach also has washing stations with showers to rinse away beach sand and water after a dip in the ocean.
Visitors could easily find themselves spending a few hours at South Pointe Park Pier, as there are a few restaurants located on the beach for when hunger starts to set in.
Surfside
Surfside is another Miami attraction that you shouldn’t miss. A popular attraction for both locals and tourists, Surfside is a great for swimming in summer, as lifeguards are on duty this time.
Furthermore, the beach often has live music and there are a few bars in the area to go and enjoy a drink. Another great thing about Surfside is the Surfside Community Centre, where one of the biggest waterparks in Miami are located.
Although there are many other beaches in Miami and surrounds, these three are certainly some of the most central. Other beaches to visit in the area include Houlover Beach. Sunny Isles Beach, Crandon Park and Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Miami Attractions for Nature Lovers
Miami has some great parks to enjoy. The great thing about going to a park is that it’s the perfect place to relax, go slow and breathe in some fresh air.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Any park can offer green trees, green grass and some time in nature, but John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is different. Instead of offering the normal nature experience, this park is dedicated to the coral reef, which means you can explore the sea life in the area.
When visiting the park, the best way to see the reef is through a snorkeling tour or by boat.
Oleta River State Recreation Area
This park is one of Florida’s finest. Oleta River State Recreation Area is a bit of a way out, but well worth the effort. The park offers kayaking, paddleboard, off road bike riding and accommodation in cozy cabins on premise.
Bill Sadowski Park
Ideal for bird watchers and amateur astrologists, the Bill Sadowski Park has beautiful scenic trails. A visit to the park in the evening could see you stargazing from the observatory in the park. Bird watching tours are also available.
Miami Night Time Attractions
After spending a sunny day at the beach or in nature, there’s still plenty more to do in the evenings when you’re in Miami.
Ice Bar
Although you’re visiting Miami for the warm weather, it’s good to mix things up a night to cool off. The Ice Bar offers tours, where you can enjoy drinks and view ice sculptures by Joel Rimer. If you didn’t pack warm clothes, you needn’t worry, as a fur coat, socks and some winter accessories will be part of your tour package.
The ice bar is the perfect place to experience something unique in Miami while enjoying drinks and some live music.
Miami Downtown
Miami Downtown is an area that’s teaming with life at night. With a variety of bars to choose from, it’s the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy a drink and listen to music. Bars are busier on weekends, making it the ideal place to go if you enjoy large crowds. Be sure to look for happy hour discounts at bars because many bars in the area offer happy hour all night long.
South Beach
South Beach is the place to be if you love parties. With a selection of top clubs, world class DJ’s and fun parties, there’s no place in Miami where nighttime is more alive than here.
South Beach has discos, bars, clubs and lounges. Anything you want for a great night out partying. It’s a great place to get social and meet both locals and tourists in the area.
Other Miami Attractions
Miami offers more than just beaches, nature and spectacular nightlife activities. The city also offers historical attractions and unique shopping locations.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside marketplace is a great place to go if you need a little retail therapy. With more than 150 specialty shops, cafes and restaurants, Bayside Marketplace is a great place to unwind, buy some souvenirs and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal.
Open from 10am to 10- or 11pm every day of the week except Sunday, it can also be a great place to go for a relaxed evening out.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful place to visit. The museum boasts a garden and interior designed with Renaissance in mind. It’s this European style will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a different country altogether.
Miami Science Museum
Miami Science Museum offers an impressive range of interactive exhibits. Some of the main themes covered are physics, chemistry and biology. The museum is the perfect place to go for a fun day out with the family. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids science while learning more about it yourself.
The museum was established in 1950 and has grown significantly since that time.
Exhibits are changed regularly, so even after the first visit, there’s always more to go back for.
Transport Options for Miami Tourists
When it comes to getting around in Miami, visitors have a couple of options to choose from. For those who want a car, renting is an option, but it’s usually more expensive than alternatives.
Public Transport
Miami has a bus system that runs to many of the popular locations in the city. While bus fair is cheap, taking the bust means planning your daily itinerary around when the next bus will be available to pick you up. You’ll also need to ensure you have change on you, as only exact change will be accepted for bus fares/
Another option is the trolleys. The trolleys operate in Miami, Miami Beach and are free of charge, but limited destinations are available. One of the main benefits of the trolleys is that they connect the bus system, which can make if easier to catch a bus if you don’t want to wait at your current location.
Miami Yellow Taxis
Yellow taxis are the ideal transportation if you want to explore Miami on your own time. Rates are generally affordable and the cost per mile decreases the further you go. When traveling a bit further out where public transport isn’t available, taxis are one of the cheapest options for transport in Miami.
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