INTRODUCTION
Home of the heat in more ways than one, Miami is one of America's biggest tourist destinations. What makes Miami so caliente is its unique combination of climate, clubbing, and cultural diversity.
Located in Southeastern Florida, Miami is known as the “The Gateway of the Americas” because it is located so close to Cuba, the Caribbean Islands, and South America. Due to its location, a large portion of Miami’s population is Hispanic, and the city has three official languages: English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Recently, Miami has also become known as one of the great party cities in the world, tempting celebrities from all over the world to its exclusive nightclubs, neighborhoods, restaurants, and resorts. It is also located in the vicinity of some of the finest beaches in the United States.
HISTORY
The Tequestas originally inhabited the Miami area for more than 1,000 years. The first European involvement came from the Spanish during the 1500s. Although Spain did not set up a consistent base until the 1800s, they infected the natives with smallpox, greatly decimating the original population. The Great Freeze of 1894-95 hastened Miami's growth, as the crops of Miami were the only ones that survived. During World War II, many soldiers were trained in Miami and chose to return to the city after the war ended. This greatly added to the population. But the city's main growth period occurred a few years after the 1959 revolution of Fidel Castro in Cuba. The aftermath of the revolution opened a steady stream of both legal and illegal immigrants to Miami from Cuba that continues to this day.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- South Beach?, considered by some to have the most fabulous clubbing in the world, is not located in Miami proper, but the nearby city of Miami Beach.
- Miami’s hurricane season occurs typically from June to November.
- Due to Miami’s diverse population, most signs are posted in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
- Miami is a city of polarity. It is the least affordable place to live in the United States because of its outlandish real estate prices, yet also has one of the largest percentages of people living under the poverty line.
- Miami is the home to many professional sports teams such as the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, Florida Panthers, and the college football team the Miami Hurricanes. Since there are so many sports to choose from, there will almost always be at least one game to attend for the sports lover in your group!
- The famous Kardashian family opened their Dash Boutique in Miami during the summer of 2009. It is frequented by locals and celebs.
- Ultra Music Festival takes place annually in March, in downtown Miami. It is paradise for lovers of electronic music, and in 2011 will be a three-day event. It is one of the highest grossing music festivals in the world. Don’t go without plenty of neon spandex and be prepared for a crazy time!
- The restaurant scene in Miami is diverse. For a taste of traditional Miami, skip the 5 star Pan-Asian Fusion types and head to Calle Ocho. Calle Ocho, AKA Little Havana is the place to find dirt-cheap Cuban bodega food that will keep you coming back for more.
ATTRACTIONS
Little Havana?
Little Managua?
Little Haiti?
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?
South Beach?
Miami Heat?
RESTAURANTS
Tobacco Road
626 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
(305)374-1198
In a city full of "haute cuisine," Tobacco Road offers the best greasy burgers and comfort food in town. Legend has it that Al Capone was a patron of The Road during the Prohibition years. Today, diners can still enjoy some of the best live blues music in the country.
http://www.tobacco-road.com/
Off the Grille Bistro
12578 SW 88th St Miami, FL 33186
(305)274-2300
Serving fresh Caribbean and Mexican cuisine, Off the Grille offers silver service dining at fast-food prices. A favorite of the locals is the daily specials, which change every day and have great variety.
Tropical Chinese
7991 Bird Rd Miami, FL 33155
(305)262-1552
Don’t be fooled by the uninviting entrance – they serve the best Chinese fare in Miami. Visit on a Sunday afternoon for authentic Chinese dim sum presented tapas style.
Cafe Prima Pasta
414 71st Street Miami, FL 33141
(305)867-0106
Despite this Italian gem’s vast popularity among locals and tourists alike, Cafe Prima Pasta has retained a traditional family atmosphere, combining an upscale menu with a cozy feel and impeccable service.
http://www.primapasta.com/
Joe’s Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305)673-0365
An established Miami institution, this former lunch counter specializes in stone crab claws with Joe’s famous mustard sauce. Note that the restaurant closes from May to October.
http://www.joesstonecrab.com/
Rio's Churrascaria
801 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131
(305)373-2777
A meat lover’s paradise, Rio's (formerly Porcao Steakhouse) offers a fixed rate buffet and rodizio service. The filet mignon wrapped in bacon is highly recommended.
LODGING
Miami Beach Hostel
236 9th St, South Beach Florida, 33139
(305)534-0268
Just one block from the beachfront, this contemporary hostel has a party atmosphere and a good range of facilities.
http://www.hostelmiamibeach.com/location.html
Pelican Hotel
826 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305)673-1000
Renzo Rossi, owner of the Diesel fashion brand, looks on Pelican as a pet project. Each of the rooms has a different theme, and all come with furniture sourced from antique and junk shops. Book early for this one; the deluxe rooms fill up months in advance!
http://www.pelicanhotel.com/
The Raleigh
1775 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305)534-6300
Unlike many of South Beach’s historic hotels, the Raleigh has not been renovated beyond recognition. It still retains its 1940s marble floors, Martini Bar, and retro glamour.
http://www.raleighhotel.com/
Gansevoort South
2377 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305)604-1000
In a city full of trendy hotels, the Gansevoort South stands out with its million-dollar shark tank, state-of-the-art gym, and rooftop pool that seems to hover over the ocean.
http://www.gansevoortmiamibeach.com/rooftop/
The Setai
2001 Collins Ave, Miami, FL 33139
(305)520-6000
This uber-trendy hotel in South Beach boasts fountains, black granite baths, and Asian art, and seamlessly combines art deco glamour with traditional Asian style.
http://www.setai.com/
Casa Casuarina
1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305)672-6604
Versace’s former home is now a private members’ club, but anyone can experience its "gold leaf and mosaic" sense of excess by booking one of the rooms, including the suite built to house Madonna.
http://www.miamibeach411.com/ocean_drive/versace_house.html
