Miami

For a guide to Miami's South Beach, Sonia Gil gives a video tour of her hometown beach.

Top things to do & see in Miami

Beaches

Some 192 blocks of beaches run along Collins Street — that's over a dozen miles, and most of that area is available for public access. Hit the 85th Street Beach for great swimming in a less crowded location. Prefer to people watch? Head to Lummus Park Beach, between 6th and 14th Streets, along Ocean Drive. For adventurous travelers, Haulover Beach, north of Miami Beach, is a nudist haven. For a beach appropriate for the whole family, we suggest Third Street Beach at 3rd and Ocean.

Art Deco District

Rarely is a tourist attraction defined as an entire area of a city, but The Art Deco District makes the grade. Part of South Beach, this area is generally bounded by Dade Boulevard to the north, 6th Street to the south, and Alton Road on the west (to the east is the Atlantic Ocean). An area once considered a disgrace to the city was rededicated as a historic landmark. It was redecorated with bright pastels, and now this vibrant area stands as a monument to urban redevelopment and a place of upscale commercialism. 

Fairchild Tropical Garden

With 83 acres of meadows and lakes, The Fairchild Tropical Garden, at 10901 Old Cutter Rd. (305-667-1651), is practically a rain forest. Feast your eyes on the exotic plants and beautiful birds on display here. The tram tour is highly recommended for first-time visitors.

Professional sports

If you're a sports fan, you'll be able to catch a professional team in action almost any day of the year. Baseball's Miami Marlins (305-623-6200) and football's Miami Dolphins (305-620-2578) play at Pro Player Stadium. Meanwhile, the NBA's Miami Heat (786-777-1000) play home games at the waterfront American Airlines Arena. If hockey s more your thing, the NHL's Florida Panthers (954-835-7000) moved to a new arena north of the greater Miami area, but you still could make the trip if you have the time.

Shopping

If you're a Spanish speaker looking for a deal, check out Calle Ocho in Little Havana where Latin music stores and cigar shops dot the street. Be sure to visit Lincoln Road in South Beach, home to many wonderful shopping boutiques, restaurants, and terrific art galleries. The Bayside Market Place is home to over one hundred shops and restaurants and is a favorite among Miami locals.

Nightlife

Bars, live music and dance clubs are as much a part of the scenery as the palm trees. There are countless bars and clubs along Ocean Drive in South Beach. The longer the line, the hotter the club — but that changes all the time. For some great live music, check out the live jazz at Satchmo Blues Bar & Grill, at 60 Merrick Way in Coral Gables (305/774-1883). Cafe Iguana at 8505 Mills Dr. (305/274-4948) is for high-energy fun while Bash, located at 655 Washington Ave. (305/538-2274) offers diverse music and a laid-back back patio.

Best bets for dining

Miami is heralded as the American home of New World Fusion cuisine. Whether you’re a chef, foodie or hungry tourist, the robust flavors of the city’s seafood and Latin- and Caribbean-inspired restaurants will leave any palate excited. 

• World famous and priced accordingly, Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant at 11 Washington Ave., South Beach (305-673-0365), is a Miami landmark. Stone crabs are the specialty here, but they are seasonal; in fact, the restaurant is closed from mid-May to mid-October. Don't forget to try Joe's famous Key lime pie. Reservations are not accepted and long lines are the norm.
• For a truly unique dining experience in South Beach, try Tantra, at 1445 Pennsylvania Ave. (305-672-4765). On ambience alone, this restaurant stands out. The sounds of waterfalls and chants will soothe you while the tasty menu will satiate you. 
• For a great steakhouse, be sure to visit The Forge, at 432 Arthur Godfrey Rd. (305-538-8533). Although pricey, this restaurant features the an awesome array of steaks in a charming atmosphere.
• Any dining options in Miami must include at least one Cuban restaurant. Versailles, 3555 SW 8th St. (305-444-0240) in Little Havana serves a full complement of Cuban cuisine. Meanwhile, with house specialties like bistec uruguayo (breaded steak filled with ham and Swiss), fried snapper and mojo chicken, the Cuban food at Islas Canarias, also in Little Havana (305-649-0440), is sure to please. Other Cuban options: the classic La Carreta or South Beach's Puerto Sagua Restaurant (700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 673-1115), a comfort food hole-in-the-wall.

YOLO (You only live once!)

A bizarre tourist experience awaits you at Coral Castle at 28655 S. Dixie (305-248-6345). This stone carved "castle" with its stone sculpture garden has a history that you'll have to see to believe.

Best time to go

With hot, humid summers indicative of a subtropical climate, Miami is often rainy between June and September. Winter has cooler but pleasant temperatures, humidity is low and it's more likely to be sunny rather than rainy.

Fun facts 

• Miami was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the English that ended the Seven Years War. 
• In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.
• Miami-Dade County has 2.5 million people living on more than 2,000 square miles.
• The county has 32 municipalities; largest is City of Miami, next is Hialeah
• Residents come from more than 121 countries.
• More than 10 million overnight guests arrive annually. 

When you arrive

Docking information

Cruise ships in Miami dock at PortMiami. While it is possible to walk into downtown Miami and the Bayside Shopping Mall, it is a longer walk of about 20 to 30 minutes up a steep and busy bridge. To get to Miami Beach, you will want to take a taxi, which will set you back about $20 each way.

Getting around

Though there are an abundance of six-figure sports cars all over the Miami streets, the city’s public transportation system is an inexpensive and efficient way to get around for visitors. The Miami-Dade Transit bus system covers the entire county and connects to Fort Lauderdale as well. The Metrorail and the Metromover (which is free!) are both great ways to navigate through different regions of the city, including Downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Taxis are fairly expensive in Miami, yet convenient for short trips and need to be called and reserved ahead of time.

Need to know

Store hours: Stores in Miami are typically open from 9 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. On South Beach, stores close even later around 10 pm.  

Tipping: In most dining establishments in Miami, a 15% gratuity for service is customary. In some restaurants, the gratuity will be automatically added to your bill, so make sure to check so you don't tip twice.

Safety: Miami is typically a safe city, but has the same concerns as any big city. It is best not to accept offers from strangers, and to be aware of your surroundings. Don't wander alone in downtown Miami at night. Miami Beach is considered safer than Miami.

Your take

How about you? Have you been to Miami? What was the highlight? Have any tips? Let's see your photos!

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