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Image Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Profile
The City of Miami, for all its tropical allure and movie
set looks, is still a relatively new city. It has been an obliging
host for a variety of inhabitants that have included Native Americans,
Spaniards and Caribbean pirates, onward up to modern times where
today's cosmopolitan metropolis embodies a variety of ethnic cultures.
Miami has grown into a major tourist resort that capitalizes on
its Southeastern location on the Miami River between the Florida
Everglades and the Atlantic where widespread white sand beaches
and blue waters welcome a pleasant climate and a plethora of visitors.
Since its incorporation in 1896, this "Gateway to the Americas"
has grown tremendously. Miami is now far removed from when it was
considered a simple winter resort weighted by a primarily retirement
community. Today, it's one of America's favorite tropical locations
and is ranked near the top for popular vacation destinations with
Los Angeles and New York. But in spite of its celebrity-centered
playground appeal and spring breaker saturation, it is also accessible
to the average traveler seeking more sunlight than limelight.
Greater
Miami covers an area of more than 2,000 square miles that includes
80 miles of coastline. It's home to a population of more than 2.2
million complimented by another 10 million visitors a year, more
than half of which are international travelers. Greater Miami and
its beaches make up a sprawling community dotted with a number of
tourist-friendly neighborhoods that include sophisticated South
Beach, the internationally acclaimed Miami Beach, Surfside and Sunny
Isles on the northern end, Key Biscayne off the coast, Coral Gables'
Mediterranean-inspired charm, and Coconut Grove's upscale appeal.
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Weather
The temperate, nearly tropical climate of Miami provides plenty
of year-round warmth. Winters remain fairly mild, with the coldest
months of December, January and February reaching highs in the upper
60s and low 70s, while summers are sunny, hot and humid, particularly
during August, when temperatures reach up to 87 F. Oceanic breezes
temper the subtropical South Florida climate and strike a counterbalance
to the summer extremes. July through October is hurricane season
and there's a greater likelihood for tropical storms, over and above
the usual quick, daily thundershower.
Current
Weather
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Attractions
According to the experts, Art Deco made its debut in 1925
in an exposition in Paris in which it set a stylistic tone. In Miami,
Art Deco is marked by the pastel-hued buildings that line South
Beach and Miami Beach. Most of the finest examples of the whimsical
Art Deco style are concentrated along three parallel streets—Ocean
Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue—from about 6th to 23rd
streets.
The Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Dr.; 305-672-2014;
www.mdpl.org/tours.html)
offers a 90-minute District Guided Walking Tour conducted by local
historians and architects that takes visitors through the district.
The Art Deco District Self-Guided Audio
Tours are also available at the Welcome Center. Private and themed tours are
available by appointment only.
Among Miami's newest attractions, Parrot Jungle and Gardens
(1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island; 305-400-7000; www.parrotjungle.com)
is a 19-acre park that features a petting zoo, a waterfront Serpentarium,
jungle trails, aviaries, and of course, a parrot show. Watch your
heads and maybe wear a hat because flying above are hundreds of
parrots, macaws, peacocks, cockatoos, and flamingos. Visitors can
meet Crocosaurus, a 20-foot saltwater crocodile who hangs out in
the park's Serpentarium, or catch up with a roller-skating cockatoo
or card-playing macaw. Located between Downtown Miami and South
Beach, the park is open daily and features
amphitheaters, picnic grounds and pavilions to accommodate large
groups.
One of the more amazing, if unusual, Florida attractions, Coral
Castle (28655 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead; 305-248-6345; www.coralcastle.com)
is an unlikely creation tied to mysterious origins. It was a project
begun by an emotional Latvian named Ed who drowned his sorrows of
lost love by immersing himself in the work of carving huge chunks
of coral into a prehistoric "castle." Short on stature if not ambition,
his 25-year handiwork has left many a scientific mind scratching
their head and comparing it to the mysteries of the Great Pyramids
and Stonehenge. How could he have carved and moved more than 1,100
tons of rock by himself? Did he know any secrets? Coral Castle has
baffled scientists, engineers and scholars since opening in 1923.
Featured on the National Register of Historic Places, the Castle
is open year-round.
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Family Fun
One of Miami's most treasured attractions, the Venetian Pool
(2701 DeSoto Blvd.; Coral Gables; 305-460-5306; www.venetianpool.com)
was formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923 into the world's most
beautiful swimming hole and is included in the National Register
of Historic Places. The 800,000-gallon pool, replenished daily during
the summer months, features an abundance of tropical foliage, two
waterfalls, coral caves, and grottos surrounded by Venetian-style
buildings that transport visitors to a whimsical romantic retreat.
The facility is open year-round and is available for parties and
group activities.
The Everglades Alligator Farm (40351 S.W. 192nd Ave., Homestead; 305-247-2628; www.everglades.com),
established in 1985, is Florida's oldest alligator farm. The Farm
is currently home to about 3,000 alligators, birds and animals.
