Miami in December

By Sarah Harris

Miami is a great destination any time of the year, but we especially love it in December. If you’re looking to skip all of the crowds and humidity, wintertime is no doubt the best for this. And of course, just like the summer months, December time runs the gamut with exciting events and attractions for all types of travellers. From can’t-miss cultural institutions and beautiful hiking trails to fab restaurants and shopping opportunities, the Magic City’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. Whether you’re an artsy type, an animal lover, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Still daunted by the prospect of a trip to Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all of the heavy lifting for you! If you’re planning to make a visit, have a read through our list of the best things to do there during the wintertime. However you choose to enjoy the Sunshine State, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful.

See the Sites

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Though Miami may best be known for its wonderful beaches and tropical greenery, you’ll be spoilt for choice for engaging and informative exhibits if you just know where to look. For those who want to squeeze a little education into their travels, we highly recommend the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. With an aquarium and planetarium too, this place has all of its bases covered. Permanent exhibits focus on subjects like the Ice Age, dinosaurs, and the future of science. In addition, the museum runs rotating exhibitions, educational programs and talks throughout the year, so don’t miss out! Great for those of all ages, we love this attraction because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. We recommend setting around setting aside an entire day for this – the museum is located in the bustling downtown area of the city, so there’s much to see around this part of town.

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Miami is full of glorious places to visit and explore, including some of America’s finest historic houses and gardens. Known for its strong Latin-American influences, the city pretty much has it made. As one of Miami’s most popular visitor attractions, Vizcaya Museum and Garden is noted for its unique combination of Mediterranean Revival and Baroque architectural styles as well as its expansive surrounding estate. Constructed in the early twentieth century, this grand villa was designed in a European style to reflect the thriving Spanish culture of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can get a glimpse of what luxury life was like back in the Roaring Twenties, and enjoy the well-preserved interiors from a different time. Exploring the house, you’ll be able to view furniture, art, and oddities that homeowner and businessman James Deering kept during his time in the house. Equally as beautiful as the home itself, the formal gardens surrounding the property are well worth checking out. An undoubtedly exquisite attraction, this spot should rank way up high on any Miami first-timer's travel list.

Try Something Different

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Art lovers visiting the Magic City will be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to see and do there. There are many options to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls – a wonderful outdoor urban art exhibition near the trendy Miami Design District. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is the largest open-air street installation in the world. Founded by community revitalizer Tony Goldman in 2009, the space works to bring together some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists all in one spot. The walls change consistently, but past creatives have included Shepard Fairey, Miss Van and Lady Pink. Artistic statements range greatly here, from lively pop culture references and humor pieces to stirring political statements and messages of hope – still, all are greatly worth the visit and will make you glad that you came. Not just a pretty face or a fun Instagram moment, Wynwood Walls is a powerful and inspirational visit for any creative types in the area.

Have a Blast!

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Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its perennial subtropical weather and lush captivating greenery. If you’re looking for scenic hiking trails to sink your teeth into, look no further than Everglades National Park. A protected landscape and listed World Heritage Site, the area stands out as the largest tropical wilderness area in the continental United States. Covering over 2,000 square miles of flatwoods and wetlands, this beautiful green space is thankfully open to visitors. Expect magnificent towering banyan trees, wild trailing vines, gleaming swamps and much, much more. The spot is also home to a wide array of wildlife, including fish, birds, crocodiles and lizards. Those who are lucky might even spot some of the protected species thriving there, including the Florida panther and West Indian Manatee. No doubt one of the most beautiful spaces in the area, if not America, this spot definitely ranks high on our travel list.

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Another one of our favorite things to do in the city is to visit the zoo. With its captivating tropical landscape, Miami of course makes a wonderful backdrop for many great wildlife reserves. Located right in the heart of the city, Zoo Miami stands out as the largest zoological garden in Florida, as well as the only tropical attraction of its kind in the United States. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place works to educate its visitors about conservation and the natural world whilst providing fun activities and events at the same time. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, this is the place to be. We recommend checking the website before heading out, so you won’t have to miss out on any of the live feedings, animal encounters, or special tours. In addition, this place has cafes, playgrounds, and stores to enhance the experience. Delightful, exciting, and educational, too, this place is a total crowd-pleaser.

