South Beach

Miami/South Beach Quick Tour

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Here are some of the must-see or do activities in the Miami area.

Lay Of The Land

Miami And Miami Beach are actually two different cities bridged by four major causeways over Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. The first thing to know about the city of Miami is that it is divided into four quadrants NW, NE, SE, and SW. Most all streets east and west are numbered, which can be confusing if you don't know what quadrant you are in. For the inexperienced, a map is a necessity. Miami Beach streets are very easy to navigate, with 3 major roads (Ocean Drive, Collins Ave., and Washington) running North and South. The streets running east west are numbered. The quickest way over to the beaches on the north end is I-95- which is 6 lanes wide and dumps you north of the Art Deco Historic District on 41st Street. The southern access is I-395, commonly called the MacArthur Causeway. This sends you onto 5th street, the southern end of South Beach.

The Beaches

Over all the beaches are very clean and wide. Most are family beaches, lined with small motels, high rise condos or houses.

South Beach- Where the beautiful people go to be seen. The hotels sport café's and restaurants, usually with a Ferrari or Lamborghini adorning the curbside parking. A great place to blade is along the curvy concrete boardwalk that is a buffer between busy Ocean Ave. and the beach. The beach itself is clean and wide, not the best walking beach but a great beach to see topless babes in thongs.

Haulover Beach- Located in North Miami Beach just north of the A1A bridge is a popular beach predominately for gays, and old people who like to tan in the buff.

Crandon Park- Popular for parents with kids, $3 admission picnic tables and grills available. Located at 4000 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, open daily until sunset.

Mid-Beach- Located in the middle of the high rise condos between 40th-70th streets. Usually a deserted stretch of beach.

Area Attractions

Art Deco District- A colorful and whimsical place to pass a few hours and get a taste of Miami. This historical area has around 800 buildings from the 1920's, 30's and 40's. To fully appreciate the Art Deco District there are numerous places to find guided tours. On Thursdays and Saturdays the Art Deco Welcome Center offers walking tours. 1001 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-672-2014.

Little Havana- Miami is full of Cubans displaced by Fidel Castro. Little Havana is their home away from home. It has neighborhood setting with small stores and restaurants supporting daily life. Not recommended for sight seeing. Little Havana is between NW 7th St. and SW 17th St., the Miami River and SW 27th Ave.

Miami Metro Zoo- This zoo has over 200 species of animals on display including a Komodo dragon and white Bengal tigers. The zoo doesn't use cages, generally relying on moats to keep the wild animals from the public.

Villa Vizcaya- This Italian Style estate was built in the midst of acres of beautiful formal gardens. Right on Biscayne Bay, it was the winter home of the businessman James Deering.

Cruise Ships

• Directions: The Cruise ships line up along the MacArthur (I-395). It connects Miami to the beaches. If you are on Miami Beach, take I-395 and exit immediately after the causeway onto Biscayne Blvd, South. Follow the signs to the cruise ships. Allow at least 30 minutes for traffic. If you are flying in and want to go directly to the ship, take the shuttle offered by the cruise line.
  
• Where to Stay: For stay overs, South Beach is very trendy and convenient. Expect to pay a minimum of $100 per night. Hotels at this price have been updated but not necessarily totally renovated. Expect to pay $2-300 for a very nice hotel. A less costly stay would be downtown near the cruise ships, but there is nowhere to walk or go in this area. See the Lodging Section for suggested hotels.
  
• General tips: For those wanting to save on airfare fare, try flying into Ft.Lauderale, 30 minutes north. Car rentals during the summer months are cheap. Avis has a drop off and pick up right at the port. The Miami and Caribbean sun is a killer, wear sunblock and a hat. If you have never been to Miami, spend an extra day. Board the ship early, the sooner you board the quicker you get your luggage. Bring a carry on bag with swim wear so you can lay out before your luggage arrives.

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