Yesterday we left New Orleans and got on the road to Miami,
a 13+ hour drive that I don’t even remember. Guess, I slept the whole way. I
take that back, I do remember waking up when Cristina took the wheel because I
was THROWN from my sleep a couple times. Anyway, we made it to Miami in one
piece.
It’s GORGEOUS here. The sun is shining, there are palm trees
lining the streets and it’s HOT! Hot like Texas but add about 90% humidity to
that and the result is me looking like I just got out of the shower at all
times.
I’ve never been to Miami, but I’ve always wanted to visit. I’m
so excited that I don’t mind the 20+ mosquito bites I’ve received since last
night.
Matt and Cristina are from Miami, so we should be getting
some good CitySecrets here! Of course, when you think of Miami, it’s all about
South Beach, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it “locals-style.”
We spent last night meeting up with their friends and
getting settled in. Feels like home.
LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED
Today we’re going out on the water! We’re heading to a “sand bar party!” Water. Sand. Party? – 3 of my favorite words!
Today we’re going out on the water! We’re heading to a “sand bar party!” Water. Sand. Party? – 3 of my favorite words!
We meet up with Cristina’s friend, Richard who’s taking us
on his boat. We load up the food and drinks and off we go!
It’s all water in Miami! We cruise through the channels and
it’s like cruising on streets of water as we pass houses and apartment
complexes, stopping to pick up some more friends along the way.
We continue cruising and I’m loving it. What a great way to
see Miami! We pass small islands and
other friendly boaters who wave and raise their beer cans to us. This is
definitely a local’s perspective. I want to live here!!
Eventually, we come across a giant party! I think we’re
here! Lots of boats have gathered in one place in the middle of the water just
off the shore across from Haulover park. It's amazing!
This is truly a place only the locals know about.
I’m told it’s a sand bar – a random shallow area of sand
just off the shore. The only way to get to this party is by boat. Cool!
As we pull up between anchored boats you can see how shallow
the water is. It’s crystal clear and you can see the sand on the bottom only
about 4 feet deep. (on low-tide days the sand is above the water!)
Music is blaring from every boat. There are dance parties
happening on the decks and sexy people are mingling in the water between the
boats. There are even floating vendors selling food and drink! This is where it’s
at!
We anchor the boat and enjoy the scenery for a bit before
jumping in the water to cool off. The water is actually warm. Like a bath. We
spend our day mingling with the locals and we even shot some interviews while
in the water… can’t wait to see that footage!
The locals were so friendly. I even ventured across the water
to visit the most happening party on the water -three boats tied together with
people dancing on all the decks –it looked like a club on water! My new friends took me right in and I ended up
dancing on the decks with this party crew. – When in Miami…
We stayed until the sun set, then cruised back down the channels
to return home. Aahh, I could stay out on the water all day!
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| The CitySecrets Team! Matt, Todd, Angie, Cristina, Jena |
The Haulover Sand Bar was such a treat, and the perfect way
to be introduced to Miami. It was definitely a great CitySecret! I highly
recommend checking it out – if you can find it!
Haulover Sand Bar Tip: If you can’t find a local with a
boat, head to Haulover Park where you can rent a kayak to paddle out to the
party!
