Miami Beach Mini Guide
Is Miami Beach as Glamorous as it Sounds?
Possibly more so, because there’s a lot more to the resort than most people see. Few realise that Miami Beach is actually a barrier island off the coast of Miami and of course there’s the beautiful beach, centre of all the daytime activities and seemingly the second home of tanned hunks and beautiful women but there’s the art deco splendour of the resort’s centre and the huge Hispanic influence on language, music and food. Shopping there is unbelievable with so many famous names making up the boutiques, it’s like an east coast Beverley Hills. At night, the experience gets better with top class restaurants and nightclubs.
How do I get to Miami Beach?
You can choose from the closest airport, Miami International, or just slightly further afield,
Fort Lauderdale Airport. American, Delta, BA and Virgin all fly from the
UK to Miami so you’ll be spoilt for choice of carrier and fares. Only eight miles from Miami and ten from Miami Beach, transport into the city can be by various means including a metro link. Car hire is also available from the airport enabling you to cruise the streets of the art deco quarter in style.
What is there to see and do in Miami Beach?
The main attraction there is the fabulous beach. During the day it’s the home of sunbathing, beach bars, beach volleyball and general posing along the sand and in the sea. Hire a car to take a tour through the art deco buildings painted in beautiful pastel colours. For years, these were left to fade and decay until the city realised the tourist and architectural value of the area. Miami Beach was once an area of mangrove swamps but despite being cleared to make way for man, there are still large areas of swamp to be explored. Many companies offer kayak or motorboat tours of the swamps where you’ll see a completely different side to Miami.
What can I buy to Take Home From Miami Beach?
Most people who go to shop in Miami Beach head for the designer boutiques, if only to window shop and gasp at the price tags. Still, for those with less extravagant budgets there are the retro clothing shops, second hand shops where you can often pick up a designer bargain or the accessory shops that can turn a simple outfit into a stunning one.
What Should I eat When in Miami Beach?
With the large Haitian and Cuban population, much of the food leans towards Cuban or Creole. This means delicious spicy stews, fresh vegetable and fruit and plenty of rum. The Cuban sandwich, called a ‘cubano’, is the most popular take away snack, filled with fish, cooked meat or chicken.
Is there a Party Scene in Miami Beach?
If you’re loaded then the Liv Nightclub is the place to be seen but for mere mortals, there are plenty of less expensive clubs and even the beach parties where people of a like mind and age get together and party the night away accompanied by Latin sounds, Mojitos and Cuba Libres.