You’ll Experiences Love

WHETHER YOU’RE A BIG FAN OF THE BEACH LIFE AND ENDLESS WATERSPORTS, A NATURE LOVER, HISTORY BUFF, OR FITNESS ENTHUSIAST, THERE’S SOMETHING HERE TO ENTICE YOU TO EXPLORE FURTHER.

By Vanessa Molina Santamaria

It’s no surprise that people from all around the world flock to Miami Beach on an annual basis for the sun, sand, and surf. Of course, the beaches here are second to none, but if your interests go beyond lying in the sand and soaking up the sun (not that there’s anything wrong with that), the destination has so much more to offer in the form of manmade marvels and natural treasures. Discover Miami’s top attractions and create your perfect itinerary, so you can be sure to make the most of your time here.

Beach Vibes

First, let’s check out the beaches. Spanning more than 20 miles of coastline along the Atlantic, this seems like the ideal place to start. From South Beach to sunny Surfside, Bal Harbour, Haulover Beach and Sunny Isles, you’ll find sunlit stretches of sandy shores to suit your preference — whether you’re in search of solitude and relaxation, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a livelier vibe.

South Beach, located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, is where most people flock for people watching and Instagram-worthy photo ops. The iconic Art Deco architecture perfectly complements the lush palm trees, colorful lifeguard stands, and enchanting ocean views. To the north, there’s a bathing suit-optional stretch at Haulover Beach. If you’re craving a more laid-back lifestyle, head north to Mid-Beach and North Beach where you’re bound to find your perfect spot for some fun in the sun.

Many Miami Beach entrances are accessible for those with impaired mobility, and you can find wheelchair friendly Mobi-mats at various locations. For a more family-friendly experience, the calm shallow waters of Crandon Park, Virginia Key, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida Beach Park on nearby Key Biscayne are excellent choices. Located just a few minutes from Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne is an idyllic destination for beachcombing, swimming, and watersports.

You can also enjoy the beaches of Miami in ways you might not have imagined, as well. Many beaches feature walking trails, bike loops, kayak rentals, volleyball nets, grills, concession stands, and more.

Good To Know

While our beaches are generally safe, it’s important for sunseekers of all ages to practice water safety tips. For added peace of mind, stay near a lifeguard stand since they are there to watch over swimmers and are trained to spot rip currents. Also, look for the colored flags that indicate the swimming conditions. Green means the water is calm, yellow indicates there is moderate surf and/or currents, and red is a sign of more dangerous conditions, such as high surf and/or strong rip currents.

Make a Splash

If your interests are a little more adventurous, then Miami Beach and nearby communities have plenty to offer. There are ample opportunities for activities on and under the water in the form of paddleboarding, kayaking, jetskiing, boating, and more. You may even spot a frolicking dolphin in your wake!

Charter a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran for an offshore fishing excursion in search of swordfish, marlin and other biggame fish. Or harness the power of our breezes with some serious kitesurfing, parasailing, or windsurfing along Key Biscayne’s historic Virginia Key.

Be sure to check out the exclusive Diplomat Experience, a yacht tender boat service that can take you to dinner in style, provide a Miami sightseeing tour, and more. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories.

Dive Deep

If you love underwater adventures, then you’ll want to don your scuba suit and get ready to go exploring. Miami is home to more than 75 sunken wrecks to explore, and all it takes is a 25- to 30-minute boat ride to see incredible coral reefs.

Located just off Key Biscayne, Emerald Reef is a popular dive site where you are likely to find tropical fish, elkhorn and pillar coral, sponges, and more. It’s also an ideal snorkeling site since it’s just about 20-feet deep.

Neptune Memorial Reef is another magnificent dive for all levels that was inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. Columns, domes, and concrete statues abound at this 40-feet-deep site.

Experienced divers can swim inside the entire length of a sunken 195-foot steel barge. The Belcher Barge Wreck Trek is another popular dive in 60 feet of water with a trail that leads to two other wrecks. Boulders create artificial reefs and give marine life a home.

