Miami Beach Pride, an annual celebration established in 2008 by former Mayor Matti Bower, starts on April 1 this year. The weeklong calendar of exciting events culminates into a day-long festival and parade April 10 on Ocean Drive.
For locals who are making a staycation out of it, or tourists who want to immerse themselves into some Miami Beach spiciness, there is a lot to see and do.
Miami Beach – and its surrounding area– is full of some of the world’s most fabulous bars and clubs – which you can see listed in this very magazine. There are great shops along places like Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, big and small theaters for all kinds of shows, unique architecture and gorgeous beaches.
Here are some sights you won’t want to miss:
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 S. Miami Avenue, Miami 33129
305-250-9133
Open every day but Tuesday, this national landmark includes a waterfront estate home, built in 1916, and 10 acres of beautiful gardens. It attracts visitors from all over the world and many choose its ground for weddings and elaborate parties. In fact, White Party took place there for many years.
Pérez Art Museum
1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, 33132
305-375-3000
Open Thursdays through Sundays
This contemporary art museum houses phenomenal pieces from the 20th and 21th century, has waterfront dining, and of course, a museum gift shop. The building itself is a modern site to see – it was designed by prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron. Check their site for current exhibitions and tour information and make sure to take a stroll through its Sculpture Gardens.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, 33139
305-673-7256
Open every day but Monday, this 3-acre garden features all kinds of palm trees and flowers native to the area. It also has a Japanese Garden and a boutique and offers many fun events. Make sure to take some time to explore the true beauty of the site and enjoy a peacetime time away from crowds.
Little Havana
SE 8th Street, between 13th and 17th avenues, Miami Beach
Centered around Calle Ocho (SE 8th Street), the lively neighborhood of colorful murals is the destination for restaurants, cigar shops, art galleries and more. You can visit famous Maximo Gomez Park, called “Domino Park” by locals, and dine at famous Cuban restaurant Versailles.
Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, 33177
305-251-0400
Open daily, Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida. You can traverse the 4-mile zoo by foot or rent one of their Safari Cycles. They offer educational presentations, animal feedings and animal encounters, in addition to VIP tours, tram tours, pedal boats, of course, all kinds of amazing animals.
Art Deco Welcome Center
1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 33139
305-672-2014
https://mdpl.org/welcome-center/
Visit to the Art Deco, which is open daily, to schedule a tour to see unique Miami Beach architecture. There’s a variety of tours to choose from, including a Gay and Lesbian Walking Tour. Also, make sure to stick around to check out its museum and gift shop.
Wynwood Walls
2520 NW Second Avenue between 25th and 26th streets 33127
https://museum.thewynwoodwalls.com/main
Modern art lovers do not want to miss a tour of vibrant Wynwood Walls. The outdoor museum has huge, colorful murals and the surrounding area has funky boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, bars and more.
