Call us FREE 0808 102 5458 Toggle navigation EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SEE AND DO IN MIAMI Tips and Guides, Miami, 19/Apr/2018 Miami is one of the most famous cities anywhere in the world, known for its great weather, amazing beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Miami is more than just sand and surf, however, as there are a true plethora of fantastic things to discover. So, if you’re looking forward to nding a Florida cruise deal, make sure to also read this very guide to everything you need to see and do in Miami. Miami Beach Of course, the rst thing many people think of when they hear the word ‘Miami’ is sun-drenched beaches and this is for good reason. A holiday to Miami is a wonderful chance to soak up the sun and relax in some truly stunning sandy locations. Miami Beach is world-famous and the place to be for fun times in the sun with friends and family. Miami Beach is actually located on an island just o the mainland, with bridges connecting the city to the sandy stretches of beach. South Beach is the most famous section and known around the world for its glamour, nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and top attractions. Miami Beach is certainly far more than just sand and water. Coral Gables and the Venetian Pool Coral Gables is a neighbourhood of Miami known as ‘The City Beautiful’, and it’s not hard to see why with its tree-lined streets and picturesque natural features. Filled with fantastic shops, top restaurants, and some rather stunning architecture, Coral Gables should certainly be on your Miami to-do list. To help describe the area a little further, a representative from Coral Gables told us: “Coral Gables is a unique location to visit while travelling to Miami as it is a place like no other. As you arrive in Coral Gables, visitors immediately notice a sense of place, where lush vegetation and stately trees welcome you, where street names are in Spanish, where historic entrances, plazas and fountains present a hint of being in Europe, and where you are surrounded by Mediterranean architecture. Named recently among the top 100 best places to live in America, Coral Gables is a must-see stop when in Miami. Up-scale shops with an outdoor Florida feel welcomes shoppers at the Shops at Merrick Park. Downtown Coral Gables has revamped its famous Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza as a pedestrian-friendly oasis where shoppers can dine outside in the many foodie destinations or shop around town.” And if all that isn’t enough, Coral Gables is also home to the Venetian Pool, a unique aquatic facility that is enjoyed by a great many locals and visitors alike. The City of Coral Gables told us: “The Venetian Pool is the only 820,000-gallon pool in the U.S. fed with cool spring water daily, featuring two waterfalls and coral caves in a magical setting. Formed from a rock quarry in 1923, the Venetian Pool is a favourite attraction to visit and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Call for a schedule of hours and admission rates at 305-460-5306. Located at 2701 DeSoto Boulevard.” Fresh Fruit at Robert Is Here For those that want to engage in a truly authentic Miami experience, picking up some fresh fruit at the beloved local attraction known as Robert Is Here is an absolute must. Starting o as a simple roadside fruit stand, Robert Is Here has since grown into a popular tourist destination, oering live music, picnic tables, and, of course, delicious fresh fruit. Robert Is Here kindly spoke to us about what makes them so special: “We are family run and we strive to make sure every customer leaves satised. We cut fruit for free, we help pick the fruit out, we ship home anywhere in the US, and we've even helped jump-start batteries or ll empty gas tanks when people get stuck near our store. We truly care about the community here and we donate to most local schools and school clubs all the way up to Miami. People new to visiting us can expect a wide variety of produce throughout the year, and when any of our fruits are in season we have plenty on display. If we don't have it or grow it, we can get it or nd it for you most of the time.” Azucar Ice Cream Company With the beach setting and fantastic weather, enjoying some top-notch ice cream while in Miami is surely a must, and there is no better place to do so than at Azucar Ice Cream Company. The team at Azucar Ice Cream are truly passionate about their craft and are able to oer customers a whole host of creative avours to help them cool down on a hot Miami day. To help paint the picture further of what’s on oer, Azucar Ice Cream Company told us: “Azucar