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Miami Beach is a city in Florida. This small barrier island near Miami was originally cleared of mangroves in the late 1800's to make way for a coconut farm, and was later incorporated as a city by real estate developers in 1915.

[edit] Understand

Miami Beach is a barrier island connected to the mainland city of Miami by a series of bridges.

Miami Beach, like Miami, has a huge Latin American population, and Spanish is a language often used for day-to-day discourse in many places. However, English is the language of preference, particularly when dealing with businesses and government. Spanglish, a mixture of English and Spanish, is a somewhat common occurrence, with bilingual locals switching between English and Spanish mid-sentence. The local Latin population is mostly Cuban exiles (which have now become second and third generation locals,) with South Americans from various countries gaining ground. There is also a large Haitian community and many signs and public announcements are in English, Spanish and Creole.

Miami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century. The city of Miami Beach is a barrier island connected to the mainland city of Miami by a series of bridges. The city is often referred to under the umbrella term of "Miami”, with a population of 87,925. As a world-class destination, Miami Beach offers several kinds of lodging options. The visitor can stay in a normal hotel or choose from a variety of Miami Beach vacation rentals. Visitors can plan to stay in a Miami Beach condo rental. Miami Beach has a rich history as a trend setting arts center from the world famous nightclubs of the 1950s, to the rich cultural life of today's modern South Beach. The City of Miami Beach has an identity that is intrinsically linked to the arts, and today the entertainment, production and arts communities are stronger than ever. Miami Beach is truly a major international entertainment and cultural destination.

If you come to Miami to shop, then Miami Beach can give you the best shopping experience ever. With the famous Lincoln Road Mall and glamorous shopping centers located in South Beach and all over the island, you’ll have great options to spend your time and money in the trendy retails stores that carry garments from international designers. Art museums, ballet performances, cultural events and entertainment are a part of this great city. You will have the chance to choose from a wide variety of Miami attractions. Art Center at Lincoln Road has performance art exhibitions. Classes and courses are available as well and they include photography, jewelry-making and painting.

Beyond the radiant sun, surf and sand, discover Miami Beach’s rich history as an entertainment and cultural destination, from world-famous Art Deco architecture to renowned nightclubs to designer fashions on Collins Ave and Lincoln Rd. There’s so much going on in Miami Beach, you will need an extra day to enjoy everything that makes this city so vibrant. Plan to lodge in an affordable Miami vacation home and completely enjoy the world’s elite playground. Miami Beach promises a 25-hour day, and whether you're an arts enthusiast, a socialite or a sun worshipper, there are plenty of options for where to spend that extra hour.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Miami International Airport (MIA) is closest, but Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is only around 40 minutes away (depending on traffic) by shuttle and the rates are often better.

You can take the J Bus from Miami International Airport to Miami Beach. To Get to South Beach, then transfer to a southbound H or C bus. The fare is approximately $2.

[edit] By car

[edit] Get around

Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place. Car rentals are the most convenient for of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and shop times.

[edit] Public Transportation

When traveling within Miami Beach, a good choice is the South Beach Local [1], a shuttle bus that operates in a loop from 19th St to the southern end of Miami Beach (buses travel in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions). Fare is only 25 cents. Regional transit buses throughout the greater Miami area are available, but may be slow and inconvenient. Schedules and routes are available from the Miami-Dade Transit [2] website or by calling +1 305 770 3131.

[edit] On bike and foot

Miami Beach is bicycle and pedestrian friendly, although the streets can get congested close to the beach so going on foot is sometimes easier.

• Miami Beach Bicycle Center, 601 5th St, Miami Beach, +1 305 674 0150.

• Two Wheel Drive, 1260 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, +1 305 534 2177.

• Bike and Roll, 760 Washington, Miami Beach, +1 305 538 2121 [3].

[edit][add listing] See

• The Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave, +1 305' 531 1001 [4]. Part of Florida International University, the Wolfsonian is a museum with a collection specializing in decorative art and design covering the period 1885-1945.
• Bass Museum of Art, +1 305 673 7530 [5]. This musuem displays contemporary exhibits and has a fine permanent collection of over 3000 pieces from Old Masters and modernist works.
• Miami Seaquarium, +1 305 361 5705 [6]. This 38 acre tropical island paradise features marine shows and marine life exhibits. Just ten minutes from downtown Miami.
• Matheson Hammock Marina [7]. Grassy park with a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. The park has a full-service marina, snack bar and restaurant built into an historic coral rock building, picnic pavilions and nature trails.

