Miami, and its famous South Beach stretch of golden sand, is well known for its fancy bars and glamorous pool party scene. But is it a good place to base yourself for a family vacation? In a word: yes. It is a perfect family getaway, whether it’s summer break or you’re escaping the cold winter weather.
Miami’s famous art district is easy to walk around with kids in tow and the large scale murals at Wynwood Walls always get the little one’s creative spirits going. Perhaps lesser known is that Miami has some amazing museums, many of which are kid-friendly. In our view, the most outstanding is the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This is a treasure trove of exciting exhibits laid out over six levels. Many of the exhibits are interactive and kids will love the hands-on fun.
The Planetarium and aquarium will be particular hits. The aquarium, set over three floors, focuses on local South Florida eco-systems. Habitats such as the Everglades and mangroves forests are key here, making it easy for kids to learn about things they might not see in their everyday back yard. The top floor, the Vista Level, is open-air and gives everyone the chance to touch stingrays while also taking in the views across the Miami harbor. Perhaps not advised to touch the hammerhead sharks that roam the 500,000-gallon open-air aquarium.
With all this excitement on your doorstep, where is the best to stay to take it all in? Well we stayed in the retro The Confidante Miami Beach. The hotel is a 1940s classic that has been remodeled with chic modern beach vibes. Situated right on Miami Beach, it offers families the choice of hanging out at the pool or strolling across the boardwalk to the sandy beach where art deco style umbrellas await.
The rooms are clean and have all you need in them. Its worth splurging and getting an ocean-front balcony – the view is iconic, you wont regret it.
If possible, this place actually gets better in the early evening. The “Back Yard” is a great area to have early evening cocktails while the kids enjoy the giant jenga and Connect Four. After, enjoy a family-style meal at the in-house restaurant Bird + Bone, serving a modern take on Southern American cuisine. It’s not cheap, but the food is delicious and it will fill you all up so you’re ready to sleep and do it all again the next day.
A little secret about The Confidante: It is actually a Hyatt in disguise. While it feels a million miles away from a corporate hotel, it might be a good place to use some of those points you’ve been saving up on your business trips. The kids will thank you for it…trust us.