Ice Cream is an authentic cultural experience! Our ice creams are made daily with a lot of love. The avours are inspired by Cuban favourites. We acquire our fruits and vegetables in Homestead, Florida from farmers that harvest the fruits with care. “People visiting the store will get a real sense of what fruits really taste like. The store has the ‘Sabor’ of Cuba. We trademarked a avour called ‘Abuela Maria’, which is guava, cream cheese and Maria crackers in vanilla ice cream!” Eat and drink in Coconut Grove Image credit: Robert Sullivan One Miami neighbourhood that must be visited during your Miami holiday is known as Coconut Grove and it’s a location that is as attractive as its name suggests. Founded in 1873 by pioneers, artists, and adventurers, Coconut Grove is like an oasis within the city and boasts a charming atmosphere that won’t fail to delight. This laid-back corner of Miami is replete with galleries, cafes, boutique stores, and gourmet restaurants, providing visitors with plenty to see and do. Exuding a certain bohemian air, Coconut Grove is a superb spot for a top-notch meal and drink during the evening. There are many superb locations to choose from but one such spot that has to be mentioned is Monty’s Raw Bar. Established in 1969, it is one of the most respected restaurants in Miami and has even appeared on its fair share of lms and TV shows (including Miami Vice!). This waterfront bar is a truly peaceful location to enjoy a cocktail, delicious seafood, and an eclectic mix of live Caribbean music and popular hits. And for other attractions to visit in Coconut Grove, Miami and the Beaches, the go-to resource for all things Miami tourism, recommends the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark built in the early 20th century. Speaking to us, Suzie Sponder, director of media relations for Europe at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said: “An extravagant European-style estate set in the funky Coconut Grove neighbourhood, Vizcaya is a key cultural hub in Miami where visitors can learn about its interesting history, as well as the tropical native vegetation in its spectacular gardens.” Enjoy art and culture in Wynwood Image credit: Wynwood BID/Mary Beth Koeth Wynwood is known as the arts district of Miami and, as such, this vibrant neighbourhood should be your go-to destination in order to ensconce oneself in Miami’s artistic culture. Home to a number of intriguing galleries, including the Rubell Family Collection (more on this below), Wynwood is the urban core of Miami and has seen its once neglected areas restored into myriad innovative businesses that you can see thriving today. The impressive street art will be instantly noticeable upon arrival and with the help of the Second Saturday Art Walk – where thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the best of Miami’s art scene – Wynwood has become recognised as a premier artistic destination. Throw in top bars, antique shops, and wonderful artisanal eateries, and Wynwood is a neighbourhood that demands to be explored during your Miami adventure. We asked the team at Wynwood why they believe the area is becoming increasingly popular for travellers: “More and more visitors are venturing beyond the beach to experience Wynwood’s unique arts, culture, and nightlife oerings. The former industrial district is located in the geographic heart of Miami, making it easy to get to, and it sets itself apart with the highest concentration of street art in America, award-winning bars and restaurants and unique local retailers. The district’s laid-back, unpretentious vibe is another reason why visitors from near and far continue to make Wynwood an essential part of their Miami travel plans.” And for things to look forward to seeing and highlights of visiting, Wynwood told us: “Wynwood has something for visitors of all stripes – art lovers, foodies, fashion gurus and beer enthusiasts, alike. As visitors walk through the district, they’ll discover street art at every turn. An ever-changing line-up of colourful murals covers the walls of the low-rise warehouse buildings that dominate the district’s urban landscape. In between snapping photos in front of the murals, Wynwood visitors can dine at local artisanal eateries like Zak the Baker or Coyo Taco, sip craft beer at one of four breweries, or see what the neighbourhood’s eclectic mix of retailers has to oer.” Rubell Family Collection Museum The Rubell Family Collection Museum (referenced above) is a contemporary arts foundation that was established in 1964 with exhibits starting within its 45,000 square foot Wynwood facility (once belonging to the DEA) in 1993.