Traveling to Miami? Here's What You Need to Know Before Going
Miami's de facto nickname, the Magic City, is a fitting one. The sprawling city is known for its beaches — namely South Beach — and large immigrant population mainly consisting of Cuban-Americans, though those demographics have been changing through the years. It's a city that appears to be altogether on vacation and constantly hustling. It's also, sadly, a city that sees the effects of rising sea levels firsthand and could forever be changed in a matter of decades. And yet, its inhabitants continue to celebrate and praise all that Miami has to offer: its magic, so to speak.
Miami is my hometown, but I often view it through the eyes of a tourist considering the fact that I haven't actually lived in Miami for over five years now. While it is an incredibly tourist-friendly city, there are a few tips you should familiarize yourself with before making your trip down south.
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Depending on your itinerary, a rental car might be a good idea.
Unfortunately, Miami does not have a great public transportation system. While you could take cabs if you plan on sticking to South Beach, taking a cab into the mainland could leave you with one high rate since the city is so sprawling, and heavy traffic is pretty much a given. In order to see as much of Miami as possible, I always recommend renting a car that'll give you some mobility and may save you money in the end.
You should dust off your high school Spanish learnings.
The 2010 Census found that about 70 percent of Miami's population consisted of Hispanic-identifying residents. As a result, Spanish is typically the preferred conversational language. While most people speak English, it helps to have a few pleasantries and phrases memorized prior to your trip. At the very least, I'd recommend learning how to order Cuban sandwiches and cafecitos at restaurants like the famous Versailles.
Yes, Miami has history.
Though the Tequestas and other indigenous cultures inhabited the region for centuries, Miami wasn't formally recognized as a city until the 19th century when Julia Tuttle and Henry Flagler expanded the Florida East Coast Railway to include the city. Many modern buildings currently occupy the skyline, however, there are a few historical sites worth visiting. For example, the Freedom Tower (pictured here) was used as a processing facility for Cubans fleeing Cuba in the 1960s and has since been seen as a symbol of that exile.
Other historical landmarks include the Villa Vizcaya, a home-turned-museum built by the famous turn-of-the-century entrepreneur James Deering in 1914. His brother, Charles Deering, also added to Miami's landmarks by building the massive Deering Estate.
If you're able to, go to the beach during the week.
This may sound obvious, but the beach can get pretty crowded during the weekend — especially during the Summer. If you're going to be in Miami for a considerable amount of time, plan your trips to the beach for during the week so that you can avoid some of those crowds.
The best water activities can be found off the beach — at the bay!
Located between Miami Beach and the mainland, Biscayne Bay is one of Miami's lesser-known bodies of water. If you're interested in kayaking, kite-surfing, or paddle-boarding during your trip, I'd recommend renting through Sailboards, an affordable vendor located at the quaint and quiet Hobie Island Beach Park.
When you get tired of the beach, visit a museum.
There are dozens of smaller art galleries located in the Design District, however, Miami's most prominent and newest art museum is the Pérez Art Museum Miami — or the PAMM. Not only does the PAMM highlight contemporary art from the region, but it also has a stunning outdoor area where you can sip on some sangria and take in the view of the bay.
Make dinner reservations in Wynwood.
It's worth traveling to Wynwood — a rapidly growing arts neighborhood located downtown — for some of the city's best dining options. For American food with a twist, try Michael's Genuine, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain's The Layover. For a romantic dinner, the Mediterranean Mandolin Aegean Bistro sets the perfect mood.
If clubbing isn't your thing, then maybe some live salsa is!
If you're looking for a vacation filled with late-night dancing and famous clubs, then Miami is certainly the appropriate place. If clubbing isn't for you, however, there are plenty of other options. Located on Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana, Ball and Chain is a beloved lounge that regularly features live salsa and jazz performances.