An Introduction to Miami (South Beach)
Located at the southern tip of Florida, Miami offers trendy travelers with plenty to do and see. Fashionable tourists enjoy spending time in South Beach, which offers an exciting nightlife and upscale eateries. Showcased resorts include Canyon Beach and the Soho Beach House.
Popular Miami Hotels
You’ll also enjoy the service and accommodations at such Miami hotels as the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort, the Surfcomber Miami South Beach, the Epic Hotel, and the Acqualina Resort and Spa. Because Miami is such a popular tourist hub, room rates can be high, especially from the first of the year to early spring. In fact, prices for rooms can run as much as $150 or more, even if your accommodations are not considered expensive.
To Enjoy Lower Hotel Rates, Plan a Trip to Miami in the Summer
The best time to see Miami then is in the summer, when the rates are half of what they are during the wintertime. You can also reserve rooms at lower prices during such holidays as Memorial Day and Easter. While South Beach has been considered the in area to take refuge, you can also find superb accommodations in Mid-Beach and downtown Miami too.
Book a Room without a View and Receive a Price Break
If you can’t afford the higher priced accommodations, then you can always find a comfortable place to stay in a boutique hotel farther north along Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive. Prices are usually influenced by the view or whether or not a room has a balcony. So, if you can forego either one of these amenities, you can get a room at a much lower price.
Visit Jungle Island Downtown
Once you’ve settled in for the night, you can embark on seeing the city. This Miami travel guide can point you to some of the key places to see. For example, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you won’t want to miss participating in the interactive experience at Jungle Island. Formerly known as Parrot Jungle, the attraction was unveiled in 1936, where it was located in southern Miami.
Now situated on Watson Island, between South Beach and downtown, the zoological park features a variety of endangered and unique animals. See a liger (tiger and lion mix), albino alligator, and lemurs. In fact, sign up for the Lemur Experience, which allows you to interact with the primates up-close. You can get to the park by following the MacArthur Causeway downtown.
Stroll along Biscayne Bay and Visit the Bayside Marketplace
While you’re downtown, you’ll want to visit the Bayfront Park situated along Biscayne Bay. The pedestrian walk will take you to the Bayside Marketplace, which features an array of stores and restaurants. Visit the Largo Seafood and Grill or the Latin American Café if you’re hungry.
Take a Walking Tour through the Art Deco District
In South Beach, you’ll want to stop by Art Deco District Welcome Center as well. The gift shop features art deco items and Miami history books. Take an Art Deco District tour while you’re there. Walking tours commence at 10:30 each morning. You can also take an evening tour on Thursday, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 online. If you’re in Miami in January, then you’ll want to plan to take one of the boat tours, always scheduled in the first part of the month on Art Deco weekend. The Center is located at 1001 Ocean Drive.
Shop and Dine at the Lincoln Road Mall
Include the Lincoln Road Mall in your schedule too. The open-air shopping enclave boasts numerous boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Alfresco eateries make it easy to pass the time watching the stream of activity outside. The mall is visitor-friendly – everyone, including their dogs, is invited to shop and dine.
Take in the View at South Beach
South Beach itself represents a white sand stretch that extends from the 5th to 15th street area. New hotels in the area, from 1st Street to 5th Street and from 16th Street up to 25th Street make it even more popular with the trendy tourist crowd.
