Bienvenido a Miami

Miami is hands down one of my favorite places in the US. People ask me if I could live anywhere in the states where would it be and without pause I say Miami. The culture, the sun, the food, the ocean, the shopping, the food…it really doesn’t get any better.

sunset over South Beach

When most people think of Miami, they also think of parties, but I am here to tell you there is more to Miami than South Beach…a lot more.

There are two National Parks located within an hour from Miami. They are vastly different from each other but equally amazing. You can paddle board through mangroves and see baby sharks or hop on an airboat and go looking for gators, or pythons, if that’s more your speed. Make a stop in Little Havana for some Cuban food and mojitos. Head to the design district for some high-end shopping or if you are on Miami Beach head over to Bal Harbour. Looking for more low-key shopping try the Bayside Market Place. Want to see some badass artists at work go check out Wynwood. And of course go to South Beach and check out the Art Deco District.

So what are my must do’s while in Miami? I’ve got them listed below and there is something for everyone!

• Biscayne National Park. This National Park is 95% water making it a boating/fishing/diving/snorkeling dream. When we went we opted for paddle boards and a guided eco tour. The mangroves provide a vital ecosystem to many animals and we saw lots of them! Two different types of sharks, jellyfish and giant sting rays, all from paddle boards.

• Everglades National Park. The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and it’s a bird watching paradise. Airboats aren’t allowed in the actual park but you will find plenty of tour companies that will take you for a ride through the Everglades outside of the park and it’s amazing.

• Little Havana and by Little Havana I mean Versailles Restaurant. Don’t fall for the tourist trap Cuban restaurants all over Miami, go straight to the source and get the real-deal good stuff. I recommend The Criollo…your stomach will love you for it, and wash it down with a few Mojitos.

• Shopping. I love to shop and Minnesota definitely lacks in the shopping department despite being home to one of the largest malls in the country.

• South Beach. South Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand and beautiful waters. It’s pretty iconic and worth seeing and the people watching from it makes for a fun afternoon activity.

• The Art Deco District. This is pretty simple to spot from South Beach, just turn around and walk across the street. These buildings are gorgeous and great backdrop for an impromptu photo session. The building on the end that looks like it doesn’t really belong…that’s The Versace Mansion. Home to the late Gianni Versace, it is now a restaurant and boutique hotel.

• The Wynwood Neighborhood. This neighborhood is truly a sight to behold. Every wall is covered in murals and graffiti and it’s nothing short of amazing. While there checkout The Wynwood Walls Museum and grab some amazing food to eat.