Welcome to Miami: a tiny piece off the Atlantic side of Florida, yet one of the most populated and popular attractions craved worldwide. This fairly young city is most known for its swaying palm trees and extensive beaches. With water five feet away from any residence, it’s difficult not to give in to the warm salt-water retreat, or for a new adventure! There’s always something to do down here. After all, this is the city of no sleep.
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The strange aspect of this city is that its cultural centers are dispersed around and not cluttered in just one area, so you’ll need a car or a bike to get you by. Trust me, you do not want to be caught walking for miles under the 95 degree endless heat. Besides, windy car rides are the lifestyle down here. So, pick up your sunglasses, untie your hair, and enjoy the ride!
Let’s start you off exploring Miami’s cultural centers. There’s the famous 8th Street in the middle of the whole city where you have the mixture of Latin cultures unite in tons of small restaurants, shops, and galleries. The Dominos Park is right in the heart of 8th Street, where you can see old Cuban men playing dominoes or you can challenge one to a game yourself. Every last Friday of the month is a cultural celebration on 8th Street; artists showcase their works, there are food and drink specials in the neighborhood bars and restaurants, and live Latin music is beaming on the streets. Many of these galleries and restaurants all have historic pictures and information inside. There are so many stories to be told in every place you stop by, not to mention there is delicious food everywhere!
What I love about Miami is that you can crave any type of food at any time, and there will always be a place available to eat in since there is such a clash of cultures down here. Definitely stop by at any Café and taste one of the “Pastelitos” or “Croquettas” , pastries or croquettes, made fresh. The best places to stop by for croquettes is Sergio’s. If you need a quick pick-me-up, ask for a “cortadito”, it’s Cuban coffee on the go. We have the best fresh fried shrimp in a small seafood restaurant on Flagler street called “La Camaronera”. Speaking of clashing cultures, Flagler and Bird Road are other very busy main streets with tons of services.
There are lights everywhere you turn in Miami, even in the ocean! If you’re down here, you can’t miss your trip to the beaches. If you’re looking to meet new people or to party on the beach, Miami Beach is where you are headed, but if you’re looking for a more peaceful and cleaner shoreline, just keep driving a little further into Bal Harbor’s beaches. In Biscayne Bay’s beaches, you can bathe with your dog or fish in almost any spot. All the way at the end of Biscayne Bay is where the famous lighthouse is located. You can fish or bathe there too, bike, and even climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse! It’s a lot of fun to bring the whole family there.
Miami is the city where the whole family has something to do. Ask around for local parks and seasonal attractions for the kids and ride along to see all the lights and festivities at night. There really is no one spot to visit, you just have to see the whole city. So come catch a nice tan or put on your dancing shoes!
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