What does Miami specialize in? We study geography. City of Miami: where is the pearl of Florida's south coast? Metro in Miami

Miami is a city of sun, beaches, fun and endless entertainment. It is considered the most important resort not only in the state of Florida, but throughout the United States. In addition, many cruise ships depart from the city port. Its main tourist areas are the world famous Miami Beach and South Beach.

Miami Beach - about 40 km of beaches with golden sand, hundreds of hotels, restaurants and shops. Numerous show programs with the participation of world celebrities are held on the Ocean Drive embankment. You can experience all the diversity of nightlife in Art Deco, a small area in the south of Miami Beach. Most of the buildings here were built in the 30s of the last century and belong to the Art Nouveau style.

How to get there

West of the city center is Miami International Airport. However, you cannot fly here on a direct flight; you will have to make transfers to get there. You can use the services of Delta, which provides daily flights with connections in New York. American Airlines flights fly through Chicago to Miami. European companies offer flights to the resort with connections in Paris, London, Frankfurt or other cities. You will have to get from the airport to the resort area and hotel by taxi or bus.

Climate

Nature itself made sure that Miami was the best resort in the country. The Gulf Stream flows just 24 km from its coast. Thanks to this, Miami has summer all year round. Even in winter there is no temperature lower than +20C. The water in the ocean warms up to +24C in summer, and the air temperature averages around +28C. The only natural hazard is the high probability of a storm or hurricane.

Transport

The most interesting way to travel around the city is by above-ground metro. The builders were unable to dig a tunnel underground due to the thin limestone layer. But the city has only benefited from this state of affairs: traveling across the open bridge leaves unforgettable memories in the minds of tourists. There are no drivers on the trains; their movement is regulated automatically. It is best to take seats in the first carriage, then you will have a stunning panorama of the city and the ocean on the way.

Hotels

The choice of hotels at the resort will surprise even the most spoiled tourists. In each of them, regardless of the number of stars, service and service are at the highest level. To stay here, you can choose either a “budget” option, which is available to any tourist, or luxury, top-class hotels with jacuzzi, swimming pools, restaurants and their own entertainment program with the participation of world stars.

Sights and excursions

“Lion Country” is a reserve that creates natural habitat conditions for the animals of South Africa. Here you can watch the life of funny chimpanzees, huge elephants, graceful antelopes and many others.

"Parrot Jungle" is a park with exotic plants, waterfalls and lakes, which is home to 1,100 different tropical birds.

Villa Vizcaya is a palace built in an ancient style. Now there is an Art Museum here.

At the Police Museum you can see an exhibition of crime weapons, a gas chamber, an electric chair and the latest technical developments used by the local police.

Among the excursions, a trip to the island of Key Largo is especially popular. America's first underwater park is located here. Among the exhibits, it is worth noting a 3-meter sculpture of Christ, cast in bronze, installed at a depth of almost 6 m under water.

An excursion to Cape Canaveral will appeal to science lovers. The operating Space Center is located here and spaceships are launched. You are unlikely to be able to be present directly with him, but you will be able to take a walk through the local wildlife reserve.

If you don’t want to walk around museums and zoos, you can simply go for a ride on the ocean on a sea tram, yacht or boat.

Diving

The main attractions for divers in Miami are artificially created coral reefs and wrecks. Here you can see the unprecedented beauty of tropical fish, corals and all kinds of marine vegetation.

Miami occupies the territory between the tropical swamps of the Everglades region in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The city stands on the Miami River in the southeastern part of the peninsula of the same name in Miami-Dade County. Miami, with its surrounding communities, forms an urban agglomeration, estimated in 2008 at 5.4 million residents. It is the 7th largest metropolitan area in the United States. The city of Miami itself is not that big without its surroundings. As of 2000, 362 thousand people lived in the city itself. As of 2013, the population was approximately 417 thousand inhabitants.

Since its founding in 1896, Miami has grown rapidly and is now one of the world's most renowned destinations where people can work, live and play while enjoying a high quality of life. Miami is known as the "Magic City". The city has gained worldwide fame, and at the moment, Miami is a financial, commercial, cultural and entertainment center of global scale.



Bay of Biscay and Miami Beach

Overall, the Greater Miami area covers more than 2,000 square miles and includes Miami, Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay and dozens of smaller cities and towns. Miami is divided into two main areas: the mainland and 16 islands. The mainland includes Greater Miami, Kendall, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Little Haiti, North Miami, Surfside and Sunny Isles. Miami Beach and Key Biscayne are located on the barrier islands to the east.

