Day: September 23, 2022
Experience the sights and sounds of Miami’s vibrant Little Havana neighborhood on this guided walking food tour. Explore this lively Cuban district and learn about its fascinating history and culture, with stops at some of the best family-owned and operated Cuban restaurants in the area. Sample the local cuisine, like guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream, to name just a few of the delicacies offered along the way. Also, meet some of the local artists, watch skilled Cuban cigar rollers and listen to traditional Cuban music. Food tour of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood Visit local eateries and sample authentic Cuban food and Miamian snacks. Try the famous, and best empanada in Miami, flan ice cream, croquetas, guava pastelitos and more Learn about the local history, culture and food scene from your knowledgeable guide All food and refreshments are included in the ticket price.
Settled in 1825, Miami is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and the second most populated in the state of Florida. It is known as the ‘Magic City’ because it’s massive and seemingly overnight growth, and has a reputation around the world for its beautiful beaches, stunning ocean views, incredible nightlife, and a culture that differs from everywhere else in the country. This is a large part of the reason that the best areas to stay in Miami have become a playground for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities flock here on both a permanent and part-time basis, to make the most of the exclusive destinations in a luxurious tropical paradise. It is also a major contributing factor to why Miami is the second most visited city in America, behind only New York City, with around 80 million tourists making the trip each year. Unfortunately, this reputation has led to prices in many parts of the city skyrocketing, with everything from food and drink to accommodation and tourist attractions costing significantly more than they do elsewhere. That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to give you our 15 top tips to visit Miami on a budget, which should help make your dream holiday just that little bit more affordable – especially if you are backpacking Miami. (Psst. if this is your first visit to Maimi, take a peek at our top things to do in Miami – perfect for first-time visitors) Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain affiliate links, and this one about 15+ Top Miami Travel Tips for Visiting Maimi on a Budget is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here. In This Post [show] GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE USA Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check up-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what country you are coming from to avoid issues and concerns on the date of your travel. Currency: The official currency in Miami Florida is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, US$). You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM. Language: English is the primary and most widely spoken language in the USA (although not the official one at the Federal level!) There are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese. WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges. OUR NO.1 TIP FOR VISITING MIAMI ON A BUDGET: AVOID MIAMI BEACH & SOUTH BEACH! Most visitors to the city will have heard of both Miami Beach and South Beach and will probably have fond opinions of them. I’m sure we have all seen countless movies and tv shows set here over the years. With guests lazing in luxurious, beachfront hotels, sipping drinks in private cabanas and generally living the high life, it paints a picture that this is what Miami is all about. However, while this will surely seem like a dream getaway, the price that accompanies it will be more like a nightmare for most. While many people may think you get what you pay for, there is also an element of paying simply for name recognition of the area here. These, and many of the similar beachfront locations, know that people will pay exorbitant fees to stay here, so have no need to offer any deals. If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no need to blow everything on accommodation and then end up struggling for the rest of the trip. With plenty of great options further inland, as well as along less popular sections of the beaches, you will still be able to find a hotel that adds the finishing touches to your dream vacation, without breaking the bank. DON’T GO TOO CHEAP THOUGH While the desire to find great value accommodation will be immense for those on a budget, you need to be careful about what deal you decide to go for. If something looks too good to be true, chances are it probably is. While Miami is widely known for its beauty and exclusive resorts, it also has a darker side as well. Many of the cheapest options for accommodation in the city will be in areas like Overtown, Hialeah, or the Golden Triangle. Unfortunately, these are affordable for a reason, as many are among the most dangerous in all of America. That is why it’s always incredibly important to research the area you’re looking at, to make sure you don’t end up booking somewhere you regret. LEAVE THE CAR AT THE HOTEL While there are plenty of great places to see in Miami, exploring the city by car is often not the most cost-effective way to do it. Prices for parking in the more popular, built up districts is not only hard to find but also extremely expensive, with prices averaging around 7 dollars an hour. Luckily, Miami has plenty of great public transport options, such as the Metrobus,
