Hotels in Miami

Some cities can be described as generic, full of strip malls, chain stores, name brands and people more or less like everyone else. Miami does not fall into this category. Tucked away in the southeast tip of America’s black sheep southern state, this city is far from ordinary. If you’re visiting Miami you know more or less what you have come here to do, but unless you have been here before you have no idea what this experience will entail.

Most people come to Miami for the beaches. Very few beach towns in the United States can boast year round beach weather. Outside of the short lived but frequent summer rain shower, Miami can.If the weather is nice in this city, simply drive east until you hit sand. From the family friendly beach in Hollywood, to the nude beach at Haulover, Miami has a beach for you. The popular South Beach combines the beauty and amenities of other Miami beaches with an upbeat international party vibe, to make it one of the top ranked beaches in the world. Read a book or learn to kite board, your beach day can be as active as you make it at any of the beautiful Miami beaches.

Spending time at the beach is not the only way to spend time in and around the water while in this tropical paradise. Deep-sea fishing and diving are world class, off the shores of Miami. Maybe you want to see the Miami skyline at high speeds from a “Miami Vice” style cigarette boat or relax and sightsee from a dinner cruise. There is always a boat to meet your needs waiting for you at the Bayside Marina docks.

There are more than a few spots in Miami that are dedicated to shopping. You have your malls, Aventura and Dolphin being two of the largest and most popular. Then you have your outdoor market places like Bayside. This is a true Miami mall, mostly outdoors, on the water, with lots of activities and entertainment throughout. Like most shopping in Miami, entertainment seems to come first. There are also a few pedestrian only shopping strips like Lincoln road in South Beach. The recipe here is mostly high-end retail shops with plenty of restaurants, bars, art galleries and entertainment peppered in. Miami has solved the problem of husbands being dragged from store to store. There is something for everyone with the Miami shopping experience.

Miami is bordered to the west by the Everglades National Park. If you have the time, an airboat ride or camping trip is worth your while in the winter. However, you don’t have to leave Miami to see crocodiles, giant pythons and exotic birds. You can see all of the animals native to Florida, and more, at Parrot Jungle Island and Metro Zoo. If you want to see some ocean life without ever leaving dry land then make your way to the Seaquarium, swimming with the dolphins is optional.

In a city known for great weather, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time in the sun. Even shopping, eating and drinking usually takes place outdoors in Miami. Just bring your sun block and pick your activity.