Welcome to Miami!
Welcome to Miami – a party-loving, glamorous city on the Atlantic Ocean with lovely beaches and a distinct Latin culture!
Holidaying in the U.S.A. has never been on our radar. Why? Well, because we feel guilty for stepping foot anywhere in the US other than California to visit family. But I couldn’t refuse a Black Friday deal to fly direct to Miami on Virgin Atlantic over the Easter holiday. So I booked flights and would figure out the exact itinerary later.
Welcome to Miami!
But what will we do once in Florida?
How about a Cruise?
A cruise? What did you say?
Fast forward a week later, I ran into my neighbours who were fresh off a Caribbean cruise from Miami. My childless neighbours love cruising around the Caribbean and highly recommend cruising as a family holiday. It has all the modern conveniences of an all-inclusive except you get to visit a few different places without (re)packing. The mainstream cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC and NCL all have kids clubs, splash pads, arcades, movie nights, and more. I was intrigued by the idea. Kenz wasn’t sold as he was keen for a road trip through the Everglades and the Florida Keys. But I was looking more for a relaxed holiday without the hassle of driving. He eventually came around for this new style of travelling. Why not, we thought.
After some research, we settled for a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line that fit neatly within our travel window.
But first let me tell you all about Miami!
Bienvenidos a Miami! Welcome to Miami!
Welcome to Miami – where the sun always shines and the mojitos are always flowing! We had 48 hours before and after the cruise to explore Miami. With limited time, we stayed in the very glamorous and fun Miami Beach. The weather was perfect with beautiful blue skies, 27C, and minimal humidity. We were excited to get some much needed vitamin D and vitamin sea!
Miami is very compact. A Uber ride from MIA to Miami Beach takes only 20-25 minutes without traffic. Most of the areas of interest such as Wynwood, Design District, Brackell, Little Havana, and Kaseya Center (Miami Heat) are accessible via public transportation or a short Uber ride.
Sun-drenched Miami Beach, a nine-mile long barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean, is lovely with soft white sand and warm waters. For urban beaches, it doesn’t get better than Miami Beach. Roughly divided into three distinct neighborhoods: trendy and party-loving South Beach; relaxed and chilled Mid-Beach; family-oriented and quieter North Beach. On the first leg, we stayed in South Beach at an AirBnB to spread out before the cruise. Then at the Eden Roc Hotel in Mid-Beach where we just rest and relaxed poolside or frolic at the beach. Miami Beach is very active and fit. At any given time, there are people running, walking, rollerblading, and biking along the 7-mile Miami Beach Boardwalk.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Whilst Miami is known as a party town, there are numerous family-friendly attractions such as the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Flamingo Park, and Lincoln Road. Miami Beach is a favourite amongst kids for a classic ‘bucket and spade’ summer fun. Along South Beach, there are several shaded playgrounds including: Lummus Park (12th & Ocean Dr); Marjory Stoneman; and South Pointe in case you are tired of the beach.
South Pointe, on the very tip of South Beach, is a great spot for families with walking trails, hill top views, splash park, playground and picnic areas. Watch the cruise ships leave the Port of Miami or enjoy the view of Fisher Island. Nearby is South Pointe Park Pier is another great scenic area to enjoy the views of Miami Beach. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants around South Pointe, a little foodie haven, from Joe’s Stone Crab to Big Pink, Smith & Wollensky and Carbone.
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach is a must for the architecture buff. Pops of colour mixed amongst architecture lines and curves is the signature style of the popular 1930s Art Deco style. It is definitely worth exploring the neatly compact grid Art Deco District (between 5th & 23rd St., along Ocean Dr, Collins Ave, and Washington Ave) in the early morning. Espanola Way is worth a stop for some instagram-worthy snaps.
A Distinct Latin Culture
Miami has a distinct Latin culture with over 70% of the population is Hispanic with people from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico. As such, Spanish is widely spoken and Latin culture is infused in daily life in Miami.
We couldn’t leave Miami without trying some Cuban food. By coincidence, a SDC family was also in Miami for a few days before driving to Marco Island to visit family friends. We met for lunch at Havana Vieja right in the heart of the Art Deco District on Washington Ave for some tasty Cuban food with a modern twist. On our last night in Miami, we went to Sazon Cubano in the “Little Buenos Aires” neighborhood in North Beach for home-style Cuban food. Packed with local Latina families, we devoured ropa vieja and vaca frita washed down with a refreshing Mojito and live Cuban music. A nice way to end a memorable and much needed family holiday in beautiful Miami. Until next time!
Bienvenidos a Miami! / Welcome to Miami!
