Downtown Miami and Miami Beach are two beautiful places to visit that make up one incredible city. Situated on an iconic waterfront location, Miami boasts vibrant color and style among its art décor architecture and fashionable locals. Travelers who can’t get enough of sunshine and people watching on the beach will love a trip to this cultural melting pot in the south of Florida. Here are a few highlights of things to do, places to eat and much more in Miami.
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The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club
In the heart of the Art Deco district of Miami Beach is this small and stylish boutique hotel. Surrounding its exterior is a popular café, serving a blend of eclectic Asian cuisine that’s sure to please most crowds. It sits on Collins Avenue in the heart of all the action, as you can walk to the nearby shopping areas and beaches.
Snacks and Sangria
Miami truly prides itself in its selection of wonderful international foods. Nosh and imbibe on some Haitian, Cuban and Brazilian fare, then have a snack at 100 Montaditos. This originally was a chain restaurant in Spain that has migrated over to the heavily Spanish-speaking city, introducing sangria on tap and dozens of small sandwich bites on the menu.
Art for Miles
Often overlooked, the Wynwood district of Miami is a true gem. This neighborhood features incredible works of art, but everything shown is street masterpieces. Businesses, sidewalks and street signs are all covered in color and style, which can also be seen at the official “Wynwood Walls” art installation.
The Hunt for a Perfect Cuban
Although there is the Little Havana neighborhood burst with ideal places to nosh on Cuban cuisine, you can find these treats almost anywhere in the city. For instance, Las Olas has the best Cuban sandwich in town. The place looks nondescript and is on 6th Street in Miami Beach. Bring cash and order a stack of freshly made empanadas, homemade squeezed pineapple juice and long-ways sliced sandwiched to eat there to take to the beach.
Key Biscayne’s Beauty
After lunch, it’s time to hit the beach. While there are many places to swim and sunbathe in Miami Beach, Key Biscayne has a much more laid-back atmosphere and seclusion. There are plenty of small strips of sand to relax on, plus opportunities to enjoy watersports, like catamaran sailing. Most views along the water overlook the iconic Miami downtown skyline.
Seeing the Big Shows
There are countless clubs, bars and late night restaurants to indulge in Miami after the sun goes down. Many are located downtown off of the monorail line which makes for easy access to and from the venues. Also downtown is the American Airlines Arena, where you can catch a massive concert from the hottest hip hop, electronic and indie acts around. For more laidback shows, give “The Garage” a try, found in the Wynwood neighborhood.
Miami has food, fun and fantastic attractions for everyone that are offered to travelers year-round.