Miami, the city of sun, sand, and sea, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. We recently had the opportunity to visit this vibrant and exciting city, and it exceeded all of my expectations. From the beautiful beaches to the rich cultural offerings, Miami has something for everyone. This has been on V's list for a while now because: alligators!
Day 1 - Arrive, check in to hotel and relax. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Brickell Key. Highly recommend.
Day 2 - Miami Design District and the famous South Beach.
The Miami Design District is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in Miami that has become a hub for creativity, culture, and fashion. This once-neglected area has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with the development of luxury retail stores, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants.
The Design District is located just north of downtown Miami and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The area is famous for its stunning architecture, with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings that house some of the city's best-known brands and designers.
One of the most striking features of the Design District is the public art installations that can be found throughout the area. The neighborhood boasts an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures and murals by world-renowned artists, such as the Buckminster Fuller Fly's Eye Dome, a geodesic dome made of reflective panels that creates an ever-changing pattern of light.
The Miami Design District is also home to some of the best contemporary art galleries in the city, including the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which showcases cutting-edge exhibitions by emerging and established artists from around the world. Other notable galleries in the area include the de la Cruz Collection and the Maman Fine Art.
I really enjoyed the Design District's luxurious shopping experience, with flagship stores from Dior, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. The district also has many independent boutiques that offer unique and trendy fashion pieces - but I did not get an opportunity to try them.Overall, the Miami Design District is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of art, culture, and fashion in Miami. With its striking architecture, impressive art installations, and luxurious shopping and dining options, it's no wonder why this neighborhood has become one of the city's top attractions.
From there we drove to South Beach.
The pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and vibrant energy of the area was truly breathtaking. As I strolled along the boardwalk, I admired the art deco architecture of the hotels and the colorful lifeguard towers. The beach was crowded, but the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming.
After spending a few hours basking in the sun and enjoying the refreshing waters, we headed to Four Seasons Cafe for a quick drink and bite.
Day 3 - Everglades National Park
The highlight of the trip for us was visiting Everglades National Park with my son through a tour with Wild Lime Adventures. I highly recommend them. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to get up close and personal with the unique and beautiful ecosystem of the Everglades.
Our tour started early in the morning, and we were greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable guide - Ryan - who gave us a brief introduction about the park and the wildlife that we were about to see. We boarded a comfortable van and drove the western part of the park. We had lunch here (small hiccup: V developed an allergic reaction that resolved with Benadryl) and boarded a boat to check out Gulf of Mexico. We saw a saw fish baby and a dolphin here.
We also explored the park on foot, hiking through a 1 miles trail/boardwalk and we spotted turtles and water snakes on this short hike. Our guide pointed out the different types of birds, fish, and reptiles that call the Everglades home, and we were amazed by the diversity of the wildlife in the area. The wild orchids, the bromeliads (did you know pineapple is a bromeliad?) and many more flora was impressive. We also had the opportunity to see alligators up close, basking in the sun on the banks of the river. It was a thrilling experience that my son and I will never forget.
The tour continued on as we boarded a comfortable airboat, and as we glided through the marshy waters, we could feel the cool breeze on our faces and the sun shining down on us. The highlight of the airboat tour was a visit to the Miccosukee Indian Village, where we learned about the history and culture of the local Native American tribe. Overall, our visit to Everglades National Park with Wild Lime Adventures was an incredible experience that allowed us to connect with nature, learn about the local wildlife and culture, and make unforgettable memories together. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Miami or looking for a unique and exciting outdoor adventure.
Day 4 - Drive to Key West
We took the opportunity to take a scenic drive from Miami to Key West, exploring the Florida Keys and the beautiful turquoise waters that surround them. The drive was an unforgettable adventure that took us through a series of small islands, connected by breathtaking bridges and offering stunning views of the ocean.
Our journey started early in the morning, and as we drove south along the Overseas Highway, we could feel the excitement building - especially for N who was super keen about this drive. We passed through the different keys, each with its unique personality and charm. We stopped at several small towns along the way, such as Islamorada and Marathon - wish we had time to take in one of the many scuba diving tours. File away for next time.
The highlight of our drive was crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering that spans the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge offers incredible panoramic views of the ocean, and we even spotted some sea turtles and dolphins swimming in the distance.
As we continued our drive, we were amazed by the crystal-clear waters that surrounded us, with shades of blue and green that seemed to change with every passing mile. We stopped at several viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap some memorable photos.
Finally, we arrived at Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. We spent the afternoon exploring the town's historic district, with its colorful houses and charming streets. We also visited Fort Zachary Taylor state park and spent time on the beach...taking in the sunset and the serene blue waters.
Overall, our drive from Miami to Key West was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allowed us to see the beauty of the Florida Keys up close. From the stunning bridges to the crystal-clear waters and the charming towns, this journey is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
