Miami Hotels

Apart from its reputation as a party town, there are other features toasting to Miami’s fame. Food and shopping are a class act. The well-preserved buildings at the Art Deco district offer unique architectural highlights while Little Havana is suffused with Cuban colours as Spanish is a dominant language and cigar-rolling is very much a thriving business.

Definitely one of America’s key cities, Miami is popular among domestic and foreign tourists, young and old alike. It is a buzzword among partying heiresses, college kids on a Spring romp, mature folks contemplating on retirement and families thrilled to enjoy Seaquarium. For who wouldn’t want to make Miami a permanent home and be showered by its warmth and energy 365 days of the year?

Attractions

What was once a boring swampland is now a fully developed city running at a frenetic pace with fun-filled activities and attractions for every age!

Miami Beach boasts historic areas known as the Art Deco District. The city maintains over 800 buildings dating back in the 1920s and walking tours are available to give visitors a look at the unique architecture. Another stylish enclave is South Beach which is a favoured spot for the trendy set at night. At daytime, Ocean Drive becomes a hub for bronzed, well-toned bodies lazing around the cafes or playing by the sandy shores. Appearances are important, after all, the world-famous diet was named after this fashionable beach!

Small islands around Miami Beach are filled with holiday villas of celebrities and high-rise condominiums of mavens from the music world. There are cruises along Biscayne Bay which give you a chance to gaze at these luxurious properties and the stunning view of the downtown skyline.

Back on dry land, a more lavish setting can be seen in the Vizcaya Gardens and Museum along South Miami Avenue in the heart of the city. This stately home used to be the winter retreat of rich industrialist, James Deering. The Renaissance-style mansion is now a museum filled with precious art pieces and opulent furnishings.

The same richness, though of a different perspective, pervades in Little Havana, home to the Spanish-speaking people of Miami. Cuban culture is richly preserved in the daily life at the district. Cigar factories, restaurants serving Cuban cuisine, flamenco nights at Casa Panza and a weekly arts showcase are just some of the activities which keep Little Havana sizzling to the hilt.

Moving on to more of Miami’s famed sights, the Everglades National Park is an enormous swampland teeming with all the local flora and fauna. If the size is too much for you, the nearby Everglades Safari Park serves as your crash course to the uniqueness of the eco-system. Ride an airboat to see the gators and birds up close.

For theme park fun, Seaquarium still ranks popular among kids with its killer whales and bottle-nosed dolphins drawing scores of animal-lovers to Miami. The Parrot Jungle Island is another recommended must-see as it has thousands of birds fly free and other exotic animals found in a lush tropical setting. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the big water slide or take a relaxing walk in the Japanese garden inside. With its location between Miami and South Beach, the Parrot Jungle is a perfect daytrip for those looking to add more variety to their Miami itinerary.

Events

Carnival frenzy hits Miami in celebration of Calle Ocho around February and March. Little Havana hosts two weeks of parades, street markets and concerts swaying to the beat of salsa, merengue and caribbean music. Food stalls also line the streets during this annual charity event.

To take in the arts scene in Miami, take note of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival on February. Held in a small village south of downtown Miami, the event is a large-scale exhibition of arts and crafts where visitors can interact with the artists themselves. More on Miami’s cultural pride is on the spotlight during Dade Heritage Days. There are special programmes and activities that promote the Miami-Dade county’s rich heritage.

The Miami Carnival is another a crowd-drawer every year when the whole city sizzles in a 14-day spectacle filled with street dancing, food expositions, costume parties for the kids with special arts and crafts fairs. The culminating event is the grand Carnival Parade which features marching bands and live entertainment at night.

One major tournament that puts Miami on the sports map is Orange Bowl. The city’s Pro Player Stadium is the venue for the college football championships as top teams meet at the start of the year.

Climate

• Winter (December to February) 16-24°C; dry, mild and low humidity
• Spring (March to May) 20-29°C; pleasant and warm
• Summer (June to August) 26-32°C; very humid, always have sunblock on hand, potential storms
• Fall (September to November) 19-29°C; temperate but hurricanes still abundant in early Autumn