Miami tourism has continued to grow year by year.
The beautiful beaches, endless shopping opportunities and wonderful variety of cuisine make Miami an unbelievable destination for your vacation.
If you want to make the most of visiting Miami, there are certainly some things you need to know to avoid before you go.
In this article, you'll get the low-down on what not to do and where not to go while you're visiting Miami. Let's go!
1. Don't Forget Your Sunscreen:
Miami is famous for sunny and warm weather all year round. That makes it one of the top destination for sun worshippers throughout the seasons.
However, if you forget to put on sunscreen, you'll definitely regret it. If you allow the sun to radiate your skin without protection you could risk developing skin cancer, among other conditions.
It doesn't matter whether you're strolling down the strip of restaurants and bars in the city, or you're sunbathing for the afternoon. You need to make sure you don't skimp on the sunscreen if you want to stay healthy in the sunshine.
If you're worried about the extreme heat of summer, visit in the period between October and February. You'll still have plenty of sun without the temperatures of the rest of the year.
2. Avoid Surfing During Hurricanes:
Miami is one of the most vulnerable cities in the U.S. to the occurrence of hurricanes.
Most of the time, the waters are really calm and peaceful around Miami Beach. That's why you won't catch too many surfers.
However, it's quite a different story when the hurricanes hit the region. But, that doesn't mean you should think about taking advantage of the huge waves.
It's extremely dangerous to take a chance during a hurricane. You can't count on the rescue services saving you if something happens to you.
3. Don't Assume that Miami Beach Is All of Miami:
Miamians are extremely proud of their hometown. You definitely don't want to suggest to a local that there's nothing more to Miami than the Beach. They could be offended by the assumption.
Of course, most visitors spend time on Miami Beach partying and enjoying themselves. But, that's not actually how most people in Miami live. There are actually nearly half a million residents of Miami.
You need to take the opportunity to explore some of the other neighborhoods around the city.
You should definitely check out the Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
4. Avoid Particular Neighborhoods:
It's important to take advantage of everything the city of Miami has to offer. But there are also some areas of the city you need to avoid as a vacationer. This especially includes Overtown.
Overtown is Miami's so-called ghetto district. It has been reported that there are over 8,000 bullets fired in the part of town every year.
This is definitely an area of town you want to avoid during your stay in Miami.
5. Don't Waste Your Time in Museums:
Miami does have some museums. There is the Vizcaya and the Pérez Art Museum.
However, that's not why people come to Miami. If you want to experience great art and museums, head to New York City or London.
You can end up spending a fortune experiencing some pretty mediocre museums. Instead, you should be soaking up the sun on the Miami Beach and taking in the beautiful landscapes around the city.
6. Avoid Driving in Miami:
According to the Miami Herald, the city is one of the most traffic congested places in the world. Miamians have also gained a reputation for being slightly crazy drivers. Many people on the roads pay almost no attention to the signs on the road.
You definitely need to have your wits about you if you're preparing to drive around Miami during your vacation.
Instead, jump on the Metro or the bus to get around the city. Or even better, just walk around as much as you can.
7. Don't Assume Everyone's a Party Animal:
It's no secret that people head to Miami to party. However, that doesn't mean that people are constantly partying in the city.
You certainly don't want to ask everyone you meet whether they know where you can get cocaine or other drugs. Most of the locals don't have any connections to the drug scene. And those who do, probably aren't going to hook up a stranger.
The law enforcement around illicit drugs is also effectively enforced in Miami. Check this out if you want to discover more about what you need to do if you get in trouble with the law.
8. Don't Go Everywhere in Your Flip Flops:
When you're on Miami Beach, it's understandable that all you'll be wearing is your swimsuit and flip-flops.
But, that doesn't mean you can spend the whole week half naked. When you go to the restaurants and bars in the evening, make sure you dress appropriately.
9. Don't Have Sex on the Beach:
Just because you're feeling sexy and your partner is up for it, doesn't mean you can have sex on the beach during your stay in Miami.
Miami is the home of liberal values. But that does not permit you to have sex wherever you want.
If you want to have sex, go back to your hotel room. This way you can enjoy sex in private rather than ruining the day for the other beach dwellers.
10. Don't Hire Prostitutes:
Miami's sex industry is worth over $200 million a year, according to the Miami New Times.
The authorities and local people have successfully stamped out many of the issues associated with prostitution in the city. But, the problem remains.
Don't think you'll get away with being involved with sex workers during your time in Miami. This is a dangerous business which is tied up with extremely powerful and violent pimps and gangsters.
Enjoy Your Time Visiting Miami:
Now you know what you should avoid during your time visiting Miami, you can enjoy yourself.
While Miami is an amazing place to have fun with your family and friends, there are some things you shouldn't do while you're there.
If you want to read more articles about travel, check out our blog.
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