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Feb 13 2023

3 State Parks Near Miami Worth Visiting

If you are searching for a pleasant day trip that won’t break the bank, you might think about going to one of Florida’s numerous state parks. These parks, which are just a short drive away from Miami, have many things to do to keep you occupied the whole day. Here are three parks that are worth seeing.

Oleta River State Park

Location: 3400 NE 163rd St North Miami 33160

The first state park in the Miami area worth visiting is Oleta River State Park, which is the largest urban park in Florida. The park is located on the beaches of Biscayne Bay, so there’s a beach area for patrons to enjoy swimming and fishing opportunities. There are also picnic areas and pavilions to enjoy a small family barbeque or put together a large family reunion. Oleta River State Park also has cabins (with air conditioning) and campsites for those interested in an extended stay.

Of course, that’s the least of what Oleta River State Park offers. The river itself weaves through a beautiful forest that guests can explore via canoe or kayak, with rentals available inside the park for novices who’d like to try canoeing or kayaking for the first time. However, Oleta River State Park is best known for its bike trails.

The wide variety of bike trails inside the park gives inexperienced and more advanced mountain bikers plenty of trails to enjoy. Finally, it wouldn’t be a park without the opportunity to see wildlife. Oleta River State Park offers guests a place to see manatees, dolphins, alligators, and other types of traditional Florida wildlife.

The biggest urban parks in Florida have a variety of activities on land and in the water. Paddle your kayak through the mangroves, spend the night in a tent, or spend the day lounging in one of the numerous pavilions on the grounds.

Bill Baggs State Park

Location: 1200 S Crandon Blvd Miami

Just a little south of the city of Miami is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which is on the southern end of the island of Key Biscayne. The park is home to more than a mile of beachfront, which is considered one of the country’s best beaches.

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, the water is also open to boating, canoeing, kayaking, and some of the best shoreline fishing in south Florida. For those less water savvy, there are biking and hiking available and areas to view wildlife.

Of course, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is perhaps best known for being home to the Cape Florida Light lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1825 and is Miami-Dade County’s longest-standing structure. Guests can take tours of the lighthouse twice daily, five days per week. The park is also home to two restaurants offering authentic Cuban food for those who want a good meal without packing a picnic.

Visitors flock to Florida for more than just the sunshine. The state park also has stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay and abundant wildlife and flora, good restaurants, and a variety of other activities. However, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park may become congested on weekends. As a result, we suggest arriving early or on a weekday.

Barnacle Historic State Park

Location: 3485 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133, United States

Finally, there’s the Barnacle Historic State Park. This is a small, historical site on the shores of Biscayne Bay and the former home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, a pioneer of the area. The Barnacle, built-in 1891, provides a peek into frontier life during the Bay Era when all transit to and from Miami was by water.

This was the house of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most attractive and prominent pioneers, and it was located on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Munroe kept his land’s forest intact, creating just a meandering buggy track through the hammock that was barely big enough for one vehicle. Consequently, there are many enormous, ancient trees on the site.

The Barnacle Historic Form Park has been left in its natural state and includes reconstructions of two of Munroe’s sailboats: Egret, a 28-foot (8.5m) sharpie ketch constructed in 1886, and the Flying Proa, created in 1898.

The Barnacle is a terrific spot to relax and enjoy simple pleasures such as an outdoor concert, a picnic on the grass, a stroll along a tree-lined road with the family dog, or sitting in a chair on the big front porch while watching the sailboats go by.

While you are on vacation in Miami and staying at one of the Miami Beach vacation rentals, a Miami penthouse for rent, or one of the villas for rent in Miami, you can take advantage of the many diverse available activities visitors at these state parks. Oleta River State Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and Barnacle Historic State Park are all great places to visit in Miami.

They offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy nature, have some fun in the sun, or learn about history. Some of these activities include swimming, fishing, biking, and hiking. They also provide stunning vistas of the surrounding natural area and historical buildings that offer visitors an insight into the lives of Florida’s early settlers.

