I just came back from a business trip to Miami and it reinforced something I already knew. Running is the best way to see a new town!  I was worried I would miss my long run while I was travelling, but the concierge told me of a 8.25 mile route that would take me to the beach and back. I was in.

This route went from the Marriott Biscayne bay along the Venetian causeway, all the way to the ocean.  I went over small bridges, through neighborhoods (high end) and saw some amazing bay vistas. Bikers passed me along the way. It made me a little jealous that they lived there and got to do that route whenever they wanted to.  I got caught at a drawbridge both coming and going, and had to wait with the other cars, bikers, runners and rollerbladers for the boats to pass.

It was a glorious sunny day, but getting warm and a little humid.  I finally made it down to the beach, stopped and took some pictures, video of the waves rolling in, and turned around to head back the other 4.1 miles to the hotel. 

Running is the cheapest way to see an area, and you really feel like a local, whether you are or not. No one has to know if you aren’t.  You just put on your shoes and go. You see things that other tourists may miss.  It really helps you get the lay of the land. So next time you are going out of town for business or pleasure, be sure to pack those running shoes!