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Miami Beach
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.
Culture and History
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, although English is the language of preference, especially 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 as well, and many signs and public announcements are in English, Spanish and Creole.
Travel to Miami Beach, visa requirements
Flights to Miami Beach, airtickets
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.
By car
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 times.
Public Transportation
When traveling within Miami Beach, a good choice is the Electrowave, an electric shuttle bus that operates from 19th street to the southern end of Miami Beach, 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.
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]
Miami Beach attractions and sightseeing
- 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 Avenue, Miami Beach, +1 305 531 1001
- Bass Museum of Art [4] Wide ranging collection, 3000+ pieces, +1 305 673 7530
- Miami Seaquarium [5]
- Matheson Hammock Marina [6]
City tours
- Miami Design Preservation League. 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, +1 305 531 3484 [7] The MDPL conducts walking tours showcasing the architecture of the Art Deco district. They also hold lectures, films, and other special events at the Art Deco Welcome Center.
- Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition [8]
- Eco-Adventure Tours [9]
- Canoe Trips [10]
- Kayaking and Snorkeling [11]
- Bike Tours [12]
- 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) - 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.
Learn
- Miami-Dade Community College [13]
- Barry University [14]
- Florida International University [15]
- University of Miami [16]
Work
Shopping, Miami Beach souvenirs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
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. Cuban cuisine to try: a sandwich cubano (Cuban sandwich), and a cafecito (literally: little coffee, but compares to a strong, sweet espresso.)
Budget
The 11st diner is really cool and is located on the corner of Washington and 11th street in South Beach. They serve breakfast all day. We had a full breakfast for three people and the price was around $30. Not bad.
Mid-range
Splurge
Miami Beach nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
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, Miami Beach Florida. 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 Lounge, Miami Beach Florida. 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 Monday and Live local bands Tuesday. The joint gets packed on the weekends most of the crowds start coming in at 11:00. Drinks are inexpensive and pours are generous. http://www.purdylounge.com
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
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.
Budget
- Jazz on South Beach Hostel in Miami, [17]. New hostel location in the former Hotel Atlantica, just 1 block from the best section of the beach, and near all Miami area attractions. 321 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; Tel: +1 305 672.2137
- Dezer Hotels, [18]. Three properties located on the ocean. Spacious and affordable accommodations make a great place to stay.
Mid-range
- Carlton South Beach Hotel, 1433 Collins Avenue, Newly renovated in trendy Art Deco district. [19].
- The Kent, 1131 Collins Avenue, [20]. Art deco styling.
- Wyndham Miami Beach Hotel & Resort, 4833 Collins Avenue, [21].
- Best Western Beach Resort, 4333 Collins Avenue, +1 305 532-3311, Toll-free: +1 800 832-8332, Fax: +1 305 531-5296, [22].
- Best Western South Beach, 1050 Washington Avenue, +1 305 674-1930, Toll-free: +1 888 343-1930, Fax: +1 305 672-0646, [23].
- Courtyard Miami Beach Oceanfront, 3925 Collins Avenue, +1 305 538-3373, Fax: +1 305 538-7077, [24].
- Courtyard Miami Beach South Beach, 1530 Washington Avenue, +1 305 604-8887, Fax: +1 305 604-8868, [25].
- 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, [26].
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave, +1 305 604-1601, [27].
- Hotel Ocean in South Beach Miami, 1230 Ocean Drive, Miami, FL 33139 | Tel. 305-672-2579, [28].
Splurge
- Acqualina Resort, 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Tel (305) 918-8000, [29]. 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.
- Case Grande Suite Hotel, [30]. 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, [31].
- South Beach Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, +1 305 536-7700, Fax: +1 305 536-9900, [32].
- Delano Miami Beach, 1685 Collins Ave., +1 305 672-2000, [33]. 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.
Contact
Stay safe
Emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911.
Cope
Get out
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