courtesy of Eva Rinaldi
As one of the most lively, fashion-forward and multicultural hotspots in the world, Miami is an ideal destination for all types of travelers—especially adults seeking an active, exciting experience in southern Florida. But with so much to do and see in one short vacation, you’ll have to pick and choose which places to visit and which ones to visit on another trip back.
Here are some of E-Z Rent-A-Car’s top picks for where and when to go to the Greater Miami area:
Where to Go:
- Annual Events and Seasonal Festivals – Miami is full of culture and has a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. If you’re visiting in December, check out Art Basel—one of the most prestigious art shows in the country—in Miami Beach. There’s also the South Beach Wine and Food Festival held for four days every February, which showcases top chefs and wine/spirits producers and attracts upwards of 60,000 people each year. The Winter Music Conference in March also offers the largest DJ showcase in the world, featuring the most popular sounds in electronic music and attracting more than 100,000 attendees.
- The Art Scene – Coral Gables, in the south part of Miami, is a great destination for local art. From galleries and historical sites to theaters and lush gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can check out the Coral Gables Art Museum, the Coral Gables Merrick House, GableStage, Actor’s Playhouse and more. There’s also the annual Carnival on The Mile event, which features a full weekend of live performances from a variety of local and international musicians.
- Top Restaurants and Food Trucks – There are a ton of great places to eat in Miami, from fine dining to casual. Some go the top-rated ones in both categories include places like Zuma, Eating House Miami, The Palm, Ceviche 105, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill and more. If food trucks are more your fancy, Tropical Park is the place to go. Guests can munch on their favorites eats, including delicious barbecue, burgers, gelato, tacos, pizza, cupcakes and more.
- Must-See Attractions – Some of the state’s most beautiful and historic sights are found right in Miami. One of them is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens—a 34-room mansion built in the 1910s, featuring stunning gardens, fountains, sculptures and more. There’s also a bunch of great places to shop, like Lincoln Road Mall; places to be outdoors, like the Venetian Pool; places to enjoy nightlife, like Cameo and LIV; and more.
- Free Things to Do – Save some money while still having a blast by visiting one of the stunning beaches, heading to a museum, visiting a state park, exploring historic neighborhoods and more.
When to Go:
The best part about Miami is that it has some pretty great weather almost all year long. But though the weather is nearly perfect for the majority of the year, the absolute best time to go is between the months of November and April. During these months, the weather is typically a few degrees lower than in other months, bringing it down from the 80s and 90s to the high 60s and 70s.
On the other hand, traveling during the summer is typically better for budget travelers to get some good deals. Between hotels, restaurants, local shops and more, most of Miami’s top attractions offer discounts or lower their rates considerably.
Get the most out of your Miami experience by using this list of top hotspots and times to go for your next visit. Or, check out our other travel resources, like our exclusive E-Z discounts, travel-related blog posts, special coupons and more.
courtesy of Steve