Blog - SoFLA Vacations

4 Best Places to Get Your Art Fix While on Your Next Miami Vacation

July 21, 2022 No Comments

Miami may be known for its beaches and nightlife, but with so much culture and affluence, the art scene is thriving. Whether you’re in the streets of Wynwood, the shores of Biscayne Bay or historic yet youthful Coconut Grove, good art is around every corner. Make the most of your Miami Vacation with SoFLA Vacations by indulging in this rich art scene.

Opened in 1984, the Perez Art Museum is a treasure trove of contemporary works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Located on beautiful Biscayne Bay, the views inside and outside of the Perez Art Museum are stunning. Just outside the museum is an interactive sculpture garden, the perfect place to snap your Instagram photos while vacationing in Miami. Perez Art Museum also features art talks and studio features, a great opportunity to connect with the artist.

Not far from the Perez Art Museum in Miami’s Design District is Markowicz Fine Art. With works from artists like Andy Warhol, Carole A. Feuerman and Banksy, come observe mastery of the contemporary field. Open since 2010, Markowicz Fine Art now has 3 locations nationwide in Miami, Dallas and Laguna Beach, that feature work from local artists and icons alike.

Now it’s time to get on the street and see the core of Miami art culture, at Wynwood Walls. Founded in 2009 by Tony Goldman of Goldman Properties, Wynwood Walls is an art installation that has quickly become one of the most famous art exhibits in the country. A series of walls hold breathtaking and profound murals from artists like Obey, Kenny Scharf and Futura, and are regularly replaced so that each time you visit you will experience new works.

Maybe you’re familiar with popular contemporary artists and the work that every gallery tries to emulate? If you’re ready for a new experience, longing to see what the best local artists of Miami hold, LnS Gallery is beckoning. Opened in 2017, this progressive contemporary art gallery is located in the lively and beautiful clutches of Coconut Grove. The focus of LnS Gallery is on multiculturalism and inclusivity, it is sure to inspire.

The Perfect Night Out In South Miami

June 24, 2022 No Comments

(From top to bottom) Casa Cuba, Whip’N Dip, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, Sunset Place AMC and the streets of South Miami

To have the perfect night out, one thing must be true, by the end of it you wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.

While staying at the Sunset Inn in South Miami, the perfect night out is right around the corner. Not only will you enjoy a comfortable and quiet stay, but you will also have access to tons of boutique shops and the beautiful, historic downtown area. With wonderful restaurants, bars, ice cream shops and movies, your options are endless.

First stop: Dinner is an obvious first stop for your night out, nobody wants to be hangry while trying to enjoy themselves. And while on vacation it’s always nice to try the local food, after eating the same meal prepped food everyday it’s time to give your taste buds a vacation too. While in Miami it’s a requirement to have authentic Cuban food, and adjacent to Sunset Inn is the exquisite Casa Cuba. Featuring indoor and outdoor dining, Casa Cuba is a full-service Cuban restaurant with breakfast, lunch, dinner and even pastries! My personal favorite is the ropa vieja with black beans and rice, and of course maduros.

Second stop: After dinner, dessert is in order. Casa Cuba features delicious Cuban desserts, but if you’re feeling like getting a good old fashioned ice cream cone look no further than Whip’n Dip Ice Cream Shop. There’s nothing like a rich and creamy ice cream cone to put your hunger to rest and with warm weather year-round it’s always a good choice.

Last stop: AMC Sunset Place 24 theaters is a perfect place to end the night, a good movie in a historic building will be the cherry on top. Go see the newest releases only a short walk from your hotel. Or if the night is young…Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern is a rustic dive bar with tons of selection, great specials and live music. Come meet your new best friends (for the week) and get a feel for being a South Miami local.

3 Best “Hidden Gem” Attractions while vacationing in Miami!

March 23, 2022 No Comments

Discover hidden gems on your next Miami vacation while staying with SoFLA Vacations…

Venetian Pool in Coral Gables in a great Hidden Gem — Pictured above: The spring fed Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

There is so much to do and see when vacationing in the Greater Miami area. Everyone knows about the amazing white sand beaches, airboat rides in the Everglades and world-famous nightclubs but what about the not-so-well-known attractions? Here is our list of some of the best “hidden gems” to experience while vacationing in the Greater Miami area in 2022.