Miami is a destination increasingly present in the plans of Brazilians. The city has a lively atmosphere, a variety of outdoor activities to do, good nightlife attractions, as well as a super-beautiful sea. With this attractive combination of factors, many people fall in love with the place, repeating the trip several times or even choosing Miami to spend a season studying or living. A trip to Miami calls for a stroll through Miami Beach, especially in the South Beach area, the art deco architecture district that still preserves some of the atmosphere in which Miami was founded. In South Beach, stroll along Ocean Drive, a tree-lined avenue that is ideal for having a coffee watching the movement of people and imported cars on the street, and relax in Lummus Park, with many coconut trees. Rent a bike to ride on the shore and, if you are looking for a quieter corner, head to the beach or to the park at South Pointe Park, at the very end of the island, which has a beautiful sunset. South Beach is a busy region day and night, suitable for partying, dancing and meeting people from all over the world. If you love nightlife, don’t miss the bars and clubs on Ocean Drive, Española Way and Lincoln Road (which is also a great mall for shopping and eating). If clubs aren’t your type and you don’t even like crowded beaches, try to get to know the stretch of beaches in the central and northern part of Miami Beach, where many hotels offer structure for their guests on the sand. Miami’s beaches have pale, almost white sand and an enchanting turquoise sea! When coconut trees are integrated into the landscape, the scenery is irresistible for a walk with your feet in the sand and a dip in the sea. Downtown Miami, connected to Miami Beach by bridges, is also worth a visit. Downtown is the area of Miami that concentrates offices in tall and modern buildings, and the financial center of the city, which is located in Brickell. It is the region of wide and well-kept avenues, where the city’s public transport is more present – if you have the opportunity, ride the metromover, a suspended vehicle that works as a means of transport, but is worth a mini tourist tour. In Downtown are also: the AmericanAirlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, the excellent Miami basketball team that is part of the NBA; the Pérez Art Museum (contemporary art museum); and the Bayside Marketplace, a shopping mall with a very pleasant view to grab a bite to eat. From Bayside depart boat tours of Biscayne Bay, where there are several islands with stunning houses! One of Miami’s most important tourist attractions is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a property that belonged to one of the millionaires who were part of the city’s founding. The place has ornate gardens, a beautiful view of the sea and a mansion in the best European style with a very beautiful interior decoration – for those who enjoy history and architecture, the place is very cool and stands out because it is a little different from what you would expect to find. in the city. Those who want to know more about this cultural side of the city should include in their itinerary a visit to Little Havana, the most Cuban neighborhood in Miami, with shops selling Cuban products, as well as restaurants with typical dishes. Another cool neighborhood is Wynwood, whose look has been revamped through graffiti-painted walls; there, it is worth visiting the Wynwood Walls, a kind of open-air museum, with walls painted by different artists in completely different styles. For outdoor walks, connected to nature, our tip is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden or the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which has a guided tour and a very beautiful butterfly garden. To the north of Miami Beach is Haulover Park, ideal for enjoying a beach without many people – in this park there is even a part of the beach dedicated to nudism. A different option is to visit the Everglades, native vegetation of Florida, where you can take an air boat (propeller boat) amid lakes full of plants and see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Jungle Island, a zoo with interactive shows, and the Miami Seaquarium, are program options to see different species of animals. Both locations are popular with families with children – particularly the Miami Seaquarium, which is a popular point of interest on weekends for shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and whales. If you want to let your child play freely, head to the Miami Children’s Museum, a perfect playground for young children.
Many people know about The Everglades, but did you know there is another National Park not too far from there? Biscayne National Park in Florida is just south of Miami and has the unique distinction of being 95% water. That means to really experience this national park, you have to get wet! I highly recommend nature enthusiasts, especially those into marine life, check out this park. There are so many things to do here including snorkeling, paddling, fishing, boating, and even camping. However, there is more planning involved with visiting Biscayne National Park in Florida than in other parks where you simply drive to them. In this blog post, I will explain all the best ways to experience Biscayne National Park 1. Biscayne National Park Things to Do With 173,000 acres of sea and over 500 species of fish, there is so much to explore here! There is no entry fee and visitors are allowed to launch their own canoes, kayaks, or paddleboard from the park. If you have your own motorized boat, you can launch it from a nearby park. Subscribe to The Florida Travel Girl! Get updates on the latest posts and more from The Florida Travel Girl straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBEI consent to receiving emails and personalized ads. However, for those without their own watercraft (like us), the Biscayne National Institute offers a variety of tours to experience the water of Biscayne National Park. Here are the best things to do in Biscayne National Park. Make sure to book these experiences far in advance! Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park This is one of the best places in Florida to snorkel, so most people opt to go for a snorkel tour. There is a variety of options including snorkeling ship wrecks, snorkel, paddle eco-adventures, and snorkel island trips. You can expect to see coral reefs, shipwrecks, fish, crustaceans, and maybe even dolphins and turtles! Snorkel tours tend to be six hours in total and prices start at $100 per person. Most include lunch, a shaded boat, and lots of information from the captain. Though it is expensive and takes up a day, it is worth it for such a unique experience. If you are scuba certified, a few scuba tours are offered here as well. Island Exploration If you don’t feel like getting fully submerged, the island tours are another exciting way to experience this park. There are multiple islands around the park and these tours offer the opportunity to take a boat and explore them or even try Biscayne National Park camping. Boca Chita Key is the most visited and is where you can find the iconic lighthouse. It only costs $56 per person to take a 3-hour boat tour to the island and see the lighthouse and hike the nature trails. Other activities stop at Elliot Key or Adams Key which are less developed, and quite secluded. These are ideal for camping and looking for wildlife. Paddle Adventures The most popular tours at Biscayne National Park are the paddling tours. This is a great way to see the variety of birds, fish, and sea life that inhabit the park and get a little workout! For just $39 per person, you can do a 1.5-hour mangrove and seagrass meadow tour. Beginners are welcome and guides will help you if needed. For those with more time, the paddleboard tour of Jones Lagoon is a blast. This is one of the best places to see sea turtles, roseate spoonbills, and even baby sharks! You have to take a power boat to the lagoon, so you get two experiences for $89 with this Biscayne National Park tour. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are not offered at the Biscayne National Park visitor center. You can find places around the park that offer rentals and bring them to the launch site or launch them around the bay. Biscayne National Park Boat Tours Though most of the tours at Biscayne National Park allow you to walk, swim or paddle around, a few are boat only. This includes the Heritage of Biscayne Cruise, the sunset cruise, and the Stiltsville guided tour. Stiltsville is another icon of Biscayne National Park. These historic houses built on stilts are not accessible to the public, but there are boat cruises that you can see them. A couple of tours offer this, including the Stiltsville Guided Tour from Coconut Grove. For $56 per person, you can take a two-hour cruise and learn all about the history of this park. We opted for the sunset cruise and I will explain more about it below. It’s one of the cheapest options at only $30 per person and usually the last to sell out. We took a sunset cruise for our Biscayne National Park boat tour in 2021 and I will share our experience below! 2. Our Sunset Cruise Experience at Biscayne National Park in Florida We really wanted to go snorkeling at Biscayne National Park in Florida, but unfortunately, we were visiting around Christmas, which is one of the busiest times. I had no idea how fast these snorkeling tours fill up and there were none left when we went to book! If you want to snorkel here, learn from our experience and book your tour in advance! The one tour that was available during our trip was a Sunset Boat Cruise. I am on a mission to visit all the national parks in Florida, so we figured it was worth checking out. The tour started at 5 PM and we got there at 4 PM and looked around the Biscayne National Park visitor center for a bit. There are some neat exhibits, but it is not worth visiting here if you do not have a tour planned or your own watercraft! There is no beach and mainly it is just mangroves and a few boat launches surrounding the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center The sunset boat tour was a ninety-minute long boat ride and was simply that. We had a super relaxing cruise at
Florida is home to so many beautiful beaches, but one of the most stunning I have seen is Peanut Island. This park in Palm Beach, Florida is only accessible by watercraft and provides an island escape without having to leave the country. This is the perfect day trip for anyone on the east coast of Florida. Whether you want to relax on the beach, paddle a kayak, or go snorkeling, Peanut Island Florida is one of the best places to visit. In this guide, I will share everything you need to know before spending a day here. Things to Do on Peanut Island, Florida Peanut Island truly has activities for everyone from exploring the history to swimming around. I have seen young and old have a blast here and even dogs too. Before I explain all about how to spend a day here, I will walk through all the different activities possible for a day at Peanut Island. 1. Peanut Island Snorkeling If you are looking for a good place to go snorkeling, Peanut Island is one of the best spots in Florida! You can snorkel all around it, but most people agree that the southeast tip is where you want to snorkel. This is just to the east of the dock from the shuttle boat and you will see the lagoon where the water is shallow (about 10 feet deep max) and easy to snorkel in. The best time to snorkel at Peanut Island is between the hour before and after high tide. You will want to wear a float vest and be a decent swimmer, as there are strong currents at times, especially near the pier. The views are worth it though, with lots of coral, crabs, sea urchins, tropical fish, and even sea turtles and manatees! If you are a confident snorkeler, you can easily bring your own equipment and snorkel yourself. However, places like Get Wet Water Sports offer snorkel tours of Peanut Island if you prefer a guide. They also have snorkel gear rentals for only $30 per day if you forgot yours at home. 2. Kayaking and Paddleboarding To and Around the Island Another popular activity to experience at Peanut Island is paddling! I frequently see so many kayaks and paddleboards around the island when I visit. You can bring or rent your own kayak or paddleboard and simply paddle from Riviera Beach Marina in fifteen minutes or less. Once you get there, you can paddle right onto the beach for free and relax in the sun. There are also bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. In addition to paddling to the island, it’s also worth paddling around the perimeter and seeing the unique views of the shore. 