If you’re seeking a spot where you can unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature, any one of these state parks is guaranteed to meet your needs.

Feb 13 2023

Places to Explore In Miami

If you want to take a break from lounging on the beach, Miami is conveniently located near a number of beautiful destinations that are fantastic places for you to spend the day.

Everglades National Park

Address: 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194, United States

Less than 50 miles from Miami is one of the best national parks in the country. The Everglades is a beautiful, if swampy, setting filled with picturesque views and opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat. There are plenty of sites to see in the Everglades, and you can see them by car, foot, bike, kayak, or canoe. There are also endless waterways for boating, whether you own your boat, want to rent one, or are happy just taking a tour in one.

Whatever your favorite outdoor activity may be, there’s a good chance you can do it during your day trip to the Everglades, whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, or even geocaching. If you need help finding your way around, plenty of rangers and tours can help you. If you’re in Miami, there’s no excuse for taking a day trip to the Everglades; there’s bound to be something there you’ll enjoy.

Islamorada

Address: 86800 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036

If there’s one thing that may be able to trump a vacation in Miami, it’s the Florida Keys. This doesn’t mean you have to make the long trek to Key West; a part of the Keys is just a couple of hours from Miami called Islamorada, a great place to spend the day.

There are opportunities for fishing and SCUBA diving that may even be better than what you’ll find in Miami. Down in Islamorada, the sand is so white and the water so clear that you have to see it with your own eyes to believe it, and that should be reason enough to get away from the crowds and craziness in Miami and visit an even more relaxing place.

Bahamas

Leaving a tropical paradise like Miami may seem odd to go to another tropical paradise. Still, the Bahamas is tantalizingly close to South Beach, and there are cruise and boat companies that offer day trips to the island of Bimini, which is a little over 50 miles away. The white sand beaches and the ocean views look slightly different on a Caribbean island than they do back on the mainland, which is enough to go.

Plus, just because you’re only going to be there a few hours doesn’t mean you can’t pack a lot of fun Bahamian adventures into a short period, not to mention taste the local seafood and delicacies at an authentic Bahamian restaurant. If you have your passport handy, taking a day to get out of Miami and check out the Bahamas is excellent.

Bayfront Park

Address: 301 North Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida

Another popular attraction in Miami is Bayfront Park, which covers more than 32 acres of land. The park celebrates the beauty of a diverse collection of monuments and sculptures located around the area. The electrically operated Pepper Fountain certainly draws a lot of attention from passers-by. The Light Tower, a prominent theater, is often utilized for various musical acts. A simple walk around the neighborhood is undoubtedly appealing.

Zoo Miami

Address: 1 Zoo Blvd, 12400 SW 152nd Street, Miami, Florida

If you’re looking for something to do with your tiny children, a trip to the Zoo Miami will undoubtedly brighten their spirits. Over 3000 different wild creatures call the zoo home, including 40 endangered species. In addition, the zoo is well-known for providing animals with a natural setting to grow, live, and thrive. Aside from the wild creatures, the zoo also has over 1000 different types of trees and flora, adding to the overall splendor of the location.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

You wouldn’t expect to find an Italian Renaissance-style house in the heart of Miami, yet that is precisely what this structure is. Over a thousand European artisans and craftsmen were brought over from Europe to help build this masterpiece, packed with European furniture and artwork from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Bring your camera and roam about admiring this Miami mansion’s artistry and pure inventiveness when you visit this place. The gardens are breathtaking, with fountains, sculptures, and pools that create an oasis amid Miami’s modern landscape.

Wynwood Walls

Address: 266 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

The Wynwood Walls are one of Miami’s most Instagrammable locations. Essentially, this is an outdoor art gallery made by muralists and graffiti painters, with continually changing and updating work that makes each visit seem fresh.

You’ll also witness “untouchable” state-of-the-art, such as Shepard Fairey’s classic works. The Wynwood Walls, which opened in 2009, are one of the world’s most extensive open-air works of their sort. The artwork is eclectic, with over 50 artists from 16 nations contributing to the stunning designs. Over 80,000 square feet of wall space is dedicated only to this, so there’s much to view!

