Modern-day Miami is the idyllic vacation destination for most Americans as it is a balanced blend of urban and tropical, a resort locale on one hand with all the big city trimmings of a booming economy on the other. Small cafes and art deco bars of Miami Beach exist alongside the megaclubs and skyrise hotels of Downtown’s Financial District. Somewhere in between, the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve provides exciting sea adventures for the whole family and the Port of Miami supplies access to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas by way of major cruise ship.
Cosmopolitan Chic: a Global Retreat
Finding airfare to Miami from any destination worldwide has become easy since Miami has positioned itself on the international map culturally, financially and demographically over the last few decades. Miami struggled with an influx of immigration from the Caribbean, Cuba and South America combined with a massive exodus of financial capital throughout most of the 20th century. Today, Miami has bounced back with full force, overflowing with the swankiest restaurants, premier nightlife, designer shopping and restored historic art deco hotels that glitter the oceanfront avenues of South Beach.
A walk along Collins Avenue in South Beach will reveal the charm of rehabilitated 1920s architecture, commingling with a Latin and European flair of sidewalk cafes, designer boutiques and the buzz of multiple languages afloat through the air. Farther north into main Miami Beach along Ocean Avenue offers the luxurious beach club hotels that Miami is famous for. These hotels offer panoramic ocean views, self-contained clubs and lounges and a pool with private access to the crashing ocean waves.
The dining in Miami is just as representative of its multicultural population. Do not miss a Cuban meal (or two) and the Argentinean special of flash-fried steak. Ask a local for the best authentic cooking and make sure to brush up on some Spanish ahead of time. Miami has also become the epicenter of sophisticated cuisine. Celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Emeril Lagasse have opened restaurants in South Beach and the Blue Door inside the breathtaking Delano Hotel is also a notable standout. Make sure to have stone crabs at one of your meals, a local specialty!
Feeling the Salty Breeze of Miami
Aside from eating, drinking and otherwise resort and spa life, Miami has an endless array of activities for all levels of interest. Snorkeling and Scuba diving are the most common activities, along with boat and Jet Ski rentals from most major ports along the bay. Book a sunset ride at the Tropical Park Equestrian Center or rent a kayak to take a scenic tour of the majestic mansions the line the bay along the mainland.
It’s time to come see the dramatic beautification and restoration of Miami for yourself. Book your airfare to Miami now and reserve a few nights in one of the historic boutique art deco hotels along Collins Avenue to get the full South Beach experience.