19 Places Similar to Miami
Miami is a top holiday destination that most Americans dream of experiencing. It is an incredible city with a lot to offer, but it’s not the only place in the world where you can find amazing beaches, great food, and vibrant nightlife. It is home to beautiful homes, art, culture, and turquoise water making it the perfect place to enjoy some time in the sun. Lofty neighborhoods are another one of its many charms. Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Key Biscayne are all great places to stay if you’re looking for a luxurious vacation. If you want to go on vacation or move to a city like Miami, here are 19 other similar options.
19. Delray Beach, Florida
Located in Palm Beach County, Delray Beach is a city with a lot to offer. With its stunning beaches and lively downtown area, it’s no wonder why this city is a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels and resorts. And if you’re looking for a place to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the city’s many restaurants. Some of its highlights are the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, the Atlantic Avenue, and the Delray Marketplace.
18. Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California. The city is named after Saint Monica of Hippo. And according to the American Planning Association, over 5 million people visit Santa Monica annually. The city was founded in 1905 by Americans who wanted to build a resort town on the Pacific Ocean. They chose this area because it had easy access to water and few hills for building houses. In addition, their village would be free from any harmful pollutants from factories or other industries nearby. These elements made the city ideal for people seeking clean air, water, and good living conditions. Soon after, Santa Monica started attracting people from other parts of the country. And its resemblance to Miami has made it a leading holiday destination.
17. Key West, Florida
This city is located in Monroe County, and it’s known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and exciting history. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss are the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum, and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. If you love trying out different foods, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. It all depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
16. Pensacola, Florida
This city is located in Escambia County, and it’s known for its military history and stunning beaches. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss are the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and the Fort Barrancas National Monument. For food lovers, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from. It all depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. According to Point2Homes, the population of Pensacola is about 10,000. As a result, you can enjoy similar amenities to those in Miami without much competition.
15. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Ocracoke Island is a largely unspoiled barrier island located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The nearest neighbor is 25 miles south. Sometimes referred to as the forgotten end of the Outer Banks, this small fishing village and seaside haven retain the natural beauty and simplicity that its residents have long prized. In 2005, it was one of four islands (along with Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, and Cape Lookout) that their owners donated to the National Park Service to become part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Visitors can enjoy beach combing, crabbing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and more in this quiet corner of the Outer Banks.
14. Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is located in Pinellas County. And its beaches and nightlife resemble that of Miami. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss are the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60 Park, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Activities to do in this beach town include snorkeling and jet skiing. If you like shows, there is a variety of events available. These include acrobats and live bands. On top of that, you can take a stroll in the famous Honeymoon Island State Park.
13. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a great place to visit if you want to relax, enjoy the beach, and have an excellent time. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. So if you’re looking for someplace similar to Miami with an oceanfront view and many recreation opportunities, there are plenty of options. It is a destination with many beautiful beaches along its coastline, including Atlantic Ocean waters and Chesapeake Bay waters. And you can access them via several channels connecting them at various points along their coasts. For instance, Seven Mile Bridge is a channel that connects Norfolk Harbor with Hampton Roads. Residents built it during World War II. And their objective was to protect ships from enemy attack by German submarines while crossing this channel. However, today it’s used primarily by recreational boaters.
12. San Francisco, California
With its long, sweeping waterfront, San Francisco is the perfect home base for a San Francisco bay area tour. It’s also one of the most picturesque cities in America. Visitors will find unique attractions like the Mystery Spot and Lombard Street. Take a boat ride around Alcatraz Island for an extra dose of authenticity. Or spend your day wandering Fisherman’s Wharf or strolling around Pier 39 to see all sorts of exotic animals, from fish to seals to birds.
11. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city that has benefitted from Katrina. The majority of the damage to New Orleans was due to rising water. This is why many museums, restaurants, and historic buildings are still intact. If you have never been to New Orleans before, this would be a great time to go as it is now an open wound for tourists, with locals looking for help for their town through tourism. Besides, there is plenty to do in this beautiful city. For example, you can visit the National Museums and learn more about New Orleans. Explore its food scene and try out various cuisines. Additionally, you could take a swamp tour on a boat.
10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant, family-friendly beachside city in southeast Florida that offers beautiful turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and fascinating history. The Atlantic Ocean borders the city on the east and Fort Lauderdale Bay on the west. Its warm climate and comfortable atmosphere make it a great place to visit year-round. For centuries, different cultures have inhabited Fort Lauderdale’s landscape. In 1763, Spain began using Fort Clinch as a vital outpost to safeguard its claim of Florida against the British Empire; later, it became one of three places where U.S. Customs inspected cargo before World War II. The old cannon emplacements in Wagon Road Park are all that remain from this era today.
