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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.

  • 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 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, [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.
  • 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]. Wide ranging collection, 3000+ pieces.
  • 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].

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.

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 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 [2] website or by calling +1 305 770 3131.

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 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].

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).

Budget

  • 11th Street Diner, 1065 Washington Ave, (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.

Mid-range

  • Pascha's, 900 Lincoln Rd, +1 305 673-3919, [20]. Very good.
  • Rice House of Kabob, 1318 Alton Rd, (305) 531-0332, [21]. Excellent for lunch.

Splurge

  • Casa Tua, 4700 James Ave, +1 305 673 1010, [22]. 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.

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 (Between 2nd and 3rd), +1 305 672-2137. Opens at 6PM daily. A bar with fun international atmosphere in South Beach.
  • Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Ave, 305-531-4622, [23]. Open 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.