In the southernmost tip of Florida, visitors will find incredible wildlife, delicious Cuban food, energetic nightlife, beachfront properties with plenty of amenities, and some great underwater adventures.
Kimpton Surfcomber
1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; https://www.surfcomber.com/
This oceanside boutique hotel focuses on providing a great experience for guests with daily activities like salsa lessons and social happy hours. Pools overlook the ocean as well as private beach access with chairs and umbrellas. Some of the rooms have waterfront views from private terraces, complete with a lounge chairs.
Trump International Beach Resort
18001 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach; https://www.trumpmiami.com/
The resort in Sunny Isle Beach has private beach access, full access to swimming pools, and the option to rent water sport equipment including motorized surfboards, jet skis, and stand-up paddleboards.
Activities
Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue
35601 SW 192nd Ave., Homestead; https://www.crocodilechris.com/tours
Swim with gators at the Everglades Outpost. Chris Gillette is an expert when it comes to working with these animals and building their trust. He developed the program to educate guests on alligators’ calm demeanor and why they shouldn’t ever be fed by humans in the wild. That trust was evident between Gillette and Casper, one of the alligators at the outpost. Gillette gently spoke to the animals. There were no obnoxious tricks, just observing Casper swim. After, head over to Smokehouse 191 (35601 SW 192nd Ave., Homestead), a food truck next door for some smoked, garlicky ribs.
Everglades Alligator Farm - Airboat Ride
40351 SW 192nd Ave., Homestead; https://everglades.com/
The Everglades Alligator Farm offers airboat rides every 20 to 25 minutes. The airboat skips along the wetlands at high speeds, then wades slowly through lagoon waters to spot alligators. If riders are looking to get some relief on a hot day, sit in the front and get absolutely soaked. After, head into Everglades National Park for a hike or kayak to spot more gators.
Snorkeling at Biscayne National Park Eco Adventures
https://www.biscaynenationalparkinstitute.org/biscayne-eco-adventures/
Biscayne National Park Eco Adventures brings guests to local shorelines, mangroves, coral reefs and islands by boat depending on the weather and what snorkel sites look the best to the captain that day. Our group was lucky enough to go to two sections of Ball Buoy Reef. The vibrant color coral was stunning to view up close. The array of different fish and sharks our group observed was so special to see.
Miami’s immersive art
Miami has an abundance of art and culture, including some experiences like ARTECHOUSE Miami (736 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). This digital art puts visitors in the center of the artist's message, creating a powerful experience. Superblue Miami (1101 NW 23rd St., Miami) is full of light displays and installations. Be sure to add the cloud experience to the tickets.
Dining
Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine
405 Española Way, Miami Beach; https://www.havana1957.com/
Havana 1957 is one of many places in this area offering authentic Cuban food. If the menu is making it tough to decide, try the Platter of Havana 1957 with portions of roast chicken, ropa vieja and lechón served with rice, saucy black beans, house salad and sweet plantains. Another spot for amazing Cuban food is Marabú (701 S Miami Ave. Brickell City Center 4th Floor, Miami) for crispy steak with a citrus sauce, rice and beans.
Robert is Here
40351 SW 192nd Ave., Homestead; https://www.robertishere.com/
Robert Is Here, down the street from the Everglades Outpost, is a farmstand with fresh exotic local fruits and produce, along with some delicious Cuban sandwiches. Definitely grab some of the fresh guanabana, or try the fruit in a milkshake. Robert Is Here has delicious options for a quick late lunch or breakfast.
Harry's Pizzeria Miami Beach
1680 Meridian Ave. Suite 102, Miami Beach; https://harryspizzeria.com/
Head to Harry’s Pizzeria Miami Beach, opened by James Beard award winner Michael Schwartz, who first learned about pizza making in Japan. This is the perfect spot to satisfy a craving for some super cheesy, classic pizza.
Azzurro
Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center Snorkeling
300 Alton Road, Suite 110, Miami Beach; https://www.tarpoonlagoon.com/
The team at Tarpoon Diving Center run dive-certification courses, a gear shop, dive and snorkel charters and more. The group visited Neptune Memorial Reef and Rainbow Reef to snorkel and dive. Even on a clear day, it was difficult to see anything from higher up, while the divers were able to explore the colorful fish and lobsters up close.
Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami (Inside Bayside Marketplace); https://www.thrillermiami.com/
The group will slowly head out to be respectful of potential wildlife like manatees in the bay area before the speedboat hits full throttle, bolting off on a 45 minute speed boat tour. The guide mixes adrenaline pumping, fast moments with a guide to the area, keeping things informative and exciting.
https://www.trumpmiami.com/sunny-isles-restaurants/azzurro-italian-restaurant-bar
Inside the Trump international Hotel, guests can visit Azzurro for some amazing Italian cuisine. Be sure to ask about the specials; we had rich lobster ravioli topped with briny caviar or crispy calamari. Don’t forget to save room for the cannolis with coffee for dessert.
Motek Aventura - Mediterranean Cafe & Restaurant
19565 Biscayne Blvd. #938, Aventura; https://motekcafe.com
Motek Aventura has a delicious menu full of halloumi salads, fresh chewy pita with dips and spreads like eggplant salad, Israeli salad, hummus and babaganoush. Try not to fill up on appetizers, because the shawarma, made with lamb or chicken, is unbelievable.
Thank you to Visit Miami and their partners for hosting me.
Where to eat, play when visiting South Florida - Times Union
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