Miami: Sultry South Florida
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

	Palm Tree in Miami

Gone are the days when Miami was considered a winter resort with a primarily retirement crowd. Today, America’s favorite tropical city is the third most popular vacation destination in the United States falling only behind Los Angeles and New York City. With a population of more than two million, Miami is much more than a typical big city. The land is multifaceted and the people are culturally diverse; drifting sounds of Latin music are equally as popular as the squeals of children splashing in the waves. Lush foliage, such as palm trees, orchids, hibiscus and bougainvillea paint the landscape with bright greens, hot pinks and shades of violet. There is no question that most people visit Miami for the beach, in fact for many people these two words are virtually synonymous. The very idea of Miami conjures up images of blue water lapping up onto golden sand. In addition to the relaxation retreat offered by the area’s beaches, Miami also has a happening nightlife that is second to none. Not only is there unsurpassed dining offered along Washington Avenue, Miami’s hottest night club district, but there is also plenty of live music, dancing and entertainment.

SURROUNDING AREA

Aerial View of Miami Beach

Miami is a huge city that encompasses not only downtown Miami and Miami Beach, but also several smaller cities and distinctive neighborhoods. The boundaries between these areas are so indistinct that it is difficult to know when you have left Miami proper and arrived in one of its many suburbs. Miami and Miami Beach are interchangeable in the minds of many. Miami Beach, one of the main reasons why many people visit this area, lies just two miles across the water from Miami. With beige sand and brilliant blue water that extends as far as the eye can see, "SoBe" or South Beach, is the most popular beach in the area. Miami Beach is also well known for its architecture. The famous Art Deco District inhabits South Beach’s ‘Ocean Drive’ and the surrounding streets. In addition to tourism, the photography industry also brings in a lot of revenue to Miami Beach. It is not uncommon to see a photographer or a model on almost every corner.

Coconut Grove is an upbeat neighborhood located just ten minutes south of downtown Miami. With a predominantly young population, Coconut Grove is popular for its many bars and a flourishing nightlife that is second only to Miami itself. The sailboats and the wildlife of Biscayne Bay are easily visible from Coconut Grove’s waterfront parks.

The prosperous Miami suburb of Coral Gables is a beautiful community with many open green spaces and captivating Mediterranean style architecture. The Biltmore Hotel, as well as other architectural marvels, towers over the city. Flowing fountains, cascading vines and ornamental waterfalls decorate many properties and complement the beauty of Coral Gables’ architecture.

	Father and Son in Little Havana

Little Havana is home to the majority of Miami’s large Cuban population. This neighborhood is located just across the Miami River from downtown. An authentic Cuban experience can be found in Little Havana by exploring the many Cuban run shops, cafes and restaurants.

Key Biscayne is situated just six miles (9.5 kilometers) off the coast of Miami across the Rickenbacker Causeway, and just across Biscayne Bay from Coral Gables. This small barrier island is home to a large resort community. Crandon Park Beach is considered to be among one of the country’s top beaches; white sand, blue water and recreation abound.

South Miami-Dade County is a predominantly rural area, in comparison to Miami proper, that is now well known as the gateway to the Florida Keys, the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. Filled with historic villages, hidden treasures and contemporary suburbs, this county maintains the essence of early Miami. The community of Homestead is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) from downtown. Major attractions such as Parrot Jungle and the Miami Metrozoo can be found along the way.

Fort Lauderdale is a major metropolis, located just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Miami. With 23 miles (37 kilometers) of stretching beaches and extensive waterways, Fort Lauderdale is the largest yacht basin in the United States. Many cruise ships stop here en route to various destinations, also making it a busy cruise port like Miami itself. Fort Lauderdale has a surprising number of historic sights and many attractions scattered across the city for visitors to enjoy. At the historic Stranahan House visitors can learn about the life of one of Fort Lauderdale’s founding families. A leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk offers more than a mile of lush gardens, as well as many shops, restaurants and museums.

HISTORY AND ECONOMY

Miami, as we know it today, is a relatively young city. The land that is now known as Miami and southern Florida was originally inhabited by the Tequesta Indians. When Juan Ponce de Leon discovered this area in the early 16^th century the Tequesta Indians resisted colonization and drove the Spanish away. Eventually Spain prevailed. After Miami’s ownership was tossed back and forth between Spain and England from the 16^th century onward, the city finally became part of the United States in 1821.

