3 Reasons You Should Visit Miami

October 20, 2017

Image credit: BizBash

Miami’s world-famous sun-kissed beaches and captivating art deco architecture are all the more enticing come winter, when people contend with freezing temperatures and shorter days nearly everywhere else on the Northern Hemisphere. But even during Miami’s winter months, it lives up to its reputation as a tropical paradise.

From taking a dip in the ocean to exploring the diverse sights and sounds of the city, beating the winter chill in Miami is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves to travel.

Christmas in Miami

Image: Winterfest Boat Parade via YouTube – Denise Dema

One of the city’s primary attractions is the magnificent Winterfest Boat Parade. Now in its 47th year, the parade brings the Fort Lauderdale shoreline to life with everything from sailboats, yachts, and barges to gondolas and kayaks.

In addition, Miami is also home to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the largest Christmas-themed amusement park and carnival in the world. With over a hundred rides, shows, games, and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In the evenings, you can unwind with the Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’. The group’s brand new set and costume designs draw inspiration from the city’s Cuban and American heritage.

 

A large dose of culture

Image: Art Basel via Miami and The Beaches

Speaking of culture, one of Miami’s many manifestations of its rich history and fascinating culture is its Art Deco Weekend, held in January of every year. Festival-goers are treated to a variety of attractions and activities, such as guided tours, car shows, fashion shows, street fairs, and live screenings of films and documentaries about the Miami Art Deco tradition.

In addition, the city also plays host to Art Basel, one of the biggest modern and contemporary art events in the world. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center every December, the festival features art from leading galleries across all inhabited continents. The nearby Collins Park and SoundScape Park also host films, performances, and large-scale artworks as part of the event. Meanwhile, fascinating exhibits and galleries at the Perez Art Museum and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science remain open to the public in winter.

The month of February ushers in the South Beach and Wine Festival, which draws over 65,000 hospitality leaders and fans to a five-day celebration. Hundreds of winemakers, spirits producers, and culinary personalities are featured in forty events, where they share their knowledge and expertise to everyone.

Last, but certainly not the least, the Calle Ocho Festival and the Carnaval on the Mile mark the end of winter. Both festivals are extravagant street parties where Miami’s identity as the meeting point of Northern and Latin America is evident. The Calle Ocho Festival takes place in March at the Little Havana Neighbourhood and hosts over a million visitors celebrating Pan-American culture every year. The Carnaval on the Mile, on the other hand, is a free music and art festival dedicated to helping underprivileged children of South Florida.

Dive in

Image: Miami Beach via Discover Homes Miami

Of course, no visit to Miami is complete without reconnecting with the ocean. While the rest of Northern US experiences cold weather, Miami visitors can enjoy all sorts of water and land activities. Miami’s beaches are idyllic so much so that some people decide to stay all year long, especially in communities like Miami Beach which houses pristine shores and retains a vibrant, diverse culture.

Have you enjoyed Miami in winter? Share your favourite memories with us at the comment section below.

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