With such a diverse and interesting blend of ethnicity scattered around Miami, there are many different kinds of cultural attractions worth seeing. Neighbourhoods such as Little Havana will give you a taste of Cuba and South Beach demonstrates how the posh jet-setters spend their free time. Add to that the amazing natural beauty that surrounds the city and you’ll find more than enough to keep you busy during your stay.

Biltmore House
Not only is the Biltmore Hotel one of the most opulent and beautiful hotels in America, it also has one of the most fascinating histories. Built during the Roaring 1920s, the Biltmore has been a popular place to stay for the rich and famous for over 80 years. But it’s the permanent residents of this hotel that most people want to talk about. Murder and mystery have long surrounded this place, resulting in a number of well-documented ghost sightings and other strange happenings. If you spend a few nights here, you may well experience the supernatural yourself. Otherwise, come by on Sunday for the free walking tour of the grounds, or join the weekly fireside sessions where Miami’s storytellers will give you all the gory details.

Little Havana
When thousands of Cubans fled Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution, they gravitated towards this neighbourhood west of downtown Miami known today as Little Havana. Cubans and other Latinos make up more than half of the city’s population and this little slice of Miami is the best spot to take it all in. Calle Ocho is the main area, where you’ll pass shops selling hand-rolled cigars and little stalls where you can grab a cup of strong Cuban coffee. Stop by Domino Park where the elderly Cuban men pass the day playing dominos and listen to the sweet sounds of Spanish floating on the breeze.

Miami Zoo
Miami’s zoo is one of the few places outside of Africa where you can wander among the world’s most exotic animals without the unsightly obstruction of steel cages. Granted, the lions and rhinos are safely separated from visitors by a clever system of water moats, but the sensation of sharing the same environment with some of Florida’s wildest animals is a rather exhilarating experience.

South Beach
The ultra-hip strip known as South Beach, which is 36 blocks of stunning white sand, has a street scene which easily matches the grandeur of the beach on the other side of the pavement. Here you will find many of Miami’s hottest bars, nightclubs and restaurants where the locals and visiting celebrities come to see and be seen. To complement this unbeatable people-watching environment are the many lovely old buildings built in the whimsical Art Deco style of the 1920s.

No trip to Miami would be complete without a stroll down SoBe. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens This is one of the most magnificent villas in the country whose grandeur is unparalleled. Built in 1916 for a wealthy American industrialist, this ornate mansion took 1,000 craftsmen more than five years to build. The owner’s obsession with 16th century art is apparent, as the entire place became a celebration of that period. Most of the original décor, furnishings and mechanical wonders are still intact, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the living conditions of one of the world’s richest men during the early 1900s. Free guided tours will show you around the 34 furnished rooms on the first floor, but then take some time to lose yourself in the stunning gardens which surround the mansion and lead down to Biscayne Bay.

Visit Key Biscayne
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a stunning spot with pristine beaches, turquoise waters and perhaps the best sunset in Miami. Apart from the beach and ocean, there are 54 acres of wetlands with environmentally-friendly boardwalks to help you explore the dunes of sea grass. The view of Miami’s skyline is fantastic, and the old Cape Florida Lighthouse just adds to the ambiance. Bike, skate and kayak rentals add to the fun and there are even a couple of rustic waterfront cafés.

Hunt the wild grasslands off Miami’s coast
Discover the amazing diversity of sea life which lives in the sea grass beds on Key Biscayne. It is possible to embark on an interactive tour of these wetlands where you have the chance to wade in the shallow waters and catch a variety of little creatures using special nets. After a bit of hunting, the participants place their catch in viewing tanks on the beach while the guide explains what they are and what they do in the ocean. It’s a great way to learn about this unique environment and have some fun with the kids.

Step back into the Roaring ‘20s
Explore the whimsical and fantastic facades which adorn a true Art Deco building. Miami is one of the best cities in the world to experience this cool retro-style first hand with many of the finest examples of Art Deco concentrated on three streets: Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. To help start you out, visit the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive. The Miami Design Preservation League gives several different tours of Miami’s unique architecture, all of which begin at the Welcome Center.

Swim with the stars at the Venetian Pool 
This is a freeform lagoon fed by pure underground artesian wells and highlighted with fountains and waterfalls. During summer months, the pool’s 800,000 gallons of crystal clear water are drained every night ensuring the cleanest swimming environment you’ll find anywhere. Decades ago, movie stars such as Esther Williams and Johnny Weissmuller swam here and today, visitors are still allowed to swim and sunbathe for free anytime.

Uncover the scandalous side of Miami
Embark on the Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Bus Tour. This experience allows you to explore some of the city’s most notorious crimes dating from the 1800s to the present day. Starting with the murder spree of the Ashley Gang to the recent killing of designer Gianni Versace, a local guide conducts a truly fascinating three hour tour of these famous events.