Miami is often called the "Gateway of the Americas" due to its cultural and linguistic ties to North, South, Central America, and the Caribbean. It lies between the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. But forget gateways and book that flight to Miami soon; you'll be on the beach in no time.
South Beach is great for people-watching. Its ten miles of beach plays host to the beautiful (and sometimes eccentric) people. Don't forget the backdrop. The minute you step off your Miami flight and drive through the city the architecture will leave awe-inspired. The Art Deco district within South Beach has the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world. In contrast, North Beach boasts examples of Miami Modernism architecture and uncrowded beaches.
Don't forget to take a trip to Little Havana. Close your eyes and you might even believe you are in Cuba. The sounds of salsa and merengue call out from stores while old men in guayaberas enjoy a cigar with their game of dominoes.
While sauntering about, grab a strong and sweet Cuban coffee. Pick one up on most street corners for less than a quid. It'll keep your feet tapping as you make your way around this exciting city.
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Greater Miami enjoys a subtropical climate that ensures plenty of sunshine all year round. Sun protection is advised, even when temperatures are moderated by cool ocean breezes. Rainfall occurs mainly during summer and early autumn.
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Peak season:
Miami is very popular with snowbirds, and tourists, from January through April. Temperatures are in the teens to low 20s with blue skies, and crisp air.
Shoulder Season:
May and October through December can be great times to take a flight to Miami.
Off season:
June, July, and August. Miami swelters, and you should also expect rain every day, but it is a good time to buy a bargain flight. Watch out for the official hurricane season - Miami was pounded in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma - which runs from June to November.
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Miami International Airport (MIA) (website: www.miami-airport.com)
Distance: seven miles northwest of Miami
Drive time: about 20 minutes
Super Shuttle charges around $16 (£8) to go to South Beach.
The local city bus service, Metro-Bus, provides services to all areas of Miami-Dade County.
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Companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Royal Rent A Car and Thrifty have desks at Miami Airport.
The Miami Metrorail runs from Dadeland in the south to Palmetto in the west. The fare is approximately $1.50 per person.
Metrobus offers countywide service from Miami Beach to West Miami-Dade and from the Middle Keys to the southern portion of Broward County and fares are $1.50 or so. Be sure to ask for a transfer if you know you will have to change buses.
Metromover is a free automated people-mover system that serves downtown Miami from Omni to Brickell and connects with Metrorail at Government Center and Brickell stations. It also passes most of the Miami’s major attractions and shopping districts.
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- Although it is not enforced strictly, there is an alleged curfew in effect for minors after 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends in all of Miami-Dade County. After these hours, children under 17 should not be out on the streets or driving unless accompanied by a parent or on their way to work. Remember that when you see them at Coconut Grove and on South Beach.
- Around half of Miami's population is Latin American. Visit the Museum of Hispanic & Latin American Art to better understand their culture. The annual Art Basel Miami Beach is helping the city fast become an art capital.
- Take full advantage of South Beach nightlife. Miami's pulsating dance clubs are considered among the best in the world.
- Explore the Everglades in an airboat and get close to the swamps' inhabitants such as alligators, manatees, raccoons and Florida panthers.
- The largest Botanical Gardens in the US, the Fairchild Tropical Garden has 83 acres of palms and other exotic fronds.
- From Miami, the drive here through Coral Gables offers great views of some fine old Florida mansions. Open daily, admission is $10 (£5).
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