By Sandy Mitchell
Attractions & Things to Do in Miami, Florida
, at the tip of South Florida, is a wonderful combination of sun,
beaches, interesting architecture, and a diverse collection of
Caribbean and South American cultures. More than only a winter playground, Miami offers a wealth of cultural and educational attractions.
Explore South Beach
One of the most vibrant areas of Miami is the South beach section of Miami Beach. This historic area is dotted with restored art deco hotels and apartment buildings as well as shops, trendy restaurants and a stretch of white sand that rivals any beach in the world.
Visit Villa Vizcaya
Villa Vizcaya, the early-20th-century estate of industrialist James Deering, sits along Biscayne Bay. The Northern Italianate mansion boasts 70 rooms, all decorated with 15th- and 17th-century antiques and decorative objects. The gardens also reflect the former owner's taste for the Renaissance period and have been restored to their original glory.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
Tour the Miami Museum of Science
The Miami Museum of Science, located just north of Coconut Grove, hosts a range of changing exhibits. It is also home to the Miami Planetarium and the Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center.
Miami Museum of Science
3280 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 646-4200
Shop and Sightsee at Bayside
Bayside, located in downtown Miami along the waterfront, is a mixed-use facility filled with shops, offices and restaurants. It's also home to Miami's Hard Rock Cafe. From the upper deck of the building, you can watch cruise ships depart from nearby Dodge Island. It's quite a show.
Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 577-3344
About the Author:
Sandy is a Northeast Ohio-based writer, blogger, and editor. Among other projects, she writes and edits the Cleveland pages for About.com. Before devoting herself full-time to writing, Sandy was a travel agent and cruise school instructor for 18 years. Sandy holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Photo Credits:
(© wallg/cc license)
