DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH FLORIDA

As our big “Let’s Go America! Tour” rolls across the USA, we again packed our Travelpro bags for the 9th time in 9 months back in January and flew to Miami for our focus on the southeastern part of the Sunshine State! We based ourselves in Hollywood, with Fort Lauderdale just to our north and Miami to the south — broadcasting our popular national travel show from The Hyde Beach House, an all-suites property perfect for families. We found that city to be an excellent destination on its own with plenty of restaurants and a scenic 2.2 mile Ocean Broadwalk. It’s also an extremely convenient location — less than 10 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 25 miles or so from Miami — big areas that attract many cruise passengers. Also nearby and easily accessible to expand your visit are Boca Raton, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach to the north.

Florida’s southeastern Atlantic coastline boasts fun beaches, ample boating and fishing along with all kinds of other water activities. With many diverse culinary options steps away from beaches, you’ll find great views, an ample nightlife scene and variety to satisfy the choosiest traveler! When visiting the area this time of year, we always enjoy the stone crabs, and although Joe’s in Miami Beach gets most of the attention, we’ve always enjoyed Billy’s Stone Crabs Restaurant and Market in Hollywood as you can dine-in or shop the market and take it to go!

Another popular destination in the area is the famous Gulfstream Park, which since 1939 has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the U.S. At Gulfstream, both locals and visitors can enjoy competitive, thoroughbred racing, a casino, more than 20 restaurants and a shopping mall with popular brands. Races occur year round and you may just see one with a future Triple Crown winner. South Florida also offers terrific golf courses and an array of professional and college sports to enjoy!

Whether you’re in Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale, you’ll feel Miami calling! Traffic congestion will slow you down, so plan ahead — but whether you take I-95, U.S. Rte 1 or the coastal A1A — there’s always something happening in Miami and Miami Beach to engage! Certainly there’s never a shortage of nightlife, again there’s top notch food crossing multiple cultures and some great beach scenes. But art also abounds in Miami — it’s the site of Art Basel each year and is widely considered the international center of street art with Wynwood’s famous walls and murals. If you go, make sure to look up famed artist Pedro AMOS and his tour company, Miami’s Best Graffiti Guide.

After touring the street art, we’d recommend an espresso and some empanadas at Charlotte Bakery on Washington Avenue. This family owned bakery doesn’t look like much but it serves up some of the best Argentinian and Venezuelan empanadas and other delectable treats in the city — and they also ship! This is a walkable area of Miami Beach to explore filled with unique shops and eateries. During the pandemic Ocean Drive was closed to vehicle traffic, creating a unique pedestrian walkway, but it’s now reverted back to its original pattern. Espanola Way remains a good place to walk and take in the energy of South Beach.

If you think you’ve seen Miami, we’d say you haven’t seen it until you’ve taken a boat out on Biscayne Bay. The skyline is gorgeous on a clear day from the water and we enjoyed seeing PortMiami and all the cruise ships from a smaller boat with a local guide. We’d recommend Ocean Force Adventures — this family-owned business also takes visitors out to Stiltsville — and you’ll hear insider stories of these stilt homes on the water as well as some of the celebrity stores behind the mansions on Star Island and more!

If you’re looking for another activity while visiting the area and feeling a little indulgent, do head north about an hour to Palm Beach and stroll Worth Avenue for its high-end shops, fine dining, people watching and exotic car spotting. A place we enjoy is Ta-boo — it’s an experience you won’t forget in one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country!

Florida offers so much for every type of traveler. Whether it’s the more subdued west coast, Orlando, panhandle or even northeast part of the State — but the southeastern region of Florida keeps drawing us back with its vibrant pulse. Miami with its restaurants, art and nightlife scenes remind us a bit of Manhattan, yet just a short distance north, both Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale offer a relaxing respite and getaway if you’re craving that.

Share your favorite South Florida moments by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab at www.RMWorldTravel.com. Safe and Happy Travels! Let’s Go America!

Robert & Mary Carey, Hosts
America’s #1 Travel Radio Show