Known for its spectacular beaches, amazing weather, magnificent history and culture, and top-rated entertainment venues, Miami is one of the most premier holiday destinations in South Florida. Downtown Miami, disconnected from the Atlantic Ocean by the Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach, is a modern-day city and cultural gold mine. South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District, with historic buildings dating back to the 1930s and early 1940s with classic neon signs, is one of the primary attractions. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Everglades National Park, and Bayside Marketplace are some of the other popular attractions in the area.
If you are in Miami, you can’t leave without paying a visit to the nearby weekend destinations from Miami. Take a look below:
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the poshest vacation destinations in all of America. It’s a bourgeoning urban center with several cultural treasure troves, myriad of superlative restaurants, and a striking city center where people get together to experience one-of-a-kind stores, exceptional dining, and incalculable entertainment choices. With easy access to 47 miles of some of the best beaches in the United States, Palm Beach is only a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. Considered one of the top attractions in South Florida, Rosemary Square, once known as City Place, is a thrilling Mediterranean-themed retail and entertainment center where you can be for an entire day and night. Nature lovers would love sites such as the Manatee Lagoon, Panther Ridge Conservation Center, and Lion Country Safari & Palm Beach Zoo.
Best Time to Visit: The most preferred times to visit the Palm Beach area at the end of spring which is from April to May and the beginning of fall which is September to October.
How to Reach: You could get to Palm Beach either in a car or by direct train that will take slightly over an hour. Both the options cost between $7 to $20.
Naples
Located in southern Florida’s Collier County, Naples is one of Florida’s most charming and historic cities. Popular for a laidback pace compared to its many big-city neighbors, the city is close to Cape Coral in the north and Marco Island in the south. Naples Botanical Gardens houses more than a thousand species of flora and fauna. Another remarkable attraction, Naples Pier expands over 1,000 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico and is the picture-perfect location for a rejuvenating stroll. Stretched over 150 acres, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is recognized for its white sandy beaches and clear waters that are impeccable for swimming and snorkeling. Dotted with quirky souvenir shops selling everything from arts, crafts, and collectibles, Tin City is the perfect place to pick up a few mementos to take back home.
Best Time to Visit: The months between March to May are the most recommended times to visit the city.
How to Reach: The easiest way to travel between Miami and Naples, Florida is via bus. Keep in mind that there is a limited number of buses plying this route and they take between $30 to $35 and approximately two hours. Alternatively, you could drive down there and pay only $14 to $18 in fuel.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, popularly known as St. Pete, is a city located between Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay and is famous for its perpetual sunshine. Visitors here enjoy a variety of things to do, such as fascinating museums, tranquil boat tours, and refreshing hikes and walks in one of the many parks and wildlife areas surrounding the town. One of the primary attractions, the Salvador Dali Museum is home to a wide-ranging collection of over 2,000 artworks and paintings by this legendary master. Another one-of-a-kind attraction, five different keys comprise the 1,136-acre Fort DeSoto Park which houses endless nature and recreation trails that provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, and rollerblading. Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park, and Sunshine Skyway Bridge are a few more attractions you can visit here.
Best Time to Visit: The most suggested months to visit St. Petersburg is from the months between March and May when the weather is warm and pleasant, and an abundance of outdoor events and activities make the city come alive.
How to Reach: You can take a train from Miami to Tampa that takes under five and a half hours and cost between $40 to $60 in train fare. From here, St. Petersburg is only a half-hour taxi ride away. Otherwise, there are direct Greyhound buses between the two locations and while they only cost between $35 to $55 in bus fare, the journey takes around eight and a half hours.
St. Augustine
The oldest continually habited European settlement in the country, St. Augustine was founded in 1565. Here, you can visit attractions from different periods in history. Castillo de San Marcos, which took 27 years to build, was used as a prison during the American Revolution as well as for Native Americans in the late 19th century. In 1924, it was categorized as a National Monument and is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. Lightner Museum is home to the finest collections of 19th century decorative and fine arts. Constructed in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the displays here include sculptures, paintings, mechanical musical instruments, as well as bizarre human hair artworks.
Best Time to Visit: To enjoy lesser crowds, pleasant weather, and affordable pricing around town, March to May are the most accurate months to visit St. Augustine.
How to Reach: There are multiple ways to travel between Miami and St. Augustine but almost all of them include changing various modes of transportation. However, you could also take a direct Greyhound bus that takes under 10 hours and costs between $40 to $60. Or, you can drive down to the destination in five hours and cost between $30 to $45 in fuel.
Everglades
Regarded as the ‘Gateway to Ten Thousand Islands’, Everglades City is among the most picturesque locations to explore around Miami. Everglades National Park is among the largest national parks in the United States of America, and unless you decide to go on a boat tour, you can only ever see a fraction of it. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the third-largest national park in the country is home to American crocodiles, manatees, panthers, and a large number of bird species. The Anhinga Trail is a 0.8-mile paved boardwalk across a small wetland that is your best chance to spot the namesake birds as well as alligators. If you are a foodie and seafood lover, try to time your visit in February which is usually when the city holds the Everglades Seafood Festival.
Best Time to Visit: The months between December to April are the most comfortable time of year to visit the Everglades. Low humidity and the lack of heavy, constant rainfall also make the dry season a pleasant time to visit South Florida.
How to Reach: The most recommended way to get to Everglades from Miami is to get a bus to Naples and then make your way to Everglades. The entire journey could take between three to four hours and cost between $30 to $50.
Miami is a city that does not require a special introduction. It is popular around the world for its pizazz and attraction and its sunny beaches and warm weather. This city will take over your heart and mind with its astounding glamor and cast a spell over your heart. Additionally, the marvelous weekend destinations from Miami make your vacation experience even better with its many attractions and activities.