Travel Paradise Blog

Want an adventure in Miami that will leave you breathless then you will have to leave time in your schedule to go on a magnificent tour through the waters of Miami’s Biscayne Bay. This is a 90 minute cruise that will slowly guide you through some of the most scenic and luxurious sights that Miami has to offer. You cruise around and see the splendid
 Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and “Millionaire’s Row” - the homes of the rich and famous. Yes the very rich and the very famous. You will sail along the crystal clear waters by way of one of the modern yachts, offering the most comfortable tour imaginable.
 The homes located along Biscayne Bay are no less than mansions and are sprawled across the Bay area. Some of these homes are owned by Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, P Diddy and the owner of Virgin Airlines, Richard Branson. Included in the tour is a sprawling mansion once owned by the legendary Al Capone. Speaking of Al Capone, the mansion that was used to shoot the popular mob movie, Scarface sits amongst the many mansions on the Bay. Once you pass through the breathtaking Miami skyline, and Millionaire’s Row, you still have some other points of interest including the Port of Miami, Brickell Key, and Fisher Island. While many of these may not seem significant to you it is likely because you may not know what they represent. The Port of Miami is one of the nation’s busiest ports and has been dubbed the Cruise Capital of the World. This Port alone contributes almost $20 million annually to South Florida economy and also provides tens of thousands of jobs. Brickell Key is famous for its real estate which can be traced back to the late 1890’s when Henry Flager created a channel that resulted in off shore property that was compromised of two islands. From there it has become one of the most distinct and exclusive island communities across the globe. That is very impressive to say the least. Fisher Island is only accessible by helicopter or ferry and was once owned by the Vanderbilt family and was later sold for development, remained vacant for almost two decades before development was started and today Fisher Island although occupied is a very exclusive and extremely wealthy community. In 2000 it had the highest per capita income in the United States.
 The Biscayne Bay cruises are available daily and depart about every hour or so. Gratuities are optional and meals and beverages can be purchased on board. Depending on the season, the tours cost around $20-$25 per adult, $15 for a child under the age of 12 and infants or children under the age of 4 are free, make sure you double check the prices. These are bi lingual tours. Hotel pick up is not provided for this event and the cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. There is plenty of shelter available from the sun on this cruise and really is a one of a kind place to hang out for a couple of hours to see some of what beautiful Miami has to offer, up close and personal.
 

 One prefered hotspot hangout in Miami is The Tides which is the largest hotel on Ocean Drive. It is cool and very trendy, it is a showplace for the Island Outpost hotel group, Chris Blackwell. The Tides only offer 45 hotel rooms but they are huge! Imagine, the smallest hotel suite being a lush 550 square feet. Here comes the kicker, all rooms are ocean front and they all come with built in telescopes.  Why? well, topless sunbathing is allowed at poolside. The Tides is in the heart of the Art Deco district and across the street from Lummus Park. The location of The Tides is primo and it is less than 20 miles from the Miami International Airport too.

 The location of The Tides offers other local attractions including Wolfsonian Museum, Flamingo Park, and Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, Miami Beach Convention Center, and the Miami Seaquarium. Hotel amenities include the putting green, rooftop outdoor pool with cabanas and poolside dining, and chairs and umbrellas on the beach. It’s no wonder that The Tides have become one of the top hangouts in Miami. This 12-story vintage hotel just towers over South Beach and offers no comparison to any of the other hotels in that area. The Tides also offers a restaurant and bar that are elegant and cool, both in the same sentence. You never know who you will run into at the Tides bar or restaurant especially since Miami has been dubbed the center of all things hip in America.
 The Tides offers a very lively atmosphere where tourists can hang out and have a really great time. The room rates are around $200-$300 per night but the accommodations are impeccable. There really is no reason to leave the hotel grounds once you get there, some have actually spent their entire vacation right at The Tides because there was nothing that they wanted that they could not get, and you can’t top that. The Tides is not only the tallest hotel in Miami but also the most luxurious. The restaurant features only fine dining with a Mediterranean influence along with plenty of entertainment. The Tides also has a second restaurant and a poolside bar too. The Tides is definitely the place to be if you are looking for premiere hot spots. There is a sprawling roof top patio that is offered to guests for many different occasions. There is also a full service gym on the 9th floor.
 The Tides is a place that is so unique and trendy that it is no wonder that it is one of the must visit spots  in Miami. The lounge inside not only attracts visitors from the hotel but others as well because of its reputation for a great night on the town. More and more people are coming to The Tides because it is so much fun, or could it have something to do with the telescopes that offer a perfect view to the topless pool area!
 

