Located on the east coast of sunny Florida, which is considered one of the most popular US states for tourists, is the dream destination of Miami. When you think of the metropolis, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Ocean Drive, known from numerous Hollywood films, with its pastel-colored houses, where the city’s rich and beautiful regularly stroll. But the city is full of opportunities that usually remain hidden at first glance: In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, Miami has palm-lined piers, trendy neighborhoods with hip art scenes, living and dining culture shaped by international influences and, with the Art Deco Quarter, even one of the best-preserved area monuments in the USA.
Miami Beach
While the city of Miami is made up of numerous districts such as Little Havana, Little Haiti, Midtown and Downtown, one district in particular is known to tourists: Miami Beach. Located on an island in front of the city proper, Miami Beach is only connected to the other districts by four bridges. With its numerous sights and long sandy beach, Miami Beach is considered the most visited district of the metropolis, which captures the relaxed and at the same time luxurious lifestyle of the city.
Hours of sunshine on Miami’s most beautiful beaches
The city’s long and wide sandy beaches are an absolute highlight, not only for sun worshippers. Under the motto ‘see and be seen’, tourists, celebrities and onlookers cavort on the popular South Beach between the colourful huts of the lifeguards, who do not want to miss the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist region. If you want to sunbathe a little more relaxed, North Beach is less touristy and offers hip and alternative restaurants, boutiques and cafés. The piers along the beach are also recommended for long walks and sports activities to watch the sunset on the sea.
Stroll along Ocean Drive
The most popular and hippest promenade in Florida is Ocean Drive, which is known as the filming location of numerous Hollywood flicks. Although the promenade is considered extremely lively and touristy, it is a hotspot of the city that should be experienced. In front of the chic Art Deco-style bars and restaurants, there are numerous American classic cars that evoke nostalgia and at the same time underline the luxurious lifestyle of the district. With a bit of luck, you can even catch a glimpse of celebrities while strolling along Ocean Drive, and it’s not for nothing that the area around Ocean Drive and South Beach is considered the most decadent region of the city. For even more nostalgic moments with a real Old Hollywood feeling, take out one of the charming classic cars, which can be rented for a ride on Ocean Drive for a fee.
Local history and architectural highlights in the Art Deco District
In the center of South Beach, there are more than 900 historic buildings in the Art Deco style on an area of over two square meters, which stand out in the otherwise very modern cityscape with their house fronts in delicate pastel shades, the round shapes typical of the era and eye-catching neon signs. The neighborhood is easy to explore on your own, and the Miami Design Preservation League’s informative Visitor Center provides more information and impressions if needed.
Modern art in the open air in the Wynwood Arts District
The artistic heart of the metropolis is the Wynwood Arts District with its famous Wynwood Walls, which serve as a canvas for sophisticated graffiti artworks. Artists from all over the world present their works of art in the park in the open air, which changes the effect of the works of art depending on the atmosphere, making the district an interesting destination again and again. In the neighborhood, there are hip eateries and alternative boutiques to discover, making Wynwood all-round attractive to visitors.
Downtown Miami
In Downtown Miami, the numerous skyscrapers of the financial district rise up, which can be discovered in the nighttime skyline. The harbour in particular is a popular place to eat, dance and celebrate. The Adrienne Arsht Centers for the Performing Arts regularly hosts concerts by well-known artists as well as newcomers. With its numerous shops and restaurants, the Bayside Marketplace is also considered a highlight of Downtown, which looks like a huge open-air shopping mall. With a bit of luck, strolling around the crescent-shaped bay, where the shopping highlight is located, will be accompanied by atmospheric live music.
Little Havana – Pure joie de vivre
Lively, creative and full of joie de vivre – this is how the small district around Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s wide main street, can be described. Resounding music paves the way through the streets, which are lined with a colorful jumble of numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and small cigar stands. Due to the influences of Cuban cuisine, Little Havana is considered a culinary highlight that can best be explored on a culinary tour of Miami.
