Miami, Florida, is one of the most visited cities in the US, and for good reason. Miami offers beautiful skyline views, stunning beaches, and a lively atmosphere. Must-do things while in Miami include visiting the Miami Art Museum and watching a boat show downtown.
Miami is also home to some spectacular accommodations. From affordable yet highly-rated Miami hotels to unique Miami hostels to some of the most lavish and expensive hotels in Florida, Miami accommodates all types of travelers.
Before traveling, most vacationers have a preconceived notion of the destination they are traveling to. The bustling city of Miami is known for many things, from beaches to food to nightlife.
10 Beautiful Beaches
When many people picture Miami, they picture sunny days and beautiful beaches. Miami is known for its soft white sand beaches with aqua water. The top Miami beaches to visit include South Beach, North Beach Oceanside Park, and Surfside.
South Beach is what most people picture when they envision a Miami beach. South Beach features great spots for swimming and surfing and is lined with brightly colored Art Deco-style homes. This area is also known for its crowds, restaurants, and bars.
Those wishing to avoid crowds should check out Miami’s secret beaches and local hangouts.
9 Delicious Food
Miami is famous for its cuisine, from unique dishes to delicious alcoholic drinks. Some of the best foodie spots in Florida can be found in Miami. Quinto La Huella, for instance, is known for serving up the best steaks and chimichurri in Florida.
Delicious foods Miami is known for include key lime pie, Cuban coffee, churrasco, stone crab, conch fritters, and jerk chicken. A popular drink associated with Miami is the Miami Vice Cocktail, a mix of a strawberry daiquiri and piña colada.
8 Home Of The First Burger King
Speaking of food, another fun fact about Miami is that it is home to the first Burger King. The company states that the Burger King franchise was created by James W. McLamore and David Edgerton in Miami in 1954.
While many associate the first Burger King with Miami, some people claim this burger joint was actually created in Jacksonville, Florida.
There are currently over 20 Burger Kings in the Miami area, so be sure to try a juicy burger while visiting the city.
7 Called The Capital Of Latin America
Miami is also known as the Capital of Latin America. The large Latin American population in the city of Miami, along with the cultural influence, led to the city’s nickname of the “Capital of Latin America.” The Latin American cultural influence in Miami can be seen in the city’s architecture, food, music, and population. Miami has a large Hispanic population specifically, and around 70% of Miami’s population speaks Spanish.
A great way to immerse oneself in the Latino culture in Miami is to visit Little Havana, a neighborhood in Miami.
6 Being The Cruise Capital Of The World
Another nickname for Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World.” This name is thanks to PortMiami’s constant flow of cruise ships and role as a global gateway. PortMiami sits on Biscayne Bay and is a hub for notable cruise ship companies. This impressive port consists of eleven terminals, with cruises setting sail out of PortMiami, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises.
Thinking of embarking on a cruise from Miami? Conduct research before booking a cruise to learn which cruise lines are the best in the United States.
5 Everglades National Park
Florida is known for its majestic Everglades National Park. This incredible nature preserve stretches 1.5 million acres, featuring both tropical and subtropical habitats. While Everglades National Park is located just outside Miami, most people still associate this swampland with the bustling city.
One way to explore the Everglades is via airboat tour. On these tours, guides take passengers through marshes and swamps in a special airboat, providing facts about the Everglades and its unique flora and fauna.
When exploring the Everglades, keep an eye out for alligators!
4 Ultra Music Festival
Music lovers know Miami as the host of the Ultra Music Festival. Ultra is an annual electronic music festival featuring famous and up-and-coming DJs, incredible light shows and stage production, art installations, and official merchandise for sale. A few of 2023’s notable performers include Afrojack, Alesso, David Guetta, and the Swedish House Mafia.
Ultra Music Festival takes place every March and is an outdoor festival.
Unable to attend this iconic EDM festival? No worries! Ultra uploads live sets of performers onto their website for the public to enjoy.
3 Exciting Nightlife
Miami is famous for its exciting nightlife. From ginormous clubs to hopping happy hours to live music and dancing, there is always something to do. Some vacationers choose to unwind in the evening at one of the classy South Florida hotel bars, while others prefer a night out on the town filled with bar hopping and sightseeing.
Vacationers wanting to bust a move should check out the best dance clubs in Miami, including LIV in Mid Beach, E11EVEN Miami in Downtown Miami, and Club Space in Downtown Miami.
2 Art Deco Architecture
What’s unique about Miami, Florida, is its art deco architecture. Art Deco architecture is characterized by sleek designs, geometric detailing, bright colors, and the incorporation of spheres. The best area to spot this unique architecture is the Art Deco Historic District in nearby Miami Beach.
Visit the Art Deco Historic District at night to see the buildings lit up with colorful lights.
A fun way to explore this unique district is via a walking tour. The Miami Design Preservation League offers walking tours daily from 10:30 am-12:30 pm for $30 per person.
1 The Vibrant Neighborhood Of Little Havana
Miami is also known for its vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana, offering a slice of Cuba in Southern Florida. In the 1960s-1970s, thousands of Cuban exiles came to America; many finding themselves in Miami’s Little Havana. The neighborhood soon came to be known as a welcoming spot for immigrants to move.
Today, Little Havana is known for its Latin American and Cuban art galleries, delicious restaurants and cafes, cigar shops, and lively bar scene.
A delicious Little Havana restaurant serving up gourmet Cuban sandwiches and tasty milkshakes is Sanguich de Miami.