This blog post was updated on January 13, 2020.
Tired of staring out your office window at frozen trees and bushes? Dreaming of a warm-weather escape? If the answer is “yes,” then the beaches, museums, and music venues of Miami will start to sound tempting right about now. If you’re feeling inspired and are already looking for your sunscreen, then here are a few ideas on how to spend your next trip to Miami.
People-Watching at Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park Beach, also known as South Beach, is a great place for people-watching any time of day. We recommend going for a jog or stroll in the late morning or early afternoon. Chances are, you’ll encounter an array of body-builders, models (working on their fitness or getting ready for a photo shoot), and an array of other colorful characters. If gorgeous, sunny beaches aren’t enough to inspire you to book flights to Miami, then the entertaining people-watching definitely will. If you get peckish after your walk, there are plenty of restaurants along Ocean Drive to satisfy your cravings.
You should also check out: Discover the Flipside of Miami by Exploring these 5 Natural Wonders
Visiting Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Miami is home to a thriving international art scene, and few places exemplify this more than PAMM, a modern and contemporary art museum that houses an impressive collection of pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. There are always eclectic exhibitions on rotation (as you can see on the museum’s website) with some amazing pieces, both current and retrospective, that will please art lovers of all ages. When you’re done taking in the art, stop for a drink and a nibble at the museum’s restaurant, Verde.
Taking in the Nightlife of Little Havana
One of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods is Little Havana (La Pequeña Habana). Located just west of downtown, this historic area was inhabited by hundreds of thousands of Cubans who fled to Miami in the early 1960s to escape Fidel Castro’s reign. Although many Miami Cubans now call other areas of the city home, Little Havana has retained much of its original spirit. Southwest 8th Street (commonly referred to as Calle Ocho) is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. Here, you can still find cigar shops and clothiers selling guayaberas (Cuban-style shirts) and hats.
Little Havana is known for its dynamic music venues that feature live performances most nights of the week. Alfaro’s Nightclub and Lounge is the place to go if you’re in the mood to enjoy some tapas and listen to Latin jazz. If dancing is a key component of your night, then Ball & Chain has you covered.
Where’s your favorite place to hang out in Miami? Let us know in the comment section below.