3. Relaxing on Peanut Island My favorite thing to do on Peanut Island is relax on the beach and then take a leisurely walk around the island. You can even bring dogs and Kiwi loves spending the day with us on the dog-friendly beaches here! The flora and fauna are just breathtaking and it feels like you are a world away from civilization. My favorite area to relax is the east side of the island, just north of the snorkelers. The west side is a bit more industrial and the north side is known for having lots of boat parties. I highly recommend taking a walk around the island’s 1.25-mile walking path. It’s very scenic and ideal for seeing the unique aspects of the island. I have found some cool picture-taking spots on the southwest part as well, near the campground. Make sure to bring plenty of towels, sunscreen, water, and snacks so you can enjoy the day here. You can even bring some noodles if you want to float in the beautiful water! Keep in mind, alcohol is not allowed unless you have a campground and there is nowhere to buy food or drinks on Peanut Island. 4. Camping on Peanut Island If you can’t fathom only spending the day at Peanut Island, you can also stay the night and camp here! There are seventeen campsites for tent camping! You will need to make a reservation up to ninety days in advance and pay the $28 per night camping fee. Sleeping is permitted in tents only and you must have a reservation to camp there. You can stay up to three nights and use the indoor showers, picnic grills, and tables. I have yet to do this but I know people who have and they say it’s amazing camping on this gorgeous island. You just have to make sure to pack well, since it requires a boat ride to get back to the mainland! Where is Peanut Island? If you are wondering where Peanut Island Park is, it’s located at the mouth of Lake Worth Inlet between Riviera Beach and Palm Beach Shores. Most people park at the Riviera Beach Marina Village to get there. It’s a fifteen-minute drive north of Downtown West Palm Beach and a half-hour drive south of Jupiter. How to Get to Peanut Island Since Peanut Island is in fact an island, it is only accessible by Boat or watercraft. Many people take their own boats and park in the northern part of the island. In fact, the Peanut Island Sandbar is a popular spot on Sunday Funday. However, those without their own boat can easily visit as well. The Peanut Island Shuttle Boat leaves from the Riviera Beach Marina every twenty-five minutes between 10 Am and 5 PM. It is only a ten-minute boat ride to the island, so you will be there before you know it! The shuttle boat costs $16 per adult, $8 per child and dogs are free. You can make a reservation ahead of time, but most days it is not necessary. Campers are required to make a reservation and can rent equipment from the boat if needed. In addition to taking a boat to the island, you could rent a kayak or paddleboard as mentioned
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From splashy international art fairs and thrilling performing arts theaters to a dynamic museum and gallery scene, Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a world-class destination for arts and culture that will inspire and captivate you with its spirited energy and contemporary vision. Every year in early December, the international Art Basel Miami Beach art fair draws thousands of artists and collectors to our shores. The week surrounding it – Miami Art Week – is filled with satellite fairs, art shows and other events that showcase local artists. All year long, the destination’s dynamic gallery scene encompasses mainstream, thought-provoking and emerging artists. Galleries abound in areas including the Miami Design District, Allapattah, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami and South Beach. In the Wynwood Arts District, a kaleidoscope of works by groundbreaking artists can be seen throughout the neighborhood and at Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum dedicated to street art. In Downtown Miami, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a must-visit for its impressive collection of contemporary art of the Americas, as well as for its breathtaking architecture by Herzog & de Meuron, with Biscayne Bay as its backdrop. Greater Miami & Miami Beach is also a dynamic destination for the performing arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami hosts touring Broadway shows as well as performances by its resident companies: Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera and the New World Symphony. The New World Symphony also performs at the New World Center, its cutting-edge space in South Beach designed by Frank Gehry. With all of this culture set in our subtropical natural beauty, it’s easy to think of the destination itself as an art gallery and performance space. Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s science and history museums open up new worlds for exploration. At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami, you can visit the planetarium and check out the 500,000-gallon aquarium. Just across Biscayne Boulevard, the Freedom Tower is the place to learn about Miami’s Cuban diaspora. The historic building is also home to the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College. Continue your exploration of Miami’s rich Caribbean and Latin American culture in neighborhoods including Little Havana and Little Haiti, as well as its fascinating Black history in Historic Overtown. No matter which activities you include in your itinerary, you’ll find that Miami’s arts and culture scene is filled with an international flavor and vibrant energy that shines brighter than ever.
