Category: Things to do in Miami

Clubs to get your GROOVE on while visiting Miami, FL

There are many things Miami is known for that attract visitors from all over the world. The great beaches, amazing Cuban culture and food, Art Deco architecture and design and, of course, our beloved Miami sports teams and hall of fame players all offer something for travelers to the Magic City. There is so much to do in Miami, but nothing beats our amazing nightclubs and hot spots!! Here are a few of our favorite spots to GET YOUR GROOVE ON while visiting Greater Miami.

Ball & Chain

First opened in 1935, today’s version of Ball and Chain offers hot, live Latin and Jazz music where luminaries like Billie Holiday, Count Basie and others frequented during its’ 1950s heydays. In its latest revival, the storied bar combines the old-world charm of a classic Cuban nightclub with a tropical-themed ambiance represented by its lush open courtyard and Pineapple Stage all in the heart of Little Havana. Voted best mojito by #NewTimes Readers, Ball and Chain has a full menu of Cuban favorites and is open until 3am Friday and Saturdays.

Their website: https://ballandchainmiami.com/

CLUB E11EVEN

The world’s only 24/5 nightclub, Club E11even features a cast of top performers and DJs, outstanding food and drinks, private VIP rooms and five-star service. Voted as a “Top-50 Club in the world” by DJ Magazine and ranked #6 in the “World’s Top-10 New Year’s Eve Celebrations” by Yahoo Travel, Club E11even is one of the most sought-after venues for both public and private events not just in Miami but throughout the world! Open Wednesday – Sunday all day and night, you can get your groove on anytime at Club E11even.

Their website: https://www.11miami.com/

BLACKBIRD ORDINARY

Voted as one of Miami’s 100 Best Bars by #New Times Magazine, Blackbird Ordinary is in the heart of Brickell and features some of the best libations in Miami. Open until 5am, 7 days a week, Blackbird Ordinary is a magnet for locals featuring live music “under the stars” every Friday during Happy Hour and free drinks for the ladies every Tuesday night until 1am. Great music to dance and amazing cocktail creations make Blackbird Ordinary a perfect spot to get your groove on while in Miami.

Their IG Page: https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdordinary/?hl=en

Best Cold Spots this Summer in Hot, Miami, FL!

Many areas throughout the United States have experienced record heat this summer, and Miami is no exception. High temperatures like this has locals and visitors scurry for places to get out of the heat, while having some good summer fun of course. In an effort to prevent any tourists/locals from having a heat stroke, here are our recommendations for the BEST VALUE in Miami while STAYING COOL.

BIRD BOWL

When it opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1956, Bird Bowl featured state-of-the-art AMF Bowling technology including the first underground ball return. Today, Bird Bowl has kept up with the times as it features not only bowling, but an arcade, private karaoke room, billiard Hall and a newly redone sportsbar! This is a great spot to go with both friends and family. Check them out at: https://birdbowl.com/

MIAMI MARLINS PARK

Much like the Earth, the Miami Marlins are on fire. Even while the Marlins contend for a playoff spot, there is no better value in professional sports in Miami than the Marlins. Loan Depot Stadium, in the heart of Little Havana, features a retractable roof. So on those hot summer days, the AC will be keeping you cool while you enjoy a Major League Baseball game. Check out the Marlins 4 for $44 and all their hot deals to see at https://www.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/specials/offers#4-for-44

DOLPHIN MALL

Miami’s largest and most popular outlet mall features over 250 stores and so much more……all in air-conditioned comfort out of the hot summer heat! Dolphin Mall features over 25 restaurants with a wide array of cuisines and favorites such as Texas de Brazil, The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs. In terms of activities, Dolphin Mall also features Dave and Busters, Bowlero and CMX Cinemas (19 screens and Imax). All great entertainment options that are away from the blistering sun. Check out all to do at Dolphin Mall at https://shopdolphinmall.com/

VENETIAN POOL

Up for the outdoors while staying cool this summer in Miami? The cool, clear waters of Venetian Pool located in a residential area of Coral Gables will get the job done on any hot summer day! Carved out of coral rock, this historic landmark and swimming pool features caves, stone bridges, and waterfalls. Underground artesian wells with water temperature at 76 degrees year-round feed this 820,000-gallon pool that is drained and re-filled daily. Find out all the Venetian Pool has to offer at https://www.coralgables.com/attractions/venetian-pool

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

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.

Best Miami Events for Spring/Summer 2022

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!