University of Miami Otto G. Richter Library Pictured Above

Sunny days, miles of white sandy beaches, great restaurants, exciting nightlife, world-class cultural institutions, and fantastic shopping describes Miami's way of life.

Year Round Vacation Ideas in Miami

Visit the trendy South Beach Art Deco District, a rainbow-colored collection of over 800 Art Deco-style buildings from the 1930's and 1940's. Guided tours available, or enjoy your own self-guided tour at your leisure.

Plan on spending the whole day at the Miami Metro Zoo doing a lot of walking in this family favorite entertainment spot, rated in the top 10 across the country. Over 300 acres houses over 1,300 animals. Ride a bike, get a close-up look at the animals, visit the petting zoo and play area, take a camel ride, enjoy the educational programs, try the monorail tour, and don't forget the Wildlife Carousel. Zoo is open for year round fun. For more information, call 305-251-0400.

Check out a few museums during your stay:

• Bass Museum of Art, small but interesting. Located at 2121 Park Avenue. 305-673-7530.
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, an Italian Renaissance style villa with spectacular gardens. 3251 So. Miami Avenue. 305-250-9133.
• Miami Children's Museum, with state-of-the-art exhibits. 980 Macarther Causeway. 305-373-5437.

And, if you're interested in more museums, check out our May Vacation Ideas page for information on Miami's Museum Month in May.

Take the family to Biscayne National Park, a stone's throw from downtown Miami. Here you can enjoy boating, diving, snorkeling, camping, fishing, and picnicking in an area filled with history. Watch the surrounding wildlife, take a guided canoe tour, or check out their fishing seminars. For visitors' information, call 305-230-7275.

How about something a little wild and crazy? Try sky diving.

Looking for an outdoor cafe? There's plenty around town. Check out Lincoln Road for chic shopping and a great outdoor eating experience. You'll find a mix of small boutiques and large chain stores. Stroll along the 10 block area, 7 of which are closed off to traffic, making it more pleasurable for pedestrians, and a great place for people-watching.

The Lincoln Road Arts Walk takes place the first Saturday of every month from 6 to 10 PM along Lincoln Road between Washington Avenue and Alton Road, with over 40 local artists participating.

For authentic Cuban cuisine, try Little Havana, a lively neighborhood that features music, dance, poetry, art, and tasty cuisine in a street fair atmosphere on the last Friday of each month along SW 8th Street from 14th to 17th Avenue.

Experience Friday Night @ the Winery at Schnebly Redlands Winery. Partake in their Happy Hour and wine tasting while enjoying live entertainment in a tropical environment with fish ponds and refreshing waterfalls. 305-242-1224. Interested in more information on wineries and wine making? Visit Stop Whining and Start WINEing on Find Me A Hobby.

Winter Vacation Ideas in Miami

See our November Vacation Ideas page for Christmas fun in Miami at Santa's Enchanted Forest.