Understanding Tide Conditions in South Florida

The water is beautiful here in South Florida and is home to many fun activities that drive tourism. However, before you go out for a swim or boating trip, you’ll want to understand the way the water behaves. Pay close attention to the wave, tide, and current conditions when swimming during your South Florida vacation rental stay.

Waves are made by the wind blowing on the ocean surface, and they travel at all different directions and speeds. They can come from far out or be formed near the surface. If the water is choppy on a particular day and there is a lot of wind, you may want to avoid venturing too far out into the water. Never venture out if there is a storm on the horizon. 

Tides are the rises and falls of water levels on the coast. They are formed by an imbalance in the solar system between gravitational forces and centrifugal forces. Essentially, this means that the moon and sun control them and how the earth moves through space. There are two high tides, then two low tides, every 24 hours and every 50 minutes. During high tide, the water gets closer to the shore, making it deeper. When it is low, the opposite happens. 

Also, be aware of rip currents and rip tides. They often get confused for one another but are quite different. Riptides are fast, dangerous, and typically found in smaller coastal spaces like bays and can form when a falling tide flows through an inlet. A rip current is a strong narrow channel of water that moves away from the shore and can appear on any beach with breaking waves. 

Swimming is a must when staying at a Miami vacation rental, just make sure you check out the water conditions before heading to the water. You can check out the water forecast through the National Weather Service. 

Snorkeling in South Florida

Snorkeling is one of South Florida’s most popular summertime activities. It allows you views of the reefs and ocean wildlife you just can’t get anywhere else. Plus, it’s family-friendly, and people of all ages can have a blast while staying in South Florida vacation rentals. 

Florida has the longest barrier reef system in the entire world and a 360-mile coral reef that stretches from the Florida Keys to Florida’s east coast in St. Lucie, known as the Florida Reef Tract. It’s even bigger than the great barrier reef in Australia! All of this makes it an unforgettable experience you need to have when vacationing in South Florida. 

Though fun and adventurous, snorkeling can be hazardous if not done correctly. Make sure everyone participating can swim and is familiar with the water or has an instructor close by before diving into the water. Never go out in the rain! Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and other tropical, inclement weather, so check the forecast before heading out. There will be plenty of warnings if a hurricane is on its way, but even a slight rain shower, coupled with wind, can make snorkeling a bit more dangerous. 

Another thing to consider is checking out the water conditions before you swim. Oceans are vast and beautiful, full of unique marine life but also unique tidal patterns. Make sure wave patterns, currents, and water temperatures are suitable for swimming and snorkeling. 

Once you’ve considered all of this, you are ready to head out! Of course, if you’re snorkeling with an instructor near Miami vacation rentals, they will be able to help you determine the proper conditions to snorkel in, but it never hurts to be knowledgeable. 

When snorkeling in South Florida, you’ll be able to see numerous types of fish, turtles, sharks, crabs, lobsters, and so much more!

Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in South Florida

Travel for the Fourth of July holiday weekend is expected to reach a record number this year. If you chose to vacation in South Florida for Independence Day, you made a great choice. There are plenty of opportunities for fun for families, friend groups, and solo vacationers alike.

There are many places and events still canceled for protection against COVID, but it’s safe to say there will be more open this year than in 2020. If you’ve booked your stay with us in a South Florida vacation rental, check out these events.

The Key Lime Festival will be held July 1 through 5, paying tribute to limes, which inspired the Florida Keys’ signature dessert, key lime pie. Enjoy the World Key Lime Pie Eating Championship at 12:30 pm on Sunday the 4th. The event is free for onlookers, and $20 for contestants.

In Key Largo, check out the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s July 4 parade at 10 am. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Freedom,” followed by a fireworks display.

If you are staying in one of our Miami Vacation Rentals, check out the Fire on the Fourth in Miami Beach. The North Beach Bandshell plans on transforming into a roller disco with performances from numerous bands and DJs. The event starts at noon on July 4 and lasts until roughly 9 pm, when the fireworks will begin.

In Coral Gables, visit the Fourth of July at Fairchild Garden, where families can enjoy many activities like a parade, face painting, and a kid’s popsicle party. Don’t forget to check out local BBQ from Glasshouse Cafe! Tickets ($24.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, $15.95 for students with valid ID, $11.95 for children, and free for children under 5) will give access to the garden, including the current display, Jurassic Garden.

Upcoming New World Symphony Events

Last month, the New World Symphony announced its 2021-2022 season, which will include a mobile wall that will project live concerts throughout Miami. The 9-by-16-foot installation is a first for the symphony and will feature a high-tech sound system that will be unveiled with the season kicks off in September. If you’re in town for Miami vacation rentals, definitely check this out!

Neighborhoods are yet to be announced, but New World Symphony has been a city favorite among locals for years – in the past, they used Wallcast and allowed patrons inside the New World Center home.

New World Symphony president Howard Herring commented on the new season, “This continues our vision of sharing classical music with as many people as possible… It’s instant community building.” The concert usually draws in around 2,000 people, but after COVID called for a mobile experience, it became popular for its socially distanced, outdoor gathering style.

The symphony originally started on small screens at the Lincoln Center, then moved to the 17th street location that is now the New World Center in 2011. At first, the concert remained a hidden gem, but as Miami locals began to take notice, the crowds became so large that the lawn in front was barely visible.

The live concert season will begin in September, and they will reassess by the end of the summer capacity limits as COVID-19 allows. Wallcast concerts are free for the public, and currently, all guests must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

If you’re in need of South Florida vacation rentals, visit us online to book your stay with us!

How the Florida Keys Got Their Names

You’ve probably heard hundreds of stories of how the Florida Keys were named. While some are fiction and hearsay, some of them are the real story!

One of those real stories…does the name Charles Brookfield ring a bell? Brookfield, a Philadelphia native, first arrived in Miami at the age of 21 and began a life for himself in South Florida and the Florida Keys. In 1926, he built a boat made to navigate the reefs, shoals, and seagrass shallows and named it Manatee. In 1927, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey hired Brookfield and his boat to help survey parts of South Florida. As it turns out, that trip was when Brookfield helped name the Bob Allen, Bottlepoint, Bradley, Calusa, and Manatee keys.

While those names may sound a bit random, they each have significance. Bob Allen was named after a man who saved the whooping cranes from extinction, which was no easy task. He had to spend lots of time in the keys, and one island where he helped roseate spoonbills was shaped like a bottle, giving Bottlepoint its name.

Bradley Key is an homage to Guy Bradley, a wildlife officer who helped protect the keys against plume hunting. Calusa was named in honor of the Calusa people native to South Florida. The Manatee Keys were named after Brookfield’s famous boat.

This is just the history of a few of South Florida’s famous keys. The Florida Keys continue to be a popular vacation destination, especially with South Florida vacation rentals. The rich and interesting history paired with the country’s most beautiful weather and beaches makes Florida the perfect vacation spot for the summer. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation spot or Miami vacation rentals, visit us online!