More than 70% of the population is Hispanic. The city's close connection to Latin America is particularly well represented in its ethnic neighborhoods.




The city is home to many headquarters of transnational companies, television studios, and international banks. Miami is a recognized center of the cruise industry, and the city's port receives the largest number of cruise ships in the world. Since the beginning of 2001, the city has experienced a construction boom; more than 50 skyscrapers over 120 meters high are under construction or have already been built. It is no coincidence that Miami is considered the third city in the United States for the beauty and impressiveness of its multi-story buildings after New York and Chicago. In total, Miami has 112 buildings higher than 90 meters, the tallest of which is the Four Seasons Hotel and Tower, which is 240 meters high.


A distinctive feature of the city is the diversity of ethnic groups and cultures that have shaped the unique appearance of Miami. The city attracts a huge number of foreign-born people. This is why Miami is often characterized as the “Gateway of Latin America.”

Racial composition of the population

  • Hispanic - 71.1%
  • African Americans - 17.8%
  • white - 9.9%
  • Asians - 0.7%
  • mixed races - 0.4%

The vast majority of the population in the city is Latino. There are especially many immigrants from Cuba in Miami (52% of the total number of residents of Latin American origin). Next comes Nicaragua (8.6%), Honduras (5.1%), Puerto Rico (4.3%), Dominican Republic (2.7%), Colombia (2.4%), Mexico (1.5%) .

An important point is that almost 60% of Miami residents were born outside the United States. It is also worth noting the fact that Miami is one of the “oldest” cities, the average age of a resident is 38.9 years. This is explained by the fact that since the beginning of the 20th century, Miami has been considered a real Mecca for retirees who, upon retirement, move here for permanent residence.




Statistics for 2013:

  • average per capita income - $22692
  • The average cost of renting a home is $947
  • residents living below the poverty line - 28.9%

Despite economic diversification, the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning the city is tourism and recreation. Miami is "America's Cleanest City" according to Forbes magazine. This recognition was made possible thanks to the greening of the city, cleaned streets, clean air and quality water. The city's world-famous beaches, festivals and conferences attract more than 12 million tourists annually, spending an estimated $17 billion.




Neighborhoods of Miami

For most, Miami is an all-encompassing term that includes both the city of Miami itself and neighboring Miami Beach. In fact, these are separate communities with their own individuality.

Sunny Miami is not only a year-round seaside resort favored by celebrities since the first half of the 20th century, but also a key US economic center that plays an important role in international trade. The main tourist area of ​​the city is Miami Beach, located on the Atlantic coast. This is where beaches, hotels, entertainment, pedestrian promenades, restaurants and nightclubs are concentrated.

In the distant 1980-90s. a vacation in Miami Beach was something unattainable for residents of other continents, but the situation has changed. Now any tourist can choose a suitable hotel and go to the magnificent beaches of Florida to sunbathe, enjoy evening walks along the Miami Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Wynwood and Little Havana.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 1000 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Miami?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

A resort suburb of Miami, separated from other neighborhoods by Biscayne Bay. Along the coast of the area, completely built up with hotels, there is a large coastal strip with beaches. The tourism infrastructure of Miami Beach began to develop in the 1920s. The resort quickly gained popularity among celebrities and celebrities. The central part of the city is built up with historical buildings in the Art Deco style, erected between 1923 and 1943.

A building of the early 20th century, built according to the design of F. B. Hofmann Jr. for the wealthy industrialist D. Döring. There is a landscaped park around the mansion. The building is decorated in various architectural styles dating back to several eras. In the mid-20th century, the property was sold to the city. Since then, the villa has housed the Dade Museum of Art. From time to time, feature films are filmed here.

In the 1950s Wynwood was a depressive outskirts populated predominantly by Puerto Ricans, built up with small factories and auto repair shops. Transformations began only in 2005, when city authorities decided to “gentrify” Wynwood, that is, its complete reconstruction. The best graffiti authors from all over the world painted the walls of warehouses and workshops, as a result of which the area was transformed and became a place of attraction for bohemians, creative individuals and tourists.

The Design District is a unique and creative place where designers, artists and other artists gather. There are numerous shops and warehouses with trendy avant-garde furniture, accessories, unusual sculptures and interior items. There are also many showrooms with exclusive clothing brands in the area. Every second Saturday of the month the Night of Design and Art takes place here.

