Tourist Information about Miami
Although favored by climate and geography, Miami remained a remote tropical village of frame houses until Henry Flagler installed his East Coast Railway there in 1896 and turned his hand to community development. In fact, the fabulous city of Miami Beach was created out of a mangrove swamp!
Sprawling across 2,054 square miles of land, Miami is a huge and cosmopolitan city. Attracted by year-round warmth and sunshine, thousands of visitors pour into the area with the hope of capturing a little sun and relaxation. Greater Miami's list of attractions is long and varied, the city really does have something for everyone! Some of the more popular attractions are Viscaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, and the Miami Metro Zoo. Biscayne Boulevard is a prime spot for shopping. It features the Bayside Marketplace- a shopping experience in the Tropical style. Shopping is also excellent at the Cocowalk shopping and entertainment complex.
A trip into Everglades National Park is a unique sightseeing experience. Multiple boardwalks lead out over the watery area and signs and displays identify and describe the flora and fauna that you may encounter. At Flamingo there are sightseeing boat trips, and naturalists who conduct nature walks along the shore.
World-famous South Beach, located on the southernmost part of Miami Beach, attracts a colorful mix of visitors to its Art Deco surroundings. Celebrities, artists, and International supermodels have all been found to frequent the trendy boutiques, restaurants and art galleries which make up South Beach.
Miami offers a grand array of activities geared towards enjoyment! Visitors can experience deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, golf,tennis, scuba diving, and of course, swimming and boating. Miami has all the ingredients for one of the best vacations Florida offers.
Miami is a vibrant, energetic city, alive with a Latin beat any day of the year, particularly when the suns sets. Winter tends to be the busiest time of year when people from the north come to experience the beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees and warm ocean breezes. However, at any time of year, the city is alive with tourists from throughout the world. When summer arrives there is an influx of visitors from both South America as well as Europe, making this truly an international destination. Spring and fall tend to be less crowded and are wonderful for enjoying all the city has to offer with a few less people. With temperatures during this time hovering in the 80’s F during the day, and the 70’s at night, visitors can work on the perfect tan during the day, and then enjoy a splendid meal while dancing the night away. Whatever the reason for visiting and whatever the time of year, Miami has the season for it.
Miami is easily accessible via Interstate 95 from the north (Fort Lauderdale), Interstate 75 from the west (Fort Myers), the Florida Turnpike from the northwest (Orlando), and U.S. Highway 1 from the south (Key West)
The easiest way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Rental cars are available throughout the city as well as at the airport. Keep an eye out for signs marked with an orange sun on a blue background. They are designed to assist visitors on the most useful routes to the city’s main attractions.
Metro trains run on a single line between the northern suburbs and south Miami. Some key stops are Government Center, Coconut Grove, and the University of Miami. Downtown Miami is also circled by the Metromover, a monorail that gives a good view of the city and provides some basic transportation. Metrobuses cover the entire city.
