We’ve all heard of South Beach and Ocean Drive, but there are so many awesome pockets of Miami that are buzzing with culture, history, art, and ethnic cuisine. So when you’ve unpacked your bags at your perfect vacation rental, spend a day wandering around these great neighbourhoods:
Key Biscane: Just south of Miami Beach, this secluded island is where you’ll spot the million-dollar homes with sweeping water views. Key Biscayne also offers great public beaches and a selection of high-class restaurants. Hobie Beach is the city’s hot spot for windsurfing, sailboarding, and jet-skiing. On the island’s southern tip, Bill Baggs State Park has great beaches, bike paths, and forests for picnicking and partying.
Wynwood: One of Miami’s hippest, still burgeoning areas. Just north of downtown, Wynwood includes the Miami Design District, and has a thriving arts scene that acts as the hub of Art Basel Miami Beach. Best for checking out the galleries and studio spaces inhabited by up-and-coming artists – you’ll find art, furniture, home design stores, as well as great cafes and restaurants.
Coral Gables: This peaceful residential neighborhood is where you’ll find Mediterranean-style houses with Spanish-tiled roofs along lush, tree-lined streets that open onto beautifully carved plazas, many with centrepiece fountains. The area also has some great golfing, up-scale shopping, and some of the city’s best restaurants, headed by renowned chefs.
Surfside:Just after North Beach you’ll come to Surfside; a family-friendly, old-style beach town with a secluded beach, paths through the dunes and casual bistros that welcome kids. Stroll down Collins Avenue for a good selection of restaurants and stores.
Little Havana: It’s easy to believe you’ve landed in Cuba when you take in the tastes, and rhythms of this small Miami neighborhood – even street signs are in Spanish and English! Check out the Cuban coffee shops and inexpensive restaurants line Calle Ocho, and dance the night away to salsa and merengue beats in the bars and clubs that come alive after dark.