Category: Miami vacation rentals

3 Best Miami Tours For Your Next Vacation

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!

Miami Beach Family Vacation Ideas

Miami is most commonly known for its nightlight and unique art district, but it’s a place filled with entertainment for anyone of any age. With a wide variety of things to do, things to see, and opportunities for education about the rich Latin American and Caribbean heritage here, Miami Beach vacation rentals are a great stop for your next family adventure. 

In Wynwood, experience the beautiful street art with colorful murals from street artists who flock to Miami from all over the world. Wynwood Yard in the daytime is an outdoor hub for kids to play in, full of fun experiences like an edible garden, live music, pop-up crafts, and food trucks. 

Did you know Miami has a ton of Indoor Kid Zones? Beat the heat when staying at South Florida vacation rentals and plan a day of fun there. The Frost Museum of Science features many hands-on experiments, a touch tank, a planetarium (with laser light shows), and a massive three-story aquarium. 

The Perez Art Museum has plenty of activity sheets, puzzles, and scavenger hunts to keep kids engaged for hours. FunDemnsion, an indoor playground and arcade, is another place you don’t want to miss!

The Everglades National Park is another great way to keep children engaged while seeing some of the best places in Florida. See a variety of wildlife on bike or by foot. 

You can also find many kid-friendly beaches in Miami. Sabrina’s Beach, you’ll find a playground with a tailored, ADA-accessible dune crossing. It’s one of the most fun and inclusive beaches in Miami, and your kids are sure to love it!

Make Your Airline Travel to Miami Better With These 4 Tips

For some, airports start all the excitement a vacation has to offer, taking in the business and waiting in anticipation at the gate to board their flight and officially begin vacation mode. For others, the airport is the worst part of traveling. In-flight issues, late flights, and crowded gates are enough to cause the dreaded vacation travel stress. Whether you are an experienced traveler or have never stepped foot on an airplane, these four travel tips will help make your experience much more enjoyable when heading to South Florida Vacation Rentals

The most important travel tip is to check into your flight well ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time at the airport – so much so you may not have to arrive as early. Many airlines, like Southwest and American Airlines, will allow you to check in on your phone 24 hours before the flight. If you have bags, be sure to get there in plenty of time to check them in. Most airlines will only let you board 45 minutes before the flight, so do everything you can to save time. 

Keep essentials in your carry-on (but don’t pack liquids over the 3.4 ounce limit). Pack toiletries in the appropriate sizes, sunglasses, makeup, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. You will need it if your bags get lost, delayed, or mixed up on a different flight (it doesn’t happen often, but it has happened before!) 

Prone to motion sickness? The middle of the plane is your best chance of beating it. Planes move like a see-saw, so the middle has the least amount of motion. You’ll be ready to relax at our Miami vacation rentals the second you get off the plane!

Check the airport monitors for your flight information. Smartphone apps are a great way to stay updated, but the airport monitors update much faster, and if your flight is delayed or canceled, you’ll be the first to know. You can also check which gate your flight is boarding from, which can change for many reasons. When you get to the airport, check the monitors to see the most updated information. 

With these tips, your next airport adventure is sure to run much smoother. 

Visiting Miami Soon? Here’s Where You Need to Go

Summer is for beach weather in Miami, but fall is when the social season kicks off. There’s a ton of fun and exciting things to do in Miami this September from museums to holiday events. Clear your vacation itineraries to make way for some of these events when staying at one of our South Florida vacation rentals

On September 15, from 7 pm to 9 pm, head over to Time Out Market for Succulents & Sips. Plant gurus La Succulenta, along with Time Out Market, are hosting a night of do-it-yourself succulents accompanied with craft cocktails. You can learn how to make your succulent arrangements in upcycled pots. Tickets are $35 and cover the cost of crafting kits and succulents. 

Ready for Halloween? The Museum of Illusions is hosting the Haunted Circus Festival from September 17 to October 31 in Ludlam/Tropical Park. Circus includes a traveling sideshow and carnival, along with an “unsolvable mystery” that the audience gets to try to solve (hint: a star goes missing). If you solve the mystery, you get a “creepy souvenir.” 

On September 18, close to our Miami vacation rentals, the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day will be hosted at multiple cultural institutions throughout South Florida. Entry is free to many attractions, and tickers are available online on the Smithsonian Magazine website.

