Miami
Mainland America’s little slice of the Caribbean, Miami is one of the most colorful and lively cities in the United States. It’s a sun-splashed shrine to fashion -- from Little Havana’s Cuban-flavored Calle Ocho to palm-lined Ocean Avenue. Its frenetic nightlife and mellow beaches are exotic and familiar all at once. Miami is America’s little beachfront pastel paradise.
Activities and Attractions:
Miami has beaches the way it has clubs -- there’s one for every demographic. There are gay beaches and straight beaches. There are popular, crowded beaches and quiet romantic ones. There are beaches where singles congregate, and places where the whole family can put down a blanket. There’s even a clothing-optional beach. With 35 miles of waterfront in the Greater Miami area, you’ll find your perfect stretch of sand.
But don’t just gaze out on the ocean. The waters of Biscayne Bay, calm as a bathtub and almost as warm, are perfect for swimming. Slightly further out, reefs both man-made and vibrantly natural ensure exciting diving and snorkeling. Unique to this part of the world, several sunken Spanish galleons dot the ocean floor in relatively shallow water, providing an aquatic scene you’ll never forget.
If you’d rather be on top of the waves than below, you’re still in the right place, as South Florida is a sport-fishing Mecca. The farther from shore you’re willing to venture, the bigger the prize. Possible deep-sea trophies start with snapper and mackerel, and include tuna, marlin, and even shark.
Back on dry land, take a moment or two (or a whole week) to appreciate the city’s unique architecture. Miami is a city where even government buildings are fabulous, as the deco fortress that is the Miami Beach main post office proves. Other must-see edifices include the former Versace Mansion, built in the 1930s but resembling a Colonial Caribbean villa; and the Viscayne Museum and Gardens, an Italian Renaissance-style chateau.
Of course the deco district, a 28-square block forest of low-rise pastel palaces, is not to be missed. The fabulously restored neighborhood harks back to Miami’s 1930s heyday as a winter playground for chilled northerners. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is as much a reason to visit South Beach as the legendary nightlife.
If there’s one thing more beautiful than the ocean and architecture in Miami, it’s the population. If you want to spice up your own wardrobe to match, try the boutique clothing shops on Lincoln Road, in South Beach. The Miracle Mile in Coral Gables has women’s clothing and gift shops, and is the gateway to the massive Merrick Park outdoor shopping complex, where you’ll find upscale chains for men and women.
Now you’re ready to partake of South Beach’s nightclub scene, which typically lasts into the morning hours. If you can’t stay up that late, don’t worry; the area’s cafes, bars, and sidewalk eateries are bustling with see-and-be-seen energy all day long.
Insider Tip:
Residents of almost every city like to brag/complain that their drivers are the worst in the United States. Evidence from polls suggests that residents of Miami may actually be right. It’s good to exercise caution when driving in the Miami area, and be sure your insurance policy covers your rental car.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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