When Tony Goldman looked at Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, he saw more than just concrete; he saw an empty canvas that had the potential to be transformed into an outdoor museum, and through the Wynwood Walls, has managed just this. Featuring pieces by artists from different parts of the world, the Wynwood Walls is a gallery any street art enthusiast could quite literally lose themselves in. The nearby Wynwood Kitchen & Bar offers exhausted explorers a chance to refuel.
Initially established as a movie theater, Miracle Theater is an impressive Art Deco building that now serves as the home of Actors' Playhouse. The theater is made up of three separate performance spaces of different sizes - the Mainstage Theater with 600 seats, the 300-seat Balcony Theatre and the 100-seat Black Box Studio. Miracle Theatre plays host to performances throughout the year, many of which are meant for children.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is an exquisite villa that overlooks the stream. This lavish Italian villa takes you back in time and lets you explore the beautiful architecture, furnishings and other details of the past era. The gardens at this spot are simply spectacular where you can stroll along the trail area and click some great pictures. The place also provides a panoramic view of Miami skyline and every room at this magnificent villa has a story to tell.
The picturesque Venetian Pool is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. This public swimming pool, chiseled out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, looks like a natural rock formation, except that no natural rock formation could be so perfectly suited to human enjoyment. This historical landmark is a work of art with its gushing fountains, coral caves and waterfalls. The 820,000 gallons of cool, refreshing spring water are replaced daily. Tours are conducted here.
Zoo Miami is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the entire state of Florida. The zoo is what is called a "free-range zoo," where none of the animals are caged. Due to its tropical climate, it is an ideal menagerie for observing animals from warmer areas of the world like Australia and Africa. Visit all kinds of animals from natives like Caimans to those from Southern Hemisphere like the Tree Kangaroo. The zoo also has several cafes and concession stands scattered throughout so visitors are refreshed.
Crandon Park is three miles (3.21 kilometres) of sandy beach, park area with an 18-hole golf course, soccer and softball fields. The beach is named as one of the top ten in the United States. The park also includes a promenade, concession stands, picnic areas and an amusement area. The amusement area is home to an antique carousel, a splash fountain, an outdoor roller rink and a beach-front playground.
The Catholic Diocese of Miami constructed this church in 1896 and the National Register of Historic Places placed it on its list in 1974. Over the last two centuries, the church has received many refurbishments and renovations, however much of the original charm remains. The Jesuit Order runs the parish, and it is open seven days a week, including Sunday mass.
With its crystal clear waters and happening nightlife scene, Miami is a world-famous recreation destination on the very southern tip of the Florida peninsula. The city was claimed for Spain by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, though the area was the traditional home of several Native American tribes, the Tequestas having controlled the area for about a thousand years before his arrival. After Florida was ceded to the US in 1821 Miami saw an influx of residents as numerous northerners moved down in pursuit of sunny weather over the next century, as well as many wealthy Cuban nationals who took refuge in the city after Castro's coup changed the country's political landscape. The art deco boom in the 1930s left its mark on the city and buildings like the Celino South Beach Hotel and the Clevelander Hotel are gorgeous examples of the decorative style. A booming metropolis where beauty is at a premium, Miami sparkles with sheer energy and staying in shape is worth the effort when a sun-soaked beach is just a skip away.
The Flagler Worker's House also known as the Palm Cottage was built in 1897 and is one of the last of its kind to be linked with railroad tycoon Henry M. Flagler and the founder of Palm Beach. It was used as a home for the workers who were building his Royal Palm Hotel. It is also one of the remaining few Folk Victorian style structures in the city. This fine, yellow facade, wooden framed building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Located in Bayfront Park right along Biscayne Boulevard, this monument to Florida's neighboring countries was built in 1960. The monument is a pillar with a gas-lit torch attached at the top. It celebrates the immigration and friendship between Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean. As of 1964, the monument is also dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
One of the prime neighborhoods of Miami, Downtown Miami, is not just the business district of Miami. In fact, this hub of activity holds various scenic attractions, too. The downtown area is personified with skyscrapers, the Miami River, which runs through it, and, of course, its nightlife. Visitors to Downtown Miami can be sure that their time spent here will never be dull.
CitySightseeing Miami is a great choice if you want to experience the hop on hop off bus experience. Their fleet of bright red open-air decker buses will take you through the touristy spots of the city. With over 40 stops, the journey lasts up to three hours but then you can shorten it as per your convenience. Audio guides ensure that you don't miss out on what your docent has narrated on the ride. Choose from the four distinct loops to see the popular attractions. You can also switch routes provided you keep track of the stops.