An area in Miami where Cuban immigrants live who fled the country due to Fidel Castro's rise to power. The former residents of Liberty Island have long been assimilated and turned into ordinary Americans, but the national Cuban flavor has been preserved in the area. There are noisy street fairs accompanied by Latin American music and dance, colorful processions during Catholic holidays and various national festivals.

The resort center of Miami, a point of attraction for all lovers of nightlife. Its unofficial name is “American Riviera”. There are a huge number of nightclubs, excellent restaurants, hotels and shops here. The main highlight of the area is its magnificent beach, covered with dazzling white sand. South Beach also has a historic district filled with picturesque Art Deco buildings.

Miami is not only an ideal beach resort, but also a great shopping destination. The city has entire streets where “shopaholics” can immerse themselves in the exciting world of shopping. One such place is Lincoln Road. Here, clients will find boutiques and shops of all famous world brands, where they can buy clothes, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, gadgets and souvenirs.

A historic street with Art Deco buildings from 1920-40, which is a popular “promenade” and gathering place for the bohemian public. The street stretches for several kilometers along the ocean. Many buildings of architectural interest were demolished. Those that remain have been designated National Historic Landmarks. You can see many vintage cars on Ocean Drive.

The building is located in central Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. It was erected in 1925 as the office of The Miami News newspaper. In 1957, the building was transferred to the city authorities, and a center for receiving Cuban immigrants was located on its territory. The name “Freedom Tower” was assigned to the building because the Cubans who escaped from the regime of F. Castro believed that they had found true freedom in the United States. Nowadays, the tower houses a museum and library of Cuban literature.

Sports complex, which was opened in 1999. The NBA's Miami Heat basketball team is based here. The arena is designed for 20 thousand spectators. It hosts not only sporting events, but also concerts of world stars. Cher, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Britney Spears and other famous pop performers performed at the American Airlines Arena.

Shopping arcades located right on the embankment near the seaport. Bayside has more than 150 shops, as well as many cafes and bars. To attract buyers, performances and concerts are constantly organized at the market. In the evening it turns into a street filled with strolling tourists. Bayside offers clothing, local crafts, souvenirs and more.

The museum was founded in 1984 as an art center. Since 1996, it has functioned as a museum with a permanent exhibition. The collection contains exhibits created in the 20th-21st centuries, brought from various parts of the world. The funds continue to be replenished thanks to private collections, the owners of which constantly donate new works of art to the museum. More than 300 thousand people visit the gallery every year.

The City History Museum houses exhibits covering a broad period of Florida history. The collection is located on two floors and occupies an area of ​​more than 3.7 thousand m². The museum organizes and develops research programs, holds open events for visitors and participates in scientific research. “HistoryMiami” is a whole scientific and cultural complex with a full-fledged research base.

The museum's collection is housed in two buildings that served as synagogues in the past. The main building is a historical building from 1936, created with elements of the Art Deco architectural style. The exhibit contains photographs, documents, household items and other artifacts that tell the story of the role of Jews in US history, as well as the cultural traditions of this nation.

Sculptural composition created according to the design of K. Traister in 1980-90. financed by the Rothschild family. The memorial is made in the form of a hand stretched out to the sky, along which emaciated human figures with imprints of monstrous suffering on their faces are climbing up. The memorial is very expressive and can evoke strong emotions in the viewer. The sculptor managed to express the horror that the Jewish people experienced in the 1930s and 40s. during the genocide.

A full-fledged educational center with a large number of interactive exhibits and compositions, where children can get acquainted with world culture, as well as try themselves in some professions. The museum includes exhibition galleries, a lecture hall, classrooms, a gift shop and a restaurant. The center offers painting, modeling, photography and sculpture classes.

The Gesu is the oldest Catholic church in Miami. It was erected in 1896 with funds from the city Catholic community. For a long time, the temple was an important spiritual center of the city. The first church was built of wood. In 1921, construction of the stone building began. Since 1905, a full-fledged school functioned on the basis of the temple. During active emigration from Cuba, the Catholic Latin American Center was organized in Gesu, which helped newly arrived immigrants adapt.

One of the first churches in Miami, founded in 1896. Initially it was wooden, in 1912-25. a stone temple was built in its place. The cathedral building is included in the US National Register of Historic Places for its special architectural value. The church was built in a picturesque pseudo-Romanesque style. The facade and walls are painted white. They are decorated with arched openings and graceful balustrades.