Dont’ you dare head to Miami and not go straight to South Beach. South Beach is the #1 Miami hotspot with plentiful shopping and partying, it’s also a magnet for Spring break. If you are looking for the scorching,hottest hangouts in Miami then this is a must see and although the rates are lower in May through August which is considered the “off season” March and April is when South Beach is really hopping.
You can start off the evening with some dinner, make that one of the first thing that you do since Miami boasts a full line of ethnic cuisine, especially Cuban cuisine. Because the weather is so beautiful, most restaurants offer outdoor eating. Stick to Lincoln Avenue for a full array of a full line of various cuisine and plus it is a great spot to just sit and watch the people. This will help to really get you ready for one of Miami’s famous forms of entertainment, partying! Head on over to Ocean Drive and get in on the action. Celebrities frequent this part of Miami on the regular. Nightclubs are plentiful with a broad selection to choose from such as The Clevelander, Club Deep, which has a dance floor built on top of water, and Nikki Beach Club which is a beachfront nightclub. These are all on Ocean Drive. The party spots are ample and Miami offers more than just nightclubs, check out the bars and coffee bars for a different kind of nightlife.
If you are looking for a hotel experience that is nothing less than awesome then check out The Pelican. It is within walking distance to every South Beach attraction. Although there are only thirty rooms in this hotel, each one is completely different from the other in terms of decor and style but each hosts a theme such as Tarzan or Flower Power. Another good smaller hotel that is right on the money is the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel Miami which is located on Collins Avenue. This hotel is also within walking distance to just about everything. There are also huge grand hotels that line the beach which gives you typically what you would expect from one of these lush hotels.
There is a lot more to do in South Beach besides party plus you have to have something to do in the day time so you absolutely have to set some time aside for the gorgeous beaches that are full of white sand and crystal blue waters. That will allow you to relax and enjoy a bit of downtime before you hit the party trails later at night. Lie back on the beach, soak up the sun, read a book and sip on a frozen drink, maybe even take a little nap because the night ahead is sure to be a long one. As long as you are up for the party Miami can accommodate your needs in that area. If you decide that you want a change of scene or pace then visit one of the Miami Latin dance clubs or just chill out for the evening on the beach.

Miami is known for its awesome and entertaining nightlife but when you are in Miami how could one possibly know which place to go to first; it’s almost as if you have to take a course before you know which way to head. Of course you can rely on word of mouth if your sources share a lot in common with you. Otherwise you are likely on your own. That could result in a lot of wasted money on cover charges and wasted time too. So it is best if you have a little idea what you like before you head out.
 Do you like rock and roll, because if you do your choices in Miami are sort of limited? Check out Churchill’s, but before you do you should know that it is nothing fancy and you do not have to dress to impress. Actually some might consider it something of a hole in the wall but it has had some well known bands jamming in there before they became well known. This heavy metal pub is located on NE 2nd Avenue.
Hoy Como Ayer, located in Little Havana is a small dance club that can sometimes get a little crowded but the nostalgia of old Cuba along with some Latin dance music is well worth the trip. Heading back to the downtown area, check out PS14. This is an Indie type club with an awesome open patio in the back. The music is elector house, hip-hop, rock, and Latin. If you are looking for something different, unusual perhaps, then head on over to South Beach and go directly to the rooftop of the Townhouse Hotel. If you like 80’s retro music this might be your spot but it is a common hangout for young professionals. There is no where else that you can go and have drinks with someone while lounging across and chilling on a king sized waterbed.
Maybe you are into a little R&B, some blues and a little jazz, if so you need to get on over to Tobacco Road. This club got the very first liquor license in Miami; yes their liquor license is #001, which also makes it Miami’s oldest bar too. That likely explains why it used to be a regular hangout of Al Capone. So if you are looking for a fat burger and a little bit of live blues, you can not go wrong at Tobacco Road which is located on Miami Avenue. There is a serious jazz club inside of the very historic Deauville Hotel. Here the Cuban trumpet player and Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval appears with many other national musicians. Here you can dine and drink while watching and enjoying classic entertainment. The menu caters mostly to seafood and Latin cuisine. This upscale jazz club is located on Collins Avenue.
Always make sure you remember to plan your night in advance.  It is no wonder that Miami is known nation wide for its invigorating night life.
 

