From Wikitravel

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”. Population of 87,925. The vibrant area, with its pastel-hued buildings, hip nightclubs, trendy shops and see-and-be-seen Miami restaurants, attracts socialites and their satellites year-round. 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. The Beach can be affordable, depending on where you stay, eat and play. Visitors can plan to stay in a Miami Beach condo rental. Plan to spend some time in South Beach cool bars; things start heating up when the sun goes down. Miami Beach has a rich history as a trend setting arts center from the world famous nightclubs of the 1950's, 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 our 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.

[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, a shuttle bus that operates in a loop from 19thSt 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 [1] website or by calling +1 305 770 3131.

[edit] On bike and foot

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

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

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

• Bike and Roll. 760 Washington, Miami Beach, +1 305 538 2121 [2]

[edit][add listing] See

• The Wolfsonian [3] - Part of Florida International University, the Wolfsonian is a museum with a collection specializing in decorative art and design covering the period 1885-1945. 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, +1 305 531 1001
• Bass Museum of Art [4] – Wide ranging collection, 3000+ pieces, +1 305 673 7530
• Miami Seaquarium +1 305 361 5705 [5] – This 38 acre tropical island paradise features marine shows and marine life exhibits. Just ten minutes from downtown Miami.
• Matheson Hammock Marina [6]

[edit][add listing] Do

• GoCar GPS Tours, 1661 James Ave., [7]. 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, Miami Beach, +1 305 672 2014 [8] – 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 [9] – This fair is ranked one of the largest and most successful fairs int he 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 [10] – 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 [11]
• Kayaking and Snorkeling [12]
• Bike Tours [13]
• 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, [14]. (Collins from 155th to 160th) - 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 [15]
• Barry University [16]
• Florida International University [17]
• University of Miami [18]

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are many seafood restaurants on the beach, probably the most famous of which is Joe's Stone Crab. The wait is long, so you may want to reserve ahead of time. 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 Av., (305)534-6373 – Really cool and is located on the corner of Washington and 11th St in South Beach. They serve breakfast all day. $8-$15.

[edit] Mid-range

• Pascha's, 900 Lincoln Rd, +1 305 673-3919, [19] – Very good.
• Rice House of Kabob, 1318 Alton Rd, (305) 531-0332, [20] – Excellent for lunch.

[edit] Splurge

• Casa Tua, 4700 James Av. +1 305 673 1010, [21] – 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.

[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.

Caffè Tramonto, 235 Washington Ave. A bar with fun international atmosphere in South Beach. Between 2nd and 3rd on Washington Ave. Opens at 6PM daily. +1 305 672-2137

Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Av., 305-531-4622, [22]. M-F 3PM-5AM, Sa,Su 6PM-5AM. A funky locals 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 Tue. The joint gets packed on the weekends and most of the crowds starts coming in at 11PM. Drinks are inexpensive and pours are generous.

[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. But, 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

• Jazz on South Beach Hostel in Miami, 321 Collins Ave, Tel: +1 305 672.2137, [23]. New hostel location in the former Hotel Atlantica, just 1 block from the best section of the beach, and near all Miami area attractions.
• Dezer Hotels, [24]. Three properties located on the ocean. Spacious and affordable accommodations make a great place to stay.
• Wave Hotel, [25]. The Wave Hotel is a boutique Art Deco hotel on Ocean Drive in the SoFi area of Miami’s South Beach. A hip, relaxed atmosphere, within walking distance to the beach, nightclubs and dining.

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Astor, 956 Washington Ave, (305) 531-8081, [26]. A boutique Art Deco hotel located near restaurants, nightclubs and shopping on South Beach.
• Carlton South Beach Hotel, 1433 Collins Avenue, Newly renovated in trendy Art Deco district. [27].
• The Kent, 1131 Collins Avenue, 1131 Collins Avenue, 305-604-5068, [28]. Art deco styling.
• Wyndham Miami Beach Hotel & Resort, 4833 Collins Avenue, [29].
• Best Western Beach Resort, 4333 Collins Avenue, +1 305 532-3311, Toll-free: +1 800 832-8332, Fax: +1 305 531-5296, [30].
• Best Western South Beach, 1050 Washington Avenue, +1 305 674-1930, Toll-free: +1 888 343-1930, Fax: +1 305 672-0646, [31].
• Courtyard Miami Beach Oceanfront, 3925 Collins Avenue, +1 305 538-3373, Fax: +1 305 538-7077, [32].
• Courtyard Miami Beach South Beach, 1530 Washington Avenue, +1 305 604-8887, Fax: +1 305 604-8868, [33].
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Miami Beach on the Ocean, 4101 Collins Avenue, +1 305 673-3337, Toll-free: +1 800 777-9533, Fax: +1 305 673-3660, [34].
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Avenue, +1 305 604-1601, [35].
• Hotel Ocean in South Beach Miami, 1230 Ocean Drive, Tel. 305-672-2579, [36].
• The Park Central, 640 Ocean Drive, [37]. An art deco hotel with 115 accommodations and 12 suites, period furniture and modern amenities.
• The Strand Ocean Drive Hotel, 1052 Ocean Drive, (305) 538-9830 [38]. An all-suite boutique hotel located on Ocean Drive, near nightclubs, restaurants and shopping; across the street from the beach.
• Hotel St. Augustine, 347 Washington Ave., (305) 532-0570, [39]. A hip boutique hotel in South Beach’s SoFi District with Art Deco architecture and 24 loft-style rooms.
• Townhouse Hotel, 150 20th Street, [40]. Cool, fun, & fresh lodging accommodations steps away from the ocean, Collins Avenue, & Art Deco hotspots offering modern design & old-fashioned comfort.

