PayPal Stories Archive

Known for its beautiful beaches, hot weather and wild nightlife, Miami has long been a travel destination for the masses. But the city has much more to offer – from the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture to cultural food and activities inspired by the region, America’s fourth-largest city is chock full of action for all travelers.

 

So whether you’re passing through en route to a cruise or in town for business, make a point of checking out the sights and sounds of the city. We’ve partnered with the Lonely Planet to bring vacationers (and stay-cationers) the 10 of the top things to do and see in Miami.

 

 

Miami’s South Beach, also known as the city’s Art Deco Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stretches from 18th Street and South along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. The neighborhood was leveled following a destructive hurricane in 1926, but the building boom that followed ushered in an era of artistic structural design and pastel colors - these streets are now home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. 

 

The Miami Design Preservation League offers walking tours of the area, but you can take in the sites of the Art Deco movement by simply cruising Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.  Must see spots along the way include The Edison (960 Ocean Drive), The Beacon (720 Ocean Drive), The Chesterfield (855 Collins Avenue), The Mercury (100 Collins Avenue), and The Carlyle Hotel (1250 Ocean Drive at 13th street) where many famous films have been shot.

 

 

In a city known for its vibrancy, the graffiti-covered Wynwood Walls sing the spirit of the city and is the stuff Instagram lovers’ dreams are made of. Laid out across an open concrete courtyard, the loud color profile of this urban art collection of murals and paintings draws crowds year-round. Don't forget to bring along your camera to catch some stunning shots. You can find great camera deals on the Canon website -- and if you pay with PayPal between June 16 and June 23, you can get $10 off your purchase of $100 or more. Just use code PAL10. Terms apply - see below.

 

 

Visitors looking to embrace Miami’s luxe life should swing by Lincoln Road for a seemingly endless selection of high end boutiques, restaurants, galleries and bars. The white-and-black pedestrian walkway is also the perfect spot for people-watching (we're talking everything from celebrities to street performers), so take a seat at a bar and take in the scene.

 

You'll find bike rental stations along the stretch, so pick up a pair of wheels after your meal and cruise the area – make sure to swing by 1111 Lincoln Road for a view of yet another architectural gem! If you're looking to get to where you're going quickly, call for a ride with Uber – hello air conditioning! – and take up to $20 off your first ride when you pay with PayPal and enter the promo code PAYPAL. Offer valid on your first ride up to $20 USD. This offer expires on Dec 31, 2016. Terms apply.

 

 

Donated to Florida by the Federal Government in 1979, the land of the Miami Beach neighborhood was formerly the home of horse stables, intelligence units and the Port of Miami’s police harbor. Now home to the $3.6 million dollar South Pointe Park, Miami Beach's many attractions have quickly become a must-see for all tourists. Situated on the southernmost point of South Beach, the beautifully landscaped South Pointe Park offers incredible panoramic views of Miami’s downtown area, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

Stretching between 36th and 43rd street, more than one hundred galleries line the streets of Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s design district. If you’re a true art buff, make sure to plan your visit for early December to catch the upscale international Art Basel Miami Beach design-fest.

 

The area also hosts Art & Design Nights on the second Saturday of every month, so grab some refreshments and stroll through the galleries with the locals. Swing by a fan-favorite, Locust Projects (3852 North Miami Avenue), to view some avant-garde installations and other collections.

 

 

Home to many Cuban immigrants, this Miami neighborhood was named after the Cuban capital of Havana. Little Havana is known as a hub of social and cultural activity, with restaurant-lined streets and the sounds of salsa pouring from storefronts all night long.

 

Hosted each March and part of Carnaval Miami, the area’s Annual Calle Ocho Festival is the city’s largest street party. Fesitval-goers enjoy salsa dancing, Latin beats (merengue, bachata, balada and more), and culinary specialties inspired by Latin American cuisine and the neighboring Caribbean islands. 

 

We’ve also heard Máximo Gómez Park, or ‘Domino Park,’ is a must see if you’re looking for some Miami soul. From elderly men playing dominoes to the heavy scent of Cuban cigars, this is a top tourist destination and true cultural experience. Following a stop by the park, pick up a Cuban sandwich and top it off with churros or a scoop of guanabana flavor frozen yogurt to round out your visit to Little Havana.

 

 

Sport lovers rejoice and get yourselves over to the American Airlines Arena to catch Miami's professional basketball team between the months of October and April. Not so into sports? Not to worry, the arena hosts concerts and events year-round - check for tickets and treat yourself to a night out!

 

 

The most iconic destination in Miami Beach, tourists and locals alike flock to South Beach – or SoBe as it’s known – for sun and fun. The ocean boardwalk, which runs from 21st Street to 46th Street, is a popular spot to run, jog, blade and bike, while the beach itself is the perfect spot to spend your day living it up with friends. This area is also well known for its strong LGBTQ community - rainbow flags dot the shoreline - and hosts PRIDE celebrations each April.

 

If you’re looking for something slightIy less touristy, head over to Crandon Park Beach. Regularly named among America’s best beaches, this spot boasts more than two miles of sandy beach and has cabanas available for day rentals. Get there early to claim your spot and get snacks along the way from nearby vendors and restaurants. And don’t forget to shop ShadesDaddy.com to score some sunnies and Towel.com for beach towels for your trip.

 

 

Drawing influence from surrounding geography, Miami offers global cuisines with a specialty in Latin and Caribbean fare. The city is also known for seafood and is the spot for Stone Crab specialties (just make sure you're there between mid-October to mid-May!).

 

In need of a pick me up before hitting the town? Visit any number of Cuban coffee shops and order up a cortadito – we’re talking serious caffeine and a teeny splash of milk. You’ll be wired and ready to hit South Beach!

 

 

You know those songs about partying in Miami from sunset to sunrise? Well, that's no joke - bars and nightclubs are typically open from 9pm – 5am, so prepare yourself for a long night and come prepared with a list of spots to hit.

 

North 15th Street in South Beach is your destination if you’re looking for beautiful people and dance music. We've heard Nikki Beach, the Delano Beach Club and the Shore Club are the best nightclubs in the area. You can also head up the road to Soho Beach House (4385 Collins Avenue) if you’re looking to rub shoulders with models and celebrities.

 

Miami also happens to be the Latin music capital of America – stop by My Cuban Store for Miami-approved threads and make your way to La Covacha (10730 NW 25th Street) for some salsa dancing.

 

--

 

Miami is a popular destination, so be certain to book air travel - United and Southwest offer great deals to Florida – and accommodations in advance. Search Airbnb for local, short-term rentals if you're looking to truly live the Miami experience. You can also find great spots to stay on Hotels.com, and are eligible for $40 off your purchase of $300 or more when paying with PayPal and using code PAYPALUS40 before June 30th. Terms apply.

 

And remember, the attractions above are just a few spots not to miss in Miami. For a full, in-depth guide of the city, check out the Lonely Planet for their Miami guide and more. And during the month of June, when you use the code PAYPAL5 you can get $5 off of your purchase of $15 or more from the Lonely Planet. Terms apply.

 

Finally, don’t miss the chance to enter for a chance to win a $10,000 getaway. Enter here and pay with PayPal in June for more chances to win the adventure of a lifetime. Official rules can be found here.