By Angela Caraway-Carlton
Miami has so much to offer vacationers, from its burgeoning arts and culture scene to the wild wonders of the Everglades, to diverse museums for every taste, and a burgeoning food scene. To immerse yourself in all that Miami has to offer, Acqualina’s head concierge Randy Ross suggests choosing a Neighborhood Tour led by an in-the-know tour guide. Below, we’ve highlighted specific tours that cater to different vacation personalities and interests. Book any activities or experiences with Randy and the concierge team, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your adventures!
Art & Architecture Buffs
The Wynwood Arts District is famous worldwide for its graffiti-covered walls and vibrant murals. If you’re an art buff, Randy’s favorite tour is the Wynwood Private City Tour, where your guide offers a behind-the-scenes look into private artist studios where you’ll meet the creators and even craft your own art.
While you could stroll South Beach on your own to gaze at its historic landmarks and striking Art Deco buildings, Randy points out that the guided Art Deco Tour offers the chance to dig deeper into the area’s architectural styles and storied history.
Food Obsessed
Looking for an authentic cafécito or Cuban sandwich? Randy suggests the Little Havana Tour which includes stops at various food vendors to savor traditional Cuban cuisine and to hear stories about the city directly from the locals.
Boat Lovers
You can’t come to Miami without exploring our turquoise waters by boat or yacht. For premium luxury, Randy highlights a Private Yacht Charter through sparkling Biscayne Bay. This top-tier experience includes a variety of “water toys” from jet skis to floating mats and even an inflatable slide. The concierge can also organize lunch or dinner so you can eat, sip and cruise in style.
Family Bonding
When it comes to family bonding, both adults and kids will agree on these fun and educational Miami spots. Head to the park paradise of Jungle Island to hang out with the monkeys, lemurs, parrots and more. Beyond the general admission, there’s the option for various animal encounters and ziplining through the forest tops. Keep the exploration going at ZWF (Zoological Wildlife Foundation) where you can learn about and meet endangered species up close (reservations required). Science lover or not, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest at Frost Science Museum, whether that’s in the museum itself or the beautiful waterfront views. Randy’s favorite part of the museum is the tri-level aquarium which allows you to explore the ecosystems of the Gulf Stream by depth. The top level includes a 100-foot wide, 500,000-gallon open-air aquarium where devil rays and hammerhead sharks travel through open water while the bottom level showcases creatures of the deep sea.
Adventurers
If you’re into thrilling adventures and wild encounters, book a Private Everglades Tour led by two botanists. During this off-the-beaten-path tour, a husband-wife botanist duo will lead guests on a walking tour of a private Native American reservation, pointing out flora and fauna that’s unique to the area. You won’t see any other tourists around. The walking tour is followed by an airboat tour through the “sea of grass,” where you’ll spot alligators and other wildlife.
