Miami: Cruise Capital of the World
Trade marked by Miami Dade County as the Cruise Capital of the World, Miami is the world's leading cruise home port. Here quoting from the PortMiami webpage:
At PortMiami, we believe your vacation should begin at the port where you set sail. From the dramatic Miami skyline just across the causeway to the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami delivers a tropical vacation experience like no other port in the world. Known worldwide as the "Cruise Capital of the World," PortMiami has been the world’s leading cruise port and it continues to advance its No. 1 homeport status with more ships and leading passenger terminal facilities. Millions of passengers travel through PortMiami every year and with 22 cruise lines berthing 55 ships, PortMiami continues to be the departure destination of choice for cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico and other exciting destinations.
https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/cruise.asp
With vast beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture, Miami has something to offer everyone. Here are five unique places to try out on your next trip to Miami.
1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Visit this gorgeous park on a sunny day and enjoy the vast array of exotic and rare plants and wildlife. Explore the rare plant house, which is home to 450 species of rare tropical plants such as palms, orchids, and fruit trees. The tropical fruit pavilion displays fruit species only found in exotic locations such as the Amazon. You can also visit the butterfly garden to enjoy rare species of these beautiful insects.
2. Bayfront Park
In the heart of downtown Miami sits Bayfront Park, which is host to a variety of events and gatherings. Enjoy outdoor movies preceded by live music, food, and craft beer and wine. Or bring a yoga mat and enjoy yoga classes with the Miami skyline around you. Bayfront Park is also home to the Flying Trapeze School, where you can experience what it's like to fly in the circus.
3. Villa Vizcaya
This museum, located on Biscayne Bay, has over 70 rooms filled with European art and antiques. The building itself, constructed in the European Renaissance style, was built initially as a place for plant and wildlife conservation. These conservation efforts can be seen in the beautiful gardens that surround the mansion with their gorgeous plants, ponds, and landscape architecture. The outdoors, both in the gardens and around the building, have countless places for perfect photo opportunities.
4. Art Deco Historic District
If architecture or history appeals to you, the Art Deco District of Miami is a place to visit. It includes over 900 historic buildings designed in the art deco style. Many of the structures throughout over 5,000 acres of land dates back to the 1930s and are considered some of the best examples of this architectural style in the world. The Art Deco Museum teaches visitors more about the history and preservation of architecture in Miami Beach.
5. Wynwood Walls
To experience more art, visit the beautiful outdoor murals of Wynwood Walls. Here, the walls of abandoned warehouses have been decorated by graffiti and street artists from around the world, and they frequently change to highlight new artists. Some of the art has also expanded to other buildings in the area for an even better walking tour.
Ample hotels, restaurants, transportation and entertainment venues in Miami provide cruisers with a perfect way to begin or end a vacation as an extension to their cruise.
About the writer:
Nancy Holmes Ploener is a Luxury Cruise Advisor with Suite Dream Cruises, LLC, an affiliate of Gifted Travel Network- a Virtuoso member agency. She works one-on-one with clients who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Her specialty is helping her clients see the world from the vantage of luxury cruising.