Miami’s status has come full circle: hotspot of celebrity glamour and decadence in the early and mid-twentieth century; to race-rioting and drug-trafficking no-go area in the 80s; and back to party central as the twenty-first century gets underway. It’s Florida’s biggest city – or rather cities, as Miami Beach counts as one in its own right – and naturally draws huge numbers of tourists, both from overseas and from the rest of the USA.
Things to see and do
• Miami Beach - partying rules here, with miles of beautiful beaches complimented by legions of restaurants, bars and clubs; but the area’s historic art-deco architecture ensures that it always maintains a certain class too.
• Carnaval Miami - apparently the largest street party in the world, the Carnaval Miami takes place at the beginning of March each year, centred on the predominantly Cuban area of Calle Ocho.
• Watersports - as with the whole of Florida, Miami is perfect for watersports of all kinds: windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, fishing are all hugely popular and widely available.
• Fort Lauderdale - just up the coast from Miami is the self-proclaimed ‘Venice of America’; it does have canals, but there the comparison fizzles out – what it does have though is raging nightlife, great shopping, museums, galleries and activity centres, and…oh yes, beaches.
• Keys - just in case the mainland beaches don’t quite measure up, the more Caribbean feel of the Keys - an island group to the south and west - are certain to satisfy the pickiest paradise-seeker.
Getting there
Miami International Airport is 12 miles west of the city and is one of the busiest in the country. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is 30 miles north; both are served by shuttle buses, trains, car hire and taxis, so you won’t have any trouble making it to Miami whatever your budget.
Weather and location
Winter (December-March) is peak season in Florida, as the area enjoys warm temperatures and consistent sunshine while most of the rest of the country goes into a freeze; the summers (May-August) can be scorching though. Miami is on the south-eastern tip of Florida, with Naples to the west, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach to the north, and Key Largo just across the water to the south.
Top tip
Take in South Beach the authentic way – strap on your rollerblades and head down the Promenade. |
