5 must-sees in Miami
I have a confession to make - Miami has never been on my travel bucket list. I had always associated Miami with partying and for me, it was no different to other party destinations such as Vegas and Ibiza. So when I was asked to travel to Miami last year as part of a bachelorette party, I wasn’t extremely excited. I knew it would be beautiful and I knew the parties would be great, but I was highly ignorant to what the city had to offer beyond that. Little did I know that Miami has so many cool things to do and see! Not only does Miami have a popping night life, but it is rich in culture and it offers a lot of fun and exciting activities.
Here are my 5 top things to see and do (alongside partying!) in Miami:
1) The Everglades Gator Farm
Did you know that you could see alligators by the lakes and rivers in Miami? In fact, in certain places by the ocean, you may even see crocodiles. The Everglades Gator Farm in the National Park hosts over 2000 alligators that can be seen by airboat rides. The farm also runs alligator and snake shows three times a day as well as the chance to watch an alligator feed twice a day.
2) Wynwood Walls
One of my favourite spots in Miami is the Wynwood Walls outdoor art exhibition. It features the most amazing street art from artists all over the world. It opens from 10:30am – 11:30pm and is completely free. The most popular time to visit is on the second Saturday of every month for Wynwood Art Walk. During this time, it turns into a street party and arts festival with delicious food and live music.
3) Little Havana
Get a taste of Cuban culture by visiting Little Havana, just west of Downtown Miami. Here you’ll find an array of restaurants and bars serving delicious Latin food and infamous Cuban cocktails. You can also take a sightseeing stroll down the Calle Ocho and experience Cuban cigar shops, bakeries and street art. You’ll often find live music in Little Havana. The Calle Ocho Festival on March 10th is an amazing carnival celebrating Miami’s Cuban and Latin culture with music and dance.
4) Little Haiti
Miami has a big Haitian community with over 20,000 Haitian-American inhabitants. Infused with African and Caribbean influences, Little Haiti is renowned for its vibrant street art and galleries. The Little Haiti Cultural Center showcases Afro-Caribbean art, dance and theatre, while the Caribbean Marketplace sells produce and locally made handicrafts. Little Haiti can be quiet so the best time to visit is on a Saturday when it is busy and bustling.
5) Ocean Drive
If you visit Miami, you MUST walk down Ocean Drive. Featured in hundreds of Hollywood movies, it is one of Miami’s most iconic streets. Along the drive, you’ll find bars, restaurants, palm trees, luxury hotels, flashy cars, art galleries, cafes and more! One of my favourite spots on the drive is Wet Willie’s, a bar and restaurant that serves the best frozen cocktails. The drive also offers amazing views of Miami South Beach and of course, the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore more on Miami at Visit Florida.