Miami’s diverse neighborhoods offer a range of activities, from cultural to sporting. Residential Coral Gables is known for its examples of architectural elegance, including the Biltmore Hotel, Fairchild Tropical Garden and the incomparable Venetian Pool, while the bustling Bayside harbor complex in Downtown Miami offers boat excursions. The distinctly Latin district of Little Havana, home to the city’s huge Cuban population, has cigar-making shops and is the place to be in March for the lively Calle Ocho Festival. Over in Miami Beach, South Beach is one of the most-visited neighborhoods, famed for its pastel and stainless steel Art Deco buildings, where the legendary Ocean Drive boulevard is fringed by Miami’s trendiest sidewalk boutiques, bars and restaurants – the favorite haunts of such local celebrities as Gloria Estefan, Madonna, Ricky Martin and Donatella Versace.
Perhaps Miami’s biggest crowd-puller is its rich multicultural flavor, which gives the city an undeniably unique atmosphere. Just as the rest of America has embraced the rhythms of heart-throb Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira and other Hispanic music sensations, Miami has long been swaying to a Latin remix of sensuality, salsa and South Beach style, making it one of the most exciting cities in the USA.
Visitors should note that Miami is divided into quadrants. Flagler Street runs east–west, thus dividing the city into north and south sections, while Miami Avenue runs north–south, splitting the city into east and west sections. Most Miami addresses refer to these quadrants.
Tourist Information
Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau
Suite 2700, 701 Brickell Avenue
Tel: (305) 539 3000. Fax: (305) 539 3113.
E-mail:
visitor@tropicoolmiami.com Website:
www.miamiandbeaches.com Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800.