Miami is one of America’s most exciting cities. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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Miami in February

Exciting and buzzing with life, Miami is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States – and with good reason. With daily high temperatures ranging around the mid-70s, February is a fantastic time to visit. This is perfect weather for strolls on the beach, a visit to the zoo, or exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. With so much to see, do and experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve done all the research for you. Have a read through our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Miami in spring. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Magic City, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sites One to definitely add to the top of the travel bucket list is witnessing the majesty of nature close up. With its fantastic tropical climate and undeniably beautiful greenery, Miami presents some of the best zoological gardens in America. Blending the beautiful backdrop of Miami with incredible exotic creatures, Jungle Island delivers the best of both worlds and more. This place has been delighting animal lovers from near and far since 1936, making it our top recommendation for those looking to see some of the natural world’s most impressive specimens. The site has over 3, 000 animals to show, and over 100 exhibits to be enjoyed. Formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’, you can expect to see a lot of interesting birds in more varieties than you ever thought existed. This place is also home to Miami’s only private beach, which functions as a kids’ waterpark. The park features obstacle courses, riptide rapids, slides, and a climbing wall to keep the little ones occupied – as if the colorful animals weren’t enough! A thoroughly captivating and magical experience for those of all ages, this one should rank way up high on the itinerary. Whilst travelling, one of the best ways to appreciate the area is by visiting a public garden. Our top pick of Miami’s best green spaces has got to be Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of exotic flora. This historic garden is home to some beautiful plants and rare specimens which have been carefully cultivated since the mid-1900s. Spanning over 83 acres of land, this must-see attraction offers a fully immersive rainforest experience for you and your loved ones. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy thousands of types of plants you wouldn’t normally get to see. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world. Walking through the site, you’ll also be able to view a lot of interesting wildlife which thrives there, including fish, birds, lizards and crocodiles. Perhaps most captivating, though, is the garden’s small butterfly emporium, with countless species to be enjoyed. No doubt one of the most serene spaces in the city, this place works to showcase the true beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its glory. We recommend setting aside a whole day for this if you’re looking to cover the whole space. Learn Something New The best vacation memories aren’t accordingly made when you’re just kicking back. For those who are looking to incorporate education into their travel experience, we recommend checking out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Both inspiring and fun, this place works well to explain a wide range of topics for a broad audience. The institute houses both a planetarium and an aquarium – so there’s a little something for everybody here. Go back in time to explore the wonders of the natural world. Learn about the amazing story of evolution from start to finish. Or hear about the development and future of scientific discovery. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best trips include a day at the museum. If you’re looking for art and culture in Miami, look no further than the Pérez Art Museum. Situated just downtown, the institute has long served as the perfect spot for creative and intellectual thought. The gallery’s ongoing core collection draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural diversity, while you’ll find many rotating exhibits focusing on important social topics. In total, the museum has over 2, 000 pieces, covering a wide range of styles. In its unique and impressive repository, you'll find everything from avant-garde and surrealist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures. Famous artists featured here include Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For anybody wanting to squeeze in a little bit of education on their travels, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Try Something Different Whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person, there’s something quite special about visiting sacred sites on your trip. Standing out as the oldest visitor attraction in the city by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is not only a mesmerizingly beautiful place to spend the day but well-recognized for its fascinating and storied past. Construction for this unique site began in 1133 AD, near northern Spain. For nearly 700 years following the initial construction, the monastery was run by Cistercian monks. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the monastery first landed on American soil, after being deconstructed brick by brick. By the mid-twentieth century, two entrepreneurs had decided to buy the stones to put back together, one by one, with the intention of building a tourist attraction – the Ancient Spanish Monastery as it is now known. The attraction has been branded as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, and we can certainly see why! Though the site’s past is pretty far-fetched, the monastery retains much of its architectural excellence. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to appreciate its hand-carved columns, sweeping arches, and beautiful shrines. No doubt one of the most unbelievable attractions in the city, this place is definitely worth a visit. We love Miami. Forever fun and bursting with cool things to do, the city lures those from near and far and its beautiful weather and beachy vibes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Miami in January

