Cruise travel is more popular than ever these days as it offers a fun, affordable way to vacation in high style. Cruises are also perfect for everyone and every occasion - whether for a couple's romantic getaway, a wild time with college friends, or a summer trip with the family. Departing mainly from the Port of Miami, journeys to Mexico and the Caribbean Islands are still the most popular things to do on the itinerary, but why not extend the good times with even more fun activities along the Miami coast? For an even better trip and more local flavor, check out these activities before and after your next Miami cruise.
The cruise ship terminals at the PortMiami are just a short hop down A1A from Miami's world-famous South Beach, known for its gorgeous tropical atmosphere as well as the hottest restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs in Miami.
Some of the country's best resorts are on the South Beach/Miami Beach line including the hip Art Deco Clevelander Hotel and the luxurious-yet-cozy Hotel of South Beach. Miami Beach also has illustrious hotels like Gale South Beach with breathtaking ocean views and a rooftop pool. Hotels in the Miami area frequently offer amazing deals and specials, so don't miss your chance to experience this accessible paradise!
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Miami's lush coast is perfect for exploring the outdoors and Florida's natural beauty, and there's no place better for doing this than Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, which is just a few minutes' ride down US-1 from PortMiami. This is the City of Miami's largest recreational oceanfront park and features the Virginia Key Outdoor Center where you can rent kayaks, surf skis, and paddleboards to explore the beautiful waters of Miami Beach.
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Also located in Virginia Key is the Miami Seaquarium, a 38-acre oceanarium and educational center located on the Biscayne Bay side of Virginia Key. Founded in 1955, the Seaquarium is one of the country's oldest educational marine life attractions, and it contributes immensely to conservation efforts of Miami's profuse natural resources.
Another gorgeous place to enjoy the great outdoors in Miami is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in nearby Coconut Grove. Vizcaya was built in the early 20th century as a subtropical winter estate for ailing millionaire James Deering. Today, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens hosts a variety of social and educational events as well as tours and archaeological activities.
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A visit to the Miami Beach area means dining at some of the best restaurants in Miami and in the world, for that matter. Indulge in the freshest local seafood and exotic cocktails with Latin-Caribbean flare at A Fish Called Avalon in the stunning Avalon Hotel, a South Beach Art Deco icon. Looking for a fabulous weekend brunch experience? Miami Beach has only the best! Check Bazaar Mar's decadent brunch in Brickell, or go to Nikki Beach for an all-day affair.
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There's so much to do in Miami, but you'll definitely want to make room for these activities before and after your next Miami cruise.
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Cover photo courtesy of chuttersnap on Unsplash
