Since cop show Miami Vice hit our screens in the mid-1980s, Miami has developed a reputation for being a city full of flashy suits, neon strips and trendy nightclubs. Whilst this is all true, this glam city break destination offers so much more.
Miami's vibrant cultural side tends to be overlooked. But when you consider its great Art Deco architecture, not to mention museums and art galleries and add in some fantastic shops, bars and restaurants, it's easy to understand why the city continues to seduce tourists.
Miami's vibrant cultural side tends to be overlooked. But when you consider its great Art Deco architecture, not to mention museums and art galleries and add in some fantastic shops, bars and restaurants, it's easy to understand why the city continues to seduce tourists.
Miami beaches
Miami's well-kept beaches, which are especially popular with surfers and families, are often recognised as being among the best in the USA, and can boast numerous awards down the years to show for it. South Beach is probably the city's most fashionable beach - grab a drink at one of its many bars and cafes and see if you can spot a film star or two.
Further north, the palm tree-lined Bal Harbour Beach is a popular spot for fishing. And if you would like to get back to nature and let it all hang out, take a trip to the north side of Haulover Beach, where clothing is optional.
Miami's well-kept beaches, which are especially popular with surfers and families, are often recognised as being among the best in the USA, and can boast numerous awards down the years to show for it. South Beach is probably the city's most fashionable beach - grab a drink at one of its many bars and cafes and see if you can spot a film star or two.
Further north, the palm tree-lined Bal Harbour Beach is a popular spot for fishing. And if you would like to get back to nature and let it all hang out, take a trip to the north side of Haulover Beach, where clothing is optional.
Sightseeing in Miami
The art deco area in South Beach, the only such historic area in the country, is worth a walk around, as are the many museums, including the Bass Museum and the Miami Art Building.
The Hispanic area of Little Havana is a fascinating area to explore - try out some of the local cuisine here. The Wolfsonian Institute, which houses a large collection of artefacts, is also worth a look.
The art deco area in South Beach, the only such historic area in the country, is worth a walk around, as are the many museums, including the Bass Museum and the Miami Art Building.
The Hispanic area of Little Havana is a fascinating area to explore - try out some of the local cuisine here. The Wolfsonian Institute, which houses a large collection of artefacts, is also worth a look.
Family attractions in Miami
In the unlikely event that the kids will want to be torn away from the beach, there are many places of interest in Miami that the whole family will enjoy. Parrot Jungle Island, for instance, is home to a wide variety of animals, while Monkey Jungle is kind of a zoo with a twist, where humans are caged while the monkeys let their hair down in the open air.
Children will also love seeing marine creatures such as dolphins and whales at the Miami Seaquarium. There are also several museums in the area - the Science Museum and the Children's Museum should keep youngsters happily occupied.
In the unlikely event that the kids will want to be torn away from the beach, there are many places of interest in Miami that the whole family will enjoy. Parrot Jungle Island, for instance, is home to a wide variety of animals, while Monkey Jungle is kind of a zoo with a twist, where humans are caged while the monkeys let their hair down in the open air.
Children will also love seeing marine creatures such as dolphins and whales at the Miami Seaquarium. There are also several museums in the area - the Science Museum and the Children's Museum should keep youngsters happily occupied.
Day trips around Miami
No visit to Miami would seem complete without a trip to the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Here you can take an air boat ride and look out for all manner of wildlife, such as crocodiles and panthers, going about their business in their natural habitat.
Also in the vicinity is the city of Orlando, which is home to Walt Disney World - though children will probably want to spend more than just one day here. Miami also offers numerous tours by air and by boat, affording some wonderful views of the area.
No visit to Miami would seem complete without a trip to the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Here you can take an air boat ride and look out for all manner of wildlife, such as crocodiles and panthers, going about their business in their natural habitat.
Also in the vicinity is the city of Orlando, which is home to Walt Disney World - though children will probably want to spend more than just one day here. Miami also offers numerous tours by air and by boat, affording some wonderful views of the area.
Eating out in Miami
Kids will probably be happy getting their fill of burgers and fries in any of the many shopping malls, but there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Miami too. While you're there you should definitely sample some of the local Latin - and Caribbean-flavoured delicacies on offer - there are some great eateries, for instance, on Calle Ocho in Little Havana.
South Beach is also a good area for fine cuisine, with venues such as the South Beach Brasserie, which is owned by Michael Caine, or Joe's Stone Crab, which is said to be the most profitable restaurant in the USA.
Kids will probably be happy getting their fill of burgers and fries in any of the many shopping malls, but there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Miami too. While you're there you should definitely sample some of the local Latin - and Caribbean-flavoured delicacies on offer - there are some great eateries, for instance, on Calle Ocho in Little Havana.
South Beach is also a good area for fine cuisine, with venues such as the South Beach Brasserie, which is owned by Michael Caine, or Joe's Stone Crab, which is said to be the most profitable restaurant in the USA.
Nightlife in Miami
Not surprisingly for one of the USA's most fashionable cities, Miami has a thriving nightlife, with a large choice of places to go to when evening sets in. If you fancy taking in a show there are many theatres around, such as the Jackie Gleason Theatre or the Lincoln.
And if you're not quite ready for bed after that, there is a whole host of bars and clubs to go to - Downtown Miami, South Beach or the Design District come recommended. There are also lots of clubs that play Hispanic music that are worth checking out, especially in Little Havana, and west of the Bay area.
Not surprisingly for one of the USA's most fashionable cities, Miami has a thriving nightlife, with a large choice of places to go to when evening sets in. If you fancy taking in a show there are many theatres around, such as the Jackie Gleason Theatre or the Lincoln.
And if you're not quite ready for bed after that, there is a whole host of bars and clubs to go to - Downtown Miami, South Beach or the Design District come recommended. There are also lots of clubs that play Hispanic music that are worth checking out, especially in Little Havana, and west of the Bay area.
Shopping in Miami
This being America, there are plenty of large shopping malls to choose from, including the Aventura Mall, Bayside Marketplace and Sawgrass Mills. If, however, you prefer your shopping on a smaller, more personal level, Espanola Way is home to a great flea market, while there are many art and antique fairs on South Beach worth visiting.
This being America, there are plenty of large shopping malls to choose from, including the Aventura Mall, Bayside Marketplace and Sawgrass Mills. If, however, you prefer your shopping on a smaller, more personal level, Espanola Way is home to a great flea market, while there are many art and antique fairs on South Beach worth visiting.
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