For the locals who live in “Magic City”, life must sometimes feel like one long vacation. You just have to visit Ocean Drive, and the view of the bright yellow and pink Art Deco buildings against the cyan Atlantic Ocean backdrop will take your breath away. On Calle Ocho, the delicious aroma of the Cuban cafecito and freshly-baked croquettas will take your breath away. Just walk past any bar at night, and the sound of Latin music will have your body swaying automatically. All of these are just a few reasons why millions all over the world dream of traveling to Miami as a vacation destination. Whether you love food, art, culture, shopping, or nature—Miami offers a bit of everything. The following are some reasons why the Magic City is one of the country’s premier vacation spots.
A Vibrant Visual Arts Scene
Between the famed Wynwood Walls, vacation destination museums such as the PAMM, and annual festivals such as the Miami Art Basel, Miami is a real mecca for the art lover. Areas like the Design District and Wynwood which were once dilapidated neighborhoods have been transformed into local art and design hubs, covered in murals and installations.
Want a bucket-list of things to do? Here it is:
- Visit the Lowe Art Museum to see some world-class art
- Visit the Freedom Tower and the Wolfsonian
- Visit the outdoor Soundscape Park and watch a New World Symphony Performance
- Watch Tony-nominated performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center
An Endless Supply of Flan, Café Con Leche, and Croquettas
With Cuba under a hundred miles away from the shores of Miami, its influence over the city is unquestionable. Although Little Havana is undoubtedly the hub of Cuban culture in the Magic City, you can find Cuban cuisine in virtually every nook and cranny of Miami. There are countless ventanitas serving Cuban coffee, guava pastries, and other Cuban delicacies spread across the city.
The Birthplace of The Art Deco Movement
You just have to spend a few minutes on Miami Beach, and you’ll see how strong the influence of Art Deco is in the city and why it is such a vacation destination. In fact, Miami Beach is the very first 20th century neighborhood to be officially recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places, so a significant percentage of tourists that come to Miami are drawn in by Art Deco.
The origins of this form of architecture can be dated back to as early as the 1920s and is an exquisite blend of retro, Neoclassical, and modern styles. For lovers of Art Deco, the best places to visit in Miami include the hotels on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. They have stunning, floral designs and are in pastel or bright shades.
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