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Miami Travel Guide
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| Miami |
From
its beginning just over 100 years ago, Miami
billed itself as a travel destination: Its first motto was
"America's sunporch." Warm weather, sandy beaches
and bright sunshine were its selling points then, and they
remain a potent draw today. But America's sunporch has allure
far beyond the U.S. People from all over the Caribbean and
Latin America have settled there in the past 40 years, giving
the city a new nickname, "the capital of the Western
Hemisphere." As much as we love Miami's warm-weather
fun, it's the city's lively, international character that
sets it apart from many other travel destinations.
Though its residents come from all walks of life, it's the
city's upscale sheen that most often catches the eye. The
South Beach Art Deco District (or SoBe) is the center of Miami's
trendy dining and nightlife scene, though its cheerful, neon-pastel
buildings and palm-tree-lined avenues please the hip and unhip
alike. Elsewhere in the city, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables
offer their own versions of fine living. As attractive as
these areas are, take time to enjoy the colorful happenings
in other corners of Miami. And don't overlook the natural
world -- though you may have to make a drive to the Everglades
to get a good view of it.
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| Miami
Travels & Tours |
Bayside
Marketplace
To get the quintessential Miami experience, visit this lovely
open-air market, where you can browse the artist's carts,
sip an iced drink and stroll along the pier. More than 100
shops and 30 restaurants make this a wonderful place to
shop. This is more than just a mall; it is a sweet slice
of south Florida life. Located next to the American Airlines
Arena and the Port of Miami, this is a great place to spend
a few hours.
CocoWalk
The atmosphere on this shopping and dining strip rivals
Ocean Drive or Lincoln Road for energy, but unlike some
of Miami's heavily trafficked shopping areas, CocoWalk also
retains the quaint flavor of a small village. Dozens of
shops and restaurants line the street. Live entertainment
appears periodically, and minstrels wander the streets.
A 16-screen AMC movie theater is joined by such favorites
as Banana Republic, Express, Gap, Speedo and Perfumania.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a favorite among the area's seven restaurants,
including Cheesecake Factory, Au Bon Pain, Coco Gelato,
Muncheese, and Cafe Med.
Venetian Pool
The unique and picturesque water park, Venetian Pools, is
truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. This public swimming pool,
chiseled out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, looks
like a natural rock formation, except that no natural rock
formation could be so perfectly suited to human enjoyment.
This historical landmark is a work of art with its gushing
fountains, coral caves and waterfalls. The 820,000 gallons
of cool, refreshing spring water are replaced daily.
Calle Ocho Festival
Celebrate the grand finale of Carnival Miami in the heart
of Little Havana. The largest open house of the year takes
place right on historic Eighth Street, where the Cuban community
originally took root. Featuring live entertainment by world-famous
Latin performers and delicious refreshments prepared by
plenty of Latin food vendors, this annual block party attracts
more than one million visitors each year. Enjoy a daylong
celebration of Latin culture as you dance salsa in the streets
and feast on Cuban cuisine.
Miami River Historical Jungle Tours
Wind your way down the river drinking in the sights of modern
Miami as you listen to stories about its past. Children
and adults alike will enjoy this relaxing, entertaining
and informative journey. Tours are two and a half hours
long and make stops at several historical points of interest.
Refreshments are provided.
Spanish Monastery
This monastery was originally erected in 1141 in Segovia,
Spain and brought to America in pieces by William Randolph
Hearst to be rebuilt stone by stone; it is the oldest building
in the western hemisphere. Now officially named The Ancient
Monastery St. Bernard de Clairvaux, the building serves
as an historical landmark, an Episcopal church (with 200
active members) and a tourist attraction. The building is
available for weddings, receptions and parties. Visit the
monastery's website for complete details
Casino Princesa
On this luxurious 200-foot yacht, gaming aficionados can
try their hand at roulette, blackjack, slots, or other traditional
casino games. There is more than 10,000 square feet of gaming
area on four decks; three decks are enclosed, one is open
air. For those not inclined to gamble can sip cocktails
while enjoying the breathtaking ocean views. The gaming
cruises last about five hours.
Miami Art Museum
Supported by both private and public funding, Miami Art
Museum is recognized as a "Major Cultural Institution"
by the state of Florida. The museum features exhibits of
contemporary works, primarily from the 1940s to the present,
as well as collections of art from other historical periods.
The museum also offers lectures, hands-on workshops and
cultural studies courses. There are ongoing displays of
new collections and exhibits of international art.
Doral Golf Resort and Spa
This combination golf resort and spa is located on 650 acres
and is only minutes from the Miami International Airport.
The luxurious rooms offer either a tropical garden or a
golf course view. The resort is also home to the annual
Doral-Ryder Open, played on one of the country's most challenging
courses. Doral houses a spa restaurant that specializes
in low-fat cuisine. Other restaurants include a cafe and
a sports bar. Make your reservations early—the resort
is usually booked well in advance.
Jazz Under the Stars
Take full advantage of the breezy climate during the winter
months and head outdoors. Pack your picnic basket and bring
a blanket for an enjoyable evening of jazz under the stars.
This annual event presents live jazz performances by top
artists like Arturo Sandoval, Roberto Perera, and George
Tandy. Admission costs are USD14 in advance, USD18 at the
gate, free for children under age 5. Proceeds benefit the
Cultural Council's scholarship fund for music education.
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| Nature
and Adventure |
| Winter
is the ideal time to go to Miami, when temperatures average
59-76 F/15-24 C. Days are warm, the humidity is reasonable
and nights are comfortably cool (take along a sweater).
Visitors heading to Miami as early as November or as late
as April will find comfortable temperatures (low 80s F/high
20s C) and bearable humidity. Summers tend to be hot and
quite humid, with frequent lightning. The heaviest rainfall
is expected May-October, and hurricanes, although far from
common, can occur from June through November, with the highest
probability in September and early October.
The city's public transportation probably serves residents
better than visitors: Although it's possible to combine
public transport with walking and/or taxis, we recommend
renting a car for easy access to all the attractions. If
your plans don't involve venturing far from SoBe, a car
won't be necessary.
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