[edit][add listing] Do

• GoCar GPS Tours, 1661 James Ave [8]. See Miami Beach in the world's first Storytelling Car. The GoCar will guide you to see what most visitors never see, while telling stories and history along the way that bring the city to life. It's like having your own private tour guide with you. Tours take place at your own pace in a fun to drive, open-air, two-person scooter car. Rates begin at $29 per hour. Discounted daily rates are also available.

• Miami Design Preservation League, 1001 Ocean Dr, +1 305 672 2014 [9]. The MDPL conducts walking tours showcasing the architecture of the Art Deco district. They also hold lectures, show films, and other special events at the Art Deco Welcome Center.

• Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition [10]. This fair is ranked one of the largest and most successful fairs in the nation and attracts nearly 700,000 visitors each year. Typically held in late March and early April, the 18-day event offers close to 100 rides, nearly 170 food vendors, 50 games, souvenir and gift shops and the World Agriculture competition. Not to be missed – a daily Mardi Gras parade.

• Eco-AdventureTours, 1+305 365 3018 [11]. Miami-Dade Park's Eco-Adventures offers a line up of naturalist-guided nature adventures. Activities include kayaking and snorkeling in the clear water, canoe trips through scenic mangrove creeks and biking along paths in Key Biscayne.

• Canoe Trips [12].
• Kayaking and Snorkeling [13].
• Bike Tours [14].

• South Beach (Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th). One of the best known beaches in the US and one of the few in the US where topless sunbathing is common.

• Haulover Beach, Collins from 155th to 160th [15]. If you're a little more daring, this is one of the few and also one of the better nude beaches in the U.S. Reasonable facilities and a welcoming mixed crowd enjoy nature au naturel at the northern half of Haulover Beach. Approximately ten miles north of South Beach.

[edit] Learn

• Miami-Dade Community College [16]
• Barry University [17]
• Florida International University [18]
• University of Miami [19]

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

Miami Beach is a fashionista's paradise, with strips dedicated to designer, from Versarce to Missioni, from Vivienne Westwood to Chloe. Don your most comfortablest shoes and indulge!

• Collins Avenue/Washington Avenue— Heralded as the designer district, all your favorite designers labels are within walking distance from each other, which means that more time can be spent in the changerooms. Start at Collins and Fifth Avenues and walk north, toward 10th Street. Peek down the side streets and you will find smaller, one-of-a-kind boutiques.

• Lincoln Road— This seven block strip is closed to traffic but open to diehard shoppers. There's the standard stores such as Bebe alongside unique boutiques such as Brownes & Co, an upscale spa/body and bath products store.

• Espanola Way— A pedestrian mall off Washington Avenue near 14th Street. Its charming architecture is reminiscent of a Spanish village, complete with red roofs. On Sundays, the street turns into something of a farmers’ market, with locals selling everything from freshly cut flowers to souveniers in stalls.

Those without a budget head to Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour) where the locals shop at the Versace boutique.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Many international cuisines are to be found, with a heavy leaning towards Latin foods, particularly Cuban cuisine. Some Cuban cuisine to try includes a sandwich cubano (Cuban sandwich) and a cafecito (literally it means little coffee, but compares to a strong, sweet espresso).

[edit] Budget

• 11th Street Diner, 1065 Washington Ave, (305)534-6373. Really cool and is on the corner of Washington and 11th St in South Beach. They serve breakfast all day. $8-$15.
• Van Dyke, 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, tel (305) 534-3600. Serving a good range of salads, sandwiches and pastas at a reasonable price. Entrees start from $7.
• A Fish called Avalon 700 Ocean Dr, Miami Bech, tel 305) 532-1727. Fresh seafood restaurant that has locals and visitors raving. While the service can be better, the food is impeccable. Be sure to try the Lobster Cavatelli or the Cilantro Cured Swordfish.

