Miami, the city of Vice (the 1980's TV show, that is), heat, beaches, and the jumpoff point for Disneyworld, the Keys and retirees living cheek-by-jowl with the young, bronzed party crowd. Miami is known by many for its kitsch, but there is much more to it than meets the eye.
Things to Do
For instance, everyone knows that the Everglades are in Florida but not so many people are aware that the Everglades are Miami´s backyard. Just a few short miles from the crowds and hot concrete of the city are the peaceful, quiet and occasionally treacherous tidal estuaries that make up one of the most unique national parks on the planet. You can take a canoe through the Everglades for a leisurely and up-close encounter with birds, snakes and - if you´re lucky - a crocodile or two, but the most thrilling way to see the Everglades is by air boat.
Skimming over the endless surface of the Everglades swamp is an experience not to be missed, and if you happen to have kids it almost borders on neglect not to take them for a spin (after Disneyworld, of course). Ditto for Monkey Jungle, whose catchphrase "Where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild" is no joke. People walk along caged, suspended wooden pathways while the primates cruise through the ´jungle´ that surrounds them. A treat for animal lovers.
Off the Beaten Path
For a more leisurely Miami experience, get away from the crowds. The Bayside Front is not a tourist attraction in itself, which keeps most sightseers away, but it is a charming port village. The piers are perfect for a late afternoon stroll, followed by a relaxed meal and glass of wine at one of the many restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to locals. The Terraces offer views over the superb boats that bob gently in the bay and help you dream of a millionaire´s lifestyle. The Bayside Front is especially pretty in the evening, when the sunset makes you think you have walked into a fairytale.
Museums
Although Miami may not be famous as the cultural epicenter of the United States, it is worth paying a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art. There are some amazingly well-curated exhibitions by some of the country´s most talented modern artists. Maybe it´s something to do with the Florida heat, but Miami seems to produce more than its fair share of eclectic and cutting edge pieces. The Museum is a great place to get a sense of the artistic evolution of Florida.
Hotels
Hotels in Miami are plentiful, and as varied in their price tags as they are in their quality. The star system here is a good guide (unlike other cities in the world that can be misleading) and it is a good idea to stick to hotels rated 2.5 stars and above. Anything else may lead you down a slightly seedier road. You can find good hotels for less than $100 per night, even in high season, which will accommodate two or three people per room.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Miami.
(Photo:Fotolia/Jonathan Larsen)
