Greater Miami & Miami Beach is recognized worldwide for being a metropolitan paradise with beaches people dream of vacationing in, but there’s also a backyard full of adventure waiting to be explored. Much like its neighborhoods, Miami’s natural landscapes are as breathtaking as they are historic. And if you’re looking to pair your leisurely strolls through neighborhoods with active outdoor adventures, you’ve come to the right city.
Start by hiking or biking through miles of gorgeous greenery and undisturbed wildlife, which can be found all over the Everglades. Locals have taken great care to make sure the landscape and your adventures coexist in perfect harmony. The waters are also open for adventure. Grab a partner and a paddle for an afternoon of kayaking. Soak in the sights from exotic flora and fauna to suburban neighborhoods. And then there are Miami’s world-famous beaches, where paddle boarding is plentiful and volleyball games can be as casual or competitive as you want them to be.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Miami’s diverse neighborhoods have a wealth of hidden gems in plain sight. Discover art in and out of museums. The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is as much of a work of art as its galleries with plenty of lounging areas to enjoy before you even enter the building. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science serves as the perfect neighbor for the PAMM with a wealth of fascinating exhibits for the whole family to enjoy as well. Beyond Miami’s museums, there’s plenty of local art to be found on the walls of Calle Ocho and Wynwood, where artistry and architecture blend together to create scenes that blur the line between historic and modern. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens serves as a living work of art for lovers of inspired architecture. It’s a property brimming with history from beginning to end with structures that feel as though they’ve been taken straight from the pages of world-class literature. No amount of words can do it justice until you’ve experienced it with your own eyes.
The locals are also filled with as much warmth and character as the neighborhoods they live in. Be sure to treat your taste buds to eclectic flavors all over Miami’s local restaurants, including the ones found in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Discover flavorful fusions of Cuban and Caribbean cuisines when you dine out. However, Miami’s most authentic treats can be found at their local bakeries. Take a sip of “colada” or what’s commonly known as Cuban coffee and experience a super-charge of powerful, yet sweet flavors. Shopping is a must at the Shops at Merrick Park for high-end fashion. Music is plentiful with local concerts being a common occurrence in Coral Gables. Immerse yourself in Latin jazz and reggaeton as you stroll the streets. The sounds are so hypnotic, you can’t help but move to them. You may even treat them as your personal soundtrack.
There’s no need to choose between outdoor adventures or cultural escapades. Both worlds have a home in Miami, and you’ll be sure to feel right at home when you visit.
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