Venetian Pool/Coral Gables – A beautiful oasis inspired by Mediterranean architecture, the Venetian Pool is a unique part of Miami’s history! This former rock quarry was turned into the Venetian Pool in 1924. Large enough to hold 820,000 gallons of fresh water from an underground aquifer, the pool draws water from artesian wells and features a historic edifice earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and the perfect destination for a great family day of frolick while visiting Miami.
Deering Estate – One of the truly most idyllic spots in Miami is the Deering Estate, an area that was created to preserve Charles Deering’s 1920s-era property. From its picturesque location on the South Dade coast, the Deering Estate Features historical buildings, mangrove forests, tropical Rockland, and much more. From canoe tours to butterfly walks to guided museum and natural area tours, the Deering Estate has diverse activities and special events for the whole family to enjoy on your next Miami Vacation.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum – One of Miami’s very best-kept secrets is the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. An absolute highlight when it comes to family-friendly attractions Miami, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum is located in southwestern Miami adjacent to Zoo Miami. It features over 40 historic railcars, perhaps most notably of all, the presidential railcar built in 1928 called the Ferdinand Magellan that was used by Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan.

Experiencing these hidden gems will make your next Miami vacation a memorable one.

Best Miami Events for Spring/Summer 2022

March 11, 2022 No Comments

Music festivals, art shows, sporting events and more, The Magic City is know for hosting some of the most spectacular events year-round. From the Super Bowl to Art Basel to Miami International Boat Show, events occur in Miami that are known around the world! Here are our choices for the “can’t miss” events when visiting the Greater Miami area this Spring and Summer:

Ultra Music Festival

The Spring kicks off as party people from around the world descend on Miami as the Ultra Music Festival takes over Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami March 25-27. This 3-day electronic dance music festival features over 150 entertainers from around the world performing on 7 stages with music, pyrotechnics, lasers and confetti enhancing the performances. If you like music and energy, this is a can’t miss Miami event.

Deering Bay Seafood Festival

Love munching on the delectables from the sea? Then you won’t want to miss the 16th annual Deering Bay Seafood Festival April 10th from 10am-6pm on the grounds of the Deering Estate in Southern Miami-Dade. This family-friendly event features all the great treasures of the sea, chef demonstations, live entertainment and kids activities while exposing visitors and the South Florida community to the historic Deering Estate.

F1 Miami Grand Prix

Rev up your engines and check-out the inaugural Formula 1® Miami Grand Prix taking place May 6-8 on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The action will be split across all three days as the greatest car racers in the World compete with Practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday. The newly constructed Miami International Autodrome is a temporary circuit that features a 3.36 mile track with 19 corners and an anticipated average speed of 140mph. Fast and exciting racing on the streets of Miami!!

Miami Swim Week

My dream job? How about towel boy for Miami Swim Week! Why not, I mean it features the most beautiful women in the world modeling the latest swimwear fashion in a series of ticketed events from July 14 – 21 at various venues throughout Miami Beach. It surely gets hot and steamy for fashion lovers at the 2022 Miami Swim Week.

So remember, when traveling to the Greater Miami area this Spring or Summer there is an event for your food-, music-, art- or sports-loving side!

3 Best Miami Tours For Your Next Vacation

December 22, 2021 1 Comment

Miami Tours from the air overlooking South Beach

Discover Miami’s hidden gem and take your next vacation in Coconut Grove! A lot has changed since its founding in 1825, but some of its history remains. From the Barnacle, Coconut Grove’s oldest standing house, to the lavish Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, Coconut Grove is full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Today the Grove is a vibrant center for art, food and entertainment.

Tap Tap Tours

Tap Tap Tours offers a walking tour that showcases all that the Grove has to offer! Murals, architecture and breathtaking Biscayne Bay will be on full display. Tours are 90 minutes and take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10 am every two hours until the last tour at 4 pm. Private Miami tours available as well.

Sailing On Biscayne Bay

Have you ever wanted to have your own tropical island? Well now you can have the next best thing, a tour of one by sailboat! Sailing on Biscayne Bay offers 2 hour to full day tours featuring snorkeling and paddle boarding that start at 10 am and continue throughout the day. Sunset tours are also available, starting between 3 and 4 pm. Photos and refreshments included, longer tours include food as well. Make sure to also inquire about their full moon tours!

