Once defined by its Spanish cultural heritage, Miami, a city in Florida, has quickly become the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the beach city was seen as a major vacation destination for celebrities who were drawn to Miami’s warm tropical climate and beautiful beaches—which today remain two of Miami’s distinctive features.
Since the mid-‘50s, Miami continues to draw visitors from all around the globe who enjoy shopping in downtown Miami, also referred to as the “Central Business District.” Visitors can also explore the city’s rich Spanish history by strolling along Cuban Memorial Boulevard which contains monuments like the Eternal Torch and Nestor Izquierdo statue, honoring the heroes who fought for Cuban independence. For a taste of current Cuban life, stop by Little Havana, a popular neighborhood in Miami where locals dance to traditional Cuban music and sip Cuban coffee.
Miami Beach, including South Beach, is a major entertainment destination with nightclubs, boutiques, restaurants, hotels and long stretches of beach. For folks who need to escape the city and get back to nature, Everglades National Park, the United States’ largest subtropical wilderness.