Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Miami
Miami moves to a different rhythm from anywhere else in the USA. Pastel-hued, sub-
tropical beauty and Latin sexiness are everywhere: from the cigar-filled dance halls
where Havana expats dance to
son
and boleros to the exclusive nightclubs where stiletto-
heeled Brazilian models shake to Latin hip-hop. Whether you're meeting avant-garde
gallery hipsters or passing the buffed, perfect bodies recumbent along South Beach,
everyone can seem oh-so-artfully posed. Meanwhile, street vendors and restaurants dish
out flavors of the Caribbean, Cuba, Argentina and Haiti. For travelers, the city can be as
intoxicating as a sweaty-glassed
mojito.
Miami is its own world, an international city whose tempos, concerns and inspirations
often arrive from distant shores. Over half the population is Latino and over 60% speak
predominantly Spanish. In fact, many northern Floridians don't consider immigrant-rich
Miami to be part of the state, and many Miamians, particularly Cubans, feel the same
way.
Sights
Greater Miami is a sprawling metropolis. Miami is on the mainland, while Miami Beach
lies 4 miles east across Biscayne Bay.
South Beach
refers to the southern part of Miami
Beach, extending from 5th St north to 21st St. Washington Ave is the main commercial
artery. North of downtown (along NE 2nd Ave from about 17th St to 41st St), Wynwood
and the Design District are focal points for art, food and nightlife. Just north again is
Little Haiti. To reach Little Havana, head west on SW 8th St, or Calle Ocho, which
pierces the heart of the neighborhood (and becomes the Tamiami Trail/Hwy 41). Just
south of Little Havana are Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.
For more on South Florida, pick up a copy of Lonely Planet's guide to
Miami & the
Keys
.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach has some of the best beaches in the country, with white sand and warm
aquamarine water. That movie in your head of art-deco hotels, in-line-skating models,
preening young studs and cruising cars? That's
Ocean Drive
(from 1st to 11th Sts), with