[edit] Mid-range

• Pascha's, 900 Lincoln Rd, +1 305 673-3919 [20]. Healthy Mediterranean fare that is as tasty as it looks. Good location on Lincoln Road and the staff are attentive.
• Rice House of Kabob, 1318 Alton Rd, (305) 531-0332 [21]. Clean lined decor inside serves plentiful and filling Indian cuisine. Great for a lunch time bite.
• Nexxt Cafe, 700 Lincoln Rd, +1 305-532-6643, [22]. European sidewalk cafe offering a choice of excellent value international cuisine. Save room for one of the delectable fresh French pastries Nexxt concocts daily.
• 660 Mediterranean Kitchen at The Angler's, 660 Washington Avenue, +1 786-594-5811 [23] Cozy and magical indoor and outdoor spaces provide for a romantic and intimate dining experience, full liquor bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Nobu, 1901 Collins Ave (located in the Shore Hotel), +1 305 695-3232 (e-mail miamibeach@noburestaurants.com, fax +1 305 695-3246, buteservations taken through the main phone number only) [24] – Japanese. One of the many Nobu restaurants around the world known for its amazing Japanese food. Good luck trying to get a reservation though. $3-$70 per person, per meal (the NOBU signature menu is $110; the Omakase, a meal determined by the chef, is $150).

• Blue Sea Restaurant, 1685 Collins Ave (located in an alcove off the main lobby of the Delano Hotel), +1 305 674-6400 [25] – Sun-Thu 7PM-12AM, Fri-Sat 5:30PM-1AM. Sushi.

• Blue Door Restaurant, 1685 Collins Ave (located in the Delano Hotel), +1 305 697-1791 [26]. Breakfast Sun-Sat 7PM-11:30AM, lunch Snu-Sat 11:30AM-4PM, brunch Sun 10:30AM-2:30PM, prix fixe dinner 7PM-11PM, a la carte dinner 7PM-12AM. French/Brazilian fusion. Reservations required for the prix fixe dinner. Reservations can be taken online.

[edit] Splurge

• Casa Tua, 4700 James Ave, +1 305 673 1010[27]. If it's good enough for Sting then it might be good enough for you. If you want to go up-market for dinner, it's hard to beat--but be prepared to pay for the experience.
• Barton G, 1427 West Avenue, Miami Beach, tel 305-672-8881. Its a dining experience you'll never forget, with plates and drinks outrageously designed by Chef Barton G, Miami’s most famous event planner. Dine with socialities and celebrities, and don't forget your credit card, it's quite expensive.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Most of the drinking nightlife is centered around South Beach or Coconut Grove. "Cuba Libre" is a popular drink, known to the rest of the world as plain old "Rum and Coke". Also popular is the "Mojito", a sugar/mint/soda-water and rum drink.

• Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Ave, 305-531-4622 [28]. Open M-F 3PM-5AM, Sa,Su 6PM-5AM. A funky local dance joint, the world famous Purdy Lounge is open till 5AM every day of the year. Daily drink specials, live reggae on Mon and live local bands on Tuesday. The joint gets packed on the weekends and most of the crowds starts coming in at 11PM. Drinks are inexpensive and pours are generous.

• Rose Bar at the Delano, 1685 Collins Ave (located in the Delano Hotel), +1 305 672-2000 [29] – Created by Ian Schrager, the bar has several rose-colored glasses surrounding it. Drinks are expensive, so be prepared to wear out your wallet.

• Skybar, 1901 Collins Ave (located at the Shore Club), +1 305 695-3100 [30] – Times vary depending on rooms within the Skybar. Consisting of several places in the space behind the Shore Club with whimsical names like the Redroom, the Sandbar and the Rumbar, the Shore Club is tough to get into for people not on the A-list or guests at the hotel. Another hotel creation by Ian Schrager.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Miami Beach is a tourist town and has many hotels, located mostly around the beach area. High season (fewer rooms, higher prices,) is during the winter months of November through February, with summer being the low season. There are hostels throughout the city.

Do your homework when booking a hotel in South Beach. Nearly all of the hotels have a restaurant, at least a small one, out in front of the hotel. That appears to be what gets the hotel a three-star rating. However in many cases, the hotel by itself is far from three-stars. Read reviews from other travelers before booking or you might be very disappointed.