Miami Children’s Museum

Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132

If you’re visiting this Florida city with your kids, don’t miss the Miami Children’s Museum, one of the most pleasing and entertaining places to visit for kids.

The museum spans 56,000 square feet and has fourteen galleries and four outdoor exhibitions, each with a unique topic spanning from communication to the arts.

The museum first opened its doors in 1983 at a previous site but relocated to its present home in 2003 and has been a go-to for curious kids who love to learn and explore in fun and engaging ways ever since. Because many of the exhibits include interactive elements, they may be fun for youngsters!

Coral Castle

Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033

The Coral Castle, known for its intricate construction and stone carvings, is said to have taken the artist behind it over 28 years to build. Between 1923 and 1951, Edward Leedskalnin designed and erected this stunning tourist attraction in Miami. The whole structure is composed of limestone, using tools developed by Edward Leedskalnin himself. It has one-of-a-kind figures and statues that will leave you speechless.

South Beach

You’ve heard of South Beach, or “SoBe,” since it’s typically regarded as one of Miami, Florida’s most excellent and hottest spots to visit in Miami.

It’s a well-known beach usually filled with people, with celebrities and the affluent among them. Structures and buildings in the art deco style, set against the seaside bordered by palm trees, add to the bright and happy look, making touring SoBe a terrific way to spend your time this week or any week.

Mornings may be spent relaxing under umbrellas, swimming in the calm seas of the tropics, or participating in water sports. Cocktail bars give delicious beverages beneath the sky in the evenings. In addition, bars and restaurants of various types provide a variety of tasty snacks to complete meals at any time of day.

Art Deco Historic District

Address: 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States

Visiting the Art Deco District is unquestionably one of the most acceptable ways to learn about Miami’s culture and art scene.

The Miami Beach Architectural District is one of the Florida districts added to the National Register of Historic Places — and it is the first 20th-century community to be listed ever!

The area and its buildings and structures were primarily constructed during the 1920s and 1940s, and the architecture throughout resembles the kind of “futuristic” architecture seen in classic science fiction films. Fun spaceship-like features and buildings provide a lovely insight into the city’s and style’s origins.

These are just a handful of the countless beautiful locations visited in Miami. Miami is a city that caters to everyone’s needs because of its extensive past, a wide range of cultural traditions, and breathtaking natural settings. Miami has something for everyone, whether your passion is in the arts, architecture, the natural world, or you want to bask in the sun’s warm rays.

During your stay at one of the Miami Beach vacation rentals, Miami villas for rent in Miami, short-term rentals Miami, or Miami penthouse for rent. What exactly are you looking forward to? Get the vacation planning started right now!

Feb 13 2023

Top 5 Must-See Art Deco Buildings in Miami

What is Art Deco?

The 1920’s and 1930’s were the heyday of art deco as a design and architectural style, which peaked in popularity. Although it had its beginnings in Paris, art deco architecture may now be seen in cities all over the globe. In the United States, New York is the primary center with the highest concentration of art deco structures (including Radio City Music Hall, the Chrysler Building, and the Empire State Building, amongst others). Still, interestingly, Mumbai in India is the city in the world with the most buildings overall.

In general, the art deco style is highly symmetrical, often has a lot of curves, and typically incorporates glass blocks or elaborate and gilded ornaments of geometric or floral motifs. Art deco was famous from the 1920s to the 1950’s.

There are certain aspects and principles of art deco that are pretty universal. Still, others are specific to the location. These aspects and principles are impacted by the natural setting, the resources that are accessible, and the economic climate of the area. Miami has hundreds of Art-Deco buildings, and while it’d be great to get a look at all of them, here are some that you were simply must see.