There is no debating that Miami is an intoxicating place to visit and has one of the most stunning beaches in the country. That is why there are so many different tours and activities offered, one in particular is the Everglades Adventure tour. Because Miami is known for its awe-inspiring nightlife, you can be assured that those who host the tours surely keep that in mind. Enjoy a tour of the Everglades and a Miami City Tour. This is a famous international hotspot that draws in millions of visitors annually. The City Tour will take you through the Art Deco District, the Artiest District of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana and Downtown Miami.
Then it is time for the tour through the famous Everglades Park. An airboat will transport you through the sub tropic wilderness that is in excess of one million acres. There is no doubt that you will encounter at least one alligator while on his journey. The importance of the Everglades is that there is no larger natural subtropical wilderness anywhere in North America. Unfortunately for many years some people have looked at the Everglades as being nothing more than a swamp that is full of dangerous creatures. Crazy enough when you stop and think about it the Everglades is almost untouched from the human hand and yes there are alligators, and even the Florida panther. Guess what, they live less than an hour from downtown Miami. The tour has to be made by airboat because the water in the Everglades is not much more than three feet deep which is probably why it is referred to as the “river of grass.” A regular boat could never make it through such terrain.
 When you take a sightseeing tour of the Everglades straight from Miami you can plan on traveling through some of the largest swamp land in the world. The beauty of it is unquestionable because it calm and untamed. Not only will you see alligators but you will see very rare birds, turtles along with beautiful and rare plant life. The tours are usually slow enough so that you can take in all that the wildlife has to offer. Of course they are professionally guided tours so they will be able to bring some things to your attention that might otherwise be missed. Once the airboat hits the river of grass it will then pick up speed and you will speed through what seems like miles of open waters. It may appear that you will never see dry land again but rest assured, you will.
 The price for these tours depends on where you book your tickets. The length of each tour is about four hours long. They will pick you up at your hotel usually by 9am and the tour is usually over by 2 pm. Children ages 3 to 9 qualify for the child rate. Children under 3 are free when riding on an adult’s lap. The tours run regularly on a daily basis and are certainly one of Miami’s authentic hotspots.

 Miami’s infamous Boardwalk is about four miles long and is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Although the Boardwalk was built in the 80’s, it was renovated in the late 90’s and now it winds behind opulent hotels and offers an even more elegant view. Some say that they feel as if they are walking right on the Atlantic Ocean. Plenty of people use the Boardwalk for jogging, romantic strolls, and it is renowned for professional photo shoots. The Boardwalk boasts one of Florida’s sultry attractions and awesome nightlife. The Boardwalk which is along the famous Hollywood Beach hosts many low-cost restaurants, bars and cafes. It is definitely a hot spot for those in Miami.
 The Boardwalk in Miami is ranked an impressive number 12 for the best things to do in Miami. The Boardwalk is located between North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale and runs along Highway 1. You really never know what you will see while on the Boardwalk, some go for a relaxing stroll, others for bike rides, skateboarding, or just to watch the people. There are a variety of places to dine or get a drink. Each Monday night the Boardwalk hosts live concerts under the stars and along the heavenly coastline. If you can imagine this beautiful Boardwalk as the paved and wooded path runs down Ocean Drive with all of the oceanfront hotels on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
 Many people refer to the Boardwalk as a meeting place or a community gathering place where you just never know what wild and crazy you might run into. The Boardwalk features a brick lined pedestrian thoroughfare that gives you a dramatic view of the perfect coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. It is glorious! No cars are allowed on the Boardwalk and it is bordered by six miles of Miami’s famous coastline, hotels, shops, cafes and oceanfront dining. A view from the Boardwalk during the day is certain to include watching a good game of volleyball or beachfront paddleball. On the other side you will likely see a group enjoying some yoga. Once the sun sets there is still a lot going on with live musical performances, festivals, and all sorts of other engaging events.
 No Doubt there is not a chance that anyone would want to miss out on an opportunity to visit the Boardwalk with all that it has to offer. It is just one of the many ways to fill your day with another impressive memory. Even if you visit the Boardwalk and just sit, relax and breathe in the ocean scented air you will find that it was a day well spent. It is no wonder that Miami’s Boardwalk is one of the top rated places to visit while in Miami. It is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike and one that you will not want to miss out on. As a matter of fact, the Boardwalk is so picturesque that it has been the location for many wedding pictures as it offers such an elegant background.
 
