More Reasons To Visit South Florida In 2021

Despite the shackles of the Coronavirus pandemic, Florida, according to worldatlas.com, was the second most visited state in the US after California. While the two states can both boast miles and miles of sunny shorelines and endless beach activities, and one can just as easily justify reporting on the wine and glamor of California, it is the authenticity and hedonism of Florida that urges the traveler to curate a Sunshine State excursion. 

The 2021 tourism season has embarked on a ship of hope and renewal, and Florida is at the helm. For the sake of brevity and focus, South Beach/Miami will be the highlight of this article. 

Besides the tried and true experiences of the region, such as the seemingly endless beaches, the pulsing nightlife, the outdoor dining on Espanola Way, the waterfront Bayside Marketplace and the art, music, science and sports venues, Downtown Miami is host to several events and activities sure to keep the tourism fire burning.

Miami Escape: Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach and A Non-Agency will be host to the Miami Escape (April 28-May 2). This is the first “Brand Closet Social,” a chic pathway to marketing in which paying guests socialize, dine and shop in a curated space where they can interact with new and legacy luxury brands, wellness and clean beauty product lines, bespoke services and artwork. The actual experience will utilize the Kimpton Angler’s Poolside Bungalows, the perfect backdrop for this five-day event. Tickets range from $30-$475 per ticket, and can be purchased here. 

The “Brand Closet” concept was created by Founder and President of A Non Agency, Michelle Collins, who stated in a recent article, that “the closet offers exclusivity and inclusivity all in one,” and “amplifies existing relationship-building tactics that are helping brands survive and thrive during COVID-19 (as well as compete in a growing e-commerce world).”

SOBEWFF (South Beach Wine and Food Festival): The festival which will run from May 20-23, was the brainchild of its founder, Lee Brian Schrager, a powerhouse in the wine and food industry. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival will feature a barbeque dinner at Hometown Barbeque, indoor and outdoor dining at Explore Delray Beach Market, festive Mexican food and margaritas at Jungle Plaza, an oyster bash presented by Townhouse Crackers at Nikki Beach, dinners hosted by icons such as Andrew Zimmern, Paul Qui, Tyler Florence and Adeena Sussman, a 20 year anniversary celebration hosted by Martha Stewart and David Grutman, and so much more.

In addition, Scott Conant, the fan-favorite mastermind behind Scarpetta by Scott Conant and host of Food Network’s Chopped Sweets, will lead guests through a night of gustatory indulgence and decadent sweetness. The four days of activities also features such products and brands as Heineken, Capital One, Moet & Chandon, American Airlines, Bacardi, Absolut and Dom Perignon.

Miami does not have to be only about frenetic pleasures. There is always time in the day for contemplation and a journey inside to locate peace and calm. Sattva Meditation Initiation Weekend offers visitors a comprehensive step-by-step process through meditation. Participants will experience the techniques and practices of meditation and leave the weekend with a sense of self-sufficiency and rejuvenation. This event is perfect for beginners or those seeking a refinement to their meditation practice.

Sunday Wellness at the Sagamore: A collaborative effort between the Wave Silent Disco founder Julia Grace and the Sagamore Hotel, this event will be packed with activities, starting with a YogaWave experience on the beach, followed by a juice tasting and brunch. With aims to inspire a healthier and more vibrant community, this event will serve up relaxation and revitalization along the water.

Party for the Planet: As part of Earth Day, Zoo Miami will be hosting a mobile scavenger hunt called Party for the Planet. Younger visitors are guided through several educational missions in an effort to save the planet. Goodies and prizes serve as rewards for the end of the scavenger hunt with a chance to win a unique animal painting.

Miami Beach Convention Center will be hosting the Miami International Auto Show, May 8-16th. One day in Miami or South Beach will demonstrate how this is the perfect city for a car show, as the rumble of Ferraris and other power vehicles push back against the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing upon the nearby shores. The auto show is presented by the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association which comprises more than 190 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties making it larger than some state-wide auto dealer groups. Admission to the show is $15 for adults, $6 children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.