An amusement park located on Watson Island. Jungle Island is famous for its unforgettable shows, which feature tigers, lions, exotic birds and other fauna. In addition to cats, the park is home to lemurs, snakes, penguins, crocodiles, orangutans and turtles. The territory also has a large lake with a conservation area and a public beach.

The Miami Aquarium is one of the very first marine parks opened in the United States. Killer whales, sharks, seals, crocodiles, stingrays, turtles, and everyone’s favorite dolphins live here. Due to the comfortable climatic conditions of Florida, the inhabitants of the aquarium feel quite comfortable. Popular shows with dolphins and fur seals are held outdoors year-round.

The zoo is located approximately 25 km from Miami. It covers an area of ​​300 hectares. In order to see all the animals, you will have to walk more than 5 km. Taking this into account, the rental of bicycles and bicycle strollers with awnings is organized for visitors, and wheelchairs are available for people with disabilities. In addition to numerous animals, the zoo is pleasing to the eye with lush tropical vegetation. The menagerie regularly hosts shows for children.

A public park in central Miami, located on the shores of Biscayne Bay. It was opened in 1925. The architect W. G. Manning worked on the project. The park was completely reconstructed in the 1980s. under the leadership of I. Noguchi. Public celebrations and fairs on Christmas Eve are constantly held here, as well as public balls and various concerts.

A scenic walking path that stretches from South Beach approximately 7 km north along the ocean coast. The place is classified as a “must-see” in Miami. The path is perfect for leisurely walking, running and cycling. Along the route there are cafes, wonderful places for swimming, decorative fountains with drinking water and cozy benches.

Green area covering an area of ​​33 hectares. There are 14 artificial lakes within the garden. The tropical and subtropical flora amazes with its impressive diversity. The botanical garden was created in 1938 by Professor D. Fairchild and Colonel R. Montgomery with funds from patrons. The park is open all year round. For numerous visitors, a variety of events are held to suit every taste.

A natural area that includes marshland, mangroves and tropical forests. A large number of rare birds and animals live here. The park is covered by a wide network of lakes, creating a unique ecosystem. The Everglades is sometimes called “the largest swamp in the world”, since the area of ​​flooded areas occupies more than 6 thousand km². There are a considerable number of alligators in the park.

I think that most travelers go to the USA not for a couple of days, but for at least a week, and usually plan to see not just one city, but at least a large piece of this far from small country. So we covered almost the entire east coast in three weeks. In addition to the fact that we first visited, we traveled another 2,500 km south from New York and visited many cities, eventually arriving all the way to Key West. One of the cities we were able to visit was Miami - it is located in the southeast of the United States of America and at the same time the Florida peninsula in the state of the same name.

We drove there in a car rented in New York, and after the billboard with the name of the state, signs to orange farms and beaches began to appear on the road every now and then. As we soon found out, locals call Florida “the sunshine and orange state.”

Sign at the entrance to the state

Oranges and tourists owe their appearance here to the tropical monsoon climate and the proximity of the warm ocean current.

History and population of Miami

Before the Europeans, these warm regions were inhabited by Indians. The first representatives of the Old World to arrive here were the Spaniards, but after the United States gained independence, the British established general order. Subsequently, thanks to the location of the state and the climate, representatives of different countries and peoples came here, establishing corners of their culture in the city.

How to get there

Options for getting to Miami are quite varied and can vary depending on the goals, objectives, availability of time and budget, as well as the location of the traveler. Main methods:

  • airplane
  • train
  • bus
  • automobile.

Our and, I hope, your route

The journey to Miami is not close and will take considerable time, even if you take a plane.

By plane

This is the fastest way. There are different ways to get from Russia to Miami:

  • Aeroflot planes fly every two days (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) at prices starting from approximately 500 USD per ticket (13 hours of flight time).
  • You can also build complex routes through European airports with transfers. It takes longer, but it’s cheaper, for example, it will take about a day across the road, but tickets will cost 150 USD cheaper. You can find tickets for the dates you need by using well-known search engines, or.

Both flight options from Russia will take you to Miami International Airport, located in the western part of the city, literally 7 kilometers from the center. This road will take you 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by subway from Miami International Airport Station.

Flight options if you are already in the US:

  • From John F. Kennedy Airport or from LaGuardia in New York, for example, it takes just over 3 hours to fly with Delta; airfare ranges from 150 to 300 USD depending on the time of day.
  • From Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, the flight takes less than 3 hours, the ticket price will be 100–120 USD.
  • Miami is also served by domestic flights from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport, located slightly north of the city. From the airport to the center it takes about 40 minutes by car or taxi.