 

Little Havana is part of the heart of Miami. It is an ethnic district in Miami where many Cuban immigrants live. It got its name from Cuba’s capital and largest city from which Cuban immigrants have migrated from Cuba because of the closeness in proximity. Little Havana is compromised of a vibrant Hispanic culture. It is like stepping into a different world with the smell of Cuban coffee and a hint of Cuban cigars, Little Havana is full of one of a kind storefronts, art galleries, and Cuban cafes.
 Little Havana is comparable to being in a storybook that takes you right through another time that is set in old time Cuba. The exact location of Little Havana is on 8th Street or as they call it Calle Ocho between 12th and 27th Avenues. You will know if you happen to walk upon it because you will feel like you entered a different time warp. Once you arrive the best thing to do is to start eating because here you will get the best genuine Cuban food around unless you go directly into Cuba. One of the most famous cafes in Little Havana id El Pub because it has awesome Cuban cuisine, a great atmosphere, and hours of entertainment just looking at the Cuban collectibles and memorabilia that has brought these Cuban migrants to Miami and led to where Cuba stands politically to this day.
 Walk past Domino Park in Little Havana where you can count on catching a glimpse of old school Cubans enjoying a game of dominoes or chess which is something that they do daily. Nearby is a memorial park where tributes are placed in remembrance to the fallen Cuban heroes. The monuments are plentiful and you will find a very large tree with memorials around it. Locals will be the first to tell you never to touch the offerings because it is considered to be very back luck in the eyes of the Cubans. If at all possible try to plan your trip to Little Havana at the end of the month. The last Friday of each month is known as Viernes Culturales or Cultural Friday. What you will find during this time is a huge Latin street party where there are music, dancing, performers in the street, food, local artists, and theaters. This is not an adult only event but rather one that the whole family is included in. Although this takes place at the end of each month, the grand daddy of all parties is hosted in Little Havana in March. This one is known as the biggest street party in the country. Usually about a million people from across the globe come to join in this event.
 This event is a huge deal for those in Little Havana with media coverage and they have even found a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest conga line. Many Latin performers come to perform during this one day event because they find comfort in returning to their roots even if it is just for a little while.

Miami has always been known for its famed, night scene. It has attracted people from all over the country who want to come and check out what the entire praise is about and of course get a view inside one of these high-energy nightclubs. It is not hard to locate live Latin jazz bars which are generally fortunate enough to remain popular all the time unlike the nightclubs as they do not seem to have such a long life. This simply means you have to hit them while they are sizzling and there are always some that are happening.
 Three of the hottest nightclubs are the Sky Bar, the Mansion, and Cameo. Each, for their own separate reasons draw crowds that are just astounding. The Sky Bar is full of extreme coloring with electric cobalt walls. It is full of fountains and tropical gardens. There are four separate bars within the Sky Bar and it tops the list of premiere spots in South Beach. The Mansion is relatively new; it was formerly an art deco theater that has been renovated. Divided up into three completely different areas, each has their own style of music and celebrity hosts. This one of a kind nightclub is state of the art and is a current hangout for many celebrities that seem to just love the glass mirrors, the crystal chandeliers, and the most beautiful staircases that fill the two level nightclubs that have a total of six bars. The dance floor holds well over five hundred people comfortably. If you are wealthy or at least want to appear to be then Cameo is your spot. Cameo is very expensive and very glitzy and full of a 30 something wealthy crowd. Keep that in mind before you go into Cameo and plan on throwing back some shots. This nightclub is a sip and drip style club where people have more of a tendency to sip on a cocktail and drip in cash and jewels.
Unquestionably worth the mention is Mokai. This is the nightclub to hang at if you are looking to catch a glimpse of some famous celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Enrique Iglesias. Get there early to stand in line because the lucky first 220 will only get in but you can stay and party until 5 am. This club only has 22 tables and is beyond contemporary but almost futuristic in terms of decor. The dance floor is sprawling and the place is just jam packed with excitement always.
These are some nightclubs that you will not want to miss out on if you are in Miami and looking for a good party location. You must be 21 to enter these clubs and keep in mind that Florida is one of those states that offer zero tolerance for underage drinking. This could likely have a lot to do with Florida’s huge Spring break crowd but they are very stern. However, if you are 21 or over bring some ID and plenty of cash and head for an evening that you are not likely to soon forget. Dont’ You Just Love The Night Life!

