A SEASIDE location in the UK has been likened to Miami because of its musical festivals, amusement arcades and beautiful stretches of sand.
Southend-on-Sea has been compared to the American city by both travel experts and locals alike.
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Southend has long been a magnet for British holidaymakers, thanks to its beautiful coast – but it has also been the butt of a number of jokes.
Earlier this year, a video by the YouTube channel Turdtowns charting ‘the worst places in Essex’ said it was “grimy and full of strange people.”
But it is enjoying something of a renaissance with tourists and one councillor has even christened it “Miami-on-Thames.”
Festivals and events like City Jam (a street art festival), the Lazydays Festival, the South East Dance Festival, the Halloween Parade and the city’s seafront fireworks are responsible for the comparison.
Last year, Tory councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo that tourism events played an important role “in the reinvigoration of the city and that Southend has the potential to become a Miami-on-Thames.”
He added: “[Southend is] somewhere people flock for glamour, glitz, fun, and entertainment.
“The ambition is there, and the boost that such a reputation would give our local economy would make it all worthwhile.
“Whilst we have a tourist industry like Miami does, which we should support and cherish. As a city we now need to look at our entire city and ensure that it is an economy we are looking at.”
But the festivals and events are just the tip of the Miami iceberg for the seaside city.
Earlier this month, The Times travel writer Cathy Adams compared the two cities after a recent visit to Southend.
In the Times, she wrote: “Our first stop is Southend, one of the UK’s newest cities, and the Roslin Beach Hotel — a slice of Miami on the seafront of Thorpe Bay.”
Located on along the Thorpe Bay coast, the seafront hotel has plenty of details that are reminiscent of the American metropolis, including palm-tree prints, pale interiors and views overlooking bobbing boats.
Over the years, locals have shared several photos on Facebook groups comparing Southend’s promenades to Miami.
Just like Miami, Southend also has its own seaside theme park.
Adventure Island is one of the few theme parks in the UK that’s free to enter, with guests paying for ride passes instead.
Having first opened in 1918 as the Sunken Gardens, just a few rides targeted at children were part of the grand opening.
It was renamed over the years, becoming Peter Pan’s Playground, later Peter Pan’s Adventure Island before becoming Adventure Island, which is now home to 36 rides.
The seaside theme park has launched a new ride for 2024 too.
The Time Machine ride, which didn’t open last year, is returning to the park with an “all new look“.
There’s also Southend Pier, which claims to be the world’s longest pleasure pier.
The landmark attraction is home to prime selfie spots, wildlife-watching spots and a tiny Pier Railway that runs from the shore to the Pier Head.
Holidaymakers will also find a string of amusement arcades opposite Adventure Island.
There’s also Chalkwell Beach – a long sandy beach that’s located close to the pier.
Southend-on-Sea is an hour’s drive from London, and it’s a 35-minute drive from Chelmsford.
The seaside city can also be reached on a direct train from London Fenchurch Street, with journeys taking 70 minutes.
And Southend isn’t the only location in the UK that’s been compared to an American holiday destination.
Skegness
The traditional seaside town of Skegness has been likened to Las Vegas because of its arcades, nightlife and sandy beaches.
Dubbed “Skeg Vegas” by locals, the town of Skegness in Lincolnshire has slot machines and a busy nightlife with cabaret performances.
In honour of the town’s title, a local business owner spent £36,000 installing a replica Las Vegas sign with the inscription: “Welcome to Fabulous Skeg Vegas, not in Nevada.”
According to ITV News, Skegness Raceway Stadium said: “We decided to put a smile on everyone’s face and put something back into the community, oh and also light up the sky!”
The light-up billboard became an internet sensation with tourists flocking from across the globe to take a photo in front of the flashing lights.
Cefn Sidan, Wales
Cefn Sidan Beach has been compared to the coastline of California.
The Welsh beach was even given the first Blue Flag in the country, as well as often being named one of the best beaches in Europe.
Cefn Sidan, in Wales, was given the prestigious award for its cleanliness and safety, with more than eight miles of sand.
It is said to have more than 300 shipwrecks along the coastline, dating back as far as 1668.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Meanwhile, in Portugal, a number of sandy beaches have been dubbed the “California of Europe”.
And here’s another UK seaside resort with golden sands and the “best beach bar in the country”.
Best staycation locations for 2024
1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
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