Miami

Miami was our next stop, and after catching a flight, we took a taxi straight to South Beach. You’d think that traveling south means more relaxation and taking it easy, but not for us—there were too many things to do and not enough time to do them!

We scored a fantastic deal at the Shelborne Hotel, right on the beachfront. I still can’t believe I managed to book it at half price, but there we were, ready to soak in the Miami vibes.

Our first day started with a visit to Wynwood Walls, an iconic open-air graffiti museum that’s a must-see for anyone who loves street art. The colours and creativity on display were incredible, making it one of the highlights of our time in Miami. From there, we headed to Little Cuba and Calle Ocho to get a taste of Cuban culture with its vibrant streets, lively music, and delicious food.

After soaking in the local culture, it was time for some Pool time back at the hotel, followed by a relaxing walk on the beach right in front of our hotel. We ended the day with a sushi dinner at a nearby restaurant, capping off a perfect blend of art, culture, and relaxation.

The next day was all about science and fun. We started at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which was a hit with the kids thanks to its amazing aquarium and a captivating movie at the planetarium. After the museum, we headed back to South Beach for a fun tour on a duck bus/boat that let us explore the area from both land and water. Dinner that evening was on Ocean Drive, where we enjoyed the lively atmosphere and people-watching.

Our final day in Miami was all about adventure. We had booked a full-day tour to the Everglades, where we got to ride a hovercraft and see alligators up close in their natural habitat—an unforgettable experience for all of us. On the way back, we made a stop at Bayside for a dinosaur exhibition, which the kids loved, and wrapped up the day with a nice dinner. Miami was a bit of a mixed bag for me. While the activities were fantastic and the experiences memorable, the city itself felt like it was still holding on to its past glamour from 30-50 years ago, and post-COVID, it seemed a bit tired and worn out. However, we’re still glad we visited, as it added a unique and diverse chapter to our travel adventures.