Best tourist attractions in Miami
Sunny skies, sandy beaches, and warm weather wrapped up with art deco, neon lights, and vibrant nightlife. Welcome to Miami, the economic and financial center of Florida. It is also the state’s biggest city and one of the biggest metropolitan areas in America. Aside from being a tourist hub, Miami is also a leading city in terms of finance, entertainment, media, and international trade. If this is your first time in Miami and you are wondering where to go and what to see, just stick with us as we have prepared a handy little guide to help you with your quest. We will browse through some of the most important landmarks and best tourist attractions Miami has on offer. If you plan on becoming a permanent resident, interstate moving companies Miami have their doors open for you and your family.
Miami’s important landmarks and monuments
One of the first things you will notice about Miami is just how much is the architectural style of art deco is dominant. Venture down to Lincoln Road or Ocean Drive and you will find out that the area is rich with buildings form the 30’s and 40’s. Pastel-colored buildings ranging from purple to seaweed green covered in neon lights create the atmosphere authentic to the film Scarface. South Beach is home to over 900 buildings in art deco style and some of the prime examples are the Webster, Cadillac, and McAlpin hotels, as well as The Carlyle and the Colony theatre.
Tourist attractions in Miami for taking great photos
- Miami Tower – a 47 story skyscraper built in the ’80s is known for its wide palette of neon colors. It is said that construction of the Miami tower was financed by illegal activities, and the building changed owners many times. Today it is one of the central points of the Miami skyline.
- Freedom Tower – today used as an art museum it was home of the Miami News. It is built in Mediterranean revival style characteristic for the first real estate development of the city in the ’20s. Miami Biltmore hotel is another fine example of this period.
- Villa Vizcaya – Influenced by Veneto and Tuscany this mansion was home to 20th-century businessman James Deering. Built entirely in the Mediterranean revival style, Villa Vizcaya is home to a massive collection of European paintings and furniture dating back as far as to 15th Renaissance-style fountains and statues are scattered all over this 28-acre property.
- Cape Florida lighthouse – is the oldest building in Miami. Actually, it is 50 years older than the city itself as it dates back to 1825. It guided sailors from the Florida reef during stormy nights. It is a bit further away from the city but the captivating scenery and the beauty of the building itself will make your trip worthwhile.
- Old Spanish monastery – Bernard de Clairvaux church is the full name of this sanctuary that dates back to the 12th century. It is originally from Segovia, Spain and it was actually demounted and transported to the United States by William Randolph Hearst. Today locals use this picturesque building for marriage ceremonies.
Beaches are one of the main tourist attractions in Miami
Let’s face it beaches are one of the top reasons why masses of tourists pour to Miami every year. Tropical weather allows for many outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, kite surfing, sailing and swimming all year-round.
- Miami Beach is an expensive touristic neighborhood filled with luxury hotels, trendy eateries, shopping venues, and beach bars. Some of the most popular streets in Miami beach are Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue which house many magnificent art deco buildings.
- Hallandale Beach is another trendy district of greater Miami area which offers many opportunities to sunbathe and drink craft beers. We can’t blame you if you fall in love with the laid-back atmosphere of this neighborhood and wish to move there on a permanent basis. For that purpose moving companies Hallandale beach will provide you with expert services for a stress-free
- South Beach is probably the most popular touristic destination during the summer months. This area tends to become overcrowded with tourists from all over the world. South beach is host to many interesting events most notably Miami Fashion Week and Miami International Film Festival both taking place in March.
Miami offers some family-friendly fun too
For a healthy dose of escapism from the city hustle, there is a lot of tourist attractions in Miami. For instance, you can take your family for a daily visit to Miami Zoo. It boasts over 3,000 different animal spices, most notably a wide array of tropical birds. Also, your other option would be Jungle Island. As the name suggests this place is home to many wild species including alligators, giant turtles, monkeys, and colorful parrots. Many exotic plants are on display here. Last but not least you can take a trip to the Everglades National Park. It is a bit away from the city but offers its visitors a truly unique experience. It is essentially a swampland with a dense population of animals autochthonous to Florida. The best way to experience animals in their natural habitat is to treat yourself to an airboat tour.
Shopping and other fun activities
Being a city rich in diversities and different cultures Miami has something for everybody’s taste. Due to the favorable climate, many interesting festivals with music, food, and culture take place in Miami every month. For shopping tours, you can visit Bayside Marketplace. There are many specialty stores, high-end boutiques wine bars and bistros to choose from here. Then, the Miami Design District is an open-air center with a multitude of world-famous clothing brands. And for your daily dose of culture try some of multiple Miami museums such as Phillip and Patricia Frost museum of science, Children’s museum, Perez art museum or HistoryMiami. For nights out you can try some of the most opulent clubs on the planet like LIV or club E11EVEN.
In conclusion, the city of Miami is a melting pot with many different influences and vibes. Therefore we are quite sure you will have a great time exploring some of the main tourist attractions of Miami. Pack your backpack, bring a bottle of water and a camera and have a great time.