Heli Air Miami Helicopter Tours

You’ve walked it, you’ve sailed it, now fly it! Heli Air Miami Helicopter Tours offer a unique glimpse of Miami and more! On your tour you will see South Beach, celebrity homes on Star Island and get an up close look at the Miami skyline. Seeing Miami from the air is a great way to scout your next adventure. Heli Air Miami offers 30-35 minute Miami Mega and Sunset Mega Tours, as well as a 1 hour South Florida Special Tour. Keep an eye out for Sharks, Dolphins and Manatees!

Book your Miami vacation rental today and get a glimpse of all Miami has to offer with these spectacular tours!

Where to See Christmas Lights in Coconut Grove

November 11, 2021 No Comments

If you’re taking a visit to South Florida this holiday season, you’re in luck! Miami has some of the best Christmas lights around. There are plenty of places to see spectacular drive-thru light shows when staying at a South Florida Vacation Rental. These shows have been rated some of the best things to do in Miami over the holiday season.

The Enchanted Place of North Miami is a South Florida fan favorite. Since 1988, it has been a community effort, with neighbors in the area decorating their homes with flashy Christmas lights. Not only can you drive-thru and see the lights, but you can also pose for photos with Santas, Christmas trees, and snowmen with your entire group. Find this light show at 1800 NE 137th Ter in North Miami.

Zoo Light at Zoo Miami is another favorite, especially when staying in Coconut Grove vacation rentals. This show features almost one million animal-shaped lights. Families are welcome to walk through the park and admire the lights while hopping on a carousel ride or two. You’ll also get to see and hear carolers, and an amazing 26-foot LED tree. Want a family photo with Santa? He’ll be there too – with milk and cookies!

Santa’s Spectacular: A Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza is Miami’s first Christmas drive-thru. Get a look at Santa, Mrs. Claus, North Pole Elves, and Rudolph. It’s a spectacular light show you don’t want to miss! The show runs from November 28 to December 23. Tickets cover the costs of one vehicle for six people and will run $45 per vehicle.

South Florida Beaches You Need to See – Even in the Winter

November 10, 2021 No Comments

Who says that winter has to put a damper on all the fun? In Florida, there’s no such thing as a bad season, and the weather is always nearly perfect (except for the occasional hurricane, of course). When you think of visiting Florida Keys vacation rentals, fall and winter are probably not the seasons you think of when visiting. However, there are breathtaking beaches all over that you should make a point to check out before spring break rolls around.

Delray Beach’s downtown area is directly located on the water. You won’t find anywhere else like it within the entire country. Visitors get a surreal feeling of being in the water without actually being in the water. Get a view of the famous Atlantic Avenue and its many shops, restaurants, and bars. Delray Beach is home to three million visitors in a single year.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is three miles of surfing and fishing. If you are the outdoors type, this one’s for you. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and more (note: some of these excursions may not be available at all times of the year.)

During your South Florida vacation rentals stay, be sure to also check out Calusa Beach. It’s located on Big Pine Key and is a smaller beach, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, you’ll love it here. It has plenty of beautiful views and includes showers and changing rooms, so it makes a great place for families.

Love dogs? Sombrero Beach in Marathon, FL, is dog-friendly! You can also try your hand at beach volleyball while you soak up the sun.

South Florida Winter Vacation Ideas

November 8, 2021 No Comments

Yes, even in the year’s coldest month’s South Florida continues to be a safe haven for those who enjoy warmer weather. While Florida may not be what you picture when you think of an idyllic Christmas town, it’s full of plenty of wonderful things to see even when it’s colder outside. Thinking of a Christmas vacation? Try one of our South Florida vacation rentals!

In Key West, you can enjoy temperatures of around 70 degrees and a nice ocean breeze. In winter, when you stay at one of our Florida Keys vacation rentals, you can still enjoy all the summer fun. Diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and jet-skiing are some of the many excursions visitors and locals alike enjoy.

In Miami, there is always an abundance of things to do. South Beach is known to be a great place to grab a drink outdoors, and art lovers can take a look at the many galleries happening during the winter months. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is a great family activity, including rides, kid-friendly activities and entertainment, and food, all while capturing the feel-good Christmas spirit.

If you love the outdoors, the Everglades National Park offers tours even in the winter through the wetlands of Florida, where you can take a peek at some of the state’s endangered species.

Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean the fun stops! In Florida, you will find a sunny getaway at any time of the year. Looking to escape to warmer weather in the winter? Take a look at our vacation rentals. Booking and availability can be shown online.

