If you're looking for an international escape but want to keep your passport at home, consider planning a vacation to Miami. The worldly city is located on Florida's southeastern tip.
Its Cuban influence is reflected in the cafes and cigar shops that line Calle Ocho in Little Havana. On barrier islands across the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay is Miami Beach, home to South Beach. This glitzy neighborhood is famed for its colorful art deco buildings, white sand, surfside hotels and trendsetting nightclubs. Glamour aside, the city has plenty of quality restaurants, bars and attractions to appease any budget traveler.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Greenville to Miami in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Cheapest Miami flights
The cheapest flights between Greenville and Miami are if you leave on March 3 and return from Florida on March 6. American Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $138.
There are also deals to be had later in March. If you fly out of Greenville on March 18 and return from Miami on March 22, American Airlines can get you there and back for $184 roundtrip.
Top Miami hotels
To plan your stay, here are some of Miami’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Ave.)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has a 4.5-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $399.
This property stands three miles from South Beach and Lincoln Road shops.
The W South Beach (2201 Collins Ave.)
Another popular option is The W South Beach. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $359/night.
The W South Beach brings iconic design to the land of art deco and is located on 300 feet of pristine oceanfront property. It features 408 well-appointed rooms.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami (500 Brickell Key Drive)
There's also the 4.9-star rated The Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Rooms are currently set at $299/night.
Local restaurant picks
If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Miami's many quality eateries, here are two popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.
Joe's Stone Crab (11 Washington Ave.)
If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Joe's Stone Crab, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 87 reviews on Skyscanner.
"Joe's was truly incredible," wrote visitor Shane. "Food and service were first class. We’ve lived in Miami for two years and always felt Joe’s was a place for tourists, but it’s so much more than that."
Versailles Cuban Restaurant (3501 S.W. Eighth St.)
Another popular dining destination is Versailles Cuban Restaurant, with 4.4 stars from 93 reviews.
In the heart of Little Havana lies this wonderful Cuban restaurant that so many have traveled so far to see. If you want to experience an authentic Cubano, this is the place.
"This is the most famous Cuban restaurant in Miami," wrote reviewer James. "It has an amazing selection of Cuban cuisine with great service. Many U.S. presidents have stopped to experience the restaurant when visiting Miami."
What to see and do in Miami
Not sure what to do in Miami, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave.)
First up is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
You can take walks through the gardens, spend some time at the waterfalls and fountains, and take pictures at the reflecting pools.
"Well worth a half-day visit," visitor Shane wrote. "The gardens are lovely and good fun for kids to run around and get lost."
Wynwood Walls (2520 N.W. Second Ave.)
Finally, consider checking out the Wynwood Walls, a permanent outdoor mural exhibit featuring some of the world's most renowned street artists.
Additionally, there are hundreds of other street art and graffiti murals around the district that are curated yearly.
