The city of Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, Cuban food, Art Deco Architecture and nightlife. My family and I visited Miami during Spring Break 2022, and it was surprisingly low key for Spring Break. Miami is a scenic and vibrant city with many cultural activities and picturesque beaches to visit. I had decided to stay at an Airbnb, so our family could enjoy a little quiet time away from the city center. I chose to stay at a rental unit within a 20 minute drive of Miami Beach. This rental was perfect for our family! The semi-private pool that we shared with the home next door was an oasis. In addition, our rental included a kitchen, which came in handy with all of our leftover food that we could eat later on.
Domino Park - Calle Ocho / Day One
After settling into our home away from home, we decided to go out and explore the city. First on my list was Domino Park, aka Maximo Gomez Park in Little Havana. This park is located on Calle Ocho street in the heart of Little Havana. You can find Cuban restaurants, bakeries, shops and even Cuban cigar shops. Calle Ocho is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Domino Park, named by the locals, is a park where residents congregate to play a game of dominos. While you need to be a member, it is fun to watch the locals play. After visiting Domino Park, we walked across the street to Azucar Ice Cream Company for some delicious ice cream. I highly recommend the cafe con leche ice cream!
I had made reservations for dinner at Ball & Chain, located on Calle Ocho near Domino Park. Ball & Chain opened in 1935 and serves traditional Cuban food. In addition, they serve very eclectic drinks, such as the Calle Ocho Old Fashioned made with rum, sugar, tobacco infused bitters and a tobacco leaf! They also have live music with a Cuban flair, which makes you feel like you are in Havana. There is a dance floor where you can kick up your heels and dance the salsa or mamba.
After dinner take a walk along Calle Ocho to window shop and explore this charming cultural area. We walked down to the intersection of Calle Ocho and Southwest 13th Avenue to visit the Cuban Memorial Boulevard. The memorial honors Cuban soldiers who fought in the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 and the Cuban War of Independence. In addition, there is a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary and a 16-foot map of the island of Cuba with an engraving by nationalist Jose Marti that says "The homeland is agony and duty"in Spanish. In all, Calle Ocho in Little Havana was very fun and had a lot to explore.
North Beach Oceanside Park / Day Two
The following day we visited North Beach Oceanside Beach Park. This park was way less crowded than South Beach and very tranquil with lifeguards, restrooms and a nearby park. After a day of sun and fun we searched for another restaurant with some Cuban flavours and decided to visit Versailles, the world's most famous Cuban restaurant. Their menu was very expansive and has something for everyone in the family. Since they do not take reservations, we had to wait a little while for a table. While waiting the restaurant has a bakery next door where you can order a cafecito, a Cuban coffee with a sweet cream on top. Delicioso! Once seated at Versailles restaurant, I ordered the sampler plate, which had a variety of Cuban dishes, so I could try a multitude of Cuban foods. I highly recommend this restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
South Beach & the Art Deco Historic District / Day Three
While in Miami we had to check out South Beach. The Julia Tuttle Causeway/ I-195 takes you to Miami Beach from Miami. Once there you can find plenty of parking within the city, which is within walking distance to the beach. The beach was beautiful and not too packed. Once done at the beach we walked over to the Art Deco Historic District, which is located between 5th and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. You can either walk this beautiful Art Deco area or take a drive in your car by these beautiful hotels.
There are so many restaurants and bars to choose from in Miami Beach. I decided to visit a diner to be try something a little different. I found the 11th Street Diner to fit the bill! The diner was only a few blocks from the beach and Art Deco District, therefore we were able to walk to the diner without moving our car. They serve everything to eat at this diner! They even serve spiked milkshakes! I tried the Far Far West milkshake, which contains Skrewball Peanut Butter whiskey, peanut butter and vanilla ice cream. Yum!!!! This diner was super fun and the classic, diner food was delicious.
Wynwood Walls / Day Four
While in Miami you will see street art everywhere! I enjoy viewing all types of art and street art/graffiti is included. The colors are so vibrant and the subject matter is very thought-provoking. Therefore, I had to visit Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum comprised of 50 murals from artists all over the world. Wynwood Walls is only a few minutes from Downtown Miami and there is an admission fee. Also, find many restaurants and shops nearby this magnificent outdoor museum.
For dinner we opted for a local pizza place, Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza. They have a huge outdoor seating area and serve delicious brick oven pizzas, salad, paninni's, and more. This is a great place to go with a family.
Visit Biscayne National Park / Everglades National Park - Day Five
Only a little over an hour from Miami lies two amazing national parks. Biscayne NP and Everglades NP. Read my travel blog about our visit to Biscayne NP here and Everglades NP here. We spent all day visiting these two scenic and wonderful parks. I recommend visiting Everglades National Park early in the morning when it isn't as hot. Biscayne NP is 95% water, so cool off with a fun kayak ride or snorkel tour. Book these tours at Biscayne Bay National Park Institute.
In all, we had a blast in Miami! We were able to enjoy the mouthwatering food, vibrant culture and breathtaking beaches that Miami has to offer.
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