Located at the edge of the Everglades, this working farm possesses
a scenic beauty and rustic charm rooted to the early history of
the area. Visitors can take an exciting airboat tour into the Everglades
or a leisurely walk around the park to view the alligators, crocodiles,
caimans, and snakes. Informative wildlife shows take place hourly
and visitors often find themselves with numerous chances to touch
and even hold the animals.
For a fun and exciting yet educationally sound experience for the
whole family, take the time to participate in Seagrass Adventures,
one among many ecologically stimulating programs taking place at
the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (Crandon
Park, 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 305-361-6767; www.biscaynenaturecenter.org).
A naturalist guide from the center
will introduce a variety of interesting sea creatures where viewers
will wade through knee-deep water to observe and learn. Land-based
hikes, beachcombing and other group-related activities are available
on-site. Call for reservations.
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Cultural Arts
Coconut Grove has been dubbed a "village with a rhythm all its
own" due to its variety and originality, both reflected in its many
diverse eateries that line the quaint streets along with art galleries,
antiques shops and boutiques of every description. The waterfront
parks of Coconut Grove offer some of the best vantage points for
watching manatees and sailboats.
Sometimes referred to as the "Hearst Castle of the East," Vizcaya
Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave.; 305-250-9133; www.vizcayamuseum.org)
is an extraordinary European-inspired estate located in the heart
of Miami, which includes a house packed with relics and works of
art dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, ten acres of lush formal
gardens on Biscayne Bay and an historic village under restoration
for public usage. Vizcaya was built in 1916 as a winter retreat
for American industrialist James Deering and has most of its original
furnishings, including dishes and paintings, still intact. Guided tours of all the rooms are available and strolls about the
estate grounds are recommended.
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Sports/Recreation
Greater Miami and its beaches is a rewarding place for Miami sports
enthusiasts, offering countless water sports and recreational activities.
Miami boasts a 35-mile stretch of beachfront, which runs from the
tip of South Beach, north to Sunny Isles and circles Key Biscayne
and the numerous other pristine islands dotting the Atlantic. Along
the way visitors can find plenty of outdoor fun in the sun, whether
walking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, or hitting the links,
there are plenty of active pursuits to choose from.
There are more than 50 private and public golf courses in the Miami
area. Contact the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau
(800-933-8448; www.miamiandbeaches.com)
for a list of courses and costs.
Regarded as one of the best in the city, the renowned Country
Club of Miami (6801 Miami Gardens Dr., at N.W. 68th Ave.; 305-829-8456;
www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/country_club.asp),
sports two 18-hole courses of varying degrees of difficulty: West
Course covers more than 7,000 yards with plenty of disruptive bunkers
to make for a challenging game; East Course is just over 6,300 yards
and issues a challenge to both the novice and professional. Throughout
each course you'll encounter lush fairways, rolling greens and plenty
of history. The Club was founded in 1961, its courses designed by
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and inaugurated by the great Arnold Palmer,
and it has played host to a number of celebrities and professional
tournaments.
Haulover Beach Park (10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-947-3525;
www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/haulover_beach_marina.asp)
sports one of South Florida's most beautiful beaches, offering a
mile and a half stretch of white sand shores. Across the street
from the beach is a full-service marina that sports some spectacular
fishing and is home to the largest charter/drift fishing fleet in
South Florida. The 180-acre park also has two on-site restaurants,
Solo on the Bay and Cafe Azul, an ice cream shop,
souvenir shop, bicycle rentals, picnic pavilions, casual nine-hole
golf course, and tennis courts.
For the more adventurous, deep-sea fishing is available at the
Kelley Fishing Fleet (305-945-3801), located at the marina,
where half-day, full-day and night fishing is available; reservations are recommended. Also at
the marina, private charter boats can be rented from Helen C
Sport Fishing Charters (305-947-4081; www.fishmiamibeach.com). Half- and full-day trips are available
as well as special group rates.
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Accommodations
In Miami, following on an extensive building program during
the 1980s and 90s, there is a wide range of new hotels to accompany
those long since established. From the upsurge in expensive luxury
hotels, modest mid-priced, budget, beachfront, chic, stylish, suburban,
there are plenty to choose from an ever-increasing number of lodging
options. Rates in Miami area seasonal with the best prices generally
available during the summer months, typically 30 percent to 50 percent lower than
the winter highs.
The Biltmore (1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 305-445-1926;
www.biltmorehotel.com)
boasts a four-star, four-diamond ranking and is one of only a few
resorts in South Florida recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The exquisite craftsmanship and detail found throughout the property
is reminiscent of an Old World European luxury hotel. The hotel's
276 guest rooms and 133 suites feature tasteful decor and luxurious
accommodations with magnificent views of the hotel's famous pool,
championship golf course and City of Coral Gables itself. Since
opening its doors in 1926, The Biltmore's guest registry has read
like a who's who of history, counting the likes of Al Capone and
the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as guests.
