A trip to Miami can be one of the best ways the “leave” the United States without a passport.  It’s been immortalized in songs and music videos.  It’s a Latin cultural hub. And it’s an amazing place to visit, where every day can be a relaxing day and every night can be a party.  Or if you’re in the mood for a nice, quiet vacation, you can find that too.  Maybe.

Plus the humidity is significantly lower in the winter, and the climate features a mild to warm temperature.

Must Stay:

If you want flashy then there’s no hotel quite like the Fontainebleau Resort & Spa Miami Beach.

It features 11 restaurants and 3 pools. There are over 650 suites and ocean views.  It’s a place of grand proportions. And if you want to be right it the mix, there’s no better place to drop your bags and let the hotel staff take care of your every need.

Must Taste:

For a little bit of old Havana, King’s Ice Cream features guanabana ice cream, flavored with tart and custard-like tropical fruit.  Located in Little Havana, their Cuban style churros are also all the rage, covered in sugar and drizzled with mermelada de guyaba.  

Must Relax:

Florida boasts more than 1,200 golf courses. So if 18 holes is part of your dream vacation, hit the green on one of Miami’s golf courses.
If you want to go big, the Doral Resort and Spa is legendary.

Must Shop:

All those wild Miami wares get donated somewhere. In the Wynwood Arts District there are, among museums, a ton of thrift shops. Scour around for clothing, bits and baubles, and artwork.  You may go home with a few Miami treasures all your own.

-Arianna Schioldager