ABOUT MIAMI, FLORIDA
ABOUT MIAMI, FLORIDA
The Greater Miami area encompasses Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Coconut Grove,Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Little Havana and North Miami Beach. A favorite destination of visitors, Miami Beach encompasses 12 miles of endless recreational and entertainment opportunities that include sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, boating, fishing, golfing, tennis, world-class dining, shopping and nonstop nightlife. If you’re seeking excitement, head to South Beach, the Southenmost 3-mile stretch of Miami Beach, which offers a wealth of specialty shops, trendy restaurants and cafes, and lively nightclubs, many of which can be found along bustling Ocean Drive. In addition to its role as a major international commerce and financial center, downtown Miami also features a number of worthy attractions such as the Miami-Dade Cultural Center, which consists of the Miami Art Museum, Historical Museum of Southern Florida and the immense Miami-Dade Public Library. The eclectic Miami neighborhood of Coconut Grove features trendy boutiques, large shopping malls, bustling outdoor cafes and world-class restaurants. Billed as a “tropical paradise,” Key Biscayne lies across Biscayne Bay from Coral Gables via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Key Biscayne features one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, along with opportunities for sightseeing, boating, fishing, diving, bicycling, windsurfing, golfing and tennis. For a taste of Cuban culture, head to the lively neighborhood ofLittle Havana with its outdoor cafes and specialty shops. Founded in 1946, the seaside village of Bal Harbour today boasts sunny beaches, luxurious oceanfront resorts and a wealth of shopping and fine dining opportunities.
Miami Attractions
In addition to its myriad of outdoor recreational activities, the Greater Miami area boasts dozens of must-see attractions such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami Science Museum,Miami-Dade Cultural Center (home to the Miami Art Museum and Historical Museum of Southern Florida), Miami Seaquarium, Coral Castle, Deering Estate at Cutler,Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Metrozoo, Monkey Jungle, Jungle Island (formerly known as Parrot Jungle), The Venetian Pool and more. A trip to Miami Beach is never complete without a tour of the Art Deco Historic District with its vibrant colors and uniquely stylized architecture. Ocean Drive is a great place to start your excursion with its 10 blocks of colorful hotels, now home to specialty shops, eclectic restaurants and cafes, as well as lively nightclubs. Other popular Miami Beach attractions include the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, Art Center/South Florida,Holocaust Memorial, Bass Museum of Art, Jewish Museum of Florida, South Pointe Park, Bal Harbour Shops, Espanola Way shopping district and Haulover Beach Park, which features Miami’s only nude beach.
Miami Outdoor Recreation & Golf
Abundant recreational opportunities exist in Miami and the surrounding beaches such as sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, tennis and golf. Biscayne National Park, the largest marine park in the National Park System, offers crystal-clear waters, living coral reefs, beautiful islands and ideal opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Crandon Park, which is located on Key Biscayne, boasts one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, as well as a championship golf course, tennis courts, marina and Beach Amusement Center with a historic carousel, outdoor rolling skate rink, splash fountain and marine play sculptures. Miami also provides convenient access toEverglades National Park, the third-largest park in the country. Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, the park is home to alligators, crocodiles, bottle-nosed dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, ospreys, wood stork, roseate spoonbill, great blue heron and snowy egrets. Recreational activities include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, boat tours, canoe and bike rentals, and observation towers. In addition, the abundance of championship golf courses throughout the Miami area – along with perfect weather year round – combine to make for the ideal golf getaway. Notable Miami area courses include Biltmore Golf Club, Costa Greens Golf Club, Country Club of Miami,Crandon Golf Course, Don Shula’s Golf Club, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Haulover Golf Course, International Links Miami, Miami Beach Golf Club, Miccosukee Country Club, Miami Springs Golf Course, Normandy Shores Golf Course and Palmetto Golf Course, among others.