Miami's more recent history, much like its earlier roots, has been somewhat like that of a roller coaster ride - a series of ups and downs. 1891 was the year in which a pattern of booms and busts began, a year which also marks the beginning of modern day Miami. It all began when a lady named Julia Tuttle left her father’s homestead. Rather than continuing a life steeped in tradition, she settled on the most remarkable piece of land that she could find: the North bank of the Miami River. At the same time Henry Flagler, Florida’s original railroad builder was beginning to extend the railway south of Saint Augustine in the northern part of the state. Miss Tuttle spent months, which eventually turned into years, trying to convince Flagler to extend the tracks farther south. Finally after exhaustive efforts, Mr. Flagler was convinced when the winter of 1894-95 froze all the crops in the state, except those in Miami. This began a chain of unprecedented changes and expansions. By 1896 the first passenger train arrived in Miami.

Through the early 1900s Miami continued to grow, develop and change rapidly. The 1920 population of nearly 30,000 had doubled within three years. The Great Depression did not pass Miami by; it hit the city hard and caused a serious decline in economic growth, as it did all over America and most of the industrialized world. The mid-1930s saw a resurgence in the economy, as a result the landmark Art Deco buildings were built at this time. These took the place of the demolished pioneer buildings. By the early 1940s tourism had already become the backbone of Miami’s economy, but World War II left the city’s hotels empty, especially after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Life was brought back to the city when Miami officials began turning hotels into army barracks and stationing military bases around the city. The years following the war were prosperous again when former soldiers returned to the city to settle permanently.

In the 1950s Miami Beach became known as the ‘Cuba of America.’ An influx of Cuban immigrants, fleeing from Cuba’s political turmoil and the dictatorship of Batista and then Castro, arrived primarily during the late 1950s and 1960s. Today, approximately two-thirds of Cuban Americans make their home in Florida; Miami has the highest population of Cuban Americans in the United States.

In the mid-1980s Miami was brought to international fame with the television show ‘Miami Vice’. Created in Miami Beach, the show featured Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as narcotics detectives who stylishly drove around the city in a chic Ferrari Testarossa. ‘Miami Vice’ glamorized Miami-life and had tourists from near and far coming to see all that the area has to offer.

Since the 1980s Miami has had a perpetually prosperous economy. The restoration of the Art Deco District, and the increased effort to preserve the area in the 80s has helped to bring in more tourists annually, thus further enhancing the economy. As the 90s approached, Miami became known as a great international city. Miami’s centennial birthday was celebrated on July 28, 1996 in Bayfront Park with fireworks and other entertainment. Today, the tourism industry contributes billions of dollars to Miami’s economy each year.

CLIMATE

	Enjoying the Miami Heat

Sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary items to brave the Miami heat. Summers in Miami are very hot and humid. Average temperatures in August, the hottest month, are between 78° and 87° F (26° and 31° C). Although these temperatures do not sound blazing from a distance, high humidity makes it feel as if the mercury is soaring. The summer in Miami is also known for precipitation and stormy afternoons. Ideal conditions in Miami exist between December and May, which is peak tourism season. Winter temperatures between 60° and 85° F (16° and 30° C) are quite comfortable. Southern Florida’s biggest weather hazards is hurricane season between June and November. Aside from Hurricane Andrew in 1992, few hurricanes have caused damage in the area - Miami is usually untouched.

TRANSPORTATION

Driving is the most popular and most convenient form of transportation in Miami. Car rentals are easily available at competitive rates at area airports and cruise ports, as well as many other outlets around the city. When driving through the city stay on the major highways and within popular tourist and suburban areas. Take note of the blue road signs with an orange sun, these identify the easiest routes to many attractions. The Miami-Dade Transit runs an extensive public transportation system throughout Miami-Dade County, comprised of four branches: the Metrobus, the Metrorail, the Metromover (a rail system in the downtown area only) and the Paratransit (accessible public transportation exclusively for the disabled community). Alternate forms of transportation are also quite popular for getting around Miami. Currently among the most popular is in-line skating; however, cycling is also quite prevalent. If you have the time a Water Taxi is also a great way to get around the city. Greyhound has three bus stations throughout the city with frequent buses to regional destinations such as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Orlando, as well as many destinations across the country. Amtrak also serves the Miami area by offering frequent connections to other Florida cities and destinations in the United States. 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of downtown is the Miami International Airport. Major airlines service the airport, taking passengers to and from destinations all over the world. The Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is also relatively close to Miami and just minutes from Fort Lauderdale. Many domestic and international flights are offered at FLL by numerous major and commuter airlines. Transportation is available to and from both airports through various airport shuttle operators, as well as the many taxi companies around the city.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Art Deco District