Off Mid-Beach, two WWII-era tanks sit underwater facing each other along about 1,060 tons of limestone boulders. They are home to spiny oysters, sponges, and a variety of hard and soft coral. Farther south is where you’ll find the Maritime

Heritage Trail at Biscayne National Park with both shallow and deepwater dives that include shipwrecks and natural reefs.

As the gateway to the uppermost stretch of the Florida Straits, Miami is ideal for some underwater exploration. Local tour operators will take you out to some of the best sites based on your level of experience. If you’re not certified yet, many dive boat operators also offer certification courses.

Nature at Its Finest

If you are in search of lush landscapes and abundant natural beauty, Miami has opportunities galore, both within Miami Beach and in the surrounding areas.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers nature lovers a colorful treat, from rich green spaces to rainbowcolored orchids, edible gardens, and even a Japanese Garden. The Kampong in Coconut Grove boasts a collection of exotic fruits and flowers from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, including banyan and baobab trees. You’ll also want to check out Fairchild

Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, an 83-acre lush landscape that features a variety of rare tropical plants, including flowering trees, vines, palms and more. Unique exhibits include the Butterfly Garden, the Water Gardens and Aquatic Exhibits, the Arboretum, and Geiger Tropical Flower Garden. One of the top botanic gardens in the country, Fairchild also plays host to various festivals throughout the year.

Another local favorite is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southern end of Key Biscayne. Walk along the trails and look for birds, join a guided tour, check out a keeper’s cottage, launch a canoe or kayak, enjoy a meal with oceanfront views, and more. Don’t forget to check out the oldest standing structure in MiamiDade County: Built in 1825, the Cape Florida Lighthouse offers spectacular 360-degree views from the wraparound balcony. If it happens to be open during your visit, be ready to climb the 109 spiral steps because it’s worth it.

Of course, any true nature lover will require a trip to Everglades National Park during their visit. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, the Everglades boasts many exciting trails alongside mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine rocklands, native wildlife, and more.

Contact Airboat in Everglades for a truly one-of-a-kind experience and tour the park like a local.

Arrive By Boat

History and More

History buffs should plan a visit to the HistoryMiami Museum, a vibrant exploration of the city’s rich history. A Smithsonian Affiliate and the largest history museum in South Florida, the museum offers a wealth of educational opportunities within its permanent and rotating exhibits and unique experiences. Book a Stiltsville & Key Biscayne Cruise with the resident historian, Dr. Paul George, or go on a walking tour to learn about historic landmarks and public art installations. Visit the museum’s website for the latest offerings. Another great learning opportunity is at Deering Estate, a 444-acre gem that provides a glimpse into what Miami was like in the 1920s. The former home of Charles Deering — a Chicago native who was an industrialist, preservationist, environmentalist, philanthropist, art collector, and more — sits on the edge of Biscayne Bay. It’s a great opportunity to explore Miami’s history, as well as its natural beauty. Coconut Grove’s Barnacle Historic State Park and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are two other historically significant places to visit. A National Historic Landmark, Vizcaya is a stunning waterfront estate with 10 acres of manicured gardens. It’s filled with beautiful architectural details and features lovely fountains. If your educational interests go beyond local history and into science and beyond, then plan a trip to the

Diplomat Experience™️ is the exclusive, in-house, yacht tender boat service at Joia Beach Restaurant in Miami. Guests can now “Arrive in Style, Arrive by Boat” to Joia Beach Restaurant for a fine dining experience. They also offer guests a 35-minute Downtown Miami sightseeing boat tour for those Joia Beach guests who want to experience breathtaking views from the water’s edge. Private boat taxi services are available to take you to your home, hotel, marina, and select restaurants. Yacht rentals are also available.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This high-tech museum hosts a 3-D planetarium, an aquarium with a 31-foot oculus, and impressive interactive exhibits for all ages. No matter your interests, Miami delivers. To arrive at any of your destinations safely (and in style) be sure to contact Three Zero Five Transportation for chauffeured-driven service and luxury vehicles.