Miami is one of the favorite tourist destinations for national and international tourists. But what is the reason for its popularity? Its location in South Florida offers several advantages, including the possibility of visiting cities near Miami, because in less than three hours you can visit paradisiacal beaches , national parks, shopping centers and renowned restaurants.
But it is perhaps the climate that is the greatest attraction. It is one of the sunniest cities in the United States, with 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Summers are usually hot and humid, but also rainy, with temperatures between 25º C and 32º C. Winters are mild and dry with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 25ºC.
And so is usually the weather of cities near Miami. So, if you’re planning your next vacation in South Florida, here are some options you can explore.
Cities near Miami that you must visit
Renting a car in Miami is the best way to enjoy a quiet weekend trip to one of the following destinations (Let’s go to Miami, n.d.).
Tampa
Tampa’s renovated downtown offers a cityscape where historic architecture and modern buildings coexist. This is also the busiest place at night with a large number of bars and restaurants.
If you prefer activities in nature, this city has several parks and reserves. At Hillsborough River State Park or Lake Park, you can go hiking, biking or kayaking to spot birds, turtles, alligators and even manatees.
For thrill seekers, Busch Gardens is a must-see. This amusement park concentrates the most extreme roller coasters between the cities near Miami. Right next door is located the Adventure Island Water Park which has areas for children.
St. Petersburg
Located right between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, this is one of the cities near Miami with the best beaches. It is a perfect area for a family plan, because in addition to enjoying its waters, you can rent a boat for a walk around the bay or fish on the pier.
Explore the coast, from Fort De Soto Park to Clearwater. You’ll find a variety of hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars with full views of the sea, ideal for sunsets. On the beach St. Pete is home to the historic Don CeSa Hotel, which opened its doors from the Great Gatsby era in 1928. The heart of the city offers a shopping area, bars and restaurants. And it is here that the world-famous Salvador Dalí Museum is located. This concentrates the largest collection of the artist outside Spain.
Orlando
Of the cities near Miami, Orlando is, perhaps, the most visited. Why? It is home to Mickey Mouse and the Universal Studios parks. Although theme parks have brought it fame, it is also a destination for world-famous restaurants, shopping malls and stages for sporting and entertainment events.
The International Drive is an 18 km long (11 miles) area that concentrates multiple attractions. The Wheel at ICON Park, the tallest observation wheel in the country, is one of the most popular. To the list is added the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, an 18-hole miniature golf course, the Kingdom of Chocolate, among others.
For lovers of extreme sports, there are several water sports centers. Here you can go water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and skydiving over the sea. The adventures in this place are endless.
West Palm Beach
It is one of the cities near Miami that is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the diversity of beaches promises to satisfy all types of tourists. Peanut Island is for groups of friends; Gulfstream Park, for explorers; Lake Worth Beach, for families, and Juno Beach, for those who are accompanied by their dog.
In addition to the beaches, the center is home to four shopping and entertainment districts. Clematis Street, Rosemary Square, Northwood Village and Antique Row are home to exclusive boutiques, galleries, bars and restaurants.
And the list goes on. Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Fort Myers, and Sarasota are just a few of the other cities near Miami worth visiting. From a lodging in Miami you can explore the unlimited attractions, activities and tourist spots that Florida has to offer.
References
Let’s go to Miami. (n.d.) The weather in Miami all year round. Retrieved from https://www.vamosamiami.net/clima-miami/
Visit Florida. (n.d.) Map of Florida’s Regions. Retrieved from https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us.html
