Welcome To Miami

While we may be in the sunshine state, Northwest Florida is sure to experience a few chilly days throughout winter. If you’re coming down with a case of the winter blues, you can now easily fly south for winter thanks to American Airlines’ new, direct two-hour flights from the Emerald Coast to the Magic City.

Beginning December 19, 2025, flyers can catch a nonstop daily flight from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to the Miami International Airport.

“Florida is a large state, and intrastate air travel has been historically limited outside of big cities,” says Tracy Stage, Okaloosa County airports director. “A direct VPS-MIA route makes it much easier for residents to visit family, attend events, or vacation within Florida, instead of treating in-state travel like an interstate trek.”

Previously, travelers would either have to drive 10-plus hours or catch connecting flights in hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, or Dallas. Fares will start around $292 roundtrip, making it affordable for both leisure and business travelers.

This easy breezy flight is also a delight for those seeking to go international with Miami being a hub for travel to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Now, passengers will no longer have to fly north and connect in order to fly south to Miami and beyond.

“Miami is the ultimate destination—easy to reach, rich in culture, and filled with world-class venues,” Stage says.

Photos Courtesy of Visit Miami

Tastes of Cuba

Little Havana pulses as Miami’s Cuban hub. Wander down Calle Ocho, the dynamic center street, to be immersed in the vibrant and welcoming Latin culture. Stop into a cafe for a strong Cuban coffee and a savory Cuban sandwich piled high with roast pork and ham. Into the evening, take a seat at a rum bar where Latin music and puffs of fine Cuban cigar smoke waft through the air. Head to Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park, to watch a heated dominos match, a tradition spanning over 50 years. This lively neighborhood features Latin American arts and culture through galleries, studios, theaters, live music venues, and more.

Art Everywhere

Miami is often synonymous with Wynwood Walls, a globally recognized museum of street art. By foot, you can take an immersive art walk viewing art from over 100 artists from 21 countries. The over 80,000 square feet of muraled walls stand as a beacon representing the beauty, revitalization, and impact of modern art. The colorful, eye-catching art serves as keepsake photo opportunities for travelers.

The Art Deco Historic District features over 800 preserved homes and buildings spanning the 1920s through the 1940s that showcase the signature Miami Art Deco design. Pastel hues paired with neon signs and geometric patterns are signatures of the Art Deco architecture movement, becoming trademarks to Miami’s heritage.

Shop Till You Drop

Miami’s infamous Lincoln Road merges shopping, art, and commerce as one of the most unique shopping districts in the world. Lincoln Road is more than one road, it’s an eight-block-long pedestrian mall designed by architect Morris Lapidus. The architecture and street art are worth visiting alone, but paired with over 200 designer stores and delicious restaurants, it’s an all-day destination.

The Miami Design District is a must-go for luxury shoppers. Alongside high-end global designers such as Chanel, Gucci, Maison Margiela, and more, you can shop art galleries to acquire your next conversation piece by an acclaimed artist or emerging talent.

Beach It

If you’re seeking the ultimate Miami experience, a stop at South Beach is a requirement. This legendary stretch of beach features Art Deco hotels and vibrantly hued lifeguard stations. Water activities abound by day, and the area’s nightlife thrives. Ocean Drive is the hot spot with the city’s chic cafes, cool clubs, and emphasis on local art. If you’re seeking a more secluded and restorative experience, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park or Historic Virginia Key Beach Park are more your speed. These beaches showcase Florida’s untouched beauty, are family-friendly, and are rich in historic sites.