[edit] Budget

[edit] Mid-range

• The Raleigh, 1775 Collins Avenue, ☎ +1 (305) 534-6300, [31]. Situated majestically on the oceanfront in the heart of Miami’s South Beach, The Raleigh hotel is a masterpiece of Art Deco grandeur. A celebrated work of the legendary architect L. Murray Dixon, the 105-room hotel was built in 1940 and underwent an extensive renovation by André Balazs in 2004. A consummate mix of style and understatement, of elegance and comfort, of glamour and warmth, The Raleigh is a jewel amid one of the world’s most energizing cities.  edit

• Westgate Resort, 3611 Collins Avenue Miami, Florida 33140 [32]. Beachfront resort hotel at the doorstep of Miami's South Beach/Art Deco district offering oversized one and two-bedroom lodging accommodations and featuring uniquely individualized decor with a full kitchen, complete with a dishwasher and microwave.

• Tropics Hotel & Hostel, 1550 Collins Ave, +1 305 531-0361 (fax +1 305 531-8676), [33]. Dorm rooms have four to eight beds per room. Private rooms have TV and phone. Barbecue, pool. $27-39 per night (dorm rooms), $90-$180 per night (private rooms. Prices vary by the number of people in the room).

• Villa Paradiso, 1415 Collins Ave, +1 305 532-0616 (fax + 1 305 673-5874), [34]. This hotel has 56 rooms. Rooms have queen sized beds, double beds or couch-beds. Air conditioning, TV, kitchen, refrigerator, coffeemaker. $99 per night (starting price for room rates).

[edit] Splurge

• Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue, +1 305 672-2000 (fax +1 305 532-0099, United States reservations toll-free number 1 800 697-1791, international reservations number 00800 4969 1780) [35]. Hotel has poolside bungalows, the Blue Door restaurant, the Blue Sea restaurant, the Rose Bar, the Agua Spa, penthouse suites and meeting facilities. Known in the past for Madonna hanging around the hotel, nowadays you may find the likes of Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis in the hotel whenever she's in town. $650-$925 per night for a standard room, $1,050-$2,100 per night for a suite, $2,000-$3,000 per night for bungalow/two bedroom, $2,900-$3,800 per night for a penthouse (winter rates); $315-$795 per night standard room, $950-$2,000 per night for a suite, $1,500-$3,000 per night for a bungalow/two bedroom, $2,400-$3,000 per night for a penthouse (off-season rates). $25 per additional person, per room.

• Eden Roc, A Renaissance Beach Resort & Spa, 4525 Collins Avenue, ☎ 305 531 0000, [36]. Eden Roc is a unique Florida spa resort located in Millionaire's Row. This Renaissance Miami Beach Resort & Spa features four pools, a marina, italian restaurant and so much more.  edit

• The Setai, 2001 Collins Ave, +1 305 520-6000 (fax +1 305 520-6600) [37]. Contemporary Asian style hotel in a reconstructed Deco building. Managed by GHM hotels, operator of the high-end Chedi chain. Quite possibly one of the most expensive boutique hotels in Miami (let alone South Beach). $950-$9000+ per night (ask about their prices for their four bedroom penthouse).

• The Shore Club Hotel, 1901 Collins Ave, +1 305 695-3100 (fax +1 305 695-3299, United States reservations toll-free number +1 800 697-1791 international reservations number 00800 4969 1780) [38] – Hotel has the Beach House (a private villa), two pools, a spa, the Skybar, Nobu & Ago restaurant, penthouse suites and meeting facilities. $450-$1500 per night.

• Miami Beach Resort, 4833 Collins Avenue, ☎ 866-765-9090, [39]. Situated directly on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean: oceanfront views and luxurious accommodations. Just 2.5 miles from world-class shopping and nightlife destinations of South Beach.  edit

• The Raleigh Hotel, ☎ 1775 Collins Avenue, [40]. This Art Deco Hotel has been a staple of South Beach since its renovation in the 1980's. The pool is fantastic.  edit.

[edit] Contact

The main area code for Miami Beach is 305, with an overlay of the 786 area code.

[edit] Stay safe

Emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Get out