By train

The company offers a 28 or 31 hour journey from New York (starting from Penn Station) with a ticket starting at 100 USD and departing at 11:00 or 15:00.

If you suddenly are already in Washington, then at Union Station you can catch the same trains, but the journey will be a little faster and cheaper. Trains run every day, tickets can be purchased both online and directly at the departure stations.

That's what the arrival station is called. « Miami", from it to the center it takes 25 minutes by car or taxi and the same 25 or 30 minutes by metro from the Tri-Rail station closest to the station.

The train that will take you south

By bus

Greyhound offers travel along the entire East Coast from New York City (Port Authority station at 625 8th Ave, NY 10018) for prices starting at 70 USD, depending on the day of the week and departure time.

In this case, the journey will take from 30 to 35 hours and may require from 0 to 2 transfers. The bus makes several stops in the city, the last of which is at Miami International Airport.

Bus all over the east coast

By car

Perhaps my favorite way. Not the most budget-friendly, but the most free from regime and schedule. It allows you to stop and watch whatever your heart desires, eat at the best seafood restaurants in Georgia, swim at any Florida beach, sleep in atmospheric motels and everything in that spirit.

28 km Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

The journey from New York will take about 20 hours, not counting stops if you are in a hurry. If you have time, I recommend not sticking only to the main highway I 95, which runs through the entire east coast. Then on the way you can drop into Washington (you can see it without museums during daylight hours) or drive through the state of Delaware and drive along the Lucius J. Kellam Jr. Bridge-Tunnel. Bridge-Tunnel across the Chesapeake Bay is 28 km long, stop by Williamsburg and visit the colonial town to plunge into the atmosphere of the 19th century or visit Rainbow Row in ... But if you are still in a hurry, then when leaving New York, choose the direction South and scratch until we see on the sign: MIAMI.

Charleston's most famous street

Clue:

Miami - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 7

Kazan 7

Samara 8

Ekaterinburg 9

Novosibirsk 11

Vladivostok 14

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The climate in Miami is tropical monsoon. So that you understand what tropical means: the average temperature in January is about +19 °C (although during the day it rises to +25 °C), and in the summer it is +29–35 °C. And the monsoon: the rainy season lasts from May to mid-October, and from mid-August to the end of September, typhoons are common here, and tornadoes occur periodically.

The most favorable time to relax here is from November to April. At this time, of course, there are more tourists, and prices for accommodation are higher (by about 30%), but there is also more movement. Overall, in Miami it is always warm (or hot), humid and often rainy, and due to the proximity of the Everglades swamps, in the west of the district people regularly encounter alligators. But it's not all that scary.

At the same time, Miami is one of the most party, swimming, cruising, and possibly entertainment places on the entire east coast of the United States.

Miami Beach in winter season

Miami in summer

Late spring and summer in Miami is a good time for a vacation like me - lovers of hot summers, swimming, contemplation and a small number of tourists.

At this time it is hot here (temperature is about +30 °C), sunny, although there are periodic rains and even hurricanes, and therefore there are not many people, but you can observe a variety of weather.

Miami in autumn

The rainy season still continues in September - October, and typhoons and hurricanes most often occur at this time.

Miami in the spring

We were in Miami at the beginning of May and were pleased with how it turned out. The weather was quite warm, but not hot - about +25 °C, the rainy season had not yet arrived, cloudiness was either absent or minimal, and this allowed us not to be particularly limited in walks and trips to the beach, but also to watch gorgeous sunsets and sunrises .

Another positive point is the lack of tourists. This allowed us not to plan everything in advance, but to act according to the situation: if we wanted, we didn’t bother with , but chose any motel we liked (there are plenty of free places!), if we wanted, we went for a ride on bicycles or on a speedboat (it’s not too hot and the ocean is not stormy) !).

Sunrise and sunset in Miami Beach

By the way, in March the Cuban festival is held in the Malenkaya district, remember this if you are suddenly planning your trip in the spring.

Miami in winter

Winter here, of course, is a purely calendar concept, the temperature rarely drops below +20 °C, and during the day most often reaches +25–30 °C, there is practically no rain.

Thanks to the warm current, the water in the Atlantic remains warm all year round. Therefore, both Americans and tourists try to come here from November to March.

You can try all the entertainment that was promised: swimming, surfing, boat rides, and walks at a comfortable temperature.

