Much More to Miami Than a Great Beach

We know it for the beaches and nightlife. But Miami is an increasingly worldly and sophisticated city that’s billed as “the most international city in the U.S.”

We’re not sure how the folks in New York City would respond to that, but the fact is that Miami is a growing and extremely cosmopolitan destination that remains a huge draw for Canadians. Not to mention Europeans, South Americans and folks from Seattle to Cincinnati.

Miami tourism officials held a splashy reception in Toronto on Thursday night, entertaining a crowd at a fashionable downtown restaurant with everything from spicy fried chicken to coconut shrimp and mojitos. Better yet, they served up a series of tempting hotels and attractions; everything from five-star spas to nature trips to the nearby Everglades.

“I like to say, ‘Come to Miami; we’re very close to the United States,” said Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Bill Talbert, a whirling dynamo who’s a great salesman for this Florida city. “We’re a global community, and we’re easy to get to. In fact, Miami International is the only city in the U.S. serviced by more than 100 airlines.”

Talbert called Miami a “safe, affordable destination where everyone gets along.”

If you think Toronto is home to a lot of building cranes, you should see Miami. I was there at this time last year and couldn’t believe how much construction was going on. Every week or so I seem to get email alerts about posh new hotels here or fancy new restaurants there.

The new convention center opens in 200 days, Talbert told TravelPulse Canada. And the new high-speed rail line called Brightline will be operating in Miami in the next few months. (It currently runs between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.)

Further down the road Miami will be home to American Dream Miami, a massive, five million square foot haven for retail, entertainment and dining west of downtown. Oh, and Miami will host the Super Bowl in 2020.

While the city is known for its wild South Beach nightlife and endless beaches, I was struck on my last visit by the lovely nature at nearby state parks and by the stately Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. I also had a great time checking out the murals and street art in the burgeoning Wynwood District and the stately and surprising Perez Art Museum on the Miami waterfront.

I hadn’t heard of it before, but I was impressed by a display from a hotel called The Martin, located at 12th and Collins in South Beach. It’s a 1930’s property that has just 33 rooms and feels like a lovely, quiet place on the tranquil south end of the strip. I also took a shine (and who wouldn’t) to Acqualina Resort and Spa, a luscious property north of Miami Beach with luxurious rooms, a renowned spa and what’s said to be the only beachfront restaurant in Miami.

Canada is our number our international market,” said Jennifer Diaz, the CVB's Associate Vice President of Media Relations and Promotions. “But we want Canadians to know that Miami is more than a beach.”