Welcome to Miami

Miami has a well  deserved reputation in the US for being trashy.

For some reason the #1 attraction on Tripadvisor is a shooting range and the #2 is a crappy zoo where visitants hug wild animals.

If you are into urban beach, showing off, drinking and swimming with dolphins there is a big probability you will enjoy it.

The two best things about Miami are the melting pot of Latino and Caribbean cuisines and  proximity with the Everglades, just a 40 minutes drive.

A weekend trip is enough.

My recommendations for a 48h trip are:

First day

- go to the Everglades NP. During the wet season, Shark Valley has a very interesting tram tour.

You can spot wildlife and learn more about the Everglades. Namely about the damages caused by the Burmese pitons.
On the dry season the temperatures are too high to walk around and you wouldn't see many animals.

- Quick visit to the Big Cypress National Preserve. Here you can see alligators and turtles.

- Take a look on the Clyde Buthcher's Big Cypress Gallery.
The pics are stunning. Unfortunately they are way over my budget.

- Have a Cuban meal in Palacio de Los Jugos. It's not a fancy place (no stiletto shoes required). It's all about the food. Try the lechon with fried yucca and rice and beans.

The natural juices are delicious but too sugary for my taste.

Second day

- in the early morning check the art deco architecture in Miami Beach. 

- Stop by Tap Tap to enjoy Haitian food. Malanga fritters with watercress sauce and goat stew are delicious.

- Go to the Cuban neighborhood. It's just 2 or 3 blocks with little to see or do. Just enjoy the vibe, and chat with the locals in the domino park A.K.A. Maximo Gomez park.

- Take a look in the Financial District and walk towards Brickell Key, a small island connected by a bridge.

- Don't miss the metromover. It's a good way to travel or connect around and check the skyline. 

- Once in the airport try the guava pastries and ham croquetas in the Versailles, a famous Cuban coffee shop. Or you can go to their original location in calle ocho.

Keep in mind that downtown is dodgy. There is nothing to see or do. Specially during the weekends and holidays, everything is closed.

Be aware that public transportation is inefficient and driving is a big no no, because of the traffic especially in miami beach. 

The metro to the airport runs every half hour on sundays/holidays. 

Metromover and trolley are free of charge.

Check my pics on http://helenalguerra.tumblr.com/