9. Portland, Oregon
Portland is a great city to visit in the summer. It has a lot of great restaurants and bars, as well as parks and nature trails that are perfect for exploring or relaxing. The music scene is also very active during this time of year, with many live events happening throughout all parts of town. There’s even an outdoor concert venue called Waterfront Park where you can catch some bands playing under the stars. The gardens in Portland make it more unique than in Miami. When not exploring other parts of the city, visit the Portland Japanese Garden. Other notable attractions include the Oregon Historical Society. It is the perfect place to learn how the city evolved.
8. New York City
New York City is a hub of art, culture, music, and fashion. With its diverse neighborhoods, you can find pockets of endless culture. For example, in Harlem, you’ll find people sipping coffee and reading the paper while listening to jazz music on their porches. The sounds of salsa and merengue fill the air in Brooklyn. No matter what time of year it is or what genre of music you’re into, there’s always something to do in New York City. It is also crowded, like Miami, making it another great place for people to watch. According to CBS News, New York has 14 miles of beach. If your motivation is activities such as swimming and surfing, you will not miss out on anything.
7. Orlando, Florida
One of the most fun-filled and family-friendly destinations in the United States is Orlando, Florida. Located at the mouth of a narrow, twisting river that forms one side of an inlet of deep water connected to the Atlantic Ocean, this locale has been a significant settlement site for hundreds of years. It is primarily known as The City Beautiful. Its most popular tourist attractions are Walt Disney World Resort (the world’s largest theme park) and Universal Orlando Resort (among America’s oldest continuously operating amusement parks). Other famous aspects are the Kennedy Space Center and a quarter million acres of family entertainment called Epcot®, dedicated to progress through imaginative living, giving a glimpse into an exciting world beyond our imagination.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
It’s not hard to see why many people travel to Hawaii during the winter. With near-perfect year-round weather, pristine beaches, and affordable prices, it’s an excellent spot for families or adults traveling alone. You don’t need to be a surfer or have any interest in scuba diving or snorkeling to enjoy the island. Most of its best activities are easily accessible even if you have never tried them. The best thing about Honolulu is that there is something for everyone; even if you visit for a couple of days, you will leave with plenty of good memories and pleasant photographs to show your friends and family back home.
5. Naples, Florida
Like Delray Beach, Naples is also located in Palm Beach County. This city is known for its luxury hotels and resorts, as well as its golf courses and tennis courts. If you’re looking for a place to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the city’s many restaurants. Its highlights include the Naples Zoo, the Naples Pier, and the Waterside Shops. The beaches are the best spots to enjoy your time in these destinations. Clam Pass Beach Park and Lowdermilk Beach Park are two of the most popular ones.
4. Savannah, Georgia
If you’re looking for a change of scenery and have always wanted to see the Gone with the Wind romantic town of Savannah, Georgia, then here is why it’s just like Miami. Both places are hot and humid in the summer. You might be thinking all cities are desirable in the summer. But no, not really. In July and August, expect highs of 85 degrees. Luckily we have gorgeous thunderstorms with cooling rain, too, so at least there’s something. The houses in both places are elegant and filled with a lot of history, but not to mention they both offer scenic views daily.
3. San Diego, California
San Diego, California, is a perfect destination for the globe-trotting family. Located on the beautiful coast of Southern California, it is home to gorgeous beaches and sensational weather year-round. And according to San Diego Tribune, this is why it ranks as one of the most attractive cities in the U.S Besides that; there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND® California Resort and SeaWorld® San Diego with its famous Shamu thrill rides. For those who prefer to soak up the sun while they sightsee, explore Balboa Park’s many gardens or admire the beautiful architecture at the magnificent Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. There’s always something new to do in San Diego, so your kids will never be bored – let them decide what they want to explore.
2. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Florida
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two small barrier islands on the Gulf Coast of Florida, south of Fort Myers. These coastal jewels offer the world’s best shelling beaches and boast some of the country’s most pristine waters, making it a top scuba diving spot. But there’s more to this paradise than what lies below. The scenery, the people, and everything else in between will make you feel at home in your cozy beach cottage in no time at all. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, an endless amount of shelling, or an island getaway complete with unspoiled nature walks, these idyllic islands offer it all.
1. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a city in the U.S. state of Florida that offers pristine beaches and lots of southern hospitality to visitors worldwide. It’s an Old World destination with beautiful homes and resorts and unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options set on the banks of historic St. Augustine Bay. Featuring many museums, parks, recreational opportunities, and historical sights and tours, it’s a city where both visitors and residents can experience what life was like in its earliest days centuries ago.
Founded by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 after his ship ran aground on what he named La Florida, St. Augustine has been continuously inhabited for more than 450 years. Four Spanish Colonial Districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, three of which are within walking distance of each other: The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, The Cathedral Basilica, and Mission Nombre De Dios. For your final night before heading home, spend some time strolling down memory lane at Las Palmas Street Festival. More energy to go towards producing roots instead of leaves.