[edit] Splurge

• Acqualina Resort, 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Tel (305) 918-8000, [41]. A five star luxury beach resort in South Florida’s Miami Beach, offering family and honeymoon vacation packages, wedding and meeting facilities, three restaurants, and a two-story oceanfront spa.

• Alexander Hotel, 5225 Collins Avenue, (305) 865-6500, [42]. Beachfront hotel offering one and two bedroom suites with kitchens. Fine dining available on-site at Shula's Steakhouse.

• Case Grande Suite Hotel, [43]. All suites have full kitchens and pets are allowed. Room service available. Guests have access to a private beach club.

• Eden Roc, A Renaissance Resort & Spa, 4525 Collins Avenue, +1 305 531-0000, Toll-free: +1 800 327-8337, Fax: +1 305 674-5555, [44].

• South Beach Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, +1 305 536-7700, Fax: +1 305 536-9900, [45].

• Delano Miami Beach, 1685 Collins Ave., +1 305 672-2000, [46]. Designed by hotelier Ian Schrager and Philippe Stark, this hotel projects the style and extravagance of South Beach, with rack rates to prove it. It is regarded by some to be the height of South Beach chic. At night the glitterati gather in the outdoor lounge and practice the art of elegant nonchalance.

• The Bentley Hotel, 501 Ocean Drive, [47]. The Bentley is a truly luxurious Art Deco Hotel housed in an oceanfront building dating from 1934. The Bentley's meticulously restored art deco architecture provides a luxurious, yet intimate environment. This decidedly upscale hotel is one of the few luxury-class options on Ocean Drive.

• The Bentley Beach Hotel, 101 Ocean Drive, [48].All-suite lodging accommodations offering luxury studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and penthouse suites.

• The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, (305) 531-3934 [49]. The Betsy Hotel is a newly renovated luxury boutique hotel on Ocean Drive.

• Nassau Suite Hotel, 1414 Collins Avenue. The Nassau Suite is ideally located just one block from the beach and world renowned Ocean Drive, walking distance from the Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Museums, Lincoln Road and just a few steps away from the Espanola Way market and restaurants.

• The Palms South Beach, 3025 Collins Avenue, [50]. The hotel is located in Miami Beach, at the northern end of South Beach, the world famous Art Deco neighborhood offering numerous attractions for visitors to enjoy. World-class shopping, renowned museums and art galleries, a fabulous culinary scene and a hot nightlife scene, are at easy reach from The Palms South Beach Hotel. The hotel is right on the beach.

• National Hotel, 1677 Collins Avenue, [51]. Located in the heart of Miami's historical Art Deco district: South Beach. The National Hotel is close to the beach, Lincoln Road, Miami Beach Convention Center and Ocean Drive.

• Penguin Hotel, 1418 Ocean Drive, [52]. Right on the beach, at the heart of the trendy Art Deco District South Beach, spanning one block between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

• Crest Hotel, 1670 James Avenue, [53]. The Hotel is located in the Art Deco District, Shopping, Beach & Convention Center.

• South Beach Hotel, 236 21 Street, [54]. The South Beach Hotel is located in South Beach Art Deco District, close to Lincoln Avenue, shopping, beach, nightlife and the Convention Center.

• Sagamore Hotel, 1671 Collins Ave, (305) 535-8088, [55]. The Sagamore Hotel is a luxury, all-suite Art Deco hotel located oceanfront on Collins Ave, South Beach, close to Lincoln Road, the Convention Center, shops, dining and nightlife.

• Sanctuary South Beach Hotel, 1745 James Avenue, [56]. Nestled on a quiet strech of James Avenue, the Sanctuary SoBe boutique hotel is just steps from the perpetual energy of South Beach, yet worlds away short walk to the ocean, Lincoln road, the Miami Beach Convention Center, and the Jackie Gleason Theatre. Many of South Beach's finest restaurants and hottest nightlife destinations are also literally around the corner.

[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

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