Miami Beach

Tourists flocked to Miami Beach for Memorial Day weekend. See the festivities for yourself

By Grethel Aguila , Daniel Varela and Carl Juste
Liam Arias, 4, stares as his new tank toy as his mother, Kate Arias, left, and sister, Mila Arias, 10, right, assist him off the U.S. Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Liam Arias, 4, stares as his new tank toy as his mother, Kate Arias, left, and sister, Mila Arias, 10, right, assist him off the U.S. Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com

Thousands of tourists on Sunday swarmed South Beach for Memorial Day weekend, day drinking at restaurants along Ocean Drive, enjoying an air and sea show and basking in the afternoon sun.

The Hyundai Air & Sea Show continued mesmerizing visitors on the beach — drawing large crowds admiring technology and equipment from five branches of the U.S. military.

READ MORE: ‘The ultimate sacrifice:’ Service members sworn in ahead of Memorial Day in Miami

Within the crowds, circles of friends chatted — and even formed — along Ocean Drive. During their weekend getaway, Dave and Tae, a couple from southside Chicago, befriended Emely and Genesis, who were celebrating Emely’s graduation from college. The pair, from New Jersey, were also unwinding before Emely starts law school in two weeks.

From. left, Emely, Dave, Genesis, Tae meet for the first time on Ocean Drive while on vacation during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Dave and Tae came from Chicago while Emely and Genesis flew in from New Jersey.
From. left, Emely, Dave, Genesis, Tae meet for the first time on Ocean Drive while on vacation during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Dave and Tae came from Chicago while Emely and Genesis flew in from New Jersey. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com

Dave and Tae yearned for a change of scenery.

“We’ve been in the city so much so I feel like it [was] time to go somewhere else,” Dave said. “By the time I get back home, I want to sleep for four days, as long as I can. Right now, I’m really enjoying myself.”

Here’s a glimpse of what the scene looked like Sunday.

Liam Arias, 4, gives the thumbs up as his mother takes a photo on her cellphone while he stands on the U.S. Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Liam Arias, 4, gives the thumbs up as his mother takes a photo on her cellphone while he stands on the U.S. Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A group of women walk along Ocean Drive as a promoter attempts to sell them tickets during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
A group of women walk along Ocean Drive as a promoter attempts to sell them tickets during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Liam Arias, 4, waits his turn to climb up the Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Liam Arias, 4, waits his turn to climb up the Army’s M-1 tank. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Vida, 37, and her son Ayden, 12, purchase jewelery from Ana De La Torre during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Vida, 37, and her son Ayden, 12, purchase jewelery from Ana De La Torre during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Planes and jets were not the only thing in the skies, as motocross riders performed high-flying tricks over the heads of the crowd by the Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Planes and jets were not the only thing in the skies, as motocross riders performed high-flying tricks over the heads of the crowd by the Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Atlanta vacationers Shayla, right, and Bo, left, have a meal outisde Wild N Out Sports Bar & Arcade along Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Atlanta vacationers Shayla, right, and Bo, left, have a meal outisde Wild N Out Sports Bar & Arcade along Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Lamarr interacts with his pet lemurs Julian and Chase outside of Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Lamarr interacts with his pet lemurs Julian and Chase outside of Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
People walk past The Clevelander Bar and Hotel during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
People walk past The Clevelander Bar and Hotel during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Young boxer Nasi Henry, 15, looks towards the referee as Adrian Martinez, 17, goes down and tries to catch his breath as he attempts to get to his feet during the 3rd bout of the USA Boxing: Freedom Fighters boxing sessions. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Young boxer Nasi Henry, 15, looks towards the referee as Adrian Martinez, 17, goes down and tries to catch his breath as he attempts to get to his feet during the 3rd bout of the USA Boxing: Freedom Fighters boxing sessions. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A group of London vacationers discuss their plan for the day along Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
A group of London vacationers discuss their plan for the day along Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Miami-Dade Bike Patrol pedals up Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Miami-Dade Bike Patrol pedals up Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
Old plane meets modern jet as the World War II aircraft flies along side a F-18 above the beaches of SoBe. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team.
Old plane meets modern jet as the World War II aircraft flies along side a F-18 above the beaches of SoBe. On Sunday, May 28, 2023 the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returned to Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 2023 and May 28, 2023.) The event showcases the men, women, technology, and equipment from all five branches of the United States military as well as local police, firefighters, and their first responder agencies. The four block long Display Village that contains a Kid Zone, flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators, interactive displays from all five branches of the U.S. Military and the Monster Energy Action Zone which showcases a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A man rolls down the beach walk during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
A man rolls down the beach walk during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
A bicyclist pops a wheelie on Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
A bicyclist pops a wheelie on Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
A man and woman take a selfie from the Hotel Victor South Beach rofftop terrace overlooking Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
A man and woman take a selfie from the Hotel Victor South Beach rofftop terrace overlooking Ocean Drive during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com
God Squad members pray along with Pittsburgh native Chris Trzicina, 28, for his family and friend who has seen combat, during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
God Squad members pray along with Pittsburgh native Chris Trzicina, 28, for his family and friend who has seen combat, during Memorial Day weekend at Miami Beach, Florida, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. D.A. Varela dvarela@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published May 28, 2023 at 7:31 PM.

Profile Image of Grethel Aguila
Grethel Aguila
Miami Herald
Grethel covers courts and the criminal justice system for the Miami Herald. She graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), speaks Spanish and Arabic and loves animals, traveling, basketball and good storytelling. Grethel also attends law school part time.
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