My husband visits Miami several times a year and I always get jealous! Miami is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the United States. Considering the sun and the surf that Miami is famous for, this is not very difficult to believe. Many people who live in cold climates escape to Miami to enjoy some fun in the sun – and from the east coats, flights are usually really affordable! For people looking for a vacation destination that is in a warm climate, Miami is one of the best choices you can make.
Friends of ours just took a cruise out of Miami, but went down a few days early to explore the city first! They had a blast – they got to see a new area of the country and didn’t have to stress about missing their cruise. Despite its reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous, you can find affordable hotels in Miami. Here are some ways places you can visit to help you soak up the sun in gorgeous Miami.
1. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
This is one of the lesser known attractions in the Miami area. Nonetheless, people who go there rarely leave disappointed. You should consider the fact that many people do not know about it to be a blessing. If the general public was aware of this beautiful location, it would surely become yet another Miami tourist trap with enormous crowds to negotiate. Vizcaya is a mansion that was built in 1915. It contains a total of 30 rooms that surround a central courtyard. More than 800 laborers were involved in its construction. The person who built it wanted the mansion to have the feel of a real Italian villa. In an effort to do this, he brought many of the laborers to the United States all the way from Italy. After you see the finished product with your own eyes, you will agree he made the right decision.
2. South Beach
This is one of the most visited beaches in the United States. If you want to soak up the sun and get rid of your pasty pale skin, this would be the ideal place to do it. However, there are always large crowds. If you are looking to enjoy some peace and quiet as you get your tan, you will not find it here. This is a perfect place for a family outing. It does not matter if you want to have a picnic, take a stroll, do some swimming or rent a bike and go for a ride, all of these things can be done at South Beach. Along with renting a bike, you can also rent a pair of roller blades, if you are so inclined.
3. Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s dream, so make sure not to get carried away with your spending. It is basically a large mall that has more than 130 shops selling everything you can possibly imagine. The shops are mainly set up to attract tourists, selling trinkets and other inexpensive items that people visiting Miami would be interested in buying. If you want to grab a bite to eat, you can do that at the Bayside Marketplace as well. Many cafes and restaurants populate the area, so it will be easy to find something you like. In terms of live entertainment, there are a few places where bands perform on a regular basis.
Thanks to Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, a travel website that helps you to locate the best deals on transportation, accommodations, and more for these great tips!
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