The Carlyle

This building has been around since 1941 and is a perfect example of the Miami’s Art Deco style rule of thirds, with three vertical sections that divide the building. Its white and sea green color scheme is unique for the area and makes it a perfect fit for the building’s home on Ocean Drive, mere feet from South Beach. You may have seen the façade of The Carlyle previously, as it’s been used in a few movies such as Scarface and Bad Boys 2 and acted as the setting for the 1996 film The Birdcage, which stars Robin Williams Gene Hackman, and Nathan Lane. It’s also not the wrong place to stay, with plenty of modern amenities and spectacular views.

Colony Theatre

Seeing this building in person will make you think you’ve gone back to 1935, when the Colony Theatre was built. The theatre’s marquee and façade have been perfectly maintained throughout the years. At the same time, the ticket box and entryway have also been restored to produce an authentic 1930’s look and feel. Located at the corner of Lincoln Road and Lenox Avenue, Colony Theatre is one of Miami’s most beloved and treasured Art Deco buildings. It still functions as a 430-seat performing arts center, making it an essential part of the surrounding neighborhood.

The Breakwater

With its great height, glowing neon lights, and a strong emphasis on symmetry, the Breakwater stands out, literally and figuratively, as one of Miami’s pre-eminent Art Deco buildings. Built in 1936, the Breakwater was renovated in 1999 to give it modern hotel amenities. Still, the façade of the building remains intact and is one of the most recognizable spots on Ocean Drive. With its neon lights, nighttime is the best time to take a good, long look at the beauty of the Breakwater.

The McAlpin

This is another picture-perfect example of Art Deco style. The McAlpin follows the rule of third perfectly and has incredible symmetry. With pastel colors of pink and turquoise, the McAlpin is one of the most awe-inspiring buildings on Ocean Drive and has been since it was built in 1940. Take one look, and you’ll understand why the McAlpin remains one of the most photographed buildings on South Beach.

The historic McAlpin (now part of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club) is one of South Beach’s most well-known and photographed structures. It’s, without a doubt, one of Miami’s outstanding Art Deco specimens. The building’s façade is symmetrical, with lines running the length and breadth. Both the vertical lines and the horizontal eyebrows follow the rule of three. In addition, the McAlpin features a lovely pastel color scheme of pink and turquoise and beautifully designed signage.

Bass Museum

Art on the inside and a work of art on the outside is the best way to describe the Bass Museum. Built-in 1930 and located on Collins Avenue, the Bass Museum is arguably the pre-eminent Art Deco building in Miami. The outside of the building has incredible texture because it’s covered with fossilized Paleolithic coral, a feature that’s hard to find elsewhere and gives the building a naturally aged look. The outside is also decorated with bas-reliefs that depict everything from cruise ships to pelicans to Spanish conquistadors. No other structure may define Miami’s Art Deco district and the city in general than the Bass Museum.

The Hotel Celino

Henry Hohauser and L. Murray Dixon, both from New York, were the principal architects of deco South Beach. The Celino Hotel, formerly known as the Park Central Hotel (630 Ocean Drive) until 2019, is one of Hohauser’s finest works, dating from 1937 and boasting dramatic vertical bands and window “eyebrows.” This region was a terrible crime hotspot in the early 1980s, providing a fitting backdrop for the gruesome violence in Brian De Palma’s film Scarface, which was filmed at 728 Ocean Drive, and most of the action in the popular crime program Miami Vice.

South Beach’s buildings were originally painted white with colorful accents. Interior designer Leonard Horowitz created a palette of tones to bring attention to the architecture—and away from the squalor—in the 1980s, and the candy hues were born.

The Clevelander

The Clevelander, which is now a popular destination for nightlife and a hotel and a landmark of South Beach, was constructed in 1938 by the renowned architect Albert Anis. The Clevelander boasts a weekly program of live entertainment on the outside poolside terrace, featuring live DJs, fire displays, and go-go dancers. Today, some of the most lavish parties in the city can be found at this historic location. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that things may turn rowdy, and if you want to stay at the hotel, you need to be at least 21 years old.