Outdoor Dining Experiences not to miss when visiting Coconut Grove/Miami this Winter

November 5, 2021 3 Comments

When visiting Coconut Grove and Greater Miami during the winter you have to dine outdoors. I mean, the weather is one of the reasons you are visiting so why not enjoy it even when dining? There are some amazing restaurants in Coconut Grove/Miami to enjoy culinary delights while taking in the reason you came in the first place…..the South Florida winter weather! Here are our five favorite outdoor dining spots while vacationing this winter in Miami.

Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grille (2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove): Located on the ground floor of Hotel Arya in the heart of Coconut Grove, the Peacock Garden features a tranquil setting with culinary delights that you most certainly will enjoy. This “secret garden” offers the most relaxing of environments with offerings that include a seafood and raw bar, fresh fish, prime steaks, hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads and daily specials. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner you will enjoy what Forbes Magazine dubbed Miami’s “Hidden Oasis”.

Redfish by Chef Adrienne (9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami): Fan of the Farelly Brothers 1998 comedy classic, “There’s Something About Mary”? Then you know Redfish by Chef Adrienne! Located in the historic “coral house” within Matheson Hammock Park in southern Miami-Dade, the former Redfish Grille was battered by Hurricane Vilma in 2017 and stayed closed until it re-emerged in 2019 as Redfish with renowned, South Florida Chef Adrienne at the helm and the reviews have been spectacular. Feast on tasty treats from the land and sea while eating by the Matherson Hammock Beach……what could be better on a cool winter night in Miami?

Monty’s Raw Bar (2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove): Opened in 1969 by Florida icon, Monty Trainer, Monty’s Raw Bar has served as a backdrop for some legendary TV shows and movies like “Miami Vice”, “Marley and Me” and “Burn Notice”. It also serves up the best frozen drinks, raw bar, tasty treats and scenic bayfront views in Miami under two massive tiki huts adjacent to the Coconut Grove Marina. This open air restaurant and bar’s menu still features Mrs. Trainer’s famous key lime pie recipe……a must desert when vacationing in Coconut Grove!

Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant (5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach): Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant is a new entry on our favorite outdoor dining spots. Why you ask? Maybe it is the sweeping views of the Indian Creek Waterway from the poolside, outdoor seating deck. Or maybe its’ Chef Bernie Matz’s creative, locally inspired menu featuring unique items like manchego croquettes, mango bang shrimp, sofrito based shrimp pizza or “like butter” boneless short ribs. Or maybe it’s the free valet parking offered at this Mid-Beach, “Millionaire Row” condo building. Whatever the reason, you won’t want to miss out on this waterfront eatery during your next Miami vacation.

The Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacher Causeway, Key Biscayne): A Miami landmark, the Rusty Pelican is located at the Rickenbacher Marina and offers unmatchable waterfront views of the Miami skyline right from your table whether dining on the outdoor patio or indoor dining room. Offering an eclectic and impressive contemporary American cuisine and the freshest local seafood, The Rusty Pelican first premiered to natives and visitors in 1972 and was re-built in 1985 after a fire destroyed the structure but you can’t keep in a good thing down. Re-built and then a $7M renovation in 2011 has everyone talking about the Rusty Pelican. You can visit their website at: https://www.restaurantji.com/fl/key-biscayne/rusty-pelican-miami-restaurant-/

Visiting Florida This Winter? Here’s What You Need to Know

November 4, 2021 No Comments

Florida is filled with visitors all over any time of the year, but contrary to popular belief, it can still be packed full in the colder months. In the fall and winter, many flock to Florida to escape their home climates of brutal wind chills, snow, and below-freezing temperatures. In Florida, we don’t have any of those, so a South Florida Vacation Rental is the perfect way to escape the cold.

Beaches in Florida at this time of year are much less crowded than in the summer months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and get a really good look at the picturesque, world-famous beaches, winter (or fall) is the time to go.

When you head to the beach during your stay at Coconut Grove vacation rentals, you want to make sure you dress correctly. Tracksuits and beanies are some of the best things you can wear. Remember, beaches are pretty breezy, and when hitting the water, they can bring in moisture with the wind. Synthetic fiber clothing is recommended since they are great at blocking both wind and water. Dress in layers so you can add or subtract when needed. You probably won’t be getting in the water, so no need for swimsuits.

The sand can get pretty cold in the winter, so make sure you pack beach chairs to enjoy a relaxing day near the shore. Bring a beach blanket, too, so you can cozy up if needed. Again, beaches can get breezy, so having the extra layer of warmth can come in handy.