Miami Travelers Recommend

Once nicknamed 'God's Waiting Room' because of the many octogenarians eking out their last moments by the pool, modern day Miami is a glittering jewel of the south. Cradled by the Everglades, the Florida Keys, and that ever-present Gulf, it might be wise to pick up a Go Miami Card to fully explore what options lie in store for you. Alternatively, you could ease into things with a Miami City Tour, which includes a relaxing and informative cruise on Biscayne Bay. Splash down into the bay on a Miami Duck Tour or fly over the famous beaches, Art Deco district and downtown on a Grand Miami Air Tour. The view up here is even better as the sun goes down on a Miami Sunset Air Tour - especially when it's a romantic champagne flight. Miami is all about playing outdoors in the sun. Ride an airboat in the Everglades and come face-to-face with killer whales at the Miami Seaquarium, or mix with the wildlife on Jungle Island.

No trip to Miami would be complete without experiencing the Everglades National Park, one of the world’s few national parks to hold all three titles of a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. The natural attraction’s rich flora and fauna and diverse ecosystems allow for a number of memorable experiences. Additionally, there are a variety of ways to tour the Everglades and its 1.2-million acres (404,685 hectares), with excursions departing right from Miami so you don’t need to figure out transportation. For those who want to learn about Miami in-depth as well as experience nature, the Everglades Airboat Adventure and Miami City Tour offers a range of opportunities in one tour. You’ll experience a 30-minute airboat ride through the wilderness of the Everglades, where you’ll see alligators, native flora and other exotic wildlife.

Key West: The one-time home of Hemingway, the southernmost point in the United States – popular for world-renowned snorkeling, scuba-diving, offshore fishing, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, a raging and eccentric nightlife, and only a quick jaunt down from Miami. Here the Caribbean atmosphere, street artists, outdoor cafes and restaurants are just waiting to enchant you. Once you arrive, you’ll have the leisure to explore the sights of Key West at your own pace. Consider visiting the southern-most point in the continental US, Hemingway's house, or Mallory Square. If you prefer to spend your time in the ocean, go to Key West and take part in some excellent snorkeling, an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Aboard a 9 meter catamaran, you’ll enjoy light refreshment and professional snorkeling instruction, before heading off in to the only live coral reef in the United States, and the third largest reef in the world.

For those who want a beach getaway, Miami is a top destination option. Home to more than 15 beaches, you’ll have plenty of options for where to soak in some sun. That being said, with so many choices it can be difficult to pick where to go. To help, here are some recommendations for Miami’s best beaches. For those who want to get away from the resorts and tourist attractions, 85th Street Beach is a top pick. Located along Collins Avenue, it’s a great swimming beach and features soft white sand, life-guards on duty and virtually no crowds. This is also a top choice for families due to its gentle surf. It’s also very close to another worthwhile beach -- Bal Harbour Beach on 96th Street -- which is great for shell hunting, fishing and jogging. Of course, no trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to the iconic South Beach (Lummus Park Beach). This is the coastline you see in postcards and on television, full of soft white sand, beautiful people and adventurous surfers.

There are very few places in the United States where you can hop on a boat, visit another country and still be back for a late-night dinner after a day of sunshine and adventure. Miami, however, is one of those places, and thanks to ferries between Miami and the Bahamas, it’s actually possible to have a Caribbean vacation packed into a single day. Rise with the sun—or likely before it—to begin the journey across the ocean to the island of Grand Bahama, which at three hours away is surprisingly close for transiting countries by boat. When taking a day trip between Miami and the Bahamas, the fun begins before you even get to the island and are still aboard the ship. Slot machines, bars and duty-free shopping are allowed in international waters, so the party starts before the South Florida coastline has even faded away. After arriving in Freeport and transiting customs some tours allow free time for exploring the town or baking in the sun on the beach.