From now until September 19, enjoy the Frost Art Museum FIU’s exhibit in Coconut Grove. The event/exhibit celebrates the history of Coconut Grove, including dozens of photographs that paint the picture of the thriving artistic community like the Miami Black Art Workshop in the historic Bahamian Coconut Grove of the 60s and the King Mango Strut Parade.

The History of Surfing in Florida

When you hear the word “surfing,” you probably picture the beaches of places like Southern California. Chances are Florida is one of the last places you think about when dreaming of a surfer’s paradise, but Florida is no novice to surfing. Every year, thousands of Floridians ride the waves of the Atlantic ocean, some even near South Florida Vacation Rentals!

Surfing wasn’t popular in the United States until the 1950s, when lightweight surfboards were commercially produced. After that, surfing catapulted into mainstream pop culture with the depiction of a cool, laid-back, and carefree surfer lifestyle. In the 1970s, surfing became recognized as a competitive sport. 

With sport came sponsorships, leading to endorsements and commercialization of surfing in the Sunshine State. Some notable surfers to come from Florida are Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach, Frieda Zamba of Flagler Beach, Lisa Anderson of Ormond Beach, and Corey and Shea Lopez of Indian Rock Beach, all of whom won international surfing championships.

With the rise of so many champions, surf shops began to pop up all over Florida, along with the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. Even small beach towns began to invest in surf shops. 

The Atlantic Ocean is ideal for consistent surf and longer swells than those found in Gulf waters, making Miami Beach vacation rentals a good place to scope out the waves. Most Florida beaches are good for surfing because of their geographic features. The waves typically present in Florida produce swells from local weather systems, along with the cold fronts and wind-producing weather, which make Florida a great place overall to surf!

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Miami

If you’re planning on visiting Miami, chances are you have an itinerary jam-packed with beach days, nights out on Miami’s nightlife scene, and time well spent at some of the best restaurants in the nation. Many people are ready for the fun when booking a Miami vacation rental, but there are a few things you should avoid so that your vacation goes smoothly (because who wants to be stressed on their time off?)

Don’t take a cheaper flight into Fort Lauderdale. You might be saving a few dollars, but time is something you will be wasting. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport is located just 30 minutes from Downtown Miami. That’s pretty standard for airport distance from most downtown locations, but after considering the traffic and expensive taxi or Uber rides, you will likely end up spending the same amount of money you saved avoiding the Miami International Airport and double the time spent. 

Everyone wants to see the beaches in Miami, but don’t miss the many other things to do, like seeing the city’s art. Miami has plenty of museums and parks that feature the architectural, artistic, and cultural history of the 20th century. 

While you’re staying at a South Florida vacation rental, you’re going to want to eat. There are a million options across Miami, but make sure you make time for some of the Latin, Haitian, and Caribbean food. Miami is quite diverse, with chefs who bring the flavors of their home country to life through their dishes at restaurants that are likely within walking distance to you. You’ll be hard-pressed to find food quite like it anywhere else in the country. 

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!

4 Fun Outdoor Activities to do in South Florida This Summer

While Florida beaches are some of the most unmatched in the country, there are a world of other fun activities to do and sights to see throughout Miami and the Florida keys. Rich in history, culture, and cuisine, and amazing outdoor spectacles, South Florida offers a little bit of fun for everyone. You can be sure your next family trip to Florida while staying at a South Florida vacation rental will be met with smiles when you check out these outdoor activities this summer!

  1. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: You can swim, play, and boat in the beautiful Atlantic waters off the coast of Bill Baggs Beach, which is ranked in the top ten beaches in the United States. You can also take a trip on their guided lighthouse tour and connected lighthouse keeper cottage. 
  2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This beautiful state park is actually in the ocean, stretching for a total of three miles. Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat for a peek into the reefs filled with fascinating wildlife. You can also canoe, kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and scuba dive to take a closer look at the fish!
  3. Jungle Island: When you stay at a Miami vacation rental be sure to check out this interactive zoological experience. You’ll be able to get up close to several wildlife species, along with the chance to play with lemurs and sloths!
  4. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park: Sitting on a former site for condo development, this massive state park was rescued to preserve the beautiful wildlife and abundant West Indian tropical hardwood hammock population. There are over 80 species of wildlife and plenty of opportunities for self-guided hikes. Ranger-guided tours are available by appointment. 

These places are perfect for those who adore the outdoors. Most places are open to the public year-round, with guided tours available by booking and appointments only. Fill your vacation days with beach lounging and hiking through Florida’s scenery for some great memories!

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.