Florida Travel Guide
Miami Beach
Miami Beach was created from the mud of Biscayne Bay at the start of the 20th century. The initial group of resort buildings were largely destroyed by a hurricane in 1926. The buildings that were put up in replacement now form part of the National Register of Historic Places. This reflects the stunning art deco architecture that is still very much in evidence. Miami Beach has not enjoyed uninterrupted good fortune since those days, in the 80's it became very run down and seedy. However in recent years it has bounced back to become one of the most attractive and fashionable places in Florida.
Where to Go and What to See
Miami Beach consists of great buildings, electrifying nightlife and some great beaches. South Beach is currently the place to be seen. There is also the Holocaust Memorial and the Bass Museum. However, it is also close by several other places of merit.
Miami
Sits next to Miami Beach like an unruly elder brother. It is much larger and has a diverse and not always happy mix of people. More than half the population is Hispanic most of these are of Cuban descent. A visit to this thrilling place is a must but be careful, the city has cleaned up its act since its days of Miami Vice but it is still not without problems. It is famed for its vivacious nightlife.
Fort Lauderdale
The pace is much more relaxed here. A great way to spend a day in this 'Little Venice' is to get a water taxi day ticket and just explore the bars, restaurants and other sights. This is a good place to see some very serious 'boats' as Lauderdale is now firmly established with the international yacht set. There are a couple of decent museums in the Museum of Art (mainly modern) and the Museum of Discovery and Science (for kids of all ages). The beach however is the main attraction and rightly so.
The Keys
A string of pearls trailing in an azure sea. This chain of islands stretches from the mainland 126 miles towards Cuba. Some Keys are inhabited some are no more than rocky outcrops used to support the road. For lovers of the sea the range of activities is amazing. All watersports can be undertaken here, snorkelling or diving on the reefs, sailing or skiing above them, the choice is yours. If you are lucky you may get to swim with Dolphins or you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Manatee.
Key West is the last point of the USA and has an atmosphere like no where else in the States. It is very bohemian and arty, the bars and restaurants have a unique feel to them and the whole place is Hemmingway nuts.
Ernest Hemmingway lived and worked here during the 30's. If you visit Hemmingways House look out for the lucky six toed mutant cats.
Key West has stunning sunsets; find a bar, sit relax and enjoy.
A journey here from Miami Beach is a full day trip.
The Everglades
This is a huge marsh area protected as the Everglades National Park. There are many ways of seeing this vast, flat plain of water and sawgrass. There are all manner of excursions available to the visitor dependent on the degree of adventure required. Many of these tours will bring you face to face with the Everglades most famous inhabitants, the Alligators. On the fringes of the park it is also possible to go on airboat tours that will again take you in search of the regions wildlife.
Eating, Drinking and Sleeping
Miami Beach is hot at the moment for food. The big attraction is Cuban food but there are also good Italian and Indian restaurants and the seafood here is always mouth-watering.
There are numerous Hotels and Hostels. In Miami Beach these tend to be in the fine old Art Deco buildings whilst Downtown Miami is the place for international hotel chains. Level of availability is good except during the February Boat Show.
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