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Miami: more than a stopover for the enlightened
Greater Miami is a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis that covers over 2,000 square miles and attracts millions of visitors each year, primarily from South America and Europe. The biggest city in Florida, Miami offers year-round sunshine, and there exists such a host of attractions that the phrase ‘something for everyone’ was simply invented for this city.
Unfortunately, many holidaymakers arriving at Miami airport are blissfully unaware of the attractions of the city they are passing through, and only disembark there because of the number of airlines that offer cheap flights to the Florida hub.
But, the city has enough to keep everyone occupied for a two-week holiday. Situated on the South-eastern tip of the Florida panhandle Miami is bright and vibrant; oozing a strong Latin influence as evidenced by the proliferation of Spanish speakers throughout the city, and an absolutely dazzling nightlife.
Miami Beach is the top draw for sun-lovers, with a sinuous line of expensive and exclusive hotels running parallel to the sandy long beach; which was carefully crafted from a mangrove swamp at the turn of the 20th Century. The trendy and ultra-expensive Art Deco area of Ocean Drive on South Beach draws visitors from all corners of the globe, attracted by the stunning architecture and the opportunity to spot A-list celebrities who frequent the large number of trendy boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Other fabulous city attractions include; Miami Metro Zoo, Viscaya Museum and Gardens, Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, and little Havana. Miami Seaquarium offers visitors the chance to see killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and cute creatures synonymous with Florida – manatees. There is also some incredible shopping at Bayside Market, Cocowalk and Coral Gables.
In addition to the bountiful attractions of the city, only 25 miles to the west is the Everglades National Park, an expanse of marshes and swampland that is teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Alligators are abundant in the Everglades and it’s their presence which draws many of the visitors to the area. Airboat tours are an immensely popular way of getting around the swampland, which is largely an unspoilt wilderness, even given its proximity to Miami.
However, despite all its attractions, many people only choose to start their Florida holidays in Miami, before almost immediately setting off south to the glorious Keys, or north towards the many theme parks of Orlando. What they are leaving behind is well worth a look, and sadly many of them are missing a trick.
Hopefully if you are one of them you will return to this great city at some point in the future to sample it for yourself.
Disclaimer:
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.
