Under The Spell Of The Magic City

1 July 2016
Read Time: 1.8 mins

Long held as a glamorous getaway for those that love nothing more than to strut their stuff in designer duds and flashy cars, Miami has developed a bit of a reputation for adult fun. You've probably heard all about the enticing neon glow of its Art Deco glory and the intoxicating beat of a club scene that could make Las Vegas green with envy.

Nighttime view of Ocean Drive Don't miss Miami's famous Art Deco (Image: Getty)

 

There's no doubt the glitz is turned up high, and 20-, 30-, heck even 40- and 50-somethings flock to these shores to paint the town. This is the Magic City though, and her allure goes beyond iconic Ocean Drive and sultry South Beach. Miami is a city for all ages. From culture cats to aspiring gourmands, fun-loving families to shopaholics and everyone in between, Miami will not let you down.

Take the beaches for example. There is a sandy shore to cater to all types. Snap a few photos of the colourful lifeguard huts at famous Lummus Park, or set out for a day trip to the quieter sands of picturesque Key Biscayne. Fun and sun are assured while the beautiful scenery (manmade and natural) is icing on the cake.

A colourful lifeguard hut on the beach There are beaches to spare! (Image: Getty)

 

Miami charms even the youngest members of the family, with a sweep of activities to captivate their sense of adventure.  Scour the lush grounds of Jungle Island, a bird sanctuary and wildlife habitat with tigers, baboons, alligators and flamingos to name a few. Or pique their curiosity with a trip to any one of the city's museums. If you have a little athlete in tow, American Airlines Arena is home to the Miami Heat, while aspiring fashionistas can get their fill of glam and designer boutiques at Bal Harbour.


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Delve a little deeper and Miami will reward with rich history and a tapestry of cultures. In fact, the Freedom Tower, a symbol of the city's multiculturalism, stands tall on Biscayne Boulevard. This wedding cake-style Art Deco beauty is not only one of the oldest skyscrapers in the southeastern United States, but it's also a tribute to Cuban immigration.

a mosaic street sigh for calle oucho Little Havana is full of Cuban culture (Image: Getty)

 

Over a quarter million residents with Cuban origins have resettled in Miami and injected a distinct flavour to the city's already diverse cultural scene. Enclaves such as Little Havana offer a taste (literally) of this heritage. Of course the Cuban sandwiches are a must-try, but they're just the tip of a delicious, delicious iceberg. Sway to the Latin beat in any one of the restaurants that line bustling Calle Ocho (8th Street), where you can take your tastebuds to Cuba with plate after plate of extra authentic cuisine.

No matter how you decide to spend your days in the Magic City, make sure you stop just for a moment to admire her beautiful sunsets. A blaze of orange and yellow licks at the purple night sky, creating a splash of colour as vibrant as the city itself.


Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Miami.


Carlie Tucker

Travelling is for discovering the unexpected. From fantastic meals in ramshackle joints to stumbling upon a best kept secret, I love those fortuitous travel moments that couldn't be planned if I tried.