From cutting-edge art galleries to Latin-inspired music to spectacular nightlife, from tropical beaches to incredible shopping and family attractions, the buzz here is oh, so welcome. Add to that a favourable exchange rate (about 95 cents on the dollar at press time), plus good deals and there’s real value for money in Miami this season.
No matter when you're visiting, keep tabs on the best deals for hotels, attractions, tours, and arts and cultural events in Miami. Visit miamiandbeaches.com and click on the "special offers" link for the latest. Many of Miami's favourite family attractions, such as the Miami Seaquarium, Miami Metrozoo, Jungle Island, the Miami Children's Museum and the Everglades Alligator Farm list their special offers on this site.
The "Save Money, Save Wildlife Discount Card" at Miami Metrozoo provides six "multi use" coupons and 10 "one time" coupons offering more than $75 US worth of discounts for $5 US. It's an annual fundraising initiative of the Zoological Society of Florida and Miami Metrozoo to encourage appreciation for the world's wildlife and to help preserve it for future generations. And AAA/CAA members save $1 off regular admission to Miami Metrozoo (must present identification at the gate).
Relive the glory days
The famous Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables offers free tours of the magnificent property and grounds every Sunday afternoon at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. A storyteller spins tales about the hotel's early days and rich stories of the city's past.
In its heyday, The Biltmore played host to both European and Hollywood royalty including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and assorted Roosevelts and Vanderbilts. Today, the hotel proudly boasts a four-star, four-diamond ranking and is the only hotel in South Florida recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
More info: biltmorehotel.com.
Admission is free to Miami Beach Festival of the Arts, Jan. 30-31, which showcases the juried artwork of more than 100 artists from across the country, including paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry and photographs. There's entertainment by local arts groups, an international food court and children's activities.
More info: gonorthbeach.com.
Miami City Ballet (miamicityballet.org) offers one-third off on select seats starting 90-minutes before curtain time for Programs II, III and IV at the Arsht Center (excludes the Nutcracker performances).
This season New World Symphony (nws.edu) includes several world-class orchestra concerts, chamber music, family concerts, open rehearsals, educational concerts and numerous free events. Until the end of March, NWS will have 24 performances where all the tickets in the hall are $15 or less (13 of these are entirely free). Also included in the 24 performances are two nights of $2.50 concerts, with three different 20-minute works performed throughout the night (at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.). These $2.50 concerts are designed to encourage passersby to drop in and check out some classical music.
The Wolfsonian-FIU (wolfsonian.org) offers free admission to the museum and all of their galleries on Fridays from 6-9 p.m. Also note that all installations on the first floor or in the lobby space are free and open to the public.
The Bass Museum of Art (bassmuseum.org) offers free admission for children under six.
The Holocaust Memorial (holocaustmmb.org) is open daily and free of charge.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (vizcayamuseum.org) offers free admission to children five and under. -- The Miami Children's Museum (miamichildrensmuseum.org) offers free admission every third Friday of the month from 3-9 p.m.
The Miami Art Museum (miamiartmuseum.org) offers free admission every second Saturday of the month.
Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) in Little Havana offers a free monthly celebration from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. During the festival, which takes place along Calle Ocho (8th Street) from 14th to 17th Avenues, the streets are transformed into an open-air gallery with 100-plus artists, sculptors and artisans filling up the sidewalks with their wonderful creations. Local restaurants as well as art galleries, shops and the historic Tower Theatre all celebrate the event and there are free walking tours of Little Havana.
More info: viernesculturales.org.
On the first Friday of every month, you can stroll the Gables Art Walk for free. During this special evening, art galleries keep their doors open to the public from 7-10 p.m. providing useful advice on fine art and even a glass of wine and some cheese.
More info: greatgables.com/CoralGables/GalleryStroll.html
Free arts guide
Download a free copy of the Art Circuits Miami guide at artcircuits.com.
With its wealth of designer shops, smart boutiques and fabulous malls, Miami has some of the best shopping in the United States. Check out the savings at Aventura Mall (across the street from the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club), which offers a First Class Shopping Rewards passport for discounts from their vendors.
More info: aventuramall.com.
- The Angler's Boutique Resort has a "Seasoned Travelers Package" for three days and two nights that includes a two-storey, one bedroom suite with jacuzzi, welcome cocktails for two, and one dinner for two in the gourmet restaurant 660 Mediterranean Kitchen. Priced from $595.
More info: theanglersresort.com.
- Mayfair Hotel & Spa's "Spa Escape for Two" package includes executive suite accommodations with a king size bed or two queens, featuring a two-person jacuzzi on a private balcony; two 30-minute aromatherapy massages or two Radiant Express facials; full American breakfast for two served in the restaurant; plus a Crazy Pianos $35 gift card. Package price is $379. Valid until Jan. 31.
More info: mayfairhotelandspa.com/specials_and_packages/#spa.
- The Tides South Beach is offering a "One More Night" package starting from $1,067.85 for four nights, which includes daily complimentary breakfast in the lobby. Valid until Jan. 31. Some restrictions apply.
More info: tidessouthbeach.com.
Luxury for less
- If you're thinking of splurging, look no further than the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura (between Miami and Fort Lauderdale). Special rates and packages this winter put this gorgeous getaway more in reach. For example, the "All the Best Package" includes accommodations in a spacious Fairmont Room; complimentary overnight valet parking; daily breakfast buffet in the Cascata Grille restaurant; $50 US resort credit per room, per night, to be used on property at any choice of restaurants, lounges, golf courses, pro shops and spa services; unlimited admission to the Willow Stream Spa including fitness centre and classes (excluding treatments) and complimentary shuttle transportation to and from Ocean Club and Aventura Mall. From $449 US per night, based on double occupancy until April 14, 2010.
More info: fairmont.com/turnberryisle.
- The exquisite Setai hotel is offering early booking rewards with package prices from $550. Guests who reserve 30 days in advance receive 15% off the best available rate. Book 60 days in advance and receive 30% off the best available rate.
More info: setai.com.
- Body meets soul in the 6,500-sq.-metre Wellness Spa at Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, where you can get a great workout and focus on wellness. Luxuriate in Aquavana, healing water thermal cabins and soaking tubs exclusive to Canyon Ranch. Float in the rooftop Bamboo Pool and watch the sun rise over the ocean. For a challenge, climb in the 13-metre indoor rock-climbing wall.
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