Although Orlando is the top travel destination in the United States, another destination in Florida is exploding in popularity with tourists right now.
More than 50.6 million people visited Miami in 2022, according to data from the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Additionally, hotel room occupancy was up 12.7% last year compared to 2021.
The Miami cruise port also saw a rebound to 2019 levels last year.
So why is Miami so popular with tourists? Here are some reasons why this South Florida destination is increasing in popularity with travelers:
1. Great Beaches
You don’t have the leave the U.S. to find beautiful white sand beaches and clear azure waters because you can find that in Miami.
Miami is known for having some of the best beaches in the United States.
South Beach has long been a popular destination known for its long stretch of pristine beach lined with glitzy hotels. You can also find a quieter beach in Key Biscayne at Bill Baggs State Park.
The beaches in Miami are great for water sports, or you can rent Jet Skis or take a boat excursion for a truly memorable experience.
2. Nightlife
Another thing Miami is famous for is its nightlife. Whether you want to hit up swanky cocktail lounges and nightclubs in South Beach or go salsa dancing in Little Havana, there’s something for everyone when it comes to nightlife in Miami.
The prevalence of Miami’s nightlife scene has made it a popular destination for celebrations like bachelorette and bachelor parties.
If you’re looking for the ultimate destination for a fun-filled getaway with friends, Miami is a great choice.
3. Foodie Paradise
Another big draw of Miami is its food scene. With so much Caribbean and Latin American influence, the city is known for having delicious and diverse cuisine.
You can find amazing and authentic Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, Venezuelan, and more cuisine in Miami.
It’s also a great destination for fresh seafood.
Some of the best foods to try in Miami include arepas, Cuban sandwiches, jerk chicken, tostones, and stone crab, a seafood specialty that is available from October through May.
4. Arts And Culture
Miami is one of the best destinations for arts and culture in the entire United States.
Every year, the famous Art Basel Miami Beach art fair and festival draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.
The city is also home to great neighborhoods like the Wynwood Arts District (home to the Instagram-popular Wynwood Walls) and the Miami Design District (where you can spend an afternoon gallery-hopping.)
There are also great museums to check out in Miami, like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Pérez Art Museum Miami.
5. Easy Getaway
One reason Miami is so popular with American tourists is that it’s an easy getaway from most parts of the United States.
Nonstop flights are plentiful and affordable from all around the country.
Miami is also connected to other destinations around South Florida via the Brightline train, and this summer, service will begin between Miami and Orlando, connecting the two Florida hotspots in just three hours.
6. Cruises
Finally, Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, second only to Port Canaveral, Florida. More than 4 million cruisers departed from Miami in 2022.
Miami is a great gateway to exotic Caribbean cruises as well as cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico.
Many travelers flock to Miami for cruises, but it’s also worth spending a couple of days in Miami either before or after your cruise to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
