Miami is known as the “Magic City”, and when you visit, we know you will agree! With an incredibly warm and sunny climate, Miami offers miles of splendid beaches and great nightlife. With a heavy Latin influence, along with Creole and Carribean , you can try the great cuisine, from budget meals at David’s Cafe, all the way to excellent sushi at Nobu. Miami has it all!
The Miami area has been inhabited for more than a thousand years by the Tequesta Indians. Claimed for Spain in 1566 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the city of Miami was officialy incorporated in 1896. During the Florida Land Boom of the 1920’s, Miami prospered to become one of the main commercial centers of the United States.
Miami’s climate is truly tropical, with the average monthly temperature never having been recorded under 64.4 °F. Most of the year is warm and humid, with a wet season from May to September. The winters are warm and dry, and there is only one snowfall on record, in January 1977.
Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery on the West Dixie Highway, near Sunny Isles. This Monastery was originally built in Segovia in Spain in 1141, and was purchased by William Randolph Hearst to be rebuilt on his land in California. Unfortunately, he ran out of money, and the monastery remained in New York Harbor until 1954, when two businessmen bought it and brought it to Florida, brick by brick. Interestingly, because some of the stones were removed from their boxes, then put back in the wrong boxes, it is not fully reconstructed.
For a true Miami beach experience, head over to Lummus Park Beach, between 6th and 14th along Ocean Drive. On certain days, you might see photo shoots and film crews , especially along the Promenade.
For shopping, try the Aventura Mall, which, at 2.3 million square feet, is one of the largest in the state. Featuring chains such as JCPenney, Macy’s and Abercrombie and Fitch, the mall also features a 24 screen movie theater.
Foodies will be in heaven when visiting Miami. Due to it’s hugely cosmopolitan feel, the range of cuisine available is staggering. The main influences are Latin and Cuban, but you can find almost anything else here as well, from Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern, to Italian and traditional American Steakhouses.
Miami is a night owls dream – known the world over for it’s nightclub scene, and you must be dressed to impress to get into the hotter spots. Try Rose Bar at the Delano, or Skybar, tough to get into for people not on the A-list, but worth a try.
Getting to Miami is easy, with Miami International Airport located just to the west of the city. It is one of the largest airports in the world, and is extremely busy. When departing, make sure to allow extra time – you could be waiting an hour just to check your bags! Fort Lauderdale International Airport is an alternative. It is less busy, but offers a smaller number of international routes.
Little known fact about Miami – Miami Beach is a man-made island that was once a Coconut Grove Plantation.