When you imagine that less than two centuries ago the area that is modern Miami Beach was overgrown in mangrove forests, and that just a century ago it was a coconut plantation, the modern city is very different prospect indeed. Since the city was first formed on the island that is now connected to Miami by a series of bridges, it has quickly developed to be one of the most popular destinations in Florida. It has also become a place to see and to be seen in, with many celebrities frequenting the area, and it has also has been featured in several movies and TV series.
The Top Things To Do In Miami Beach
A visit to Miami Beach will rarely be boring, and there are plenty of options available, and while hanging out at the beach, people watching and enjoying the sunshine is a great way to relax, there is certainly plenty more to do. Strolling along the sea-front through Lummus Park is a great way to catch the great vibes, while the Bass Museum Of Art is another great place that has a range of interesting and interactive art exhibits. If you are looking for a little more adventure, Haulover Beach Park in North Beach is the best spot for surfing and windsurfing, and has a very different vibe to the area around South Beach.
NightLife And Socializing
If you’re looking to enjoy a few drinks, then the bar and club scene in Miami Beach is exceptional, with a great range of different bars, music venues and clubs catering to many different tastes. South Beach is the most vibrant area with plenty of upmarket bars and clubs, but with drinks prices fairly high, you will usually find most people drinking with friends before heading out into the bars at around midnight. In some respect it reminded me of a juiced up nightlife version of another great beach destination — Mallorca.
An Introduction To The Raleigh Hotel
When I went to stay in Miami Beach a few months ago, I was lucky enough to stay at one of South Beach’s iconic hotels, The Raleigh. The hotel has been providing comfortable accommodation for visitors to the area for decades, and as well as a lovely room with a stylish bathroom, you also have access to the amazing pool area, where you can sip cocktails and work on your tan, or relax in the shade of a palm tree if you’re a little prone to sunburn like me. Plenty of space to stretch out and a lovely ambiance is all a part of the package here.
Style And Stars At The Raleigh
One of the great things about the Raleigh is that all of the fine details have been checked, and the stylish atmosphere really works with the Art Deco theme of the hotel, which is an important part of the overall style of the city. Another of the reasons that I so enjoyed my time staying here is that I was lucky enough to be there at the same time as one of my favorite travel documentary makers, Anthony Bourdain. Needless to say, a few pictures where he happened to be present made their way on to my Instagram!
Getting Around Miami Beach
Stretching little over ten miles from South Beach to North Beach, cycling is one of the easiest ways to get around the area, with plenty of bicycle rental retailers, while there is also a retailer that rents electric golf carts in the area. There is even a free taxi supported by advertising run by SWOOP Miami. The South Beach Local is a shuttle bus that runs a small route around the area, while there are other buses connecting Miami Beach to the rest of the city on the mainland.
