Miami is the crown jewel of Florida, with its great warm weather and other attractions, such as Florida’s best museums. The mesmerizing 1,200 miles (1931 km) of coastline makes it a tourist hotspot in the United States. The pristine beaches make for some of the world's best scuba diving spots, while the nightlife of this city is also spectacular, with incredible bars and clubs lining Miami Beach. Partygoers from all around the world reach Miami to have a great time. Another thing the city is known for is the blend of cultures which bring with them great food and even great music.
But some aspects of Miami that outsiders aren't always aware of are its seaside spots with fantastic art deco architecture and superb samples of street art. With that in mind, here are some of the city's vibrant areas, including sublime beaches, artsy streets, and interesting architecture.
10 Wynwood Walls
A once-dilapidated industrial neighborhood, Wynwood walls offers lots to see in terms of art after rising to glory in 2009 when it was reconstructed. Located to the north of downtown Miami, it can be called a small heaven for up-and-coming artists to get some inspiration. The gallery covers over 80,000 square feet and includes over 50 murals and installations. This is a hotspot to get Instagram-worthy images; the colors really invoke a sense of liveliness and cheerfulness when one walks beside them at any time of the day, be it morning, evening, or night.
The best part is that it's all free, meaning one can spend all day long staring at the details of the constantly changing painting murals. Since they are changed, one can expect to see a new painting after a small period of time. When nearby, One can also visit the Wynwood garden for a tranquil respite from the bustling city.
9 Miami Beach: Check Out The Art Scene
Miami Beach is centered around art and culture. Art lovers can find cultural happenings throughout the year. Discover meaningful art in the most unexpected places in Miami Beach. South Pointe Park is a dreamy spot with a pier dotted with public art. A giant colorful 55-foot lighthouse sculpture by German artist Tobias Rehberger is on display at the Pier gate.
Miami Beach boardwalk is also a place must-see for tourists and locals alike. It is a 7-mile-long uninterrupted pathway that is sure to brighten up the mood of those walking. The Boardwalk is also known for its public art installations. These are located at various spots along the boardwalk and add a distinctive and artistic touch to the overall experience and the place.
8 Crandon Park Beach
Located in Key Biscayne, this beautiful and expansive beach is known for its stunning white powdery soft sand, which makes it a favorite for beach-goers looking to relax and soak up the sun. Among the many reasons to visit Crandon Beach is the range of activities awaiting visitors, including volleyball courts, hammocks, and picnic BBQs.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Bear Cut Preserve, a protected area, is also present here. Visitors can expect wildlife and plants not seen in Miami. Impeccable and vivacious restaurants line the beach, so after a day full of enjoyment, families can relish a tasty meal. It really is a beautiful place to enjoy the waters and surf in a tranquil setting. Considering the fact that Miami has warm weather all year around, this is the perfect place to be.
7 Colorful Little Havana
Want to get the impression of being in Havana but don’t want to travel all the way to Cuba, then this is the place to visit. Little Havana is where Miami's guests can experience a slice of Cuba. It is known for its colorful street art, including murals and graffiti. The streets are bright and bold, with both painted and mosaic tile murals. The art can be found on the sides of buildings and on walls, fences, and even dumpsters throughout the neighborhood.
These murals depict a wide range of subjects, from tropical fruit, musical instruments, and Cuban history and culture to modern urban themes. Visitors can take a guided tour or simply wander the streets to discover these vibrant works of art. There’s something quaint and neighborly about the area, and one can get authentic and scrumptious Cuban food here - notably, the famous Cuban sandwich that many food joints in Miami cook up.
6 South Beach: Ocean With A Hint Of Art
One of the highlights in the Miami Beach area is Lummus park. It is recognized for its historic Art Deco architecture. It boasts colorful buildings with sophisticated details, and the limelight of the visit is the colorful lifeguard towers that line the beach. The towers have become a canvas for many artists over the years, who have converted them into even more beautiful and eye-catching works of art.
South Beach is also home to a number of galleries and museums showcasing a range of art styles and mediums. Apart from the lifeguard towers and museum, public art murals are a major thing here. A famous art piece is the “Jungle Island" mural, located at 12th Street and Collins Avenue. The colorful mural depicts a verdant tropical landscape, complete with exotic birds and animals.
5 Art Deco Welcome Center
By far, this is the best place to learn about Miami’s art deco architectural history. It is a hub for information and resources related to the district. The museum itself is located in a building built in 1939. It features all the elements one would expect in an art deco building, including curved lines, porthole windows, and more.
Walking and audio tours are available as well as a myriad of programs and events throughout the year. A gift shop is also available in the museum for the visitors to buy memorable souvenirs that remind them of their visit to this knowledge-packed, fun-filled museum.
4 Little Haiti: A Tribute To Haiti
Just like Chinatown, Miami also features a Little Haiti. It is the ideal way to acquaint oneself with Haitian culture by visiting the city's area of Little Haiti. Vibrant street art is the name of the game here, with a variety of murals and graffiti pieces adorning walls. Artists can learn a whole lot by visiting these streets and observing the level of art done here.
The sparky and lively colors of the graffiti often reflect the Haitian culture, which is full of love and respect. Moreover, a number of restaurants are present, which showcase the neighborhood's unique cultural heritage.
3 Matheson Hammock Park Beach: A Peek Into Paradise
Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a picturesque coastal destination worthy of an Instagram post. The beach is in a verdant, tropical setting with a natural lagoon that is perfect for kayaking, swimming, and other water-related activities. The lagoon's calm, tranquil waters are perfect for providing a unique and much-needed repose that is quite different from the more traditional beaches.
In addition to this, the park offers rentals of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards so that families do not have to bring their own equipment. The beach also features a range of other amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic areas, and walking trails. Visitors can saunter around the tropical landscape and fancy stunning views of the lagoon.
2 The Marlin Hotel
Although several famous hotels line Miami Beach, The Marlin Hotel is an art deco marvel. This building was erected in 1939 and was restored to its glory recently by a few enthusiasts of art deco architecture. ‘Generation-Z’, as well as the fans of the famous video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, will instantly recognize this hotel with its brightly lit neon lights and sleek, monochromatic design. Again, it is an art deco gem.
Inside, guests are treated to luxurious and stylish furnishings, sophisticated design elements, and unique artwork. By a long shot, the rooftop terrace is the best part of this hotel, which offers sweeping views of the south beach and the blue ocean. It is the perfect spot to relax and take in the Miami sun while enjoying a cocktail served by the terrace bar.
1 Head Over To Key Biscayne
There is something for everyone in this paradise located south of Miami. The best beach so far on this island is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. It is a gorgeous, wonderful place to enjoy picnics and beach family gatherings and explore Florida history. It is a delightful beach providing a serene ambiance, and the white sand and inviting waters are all the more reasons to visit this beach.
The art scene also does not stop here, with the Key Biscayne Community Center hosting a plethora of art exhibitions throughout the year for artists and visitors to adore. Outdoor art is also big here, with the Beacon of Friendship sculpture, which stands on the causeway between Key Biscayne and Miami, being the highlight.