For a welcome retreat by the sea, the Raleigh Hotel (1775
Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-6300; www.raleighhotel.com)
provides a pleasurable mix of style and comfort that radiates with
glamour and charm. This legendary South Beach hideaway features
104 guest rooms and suites in the elegant Art Deco style, along
with a 6,000-square-foot penthouse offering magnificent 360 degree
views of the Atlantic and the city with a huge terrace extension
and rooftop fountain. The famous Raleigh swimming pool is outlined
with tropical foliage and cascading waterfall, dotted with private
poolside cabanas and nearby martini bar. Glance towards the ocean
to discover the "Oasis," a relaxing mid-point between pool and beach.
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Shopping
Miami is one of the world's premier shopping cities, offering
a choice of mega-malls, from the upscale Village of Merrick Park
and the mammoth Aventura Mall, to the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops and
touristy waterfront flavor of Bayside Marketplace or the casual
yet charming character of Coconut Grove.
Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables;
305-529-0200; www.villageofmerrickpark.com)
is a Mediterranean-style outdoor mall located amidst a corporate
and residential complex encompassing some 20 acres in a quaint village
brimming with fountains and tropical foliage. More than 100 designer
boutiques dot the park's landscape and consist of such
names as Ann Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Jimmy Choo, and Elemis Spa. Known as "The City Beautiful," Coral Gables
is located south of Miami and features some of the nation's most
beautiful architecture.
With more than 2.3 million square feet of space, Aventura Mall
(19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura; 305-935-1110; www.shopaventuramall.com)
is South Florida's largest regional shopping mall. Embracing an
airy, European flair, the mall features more than 250 stores, including
mega-stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Sears, and a 24-screen movie theater.
Downtown Coconut Grove, centered on Main Highway and Grand Avenue,
is among Miami's more pedestrian-friendly zones. The Grove's wide
sidewalks, lined with cafes and boutiques, can provide hours of
browsing time while keeping the kids busy. CocoWalk (3015
Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-444-0777; www.cocowalk.net)
is a lovely outdoor Mediterranean-dressed mall well styled to suit
the quaint flavor of this small village. Its open-air architecture
is inviting not only for shoppers, but also for those who'd prefer
to sit at an outdoor cafe or just soak in the sunshine.
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Nightlife
The enticing Art Deco lobby offers a smooth transition to what
is revealed as an outdoor labyrinth of alcoves and gardens at the
Skybar (1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-695-3100; www.shoreclub.com),
a beautiful Moroccan-themed open-air hideaway at the Shore Club
Hotel at Miami's South Beach. Skybar is comprised of four different
themed indoor and outdoor bars of varying characteristics from antique
to ultramodern, intimate or opulent, to suit a variety of moods
and occasions.
Tobacco Road (626 S. Miami Ave.; 305-374-1198; www.tobacco-road.com)
holds the oldest existing liquor license in the history of Dade
County. Its notorious history began as a speakeasy and gambling
hall during the Prohibition years and was a hangout for mob boss
Al Capone. During the years since, the bar was a magnet for police
raids, threats of license revocation and closure, yet somehow more
than 90 years later, it still stands as a premier city hot spot.
The blues bar and restaurant, which has played host to such musical
greats as B.B. King, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins, is open seven-nights-a-week,
and offers a plentiful menu of typical bar food and main dishes
along with a soulful atmosphere.
Having first opened in February 1926 as a silent movie palace
under the moniker of Olympia Theater, and dazzling the public with
its stunning Moorish architecture, airy acoustics and simulated
night sky, today's 1,700-seat (Olympia) Gusman Center for the
Performing Arts (174 E. Flagler St.; 305-372-0925; http://gusmancenter.org)
still offers plenty in the way of its original design. The sound,
which is still superb, combines with yesterday's classic look complete
with fancy columns, a huge pipe organ, and those twinkling "stars"
atop the ceiling that made for such an enchanting visual accompaniment.
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Travel Info
Public Transportation in Miami is known to be reasonably priced
and efficient, and Miami-Dade Transit is the largest in Florida.
Public transport offers a number of options, all operating at specific
routes throughout Greater Miami that range in length and cost, and
run on different schedules from weekdays to weekends.
Metromover is a free fully automatic
service that serves downtown Miami from Omni to Brickell. It makes
21 stops and is efficient for shopping and navigating Downtown Miami.
The Metrorail is a 22-mile elevated rapid transit system
that makes stops in South Miami, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, and
the outer reaches through Tri-rail train transfers.
For more information about Miami's transit system, local tours,
information on parks and beaches, visit the Miami Convention
and Visitor's Bureau (701 Brickell Ave., Suite 2700; 305-539-3000
or 800-933-8448; www.gmcvb.com).
In advance of traveling, ask for a free copy of Tropicool to tell
you all you need to know about the City of Miami and its surroundings.
The local office can also provide maps, general directions, information
on events, and getting the most out your stay.
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Links
City of Miami
Miami Travel Guide
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