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Guide to Miami, USA (Florida)
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Miami
Famous for its beaches, nightspots and Art Deco area, Miami is a vibrant city whose heart beats to a Latin rhythm. Split into the two cities of Miami and Miami Beach, it is popular with partygoers and retirees alike. Sure, it can get crowded, but half the excitement in the city is brought by the throngs who visit the ultimate Floridian hotspot.
How To Get There
There are two airports serving the Miami region - Miami International, and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International. Miami International receives the majority of flights. Its roughly 19km (12m) from downtown Miami, and there are a multitude of transport options to get you into the city quickly.
Travelling Around
Miami is well served by public transport. Everything is accessible and it is an easy city to see on foot. Double-decker trains run north and south, and connect with Tri-Rail, Metromover, and Metrobus services at various points. Metromover is a fun alternative to take as its the only elevated-rail system in the city.
When To Go
Miami is about as far south as you can get on the US mainland, so summers gets incredibly hot and are best avoided if you dont like heat. The city receives hordes of students on spring-break in March and April, so to avoid the crowds, its best to travel to Miami in autumn and winter.
The Calle Ocho Festival in March and the White Party AIDS fundraiser in November are fun to be part of.
What To See
Miami is more of a vacation spot than a sight-seeing destination, but there is plenty for the dedicated sight-seer to do.
Miami Beach is where a lot of the excitement happens. Technically an island, it is home to a large beach, as well as the famous Art Deco Historic District in the centre which contains the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the United States. The vibrant pink, lavenders and turquoise buildings mix restored liveliness with historic interest. Take a walk down Ocean Drive to see the architecture at its best.
The Miami Metro Zoo has over 200 species including condors, koalas, Bengal tigers, pygmy hippos and Komodo dragons. The amphitheatre features wildlife shows, and there is a petting area where children can play with a variety of animals such as ferrets, sheep, lizards and potbellied pigs.
Culture fans will love the Museum of Contemporary Art which features exhibitions from local and international artists including Roy Lichtenstein.
Little Havana is not known as a tourist attraction, but is definitely worth a visit. The heart of the town, 8th St, is home to a number of shops, cafes, music stores, all with a unique Cuban flavour.
Venturing further afield, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is great for a day trip. The area is home to exotic plants which are visible on naturally trodden trails. There are many small beaches along the way, and a historic lighthouse at the Recreation Areas southern tip.
Hotspot
The Miami Seaquarium is a great place for children and adults alike. It is a marine life park spread across almost 40 acres with the aim of preserving and protecting sea life. Attractions include a tropical reef, a Shark Channel where visitors can watch sharks being fed, and Discovery Bay - a mangrove swamp which is home to rescued sea turtles.
Night Life
Miami is the party capital of the States, if not the whole world. Popular with Spring Break teens as well as celebrities, it is one of Americas most fashionable clubbing destinations.
South Beach plays host to streets teeming with clubs, while the Design District is known for live music. Downtown Miami is packed with bars, and Coconut Grove is a popular late-night spot.
fast facts
Miami is a world finance centre and has 135 financial institutions and foreign agenciesIt is the cruise ship capital of the world'Miami' is Seminole Indian for 'big water'
Quick History
The area where Miami now sits was inhabited for over a thousand years by the Tequesta Indians. It was claimed for Spain in 1566, and a Spanish mission was established a year later. The Florida land boom of the 1920s brought growth and prosperity, but the end of the boom and the Great Depression sent the city into the doldrums. Due to its southerly location, Miami help defend against German submarines during World War II and the economy picked up pace again. Many Cubans emigrated to Miami after Castro came to power in 1959, contributing to the Latin character of the city. To this day Miami is a financial and cultural centre, and a popular place for vacationing and retiring.
Money
There are around two US dollars to the pound. For up-to-date exchange rates you can visit this Currency Information site.
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