along with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and exciting nightlife. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there is so much more to discover in the Greater Miami area. So, whether you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side in one of their National Parks, or luxuriate in a world-class hotel, here is an update on the latest news in Greater Miami and the Beaches.

More than 5.9M cruise passengers traveled through Port Miami in January-November 2019, more than any other port in the world. Though cruising has been paused due to COVID-19, it is likely that the pent-up demand will bring many cruise passengers to the Miami area in the near future. A new and exciting ship, the Scarlet Lady of Virgin Voyages, is scheduled to debut May 9, 2021. 

With art and cultural tourism having become a big attraction in Miami, the new contemporary art museum, The Museum of Graffiti, (www.MuseumofGraffiti.com) is the first institution of its kind to present the history of the global graffiti art movement. It opened its doors to the public in December 2019 at its new home in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Wynwood neighborhood located at 299 NW 25th Street.

Natural Wonders

Just under an hour’s drive from the glittering city, two extraordinary national parks allow travelers the option to get away from it all.

A rarity among national parks, Biscayne National Park is primarily aquatic. Of its 180,000 acres, 95 percent are under water. The park encompasses the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay, the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida’s east coast, living coral reefs and 40 of the northernmost Florida Keys. At the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, you can join glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling and dive trips and island excursions, as well as rent canoes and kayaks. Fishing is excellent, with snapper and barracuda among the most common catch. Patch reefs provide a snorkeler’s paradise. In shallow waters less than 10 feet (3 meters) deep, the living coral is home to a variety of sea life including tropical fish, sponges and the spiny lobster. Manatees, dolphins and five species of sea turtles call the waters of Biscayne Bay home, as do stingrays, squid, starfish and hundreds of varieties of fish. 

Covering 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the third largest in the lower 48 states of the U.S. National Parks system. For a day trip that explores nature in Miami, head to the Everglades National Park’s Shark Valley Visitor Center. Here, you’ll find a 15-mile paved loop that takes you through the subtropical marshlands of the Everglades. The trail is accessible to hikers, but you can also rent bicycles or opt for a tram tour. Alternatively, a one-mile walking trail is accessible at Shark Valley as well. 

Hotel Happenings

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (www.ritzcarlton.com) re-opened its doors following a $90 million, multi-year renovation encompassing sweeping changes throughout the property. Ideally located in the heart of South Beach, Miami, the landmark hotel was originally imagined by architect Morris Lapidus, and following its floor-to-ceiling restoration, is set to deliver a rare and refined experience marked by timeless design. Sase Gjorsovski, General Manager of the resort stated, “Today, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach – a treasure in the brand’s portfolio and in Miami – has returned better than ever with a distinctive design transformation that melds modern touches with the building’s beloved Art Deco design. Given the tremendous thought that has gone into this $90 million renaissance, I’m confident that leisure travelers, business travelers, and groups alike will find our ‘big reveal’ well worth the wait.”

VOS Hospitality announced the opening of Greystone Miami Beach (www.GreystoneMiamiBeach.com). A historic 1930’s boutique hotel, Greystone Miami Beach has undergone a complete revitalization to become a truly unique experience on the beach. The newly developed hotel is a product of combining the historic 1920 Collins Avenue corner property with the adjacent building. The hotel boasts a total of 91-guestrooms from boutique style historic accommodations to suites with a private deck and hot tub. Its stylish and intelligently designed rooms conjure a strong sense of place befitting its prime location in Miami Beach.

Visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com