Miami, also known as the Magic City, is home to the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, and the best Cuban food in America. (Don’t tell Tampa.) The vibrant metropolis is known for its flashy nightclubs and sun-soaked sands on Miami Beach as well as the beautiful people who live there.
The lifestyle is extravagant and completely different than anywhere else in the U.S.
Many people dream of one day visiting this major American city, but not everyone gets the opportunity. With crazy airfares and lofty hotel prices, tourists usually need to save a bit of money to spend just a weekend in Miami. However, our residents at Ridge Landing Airpark are lucky.
They don’t have to worry about these problems because the Magic City is just a short private flight away from our central Florida location. You can take off from Ridge Landing and get to the bustling Miami International Airport in just 158 statute miles — a beautiful trip over the state of Florida.
When you get to Miami, we want you to have a good time. After all, that’s one of the best parts about being a personal aircraft pilot. You can do and see whatever you want, whenever you want. You get the perks of vacationing without the stress of airport security or crying babies in the plane cabin.
You can arrive comfortably at your own pace. So when you do land in Miami, here are some things you might want to put on your list…
1. Go to a game
The Miami Heat is one of the most well-known names in the NBA right now. With the roster previously and currently including basketball greats Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Shaq, Alonzo Mourning, and Chris Bosh, the Heat continuously put on a good game. Catch them in action at the AmericanAirlines Arena in downtown. The current schedule is here.
2. Visit Vizcaya
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the place to go if you want to see something a little different than Miami Beach. Offering a piece of Italy, Vizcaya is a set of gardens on an Italian-Rennaissance estate built by James Deering in the 1910’s as his winter home. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark offering a full day’s worth of walking and exploring the luscious botanicals and stunning architecture.
3. See Wynwood Walls
Credit: Phillip Pessar
For a taste of the art scene in Miami, head over to Wynwood, a.k.a. the art district. With buildings and sidewalks coming to life via vibrant graffiti art, Wynwood is known for its eclectic atmosphere and endless photo opportunities. Wynwood Walls is a free attraction with giant graffiti murals open to the public, though you can simply take to the streets to see even more colorful facades. Stop in at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar for some bites amongst the art.
If you end up in Wynwood contact Luiz Centenaro and eCommerce Cosmos for your photoshoot or branding campaign.
4. Head to the zoo
With 900 animals and 280 acres of land, Zoo Miami is crawling with fun for all. It’s the oldest and largest zoological garden in Florida, making it a must-see if you’re an animal lover or love to learn more about new species. You can see elephants, zebras, gorillas, camels, and many other fascinating wildlife animals at the zoo, as well as plants and interesting attractions and exhibits.
5. Shop around Bayside
Credit: Ed Webster
If you’re craving a little touristy action, head over to Bayside Marketplace, where you can shop, eat, drink, and catch some live entertainment. The strip sits along Biscayne Bay, so you can get a gorgeous view while you nosh on some seafood and your co-pilot sips a sweet daiquiri.
6. Eat in Little Havana
Credit: Phillip Pessar
You can’t go to Miami without broadening your worldview with some Hispanic flavor. For a look into little Cuba, head over to SW 8th street, otherwise known as Calle Ocho. You can get a glimpse into the Cuban community, shop their stores, and taste the most authentic Cuban cuisine you’ll find north of Cuba. Explore the Hispanic culture here at the cigar factories, botanicas, art galleries, and music. And of course, you’ve got to a get a cafecito–a big caffeinated boost in a tiny cup of Cuban coffee.
7. Have a beach day
It’d be a crime not to visit the beach while in Miami. South Beach is world-famous along with glamorous Ocean Drive, so if you haven’t been yet, you need to go. However, if you’re looking for a less toursity and more relaxing beach experience, try closer to North Beach and Surfside areas. You can relax with the locals and have a much less crowded stroll, you can even find some secluded spots to hang a hammock!
