As any born and bred Floridian will tell you, Miami is a unique and wonderful city with a lot to offer. There’s excellent food, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of interesting people to meet. While the rest of the country is stuck in a perpetual winter that doesn’t seem to end, Miami is pleasantly warm and calm year in and year out. It’s the perfect place to unwind, explore, and get lost in.
If you’ve had one lackluster trip a few years ago and feel as though you haven’t missed out on much, then this list will prove you long. Hopefully, you’ll feel motivated to take another trip to Miami, and you’ll soon understand exactly what you’ve been missing with these 7 tips.
Explore Cuban History
Miami has a huge population of proud Cubans who have set up their entire lives in the city for generations. To fully understand the magic and importance of Miami, it helps to take the time to visit local museums and historical societies that will help you appreciate its history a lot more. Also, there are many Cuban restaurants to visit and some great spots with live entertainment, so definitely make note of that for your trip.
Find Cool Accommodation
Miami is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive resorts. However, if the fancy stuff isn’t exactly your speed, you can find other places that better suit your personality. There are lots of handy guides outlining where to stay in Miami, from the affordable to the luxe, and the minimalist to cozy and comforting. You might find some exquisite hidden gems like a relaxing bed and breakfast, or a mid-level hotel right on the water. You’re bound to find the perfect place if you search a bit off the beaten path.
Make Getting Around Easy
Miami is a big, sprawling city, similar in some ways to LA. It’s also notoriously hard to get around, and that can curtail your ability to enjoy the city. The public transportation system is solid, so it makes sense to get to know it ahead of time. However, the best thing to do when visiting Miami is to rent a car. That way you can see everything you like, without having to worry about steep Uber fees or getting lost in the metro system.
Avoid Beaches at Nights
Miami is known for its idyllic beaches, and you should definitely spend as much time as you can soaking up the sun and sand. However, you should know that it’s best to avoid the beaches at night. They’re not well lit, and there isn’t much security, making tourists prime targets for muggings and other unpleasant things. So, be careful and leave once the sunsets.
Dress Well
In other parts of Florida, wearing shorts and flip-flops all day is perfectly acceptable attire for such a beach-driven state. However, people in Miami are famous for possessing excellent taste, and they like to look as fashionable as possible. People who walk around all day in beach clothes tend to stick out here like a sore thumb, especially those who venture beyond the confines of Miami Beach. So, make sure to bring along some comfortable, simple, yet elegant clothes with you just in case.
Explore the Art Scene
The art scene in Miami has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts for the past two decades. Sure, art galleries tend to be synonymous with New York City, and other places throughout the country. However, Art Basel has changed things considerably, and plenty of people visit Miami exclusively to discover new and fresh artistic talent. If you like the arts and want to see new and exciting work, then this is the city for you.
Loosen Up
Not to sound condescending, but in order to fully enjoy everything Miami has to offer, it helps to loosen up and try to make the most of the city’s nightlife. And while it can be an expensive city, there are plenty of inexpensive options to look into before you book your trip. There’s a lot to do and see, and Miami truly comes alive at night. Some clubs don’t even open their doors till 2 AM, although if you’re an early bird, you can go to places that open at 10 PM or midnight. In all cases, you’re bound to have a lot of fun.
Miami is both blessed and cursed. It’s a beautiful place with plenty of things to do, and lots of interesting people to meet. At the same time, climate change looms over it heavily, and there are some seasons during which it makes sense to avoid the city. However, if you play your cards right and do the necessary research ahead of time, expect a ton of fun as you make the most of this dynamic city.
