10 Things To Do in Miami

Coming to Miami for a few days on vacation?  Trying to figure out where to go and what to do?  Here is a guide with 10 sure fire things to do here in Miami.  We asked everyone around us to recommend a variety of spots to enjoy Miami, and here is what they said:

1. Bill Bags Park - Key Biscayne - Miami has a lot of beaches and parks, but few rival the beauty, tranqulity, and clear waters of Bill Baggs Park in Key Biscayne.  Lounge oceanside in a remote island under the shadow of a 150 year old lighthouse -- which is pretty much the oldest thing here.

2. Stroll through Calle Ocho in Little Havana - So you've heard about the Cubans in Miami?  Well, there is no better place to check out Cuban culture and rythm that to take a walk down Calle Ocho in Little Havana.  Sip on a Cuban Coffee while you sit back and smoke a hand rolled Cuban Cigar.  Considering the embargo, this is as close as you can get to Cuba.  If you are around during the end of the month, be sure to come out for Viernes Culturales taking place every last Friday of the month.

3. Shopping in Downtown - If you are tired of the expensive boutique stores in Miami Beach and you want to avoid the nauseating shopping malls in South Florida, then head over to Flagler Street where you can find a variety of small shops with great prices.  Once you are done, you can even walk over to Bayside Marketplace to find those more recognizable brands, and enjoy a waterfront meal.

4. Go to the Theater - The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami is Miami's crown jewel performance space.  At close to 500 million bucks, the center is grand with quality performances and great sound.  From Broadwy plays to international performances, the Adrienne Arsht Center offers near year round entertainment.

5. Take in the Art Deco Architecture of Miami Beach - Miami Beach is more than glamour, models, and sexy bodies.  In fact, South Beach is also home to the largest Art Deco District in the world.  Stroll through the streets of Ocean Drive and Miami Beach to find hidden architectural gems all over the city.

6. Experience Old Miami at Vizcaya - Ever wonder how those early tycoons lived when they came over to Miami in the early days?  Head over to Vizcaya to see Miami's early wealth in all its glory.  An oceanfront Mediterranean palace and gardens, Vizcaya is a window into a long gone era.  Vizcaya is one of the most richly detailed and beautiful homes in Miami.

7. Go Catch a Sports Game - Miami has some great and memorable sports teams.  Whether you enjoy football, baseball, hockey, or basketball, there is always some type of major sporting event in season in South Florida.  Sporting venues in South Florida include the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami with the Miami Heat (basketball), Sun Life Stadium with the Dolphins (football) and Marlins (baseball), and the Bank Atlantic Center where the Florida Panthers (hockey) play. 

8. Take a nature tour with Eco Adventures - Miami has some very interesting flora and fauna.  Let one of the Miami Dade County Park experts show you a beautiful and hidden side of South Florida.  Find more info at: http://www.miamidade.gov/ecoadventures.

9. Take in some of Miami's Amazing Local Music - In the last few years, the local music scene in Miami has exploded.  With an eclectic mix of Latin, American, and Caribbean sounds, the Miami music scene offers unique rythms.  While Miami has tons of music spots, these few spots in Miami always always offer great local music, some of our favorites include Transit Lounge, Hoy Como Ayer, Jazid, and Tobacco Road.

10. Take a Walk through Miracle Mile - Enjoy shopping, galleries, and dining in the heart of pedestrian friendly Downtown Coral Gables.