Hallmarks of Art Deco Style

Art Deco, which is sometimes abbreviated as “Deco” and is also referred to as the “style moderne,” originated in Europe and found its way to the United States around a century ago. It is easy to recognize an Art Deco structure from a mile away because of its distinctive use of geometric forms, vivid colors, and styles. Art Deco architecture is a mishmash of several architectural trends such as cubism and fauvism. The term “Art Deco” can relate to buildings. Still, it can also be used to describe things like furniture, jewelry, fashion, automobiles, and even trains.

The Webster

In addition to having three stories, this Miami Beach structure has been cut into thirds. It has a posh store and an idyllic rooftop deck. If you want to shop here, you should know that it won’t come cheap, but the quality of the items it carries is unparalleled in the city. Take pictures of the pastel-colored décor, the famous terrazzo flooring, and the statement-making stairs, even if you aren’t planning to buy there. However, trying on a few different clothes isn’t going to harm you. Putting on some glitz and glamour is one way to feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1930s.

Waldorf Towers Hotel

The Waldorf Towers Hotel is quite a sight; it flaunts a vibrant orange exterior and is crowned with a columned dome. The Waldorf Towers Hotel, now managed by Room Mate Hotels and has undergone extensive renovations, has maintained the architectural style established by its original designer, Albert Anis. Most importantly, it continues to offer breathtaking views of the ocean from its perch on the world-famous Ocean Drive.

Conclusion

The next time you are in Miami, or while staying in one of Miami Beach vacation rentals, villas for rent in Miami, penthouse for rent Miami, or luxury short term rentals Miami, be sure to explore the Art Deco district and take in all the dazzling architecture that it has to offer. From the hotels to the storefronts, there is an overload of eye-catching décor to feast your eyes on. And, if you want to get a taste of what it was like to live during the 1930s, then make sure to visit some of these iconic locations.

Feb 13 2023

Show Off Your Best Smile at The Most Instagrammable Places in Miami

Pictures, or it didn’t happen! If you didn’t photograph the most Instagrammable places in Miami, were you there? Follow this guide for insider tips on the best places to take pictures in Miami. We promise you won’t go wrong with spending a few hours browsing some of the most beautiful places in Miami.

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The Most Instagrammable Places in Miami Will Make You Swoon

Snap a Few Shots at These World-Class Museums

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Once known as Villa Vizcaya, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens extends over fifty acres in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. The museum is home to intricate Mediterranean-style architecture and collections that date back to the days of Pompeii. Partially surrounded by the shores of Biscayne Bay, the breathtaking estate is an Instagrammers dream. To explore the property’s wonders and find the best picture spots, we recommend a private guided tour through the estate. As you move through the luxuriously decorated rooms and picture-perfect gardens, you’ll notice the exquisite details that make Vizcaya’s aesthetic ideal for your Instagram photo.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

From elaborate hanging gardens and gorgeous bayside views to shaded verandas and distinct permanent art collections, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is popular with Instagrammers. PAMM is Miami’s flagship art museum; its exhibitions uniquely highlight the city’s diverse community and pivotal geographic location. PAMM’s carefully curated galleries and breathtaking modern architecture create the perfect blend of culture and design that Instagram feeds yearn for.

Pro-tip: The careful symmetry of the PAMM’s sculpture garden pieces makes this outdoor exhibit an Instagram favorite!

Wynwood Walls in Miami

Wynwood Walls is a feature of Miami’s Wynwood Art District and a worldwide outdoor street art museum. It’s the place to go for a decent taste of the former slum and warehouse neighborhood that’s become Florida’s top urban art destination. So it’s no surprise that it’s the main attraction of neighborhood wall art.

The cultural monument takes up a whole block and has a large garden encircled by a succession of big colorful paintings. The dynamic works of muralists and sculptors from all around the globe are on show. In addition, a collection of installation art and sculptures are scattered around the grass, some of which are extraordinarily realistic and seem to be half-buried under the turf.