Don’t miss the best things to do in Miami. You can fill your days and nights with visits to incredible museums, tropical gardens, and historic sites, and still barely have scratched the surface. Or maybe you just want to just kick back at the beach with a podcast and soak up the sun. Trust us when we say that the possibilities are endless. No, really – we mean it. Drawing in 25 million visitors each year, Miami ranks as America’s second most popular tourism hub – after New York, of course. Yep, I guess we could say that you'll never be bored here. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Not sure quite where to start? Well, luckily for you, we've done all of the heavy lifting here! We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are sharing our favorite things to do in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more. See the Sites On January’s hotter days, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the fantastic outdoor attractions that the city has to offer. Around this time of the year, we recommend bringing a light jacket, just in case the weather decides to change up on you. If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, Fairchild is considered amongst the best tropical gardens in the world. A sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet and serene space is brimming with all kinds of rare and exotic flora. Some are bold and vibrant, whilst others are small and delicate. Undeniably, all of them are a treat for the senses. In addition, this site is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. A total Instagrammer’s dream, it would be easy to spend an entire day getting lost in this spectacular display of greenery. If you’re an animal lover, this next item on our list will be right down your alley. Located just east of the city, Jungle Island is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of wonderful animals from near and far, this place is pretty much the perfect day out. Walking around this spacious and natural habitat, you’ll be able to appreciate these beautiful creatures thriving happily in a safe and appropriate home for them. The site houses around 3, 000 critters, with over 1, 000 parrots (as the institute was formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’). For those who want to interact with the animals, you can visit the petting zoo, or catch feedings at certain times. In addition, the park is home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. With so much to see and do, this place provides an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones. Learn Something New For those looking to learn about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Built into Miami Beach’s first synagogue, the Miami Jewish Museum seeks to cultivate interest in the cultural history of the area. As one of the most highly populated Jewish states in America, Florida has a long and storied Jewish history just waiting to be explored. Inside the interesting building, you’ll be able to view a comprehensive collection of over 100, 000 artifacts, including historic photographs, documents, religious objects and artworks. The museum’s core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, tells the story of nearly 250 years of the development of the community. In addition, the institution has a number of temporary exhibits which serve to preserve and interpret different periods of Jewish history. Thoroughly fascinating, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Though Miami is well known for its sugar-sand beaches and perennial sunshine, January is one of Florida’s coldest months. Whilst that might not sound like much in an area with a subtropical climate, the city can definitely have some ‘’off days’’ around this time of the year. Should a cloudy January day crop up on you, we recommend checking out one of Miami’s wonderful cultural attractions. One of our ultimate favorite places in the city is Pérez Art Museum for its wonderful collection of contemporary art. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 pieces, focusing on works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The perfect stop for all art lovers, the institute provides a fantastic visual and cultural experience for those of all ages. Try Something Different Those who come to Miami seeking something a little different will not be disappointed. No doubt one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, Coral Castle has been baffling visitors for decades. The mystery surrounding the park begins with its creative process. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone at a time when no modern construction technology was available, the sculptures bring up many questions. In fact, this site has long been the subject of many conspiracy theories, theorizing that artist Edward Leedskalnin used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to create the piece. Whilst nobody is ever quite sure how Coral Castle came to be, the outcome has remained a defining characteristic of the city ever since its opening in 1940. An undeniably mind-bending attraction, this spot is a total must-see. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture some snaps of this utterly unique site! Well, what else can we say? Some places are popular for a reason, and Miami is definitely one of them! January is a fantastic time to visit since it’ll still be warm enough to hit the beach and enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions, sans all of the crowds and humidity. You should also be able to find great deals on accommodation and travel around this time of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Miami Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

Miami is a fabulous spring break city. It’s on the top of every vacation list for many reasons, and you won't be surprised to hear that it's a popular destination among couples and groups of friends traveling during this spring vacation season. It's also a great family destination, with much to offer in the way of arts, culture, and outdoorsy fun. Check out our list of popular spring break attractions in Miami, including: Vizcaya Museum Biscayne Bay Cruise Zoo Miami Key West Day Trip and more! Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Relax on Beaches City Tours A great idea for families visiting Miami is to take a tour of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to see more of the city than you'd be able to explore on your own without an expert guide, and it's a lot of fun, too. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the most flexibility to choose your own attractions and make your own itinerary, or select a duck boat tour for an incredibly fun time that incorporates land and water explorations. Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tickets and South Beach duck boat tickets are both included with the Go Miami® Card. Day Trip to Key West Art Deco Architecture Art Museums Cruises, Cruises, Cruises The Everglades Animal Parks Whether you’re an avid animal lover, or you just enjoy the sight of a few tropical fish now and again, Miami has something to keep you happy. Pay a visit to Zoo Miami and meet some of your favorite critters as they romp around spacious and modern enclosures. This zoo has a great deal of variety, housing creatures from across the globe. You'll get opportunities to feed selected animals, too. For those of you who prefer aquatic creatures to furry ones, then the Miami Seaquarium is an excellent option. Known for their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Miami Seaquarium joins conservation, education, and fun into one fantastic experience. Getting In: Admission to Zoo Miami and admission to the Miami Seaquarium are both included with the Go Miami® Card. The Miami Children's Museum If you're traveling with the whole family for your Spring Break trip, then you'll want to devote some time to something the kids are sure to love. That's where the Miami Children's Museum comes in -- a totally interactive environment that encourages learning through exploration and play. Come here to see the myriad of exhibits, activities, classes, and special programs that go on daily at this local mainstay. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Children's Museum is included with the Go Miami Card. Frost Museum of Science Enjoy Shopping & Parks Don't forget to leave some time to explore Bayside Marketplace, a fun little shopping and dining destination located right by your cruise pickup location. Have lunch or dinner here, and save some time for souvenir hunting. The nearby Bayfront Park also has a lot to explore, from the beautiful fountain to amphitheaters and open-air pavilions. There may be an event or two going on during your stay, so be sure to check it out for any outdoor concerts or plays! Save on Admission So there you have it – a fabulous list of suggested attractions that makes the most of all that Miami has to offer visitors during their Spring Break vacation. Whether you’re available for a long weekend or for more time, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about sunny South Beach.
Katie Sagal

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