Why You Should Visit Miami
Miami is a diverse city with a variety of cultures, beautiful beaches, and a booming art scene. When you visit Miami, it may be hard to believe that the thriving city was swampland less than a century ago. Since the area has been developed, it contains breathtaking city skylines and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the South.
When you visit Miami, you can take advantage of the stunning wildlife that located just outside the city, or you can enjoy the many multicultural neighborhoods, such as Little Havana. Miami is also well-known for its vivid nightlife and vibrant, exciting parties that line Miami Beach, which is a small island that is just east of the mainland.
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Miami is ranked as:
- 1st: Best Places to Visit in January
- 9th: Best Shopping Destinations in the USA
- 11th: Best Weekend Getaways
- 13th: Best Winter Vacations
- 17th: Best Places to Visit in the USA
Best Places to Visit in Miami
Miami Beach
Many tourists visit Miami primarily for Miami Beach, which is home to South Beach. South Beach is a popular destination among visitors because it is packed with unique art deco history, and it is one of the top spots for young adults who are looking to party.
The beaches are white sand, and there are numerous dining establishments that feature a wide range of cultural cuisine.
If you’re looking to visit Miami Beach, consider taxicab services, such as Yellow Taxi Miami.
Little Havana
Little Havana is just west of downtown Miami and is the cultural center for Cuban-Americans in the city. The neighborhood attracts many visitors because of the excellent food and vivid atmosphere.
Calle Ocho, which is also known as 8th Street, is the place to be in Little Havana. At the corner of Calle Ocho and 15th Avenue is Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park), which is a great place to observe Cuban culture. In addition, El Pub is also located close to Calle Ocho and features authentic Cuban cuisine at budget-friendly prices. In March, Miami hosts the Calle Ocho Festival that lasts for one week and attracts thousands of visitors. The street festival celebrates the famous Carnaval and has a plethora of food, dancing, and music.
Calle Ocho also houses numerous cigar factories and is close to Cuban Memorial Boulevard. This spot is the ideal place for those looking to purchase cigars and enjoy Cuban dining at its best.
The Miami Zoo
The Miami Zoo houses more than 2,000 animals that make up more than 500 species. The zoo is well-known for providing resident animals with a natural environment. It doesn’t use cages but moats that are placed to safely separate the animals from the guests. The zoo also features petting zoos and educational programs for small children. The Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station is a popular spot at the zoo. The Miami Zoo is about 20 miles from downtown in South Miami. For taxi services in Miami, contact Yellow Taxi Miami.
The zoo is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and its weekend hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the ticket booth closes daily at 4:00 p.m. The zoo offers discounts for large parties, AAA members, seniors, and military. The tickets range from $13.95 to $17.95.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is located about 30 miles from downtown Miami and offers a completely different experience than the city. The park is the biggest subtropical wetland in North America. It is often called the “River of Grass” because the water moves significantly slower than normal. At the park, visitors can get an close look at the unique ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife that move through the area.
Although most of the 1.5 million-acre reserve is for wildlife preservation, there is an area, which is located close to Miami, that offers private tours via airboat. The Everglades Safari Park is located within the Everglades National Park and provides visitors with alligator shows, trails, exhibits, and airboat rides. There are also tour businesses that provide tourists with interactive wildlife tours within the park. Visitors can also enjoy a two-hour guided tram tour at the Shark Valley Visitors Center. Tip: If you are planning on taking little ones on an airboat, you may want to pack noise-reducing headphones because airboats can be extremely loud. The park offers a wide range of wildlife that includes 360 species of birds and the Florida panther, which is endangered.
Vizcaya Museum
The Vizcaya Museum is located in the Coconut Grove district. The museum and gardens were constructed in the early 1900s as a winter villa for James Deering. The museum offers a wide range of art that includes exquisite 15th to 19th piece centuries. In addition, another appealing factor to the museum is that the original house primary remains intact and showcases a variety of vintage trinkets and furnishings.
The gardens are breathtaking with ancient European styling. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are located only a mile from downtown Miami. Admission ranges from $6 to $18 and is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. However, it is closed on Tuesdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
Wynwood Walls
The Wynwood Walls is an art exhibit that was established in 2009. It is a free, outdoor art museum that features more than 80,000 square feet of art on warehouse walls. The walls are filled with vibrant, electric art that features graffiti. Since 2009, there have been more than 50 artists from more than 16 countries that have contributed to the grandeur of the Wynwood Walls.
On the second Saturday of each month, there is an art walk where galleries feature new art. In addition, there is also a tour available every other weekend that takes visitors to local eateries and shops.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is located at Bayfront Park. The spot is popular among tourists looking for dining and shopping, and it is an ideal place to pick up local souvenirs. The marketplace features more than 120 restaurants, eateries, and shops as well as live music in the afternoon and evening. Bayside Marketplace is open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it closes at 11 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, 9 p.m. is when Bayside Marketplace closes.
What to Eat When You are in Miami
The international city offers cuisine from all over the planet. It is a popular destination for foodies, and it offers Cuban, American, and Japanese cuisine in abundance. The city is also located on the water, which is why it has a plethora of dining establishments that offer delicious, fresh seafood.
Many of the dining establishments in Miami have been around for decades, which includes the Versailles Restaurant. This restaurant features authentic Cuban food, fresh seafood, and more. Other popular restaurants are Garcias Seafood Grille and Fish Market. The city is filled with food truck and small, local restaurants.
Getting Around Miami
On your visit to Miami, if you are in need of taxicab services, contact Yellow Cab Taxi. A taxi is a great way to get from one spot to another, and Yellow Cab provides taxi services in Miami at a reasonable rate.
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