If you are desperate to swap the grizzly grey skies of home for some pristine beaches and a much-needed dose of vitamin D, then a quick trip to the Sunshine State might be just what you need.
Florida’s year-round sunshine and abundance of tourist attractions are popular with many holidaymakers – particularly for its world-famous theme parks – but I’m exploring Miami – also known as ‘The Magic City’ – on the southeast coast of the state.
Like many people, I mostly know Miami through the lens of crime dramas like Miami Vice and the Fast & Furious franchise, which portray the city in a fast-paced and gritty light, while many locals still refer to Miami Beach as "the billion-dollar sandbar", as it remains popular with an array of notable stars such as Gloria Estefan and the Beckhams.
But I was keen to find out what this destination has to offer everyone else. If you’re pressed for time and want to explore everything this slice of tropical American paradise has to offer in just 72 hours, here’s some inspiration for your itinerary…
Easy access with direct flights
Return flights from Dublin Airport to Miami International Airport for November currently start from €443 with Aer Lingus, including taxes and carrier fees, and usually take between nine and 10 hours, so it’s worth packing comfortable travel clothes and an eye mask for the journey.
It might be further than a European break, but I’m rewarded with welcoming weather. Daytime temperatures can reach highs of 29°C in November, for example, while evenings cool to around 21-24°C.
A city speedboat ride
If you are keen to see Miami’s vibrant, constantly evolving skyline from the Atlantic Ocean at full throttle, a 45-minute Thriller speedboat tour dramatically departs from the Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami in a blur of upbeat music and sea spray several times a day.
This power catamaran is named Thriller for a reason, and can reach up to speeds of 40mph – so leave any dangling earrings or flimsy hats on the shore if you don’t want them to end up in the water. For $45 (€39), you get some amazing views of celebrity mansions and yachts on Star Island, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and the Art Deco district of South Beach.
Frequently bracing yourself for the next inevitable rush of wind and spray is all part of the fun, and the social commentary from the guides – spanning from Beckham’s Miami monopoly to mansion planning permission squabbles – is priceless.
Art Deco walking tour
A guided walking tour of Miami’s famous Art Deco district is a must. The Miami Design Preservation League’s Official Art Deco Walking Tours ($40/€34 per adult) begin at the wonderful Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
My passionate tour guide, Julie Fornary, brings the rich history of this iconic pastel beachfront street to life by recounting tales of celebrity gossip as we stroll down the pristine palm tree-lined pavements.
She enthusiastically highlights former watering holes of legends like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe and chuckles: "We don’t let go of things in Miami Beach, we like to hold on to scraps of glamour. We talk about Marilyn Monroe like she was here yesterday".
Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Little Havana
Under-the-radar neighbourhoods like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Little Havana are definitely worth a visit. Charles Kropke, CEO of Dragonfly Expeditions, shows off the highlights of these areas – including The Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool – during our Miami Magic City – Bus and Walking Tour ($65/€55 per person, plus the cost of transport).
Mooching around Calle Ocho in Little Havana is an excellent way to absorb the rhythm and the soul of Miami’s vibrant Cuban culture. This bustling street is lined with eye-catching street art and Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, cigar shops, rum and music venues. Head to La Ventanita‘s popular coffee window, which is in the centre of all the action, and order a Café Cubano to sip on slowly as you watch some of Miami’s most colourful characters pass by.
Afterwards, wander down to the famous Máximo Gómez Park (known as Domino Park), where locals gather to talk politics over heated games of dominoes.
Wynwood
Wynwood, located north of Downtown, is a quirky urban neighbourhood bursting with art, energy and trendy coffee shops. Charles shares with us that street artists from across the globe flock here to turn the district’s warehouse buildings into breathtaking masterpieces.
I wind away an afternoon wandering through Wynwood Walls, taking in every vibrant mural hiding around each street corner. Most of the murals are replaced around Art Basel – Miami’s annual art fair – so there is always something new to discover here.
Food
This bustling coastal city is overflowing with a fantastic array of dining options. Donatella is an elegant candlelit Italian restaurant in Miami Beach where everyone is dressed to the nines, a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or for catching up with old friends over a feast of homemade pasta and wine. If you’re looking for something more casual, Bakan in Wynwood is a fun option for Mexican tacos and Mezcal cocktails that have a kick. Havana 1957 is also a great lunch spot serving delicious, authentic Cuban food.
Where to stay
Staying in or around Miami Beach is a great way to soak up the area’s relaxed coastal vibe, while still remaining within walking distance of major tourist attractions and amenities. I’m staying at the incredible Andaz Miami Beach by Hyatt hotel during my whistle-stop tour of Miami, and it exceeds all expectations. Located on the chic stretch of Collins Avenue in Mid-Beach, this retreat offers magical seaside views. If you wake up early enough, you might be able to catch a spectacular sunrise from your room’s balcony.
Like everyone I meet in Miami, the staff at the Andaz are warm, friendly and incredibly accommodating. Dinner at the hotel’s Aguasal restaurant is particularly memorable, offering a flavourful journey enriched with pan-Mediterranean spices, farm-fresh ingredients and vibrant seafood. I still find myself dreaming about the oysters and Atlantic beach pie.
