Things to Do in Miami for New Year's

Planning

Before heading to South Florida (SoFlo) for New Year's celebrations, remember to book and arrive early no matter where you go. Tourist season in SoFlo begins in October when northerners seek relief from the cold. Southerners arrive to take advantage of the multi-cultural environment without the excessive heat and humidity typical in the summer. Because of the influx of visitors and part-year residents, reservations for holiday celebrations fill up months before Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Miami's Metro Zoo keeps the gates open 365 days per year, as do the public white sand beaches. If communing with nature pales, look for one of the area's more unique events in the last week of December in Coconut Grove. The King Mango Strut---a parade poking fun at the naughtiest and most stupid politicians, celebrities and regular folks who made the news in the past year delivers political and social satire galore. Parade founders started the spectacle in 1984 when Orange Bowl Parade officials refused to admit them as entrants. King Mango still struts over 25 years later and despite its illustrious history, the Orange Bowl Parade stalled out in 2002.

If looking for a more traditional event, head to Bayside Park downtown for the annual countdown and Orange Drop at midnight. The city exhibits free fireworks and a concert---all of it family-friendly. If seeking the more exclusive parties, check out the trendy clubs and hotels on South Beach. Tickets range from several hundred to thousands of dollars and you'll need to book months in advance. Star sightings are frequent as top-name entertainers flock to the area to show their faces. For those wanting to escape the crowds and traffic, try booking a cruise on one of the many charter services. Party boats and yachts take celebrants out to sea or cruise up and down Miami's Intracoastal Waterway---giving visitors a unique look at the city's tropical skyline as it weaves through Biscayne Bay and the city's exclusive islands. Additionally, charter companies offer a wide range of themed rides, from gambling to dance to dinner and cocktails. You can join a planned, public party or reserve a vessel for your own, private group.

Wake up, grab brunch and detoxify. The Standard hotel helps with Turkish hammam-style baths while other hotels up and down the coast and further inland offer a smorgasbord of spa services. Dolphin stadium hosts a bowl game or check out the Miami Heat or Florida Panthers. If you're feeling well enough to actually play rather than watch, book a fishing trip, rent some scuba equipment or drive out to the Everglades for a tour. The nightlife doesn't stop for the true diehards. Party goers wanting to continue have a never-ending supply of live music and dance---best of all, some establishments on South Beach and downtown have 5 a.m. liquor licenses. That makes last call three hours later than most bars.