Strike a Pose at Miami’s Beautiful Beaches

Of course, when in Miami, you must visit the beach. From photo-worthy lifeguard stands and emerald blue waters to pastel-colored murals and historic Art Deco architecture, any Miami Beach neighborhood you visit promises sun, sand, and stunning backdrops.

These are a few of our favorite spots in Miami:

Ocean Drive in South Beach

Take photos of iconic art deco structures as souvenirs! Also, a tourist trap? Yes, but what Miami Instagram account would be complete without a snap of Ocean Drive’s stunning neon lights? We just couldn’t! When it comes to Instagrammable Miami locales, Ocean Drive is a must-see both day and night!

Ocean Drive is a Miami avenue with beautiful art deco buildings to shoot. The road runs from South Pointe at 1st Street to the end of Miami Beach’s barrier island. Many of Ocean Drive’s art deco hotels and restaurants, notably the landmark 1939 Colony Hotel, have been featured in films and television. The Carlyle Hotel, which was featured in the movie “The Birdcage,” and the Sunray Apartments featured in the movie “Scarface” are two more stops along the way.

Key Biscayne Beach

On the named barrier island in Florida, Key Biscayne Beach is the town’s primary coastline length. It is part of the 3-mile north-south stretch of soft-sand beaches that front the Atlantic Ocean on the key. While this beach is the closest to town, it is bordered by two enormous park beaches, Crandon Beach to the north and Cape Florida Beach on the key’s extreme southern end, which is readily accessible.

Each beach provides unique vistas and recreational opportunities for the whole family, whether on the sand or the calm seas. Regardless, they all offer tranquil seaside views and a feeling of respite from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Miami. The gorgeous drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway, which provides coastline vistas spanning Biscayne Bay, is part of the Key Biscayne experience.

Bill Baggs Cape State Park

The Bill Baggs Cape State Park is only minutes away from Brickell Centre. In addition, the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is your Miami photographic destination, is located in the park.

Take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay from the tower while you’re there. You may also take a historical guided tour of the lighthouse to discover more about its history.

Baggs, Bill Cape Florida State Park, on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, is a famous conserved natural region with gorgeous beaches and countless outdoor activities. So whether you want to unwind or experience something more exciting, you’ll find it all here.

This park is jam-packed with natural activities that the whole family can enjoy, ensuring everyone has a good day. Most visitors spend approximately 2 or 3 hours in the park, but there are so many things to do that it can quickly become an all-day event.

South Pointe Park and Beach

South Pointe Pier is a big pier where you may go fishing, kayaking, or take in the scenery. The pier is part of South Pointe Park, a sprawling park with some of the most incredible views of the city’s South Beach beachfront. The skyline of Miami’s city center, Fisher Island, and the cruise ships of Port Miami can all be seen from the observation platforms. Following your photoshoot, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including grilling and picnic sites, a swimming beach, walking paths, and an off-leash dog park. If you bring your children, they may enjoy the water playground.

Alice Wainwright Park

Take advantage of the coastal canopy forest.

Alice Wainwright Park is a canopy forest packed with protected highland flora, ideal for obtaining beautiful nature shots. The park is a Tropical Hardwood Hammock on the Biscayne Bay beachfront famous for recreational activities and natural splendor. It is named after the first elected woman on the City of Miami Commission. The panoramic panoramas of the adjacent Coconut Grove region, the limestone outcrop of the Miami Rock Bridge, and the outside of the Tropical Hammock wildness are some of the park’s natural features. From numerous vantage points, one might obtain stunning views of the Biscayne Bay coastline.

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Stay at an Instagram-Worthy Luxury Home

After a day of breathtaking sights and hundreds of stunning photographs, get your rest at any of our upscale vacation rental properties. Luxury Rentals Miami Beach will give you access to the area’s most exclusive villas and condos. A unique selection of our luxury rentals features 24-hour concierge service, private amenities, and stunning accommodations, all necessary for an unforgettable vacation. So browse our top-rated properties and expect nothing extraordinary because a fabulous escape awaits you.

Book your stay now for a glimpse of Miami’s unmatched glamour!