Miami
Travel Guide > North America > USA > Southern United States > Florida > Miami
Introduction
Miami is a young city - it was founded in 1896 - but has taken full advantage of its prominent location to become one of the United States' foremost cities. Its meteoric growth from nothing to a city of 5.5 million in 110 years earned it the nickname of "The Magic City".
Miami enjoys a resplendent location in southeast Florida. Tropical weather year-round ensures a steady stream of tourists, especially in winter. The city has some of the United States' most popular beaches and also has a vibrant Latin American community.
Neighbourhoods
- Coconut Grove is an upscale neighborhood with cute stores, bars and clubs.
- South Beach is where it all happens in Miami. All the hostels are here, the clubs and restaurants. You'll often see some model photo shoot on the beach or along the boardwalk. Great place to rollerblade or just hang out and people watch.
- Little Havana (Spanish: La Pequeña Habana) is a Cuban enclave within the city.
Sights and Activities
Events and Festivals
- Calle Ocho is a week long Cuban street festival held in Little Havana. March.
- The Orange Bowl, one of the big five American Football "bowl" games, is held each year at the Dolphin Stadium.
- Hispanic Heritage Festival
- Miami Carnival
- King Mango Strut
Weather
Miami has a tropical climate. During summer, temperatures range between 24º C and 32º C and there is quite a bit of rain. In winter, the temperatures are between 15º C and 24º C, but there is little rain.
In winter, Miami tends to attract a lot of Americans trying to escape the cold, while avoiding the humid heat of the summer.
Getting There
By Plane
Miami International Airport (MIA/KMIA) is the city's main airport and is one of the United States' largest airports. There are non-stop routes from and to over 70 cities worldwide, including destinations throughout North and South America, Europe and the Middle East. Miami International Airport is also the largest international gateway for American Airlines.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is also located nearby.
By Train
Miami is part of Amtrak's Atlantic Coast services.
By Car
Four interstate highways (I-75, I-95, I-195, I-395) and several U.S. Highways service the Miami-Dade County.
From the airport:
Take the SR 112 (Airport Expressway) into downtown.
By Bus
By Boat
Miami has been dubbed the "Cruise Capital of the World". The Port of Miami is one of the most significant ports in the United States and the world's largest cruise ship port. In 2005, over 3.5 million cruise passengers passed through Miami.
Eight cruise lines sail out from Miami: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, http://www.ncl.com/Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises.
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Metrobus, Metromover and Metrorail are all operated by Miami-Dade Transit.
By Foot
Miami is considered a dangerous city for pedestrians.
South Beach is as safe as anywhere for walking any time of day or night. As are most of the neighborhoods of Miami.
By Bike
Cycling in South beach can be fun, but rollerblades are better.
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This is version 8. Last edited at 6:03 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+58). 23 articles link to this page.
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