One of my favorite things about Miami is the Art Deco style. Certain parts of the city feel like you are stepping back in time with the colorful, funky architecture. On my recent visit, I wanted to see as much of this district as possible, so we decided to do our own Miami Art Deco Tour! A lot of companies have paid Miami Art Deco tours you can take, but I think it’s easy and more fun to go on your own. I made this guide for you to use on your trip to Miami and ensure you see all the sights. We took an Uber from our hotel, The Confidante, to 15th Street and Collins to start our tour. Start With A Snack on Collins If you are starting your Miami Art Deco Tour in the morning like we did, then you might want some breakfast! If not, you can skip this part, or grab a coffee for the walk. On this visit, we went to Andrix Cafe, an Italian spot with pastries, breakfast sandwiches and coffee and tea. Subscribe to The Florida Travel Girl! Get updates on the latest posts and more from The Florida Travel Girl straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBEI consent to receiving emails and personalized ads. Another favorite of mine is Taquiza, which has amazing tacos and some tasty drinks, but it doesn’t open until noon now. If you want to start it off in a very Miami way, you can eat at Havana 1957. This Cuban restaurant is a sit down though, so it might be a while. With our tasty croissant sandwiches finished and iced coffees in hand, we were ready for the sights! I recommend walking down Collins Ave (AKA Florida A1A) to start. The first site you will see is Hoffman’s Cafeteria. It is unfortunately now a Señor Frogs, but this building has been there since World War II was was used as a mess hall for pilots training in Miami Beach. Hotel Sightings on Ocean Drive Next walk two blocks down and head towards the beach to Ocean Drive. Here you’ll find a strip of legendary hotels. This includes the funky looking Cavalier hotel, the stately Cardozo hotel and the iconic Carlyle and Leslie hotels. All of these were built between 1936 and 1939 and have stood the test of time, as well as many hurricanes! The architecture is pretty impressive and I can only imagine how fun it would be to stay in one! If you walk down a little farther, you can find Lummus Park, which is probably the most popular beach in Miami. I don’t recommend this one for a public beach, but it is fun for people watching! If you keep walking down, you can find the Cleavlander, which is a famous nightlife spot. We actually went here for a pool party a few years ago and had a fun time listening to a DJ battle there! They were charging $15 just for a Corona though, so enter at your own risk! There’s a few more retro hotels to see, like the Boulevard, Starlite and Colony as well. Miami Art Deco District on Collins Ave You’ll want to cross back over to Collins on 10th Ave to see the Essex House. This was a hotel designed by Henry Hohauser in 1948 and is said to be one of his best designs. His other works include both the Cardozo and the Colony mentioned above, and I think this is definitely the most unique. A couple blocks later, there is the Hotel of South Beach, which has a lot of similarities to Essex House. This opened in 1939 as the Tiffany Hotel and was said to be the peak of luxury. Right around here is where Collins turns into more of a shopping area. You can either stop and check out some stores or cross over to Washington Ave for more sights! Washington Ave Sights On the corner of 5th and A1A is the most unique building I saw, designed by Taylor and Mathis. It’s now a lobster restaurant, but it was built in the 1990’s and it shows. This building seems likes it’s trying to fit into the Art Deco style, but had a distinct nineties feel. I still found it to be a fun and colorful sight! This is kind of the end of this unofficial Miami Art Deco Tour, because the style gets more modern from here, but there still is some cool stuff to see. The Jewish Museum of Florida is a block down and a popular spot to learn about Florida Jewish history. There’s free admission on Saturday and you can spend an hour learning about the immigration experience of many Jewish people to the state. If you like art, there’s are a bunch of galleries to check out around here. The Williams McCall gallery is one of the most popular. You may need to make an appoint to visit, but it features some of the finest art in Miami Beach. Lunch Time in South Beach If you are feeling hungry, there are a lot of great lunch options here. We actually went down to South Point and than came back here for bowls from My Ceviche. This is a surprisingly affordable food stand that sells rice bowls, burritos, tacos and salads topped with fresh fish! It was so delicious and a very refreshing lunch. Joe’s Stone Crab is another popular spot in this area, although it’s a pretty fancy restaurant that doesn’t open until 6 PM. However, they do have a takeaway spot that opens at 11 AM. You can try and get one of the few tables here, or take it to the nearby park for a picnic! If you aren’t feeling seafood during your Miami Art Deco Tour, there’s Pure Vida nearby. They have açaí bowls, salads and sandwiches. Lastly, there’s Primo Pizza, if you can’t resist a slice of New York style pizza! South Pointe Beach and Park Pier This last part is
