Miami – Sun, Surf & Groovey Sounds

As the pulsating heart beat of southern Florida, Miami is dubbed The Capital of Latin America; and with good reason. It boasts long sunny days, large clean beaches, endless shopping, world heritage sites and never ending parties; plus a melting pot of Latino cuisine and flavours.

Miami is also famously known as the cruise ship capital of America thanks to its close proximity to the Caribbean and Mexico. If you’re joining a cruise then a good chance it will depart from Miami or close by Fort Lauderdale.

South Beach Miami

Miami Beach
Miami Beach

Sun, surf and groovy sounds are what to expect from Miami’s South Beach. Spanning from First to Fifteenth Avenue along Ocean Drive, the beach is expansive with fine soft white sand and Miami skyline views. Claim a piece of sand as your own for the day or rent one of the many chairs and umbrellas available.

Spanning several blocks around Ocean Drive are many cafes and restaurants to choose from. Be warned of the staff on Ocean Drive restaurants that will try and lure you in with their special meals and drink offers and through their charms on you, but don’t be afraid to keep walking until you find where you want to be as those specials will still be there tomorrow.

As art deco central, you’ll be wowed at the architecture of the many hotels that line Ocean Drive. Most have vintage cars and come evenings and weekends, this is party central, especially during Spring Break time.

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Florida Everglades

Sunset over the Florida Everglades
Sunset over the Florida Everglades

Commonly known as ‘The Glades’, this expansive area of Florida is the largest subtropical wilderness in America, a designated World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a Hover-Craft water tour showcasing the rare and endangered species of the area. Don’t be too quick to take a swim though or dangle your legs over the edge, it’s also one of the most populous alligator areas deserving its nickname ‘Alligator alley’.


Little Havana

Little Havana locals
Little Havana locals

The quaint neighbourhood of Little Havana is home to many Cuban immigrants and Central and South American residents. It’s a social and cultural hub filled with incredible restaurants such as Versailles Restaurant serving up delicious Cuban cuisine such as ceviche, cornmeal stew (with slow-cooked pork and sweet plantains) and of course the original Cuban Sandwich – piled high with sweet ham, roast pork and swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread with mustard and pickles. Festivals are also common as are the friendly streets and welcoming residents.


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South Beach Art Deco Tour

Miami's South Beach is art deco central
Miami’s South Beach is art deco central

Spanning over 30 blocks surrounding the South Beach area stand more than 960 Art Deco buildings. Hotels and apartments boast historic Art Deco architecture and are home to daily walking tours. Several operators depart many times per day and this tour is informative and extremely visual. A must-do for all architecture lovers and if lucky, you may just spot a celebrity or two.


Cruising from Miami

Cruise ships depart daily from the Port of Miami with sensational views of Miami Beach on departure
Cruise ships depart daily from the Port of Miami with sensational views of Miami Beach on departure

Miami is well known for one of the largest tourism industries in the world – ocean cruising. Within close proximity to the Caribbean, Mexico, US East Coast and many islands in-between, chances are if you are on a cruise you will depart from here or the nearby cruise port of Fort Lauderdale.

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About the author

Jason Dutton-Smith is a professional nomad, first-class-wannabe and curious adventurer who enjoys travel that's two parts planned, to one part self-discovery. When at home, chief tea maker.