When one thinks
about Miami, Florida, the image that
comes to mind is usually filled with
hot night spots, sophisticated urban
hospitality and warm, sandy beaches.
It is all of these things and much
more that make Miami one of the
hottest vacation spots both in Florida
and in the Eastern United States.
While Miami has been a hot vacation
destination for decades, the city has
seen some major development during
these infancy years of the new
millennium.
Most of this development has taken
place in downtown Miami, but its
effect can be felt throughout the
region. But since the numerous new
buildings and skyscrapers have been
built in the city's center, the famous
beaches of the area have remained
pretty much unchanged.
One of the main attractions of
Miami is its temperate, subtropical
weather which allows for year-round
outdoor activities. The many beaches
and waterfronts available offer varied
water sports including windsurfing,
sailing, kayaking and scuba diving.
And if you prefer land to sea, there
are just as many dry attractions to
keep you occupied including golf,
tennis, sunbathing, nightclubbing,
fine dining and other area
attractions.
South Beach is perhaps one of the
most famous neighborhoods in the Miami
area. The South Beach Historical
District, located on the peninsular
southern tip of South Beach, consists
of only one square mile, but is home
to numerous 1930s to 1950s style Art
Deco hotels. These hotels are only a
short distance away from some of the
major Miami attractions and offer
comfortable, off-the-beaten-path
lodging.
The historic district is also home
to numerous other attractions
including the Holocaust Memorial,
Wolfsonian Museum, The Jackie Gleason
Theater of the Performing Arts and
Lincoln Road Mall.
Miami is also the shopping Mecca of
Florida and boasts endless premier
shopping malls and boutiques. For
shoppers who want a taste of the local
flavor, Bayside Marketplace and
Biscayne Bay have a number of
boutiques and specialty shops that
sell everything from plastic fruit to
high-tech electronics.
The Mayfair Shops, located in the
Grove, is a complex made up of
boutiques and nightclubs. And Sawgrass
Mills, with more than 300 shops and
kiosks in a 2.4-million-square-foot
facility makes even the most serious
and dedicated shoppers feel like
they've died and gone to the great big
mall in the sky.
To get to one of the many beaches
in the Miami area, you will likely
find yourself on Ocean Drive. This
drive extends from 5th to 15th streets
and features historic hotels, shops
and open-air cafés, which face the
Atlantic Ocean.
Continuing on to 21st to 35th
streets and again from 71st to 163rd
Streets are where the most popular
beaches can be found. Here visitors
can enjoy a host of activities
including deep-sea fishing, kite
flying, sunbathing, surfing and a host
of other water sports.
Visitors looking for more natural
surroundings should visit the Biscayne
Bay islands, just south of Miami
Beach. The islands give tourists a
chance to see the natural wonders that
Florida has to offer. Also in this
area is the Miami Seaquarium, situated
on Key Biscayne. This is a terrific
place for the entire family to learn
about the native sea life. Visitors
will get to see Flipper the dolphin
and Lolita the killer whale perform
high-flying stunts.
Another attraction that is a
must-see for nature lovers is the
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This
museum, constructed in 1916 by James
Deering, is a palatial affair which
reflects the Old World style of
Florida's yesteryear. Here guests can
appreciate the Italian Renaissance
architecture of the building while
they tour the mansion and the
immaculate gardens of the estate.
So, if you are looking for a hot
spot with an endless array and variety
of attractions, perhaps Miami, Florida
is the perfect destination for your
next vacation getaway. From hot night
spots and fine restaurants to family
attractions and endless beaches, Miami
has more to offer you and your family
than many other popular vacation
spots.
