Travel

Miami is known for more than just the Will Smith song of the same name – its reputation for warm tropical weather, exquisite beachfront properties, and the party atmosphere of sceney South Beach make Miami the winter getaway of choice for thousands of Americans each year. Travel to Miami for some of the country’s best snorkeling and scuba diving, with colorful views of marine life and coral reefs, as well as lush tropical vegetation in neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and the prominent Latin American influence on the city’s culture and cuisine.

• Seeing neighborhoods like South Beach, Little Havana, the Art Deco, and Coral Gables with a sightseeing tour

• Sunbathing on South Beach – when you’ve had enough sun, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants lining the beach

• Visiting the Frost Art Museum or the Lowe Art Museum

• Admiring the architecture at the Ancient Spanish Monastery

• Taking a sunrise balloon flight over the city with Miami Balloon Rides

• Dancing at one of Miami’s many music and culture festivals, including Ultra Music Festival, Calle Ocho, and Miami Fashion Week

• Watching a Miami Heat game

• Shopping at Aventura Mall

Visit Miami between March and May for the best temperatures. While much of the United States will still be shaking off the cold weather in March, it’s a prime time for Miami travel because the temperatures are warm but not swampy. However, warm weather year-round means you can plan a trip in any season; travelers looking for deals on hotels might want to consider visiting in the middle of summer – if the sweltering, humid summer heat and occasional thundershowers aren’t an issue.

For a taste of pure old Havana, try a scoop of the guanabana ice cream—flavored with a tart and custardy tropical fruit—at King’s Ice Cream .

In up-and-coming Little Haiti, the edgiest store is the studiously alternative Sweat Records. Among the CD’s and LP’s, look for emerging indie rock and Latin funk by local legends like the Spam Allstars.

Along with all the galleries and museums, the Wynwood Arts District is full of thrift shops. The best is the ever-wonderful Grubstake Good Works. known for fantastic and dirt-cheap clothing, art, and trinkets. Even better, the store’s profits help the homeless.