On a first visit to Miami you might be seduced by its glamorous beach life and the carefully preserved Art Deco architecture of Ocean Drive. But explore beyond the beachfront to seek out world-class art in The Wolfsonian, buzzing Española Way cafes and the Cuban parties of Little Havana.
Cheery pink-and-yellow lifeguard huts dot the length of Miami Beach, which runs south from Bal Harbour to the famous enclave of South Beach lapped by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Miami Beach is backed by the museums, upmarket hotels and boutiques of Ocean Drive. At one end you can spot the eye-catching pastel-shades of the Art Deco National Historic District. Cross the causeways over Biscayne Bay to Downtown Miami's gleaming skyscrapers and theatres or the packed streets of Little Havana, which offer an authentic Cuban experience.
Head straight for South Beach, a playground for the beautiful people. Check out the decorative arts collection at the ornate Wolfsonian and the Old Masters in the Bass Museum of Art. Take a guided tour of the fabulous Biltmore Hotel, where you can really wind down with a fruity cocktail by the flamboyant colonnaded pool. Things soon liven up when you explore the raucous streets of Cuban Little Havana where life spills onto the streets, and see the fantasy Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive dazzlingly illuminated at night.
Laze in the sunshine at pavement cafes on Española Way and dig deep into your wallet in the expensive designer stores of Bal Harbour Shops. Nearby, the Holocaust Memorial is a sombre reminder of the Jews that died in the Second World War. Take in the boho-chic Coconut Grove, an artsy hangout buzzing with bars, restaurants, shopping and street musicians. Or find tranquillity among the lush orchids, palms and conservatories in Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
The US's third busiest airport, Miami International Airport flies more than 33 million passengers a year, and has recently expanded with a new South terminal. Located seven miles north of downtown Miami, a taxi takes you there in around 30 minutes.
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