Visiting downtown Miami is a must while you are there. There is a unique blend of commercial, cultural, and leisure opportunities to explore. Beautifully lined skyscrapers offer an exquisite view that are breathtaking and the shopping is a premiere experience as many of the shops and stores located in downtown Miami are more like trading vessels to a variety of diverse cultures. Miami does offer big city shopping too so you will never feel deceived when it comes to variety. Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes that offer a variety of culinary styles.
When you are planning your downtown Miami adventure, you will first want to hit Flagler Street which is in the heart of downtown Miami’s shopping district. Here you will find Macy’s, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, and La Epoca (imported from Havana). There are elite art and historical museums to visit but you might just be content strolling the streets, shopping and doing some people watching. If you feel like treating yourself stop off at the Seybold Building which is a big building that hosts more than 280 different jewelers. And every Saturday morning there is a Miami Partnership historic walking tour that you can participate in but you will need reservations for that.
 While you are in the downtown area, located on Biscayne Bay is this gorgeous complex where you will find shops, restaurants, and bars including Hard Rock Cafe of Miami, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Sharper Image, The Disney Store and an international food court. You can actually plan to hang out here for an entire day as you can shop until you drop, stop off and get a bite to eat and relax while you await the nightly entertainment on the Marina stage. It is literally an outdoor festival seven days a week.
 If you are into the arts, literature, and theaters then you will likely find downtown Miami extremely intriguing. There is so much to do if arts and theatre tickle your fancy. You might need a whole weekend to enjoy what Miami has to offer in this area. The Miami Art Museum presents art from the twentieth and twenty first centuries. The Miami Book Fair International is a premier program of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. Also located in Downtown Miami at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus this is an exclusive event that takes place every November. If you have children accompanying your trip then stop by and hang out at the Miami Children’s Museum. It is full of activities for the kids, as a matter of fact there are 14 galleries that offer just about anything that kids could want to do. It is very educational and informational.
 While you are in Downtown Miami there are several methods of transportation that you can use. There is a 21 mile elevated rail system that serves the entire Downtown Miami area that extends west to Hialeah and south to Kendall and it stops just about every mile. Many people just choose to walk or ride a bicycle and others just rent a car.

Besides the beautiful weather, the gorgeous white sandy coastlines, and the beautiful people, Miami is also very well known for its tasty cuisine. Also while you are in Miami you gotta  visit a few of these places that make dining more than just eating, but rather a delightful experience. If you are not into crowds of tourists and streets lined with children then wait until later when Lincoln Road crossing at Collins Avenue settles down. The kiddies are all settled down for the night and the streets come alive. Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars this is the place to be not only for the experience but also to fill your stomach with some of the best food that you will ever eat, trust me on this. The streets are lined with eateries and all types of nifty shops to browse through. The cafes and restaurants are full of music, designed so very uniquely, and  you will want to visit more than once. A favored is Sushi Samba where you will be able to find a full array of Japanese, Brazilian, or Peruvian style cuisine, simply scrumptous.
 There are ten top ranked Chinese restaurants in the country and Miami just so happens to claim one of them. Tony Chan’s Water Club tops the list of most favored Chinese cuisines. Located on the oceanfront, this restaurant has floor to ceiling windows and a completely open kitchen so that you can watch the talented chefs at work. Just a few of the much loved dishes include tako su (octopus and cucumber with sweet vinegar sauce), braised duck with pineapple, and sweet and sour sea bass. Tony Chan’s Water Club is a very upscale restaurant located on North Bayshore Drive in Miami’s downtown district. Tony Chan’s hosts a very romantic type environment and yes, you do need reservations to dine there.
 Another spot for fine dining is 510 Ocean, which is the name of the restaurant as well. They serve New American Cuisine and offer indoor dining or garden patio seating for the outdoor lovers. It holds late night hours and also has a really cool lounge for after dinner cocktails. You will need reservations and prices are on the high end to moderate. Some of their delicious appetizers include lobster, calamari, shrimp, and scallops.
 Tucked away in Miami’s Ritz Carlton Hotel is the Americana restaurant which serves American and Continental cuisine. It is absolutely spectacular and there has been nothing but positive feedback from those who have dined there. Prices are a bit pricey in comparison to 510 Ocean. They serve both brunch and dinner, the brunch has a wide variety of food with a great Carpaccio bar, raw bar, and amazing risotto station.
 These are some of the premiere dining spots located in Miami and are great places to hangout but keep in mind that there are plenty of inexpensive, family orientated restaurants available as well.  One of the great things about Miami is that it has something everyone.