Before boarding your cruise at Port Miami, spend some time touring the city’s lively neighborhoods, verdant gardens and state-of-the-art galleries.
By Claire Sibonney
Miami may be known for miles-long beaches and splashy pool parties, but it offers much more than fun in the sun. The South Florida city is home to a dizzying array of cultures and distinct neighborhoods, from the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach and tree-lined, bohemian Coconut Grove to lively hubs of Caribbean influences, Little Havana and Little Haiti. Explore the colorful street art of Wynwood, the upscale boutiques of the Design District, the rich Black heritage of Historic Overtown and the trendy nightlife and art scenes in Allapattah. Whether you have a day or three, you’ll feel the Gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean’s irresistible rhythm and flavors – start practicing your Spanish!
Fast facts
Currency: U.S. dollar
Language: Mostly English and Spanish
Tipping: 20% is the norm
Temperature: average daily high of 84°F/29°C
History
500 BCE: The Tequesta tribe settle near the mouth of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, building a vast society tghat prospers until the Spanish arrive in the 16th century.
1896: Miami is incorporated after railroad tycoon Henry M.Flagler expands his line.
1959: After the Cuban Revolution, the first wave of Cuban exiles begins to transform Miami into a multicultural hub.
1984: The Miami Vice effect spurs renewed popularity, spotlighting the city’s architectural charms and exciting nightlife.
Every Sunday
On Sunday mornings, outdoor wellness classes such as yoga, tai chi and Zumba are just five dollars at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. The National Historic Landmark’s 100-year-old Vizcaya Village and towering banyan trees provide a picturesque backdrop for a morning stretch, followed by a stroll through the weekly farmers’ market.
Sunset Spot
Set sail on a sunset cruise along Biscayne Bay, where you can also soak up the opulence of Millionaire’s Row – a strech of waterfront mansions owned by the rich and famous.
The souvenir
Explore the Wynwood Arts District’s boutiques, secondhand stores and galleries to find that a perfect treasure, like a limited-edition, graffiti-inspired print by a local artist at the Wynwood Walls Shop.
Eat This
Cubano
On Calle Ocho in Little Havan, Sanguich specializes in Cuban sandwiches: ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, all pressed between famously lard-laced Cuban bread.
Abuela Maria
Down the street, Azucar Ice Cream Company’s trademark is an homage to the founder’s grandmother: handmade vanilla ice cream with guava, cream cheese and Maria cookies.
If you’re up for a day trip…
Spot Gators at Everglades National Park
From Miami, it’s only an hour’s drive to Everglades National Park. Once you arrive in the subtropical wilderness, hop on an airboat tour to see alligators, manatees and great blue herons and learn about the fascinating, yet at-risk, 1.5 million acres of wetlands.
Insider tip
Dominoes is Cuba’s national game, and Little Havana is the spot to watch senior players go head-to-head in intense yet friendly matches at Máximo Gómez Park.
Mark your calendar
Festival Fever
Three events worth planning a trip around, whether you’re into art, music or sports.
Art Basel Miami Beach December 6-8, 2024
Dive into the art world at the top-rated fair in the Americas, where leading galleries from across the globe show modern and contemporary pieces, as well as those from up-and-comers.
Festival de musique Calle Ocho 9 mars 2025
Sway your hips through Little Havana at this music festival that’s part of Carnaval Miami. Latin beats, delicious street food and a vibrant celebration of Cuban culture are on the program.
Miami Open March 16-30, 2025
See top tennis stars face off at Hard Rock Stadium, set against an atmosphere of live music, elevated stadium dining (from vendors like Nobu) and local art.
Dring like a local
Which came first, Miami Vice the TV series or Miami Vice the cocktail? The cocktail! The frozen rum-based concoction that’s part strawberry daiquiri, part piña colada is what you’ll be ordering pool and beachside.
Can’t miss
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
There are nearly 3,000 pieces of 20th and 21st-century international and Latin American art in the museum’s permanent collection, but even if you don’t make it to all the galleries, the setting is worth taking in. Designated by Herzog & de Meuron, the Swiss architecture firm behind London’s Tate Modern and Beijing’s National Stadium, PAMM features open terraces, hanging gardens and magnificent views of Biscayne Bay.
Where to stay
Acqualina Resort & Residences
An Italian-villa vibe pervades this Sunny Isles Beach resort perched dramatically at the water’s edge, with direct beach access, three oceanfront pools and modern, minimalist rooms. While you’re relaxing under one of the resort’s red beach umbrellas, your little ones will be busy learning curtesy of the marine-biology-themed children’s program.
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
This stylish 1980s icon by Miami architect Kenneth Treister got a major update in 2022. The Coconut Grove property’s whimsical art nouveau design is complemented by retro-inspired rooms (complete with vintage typewriters and clawfoot bathtubs), a rooftop pool and rim bar, and an open atrium overflowing with greenery.
Ask your Odyssea advisor about Ensemble Exclusive Amenities at this property.