Day Zero & Day 8 - Miami Florida

Day Zero & Day 8 - Miami

Black is research done prior to our trip, and pink is info/feedback from our actual trip

Friday Jan 19th: Day Zero

Flight:

Philly to Miami 

Hotel:

Hilton Garden Inn Miami - Brickell/ near Key Biscayne, FL

Address: 2500 Brickell Avenue Miami FL 33129, US

Hotel bio: Discover downtown Miami and Brickell financial district by hopping on a free city trolley, just steps from our door. With US 1 highway close by, we're within eight miles of South Beach and Key Biscayne and less than a 15-minute drive from Port of Miami cruise terminals. We have a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool and patio area.

What we did:

Dropped our bags off at the hotel for them to keep bc we arrived before check-in, and explored Brickell. Brickell is a neighborhood located in Miami, Florida, and is considered one of the city's most vibrant and rapidly growing areas. Brickell is known as Miami's financial district, home to numerous banks, law firms, and financial institutions. The area boasts a dense concentration of office buildings, making it a major business hub not only for Miami but also for the entire state of Florida.

Getting around:

• Miami Beach Trolley- The FREE citywide trolley service currently operates 15 hours a day, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week at approximately 20-minute average service frequency along each route. Our uber driver said he hated the Trolley, but for us it was PERFECT! We went all around Brickell for free, just hopping on and off when needed. Completely free. Mult stops. You can track the trolleys in the app to know when one is approaching, and where the various trolley stops are. We never waited long.

Scavenger Hunt via Let's Roam:

One of the ways we explored the city, was via the app, "Let's Roam." "Scavenger hunts are the best way to go out and explore a city. Whether you are local or a tourist, you will have a blast on our adventures. From scavenger hunts to bar crawls and ghost tours, to date nights, find tours in Miami and roam!" 

Feel free to use my referral link. We did the hunt called "Miami Scavenger Hunt: Latin Culture & Miami Flair in Brickell," but there are various other hunts in the area. We picked this one, bc it was near our hotel and all accessible by walking and the trolley car, for FREE. 

Estimated time: 1.5 hrs

Estimated distance: 2 miles

Only 1 person needs to purchase the hunt, and then can share with whomever they want, on one device or multiple. Complete at your leisure, or as fast as you can. Last I checked, the cost was $12.99. 

Love this app because it's a guided way to lead you through the city, hitting major landmarks, as it educates you along the way with artwork, history, etc. The basic challenges involve answering trivia questions or snapping silly pics. 

Food:

Talkin Tacos was one of the places we stopped. It was very close to the underline, that we came across on our scavenger hunt. You order via a touchscreen, which I always love bc I can customize to make sure there isn't dairy in my order. They then bring your food to you, inside or out. The huge mural is gorgeous, and the little taco neon light for a photo op. 

Talkin Tacos

Bocas Grill is a Latin fusion restaurant with mult locations in Florida. The atmosphere was great and so was the food. This was within walking distance to our hotel, and we felt safe walking in the dark at night. 

Address: 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Bocas Grill

Other things to do:

Beach Day: Start your day by relaxing on one of Miami's beautiful beaches, such as South Beach or Miami Beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and ocean views. 

• Nude Beach: Haulover Beach (30 min from hotel) (only bc this is on my bucket list! but we didn't get to go)
• Address: 10800 Collins Avenue Miami, FL

• (305) 947-3525
  www.hauloverbeach.org

• There is only one, official, legal, clothing-optional beach in the state of Florida, and this is it. The pristine white beach is among the best in South Florida, but only part of the mile-and-a-half stretch is set aside for those who prefer to sunbathe unclothed. That area, at the north part of the beach, is clearly marked to prevent people from being surprised by their neighbor on the sand disrobing. The entire beach is protected by lifeguards, and it also offers a host of amenities including various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming.

Art Deco Historic District: Explore the iconic Art Deco Historic District in South Beach. 

• The pastel-colored buildings and unique architecture make for a charming stroll.

• The Art Deco Historic District is a renowned area in Miami Beach known for its preserved architecture from the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. Located in the South Beach neighborhood, the district features pastel-colored buildings, geometric shapes, and neon lights that characterize the Art Deco style.

• Ocean Drive is a central part of the district, lined with iconic buildings like the Colony Hotel and the Tides South Beach. The area comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars

• In addition to Ocean Drive, explore Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue to fully appreciate the Art Deco architecture. The Art Deco Historic District is not only an architectural gem but also a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Miami Beach. Guided walking tours are available for those interested in learning more about the history and design of this unique district.

Wynwood Walls: Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art complex located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. 

• It's renowned for its vibrant and colorful murals created by both local and international artists. The Wynwood Walls were established as an initiative to transform the Wynwood area into a unique, open-air gallery.

• Visitors can explore the Wynwood Walls to see a diverse range of street art and murals, each with its own artistic style and message. The art often reflects social issues, cultural diversity, and contemporary themes. Beyond the Wynwood Walls, the neighborhood is filled with additional street art, galleries, and trendy shops.

• It has become a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, providing an immersive experience in the heart of Miami's artistic and cultural scene. The Wynwood Walls area is dynamic, with new murals periodically added, making each visit a unique experience.

Bayside Marketplace: Head to Bayside Marketplace for shopping, dining, and waterfront views. You can take a boat tour or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

• Bayside Marketplace is a waterfront shopping and entertainment complex located in downtown Miami, along Biscayne Bay. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy waterfront views, outdoor music performances, and a variety of activities.

• The marketplace features over 150 shops, including popular brands, boutiques, and souvenir stores. There are also numerous dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, providing a diverse culinary experience. Additionally, Bayside Marketplace hosts events and live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.

• One highlight is the Bayside Blaster, a boat tour departing from the marketplace that provides a scenic cruise around Biscayne Bay, offering panoramic views of the Miami skyline and nearby islands.

• Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or simply enjoy the waterfront ambiance, Bayside Marketplace is a popular destination for both locals and tourists in Miami.

Miami Seaquarium: For those who love marine life, the Miami Seaquarium is a popular attraction with dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as various exhibits. It’s $50 for a day pass

Everglades National Park: There are 4 entrances to the park, each diff. 

• https://www.tripsavvy.com/everglades-national-park-guide-5186198

• Ranger-led programs: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-everglades-national-park

• The closest entrance to the Everglades from Miami is the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, which is part of the main entrance to Everglades National Park. Here are the details:

• Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center:

• Located about 38 miles southwest of downtown Miami.

• Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.

• Shark Valley:

• Known for its tram tours and biking trails.

• Offers a 15-mile loop trail with observation tower for wildlife viewing.

• Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm Visitor Center):

• Located in the Royal Palm area.

• Features a short trail with boardwalks for birdwatching and alligator spotting.

• Flamingo Visitor Center:

• Located at the southern tip of the park.

• Offers boat tours, kayak rentals, and fishing opportunities.

• Big Cypress National Preserve:

• Adjacent to the Everglades.

• Known for its cypress swamps and diverse wildlife.

• Ten Thousand Islands:

• Located on the Gulf Coast side.

• Offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and birdwatching.

• Loop Road Scenic Drive:

• A scenic drive through the heart of the Everglades.

• Provides a chance to see wildlife and experience the natural beauty.