The sun felt really good on my face as I left the plane, escaping the New England winter and we were in for a lot of snow as I was leaving for South Beach.
Miami really is a the perfect winter getaway for those of us who don’t enjoy the cold. Below are three things that will help you book your first stay in Miami. Be on the look out for my favorite sites to come out soon.
Sites to See in Miami
Take the Art Deco Tour
My friend and I did the archetecture tour while we were in Miami and it was so interesting. The Art Deco section of South Beach feels like stepping back in time to the 1930s or 1940s with intersting geometric shapes and pastel hotels that line the shoreline. Miami has the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings, with over 800 structures. However beneath the colorful exterior is a darker history, often involving mobsters and gangsters such as Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel. They would often quiely fund casinos and hotels in the area, mingle with movie stars,
Shop at Lincoln Road Mall
This pedestrian-only street was designed in the 1950s by famed architect Morris Lapidus. Today, it is filled with luxurious shops, cafes, and peformers. It’s also a great place to go people watching.
Go on a Boat
Last year I was on a bachelorette trip and this was amoing the funnest activites we did all weekend. We went on a boat and swam in the ocean. The tour had music and we got to see some of the big mansions that lined the water.
Visit the Beach
There are several beaches you can visit, including the following:
- Lummus Park Beach: This is the classic Miami experience, with backdrops of Ocean Drive in the background.
- South Pointe Beach: This beach is a little calmer and has great views of the skyline.
Check out the Nightlife
Miami is famous for its nightlife, bars, and restaurants. If you are looking to party late, consider Club Space, which is one of the few places to retain a 24 hour liqour license.
Visit the Everglades National Park
Located about 50 minutes from Miami, the Everglads is a beautiful destination. You’ll be able to sail on one of those airboats and see interesting wildlife, including alligators!
3 Tips When Visiting Miami:
1. It may be cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood.
This airport is only about a 30 minute drive from Miami. Besides if you rent a car, you can go see the Everglades (which I highly recommend). Parking is also reasonable (especially is you are from Boston). Click here to find a spot.
2. Miami and Miami Beach are not the Same
Miami Beach and Miami are not technically the same thing. When booking a hotel, hostel or Airbnb, book in the South Beach area. Miami Beach is where most tourists want to go and South Beach is the most popular part of Miami Beach.
3. Check out the Brightline
If you want to do Miami and Orlando, there is now a high-speed rail between the two. I took the Brightline last year (2024) and it was so fast and clean. Honestly, as a New England girl who has been wanting high-speed rail her whole life, I was a little jealous.
Final Thoughts
Any other tips before booking? Any recommended hotels or restaurants? Leave them below in the comments.
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