Miami is a popular destination during the winter months mainly because of its warmer weather. Miami has hosted many Super Bowls, and one sports analyst said Miami is the place to be during winter.
This was my first trip to Miami, and I focused on understanding the layout of the city and visiting the Everglades. What stood out to me is Miami Beach is actually a separate city from Miami. Miami Beach is located on an island off the mainland, and is connected to Miami by several bridges. Of course, Miami Beach is included in the Miami metropolitan area. Miami Beach is frequented by tourists and has the beaches. I will definitely visit Miami Beach in my next trip to South Florida.
I stayed in the Hilton in downtown Miami. As usual I booked the hotel via priceline and saved more than 50% of the published rate. My room had a partial view of Biscayne Bay.
My activities:
1) Rode the free MetroMover train around the city, and enjoying views of downtown and Biscayne Bay from the train.
2) Visited Bayside Marketplace, where the harbor cruise departed
3) Took a tour of the Miami harbor area on a cruise ship. This cruise tour allowed me to see the Miami skyline, a private island where only the extremely rich could live, and the Star Island where several celebrities live including Shaquille Oneal, Vanilla Ice, and Will Smith.
4) Visited Everglades Safari. The first part of the safari was traveling through the Everglades on an airboat, where we spotted numerous alligators. These alligators are in their natural habitat and not a zoo setting. Next was an alligator demonstration where a ranger communicated with 6 alligators. He knows the alligators and they know him. That ranger had done demonstrations for years. He even allowed me, and other visitors, to hold a baby alligator. It felt like leather. Finally, there was the jungle trail where I spotted an alligator out in the open. By the way, if you ever see an alligator, keep your distance as alligators are strong and will attack if provoked.