Art Deco on the Miami Strip

The Art Deco style of architecture has become the façade of Miami Beach. This mix of modern decorative art styles (hence, the term), including cubism, geometric shapes and overlapping images, is unmistakable. South Beach has taken the traditional art deco style and created a unique neighborhood that is unmatched anywhere in the world. The nautical themes and tropical flowers embossed in the traditional patterns have earned this Art Deco District the nickname "Tropical Deco". Ocean Drive, Miami Beach’s main drag, is splashed with a rainbow of tropical pastel pinks, blues and greens. At night the buildings are accented by bright neon lights. The approximate 800 buildings, ranging from hotels and apartments to cafes that comprise this district were built primarily during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. In fact, the progression of the buildings’ construction and the area’s boom phases can be clearly seen: the early construction begins at 5^th Street and progresses through the 30s, 40s and the 50s down to 27^th Street. Some of the more popular landmark buildings in the area include the Colony Hotel and the Beacon Hotel. The Art Deco District Welcome Center offers walking tours regularly, which explain the architecture of the area in detail. South Beach’s Art Deco District covers 80 square blocks, and is one of the largest areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Little Havana and the Calle Ocho Festival

Cuban influence is evident throughout Miami, but it is most predominant in the southwest quadrant of the city: Little Havana is a distinctly Cuban neighborhood. Calle Ocho, Spanish for Eighth Street, is the essence of Little Havana. Lined with Cuban shops, cafes, restaurants and music stores, Calle Ocho is the epitome of a true Cuban experience in Miami. Every year Little Havana hosts America’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture. The Calle Ocho Festival, also known as the Little Havana Festival, takes place in early March and spans 23 blocks - the world’s largest street party. Calle Ocho is shut down and filled with excitement, celebration and lots of noise. Food venues, musical stages, Latin music performers, and an average of one million people crowd the streets each year. Hotels are booked months in advance for the Calle Ocho Festival, so travelers planning to visit Miami during the festival should be prepared to plan well ahead of time.

Parrot Jungle

	A Pair of Parrots

Parrot Jungle, a subtropical paradise, is home to well over 1,000 birds and animals, as well as 2,000 trees and flowers. The lush gardens and exotic tropical plants, including orchids, heliconias and bromeliads, make visitors feel as though they are in a real jungle. The experience is completed by free-flying parrots overhead. The diverse collection of parrots and exotic bird species are tame enough to pose on your shoulder, arm or head for a photo or two. Many live shows are featured daily to display the talents of the jungle’s many inhabitants. In the Parrot Bowl, trained macaws, parrots and cockatoos perform their tricks and talents a few times a day. Parrot Jungle also boasts hummingbird and butterfly gardens, in addition to the mammal, reptile and bird exhibits. Picnicking is allowed on the grounds, however the Parrot Café offers a stunning view of the park. Before leaving Parrot Jungle be sure to stop in the Parrot-dise Boutique Gift Shop, which offers a variety of souvenirs and collectibles.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Ten glorious acres of land in Southeast Miami are inhabited by the opulent Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Vizcaya, the Basque word for "elevated place," is a fabulous Italian villa that was built in 1916 for the millionaire industrialist James Deering. Determined to make his ‘winter home’ a divine masterpiece, Deering traveled throughout Europe searching for architectural ideas, as well as items such as doors and wall panels. Deering’s intention was to make the home appear like a 16^th century Italian estate. Within, the house is filled with 70 rooms, 34 of which are open for public touring. Each room contains exquisite period furnishings, artwork, antiques, oriental carpets and moldings ranging from the 15^th century through to the 19^th century. The Vizcaya gardens are stunning. Ornate fountains, narrow trails, gazebos, a stone gondola and canals adorn the formal Italian gardens. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are now owned by Metro-Dade Parks, and have been designated as one of only two National Historic Landmarks in Miami-Dade County. In addition to the 200,000 visitors Vizcaya receives each year, such notables as Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth and Ronald Reagan have also toured this palace-like home. Tours of the Vizcaya house and gardens are offered regularly. Moonlight tours of the gardens are available at designated times. Inquire locally for detailed tour times and information.