Last month, a friend of mine from France visited me in New York. I was so happy to show her around the city, but the highlight of her visit was our trip to Miami. We planned a 4-day trip to discover its beautiful beaches and unique atmosphere.
Staying in South Beach
We rented a room in South Beach, one of the most iconic areas in Miami. The vibe there is unlike anywhere else: pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, palm-lined streets, and a constant buzz of energy. The ocean was only two blocks from our room, so we spent a lot of time walking along the beach and looking at the famous lifeguard towers, spotting different shapes and colors each time. The beach was amazing: the water was crystal clear, and the sand was white and soft. Whether it was swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the view, every moment felt like a postcard.
One thing that really surprised me was the wildlife. I saw an iguana casually walking around and plenty of small lizards. It added a wild, tropical feel to the city. You don’t expect to run into reptiles while exploring a major urban destination, but in Miami, it is completely normal. That makes the city very unique.
Exploring beyond South beach
We also left South Beach to discover more of the city. We started by visiting the Wynwood Walls. The area was filled with massive murals created by artists from around the world. Every wall tells a story, and every corner amazed us. The creativity and colors were incredible, and it really felt like walking through an open-air art gallery.
On our last night, we went to the Cuban neighborhood of Little Havana. Walking down Calle Ocho, I could hear Latin music playing and see people dancing in the bars. We went to a salsa and bachata party and it truly felt like leaving the country for one night.
Final thoughts
I really liked Miami. It’s a great vacation destination, very different from my daily life in New York. It truly felt like four days out of time—just relaxing on paradisiacal beaches and having fun with a friend I had missed.