Miami - weather by month

Clue:

Miami - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Despite the fact that Miami itself has a little more than 430 thousand inhabitants, it is one of the four urban agglomerations, where the number of residents of the city and surrounding areas is more than 5 million. This makes the city one of the key points from an economic point of view in the southeast of the country, and therefore it is full of offices of all sorts of international corporations and banks.

In general, there are many districts in the city, but for convenience they are grouped into Northern, Southern, Western And Central part.

  • In the Center, which is actually in the east on the very shore, there is Downtown - the business district. A little further north is the administrative center, hospitals and research institutes.
  • In the South there are historical areas such as Coconut Grove and Coral Way. Here, in addition to the cozy streets of old buildings, there is also the party part of Miami, where you can find many nightclubs, bars, restaurants and shops.
  • The western regions are now populated mainly by immigrants from Latin American countries; it is not for nothing that one of the districts here is called Little.
  • The north of the city is mainly residential areas with high-rise residential buildings and mansions from the 20s and 50s of the 20th century. It is also home to the Latino and African-American neighborhoods of Little and Overtown.

Briefly about some areas:




What are the prices for holidays?

Prices in Miami vary widely, so when planning your trip, first decide on your budget and then scour the Internet to find options that suit your needs. Globally, everything except public transport and taxis is cheaper in the off-season, that is, from approximately April to October. We also saved money by eating not in restaurants, but in fairly budget cafes and cooking at home.

Also google entertainment coupons; for example, on Groupon we saved an additional 15 USD for three people on a speedboat ride. Museums sometimes offer student discounts and discounts for young people under 25, they can be symbolic (about 1 USD), but it’s still nice, yes, and if you visit several places, it will be even nicer.

International student card

I made an Isic card at one time and actively used it in both Europe and America; they believe in it more readily than in our classic paper student ID.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Miami is a big city, so there is a lot to see. For architecture lovers, there are historical areas and authentic churches here. For romantics there are wonderful beaches for admiring sunrises and areas for admiring sunsets. For art lovers - museums dealing with world, American, Jewish and Latin American (and other) heritage.

Walking streets and bike paths will help you fully enjoy the atmosphere of the city, while the beaches will relax you with the warm sun and ocean.

Top 5

Miami is a city so large and diverse that it is not so easy to single out the Top 5 places in it. Probably, every person who visits here for at least two or three days will be able to make their own rating. But I will still try to highlight the most significant places for me:


Beaches. Which ones are better

One of the main elements of a vacation in Miami is the beach. Actually, they don’t exist in the city, since the entire coastline is made up of villas with their own pier. So you will not be able to break through the endless series of Privat property signs. Yet in close proximity, just across Biscayne Bay, is a 15 km long reef island called Miami Beach. Thanks to its origin, there is gorgeous, almost white reef sand, and the warm Gulf Stream current in the Atlantic Ocean, which runs 24 km from the coastline, provides comfortable water temperatures all year round.

As I said above, Miami Beach has about 15 km of beach, and it is divided into three parts:


Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The oldest church in all of southern Florida, the unusual appearance of which is complemented by a lush interior: stained glass windows, frescoes, crucifixes.

The church is working, services are held every day in Spanish and/or English, the schedule can be found.

Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church is located in Miami Beach on Lenox Avenue, although the address for the navigator is 621, Alton Road. It looks quite modest, like many modern Catholic churches. However, lovers of church architecture have something to look at: the portal, stained glass windows, and interior decoration look quite laconic and at the same time attractive.

The church is active, services are held every day in English and Spanish, and also in Italian, schedule.

is located just north of Downtown at 464 NE 16th Street right on the shores of Biscayne Bay.

In my opinion, there is something to see. Lutheran church, daily services, schedule available.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Art in Miami has been given a lot of space, since this city has historically been inhabited by natives of many countries, who always brought with them part of their culture. In addition, the largest museums of modern art are located here, forcing even the most sophisticated connoisseurs to linger for a while.





In Little Havana and Little, you can get acquainted with the art of people from the Island of Liberty and Africa by visiting and, respectively. Another interesting place can be noted, dedicated to the events of the 60s. in the Bay of Pigs, also located in Little Havana.

Parks

There are quite a few parks in Miami, most of them are quite ordinary, although if you are not in the mood to sit in one place all the time and are interested, among other things, in nature, I advise you to visit a couple of places.


Tourist streets

In the city center, to experience the combination of the business center of the Southeast of North America and the nature of this tropical region, you must take a stroll through Brickell Avenue And Biscayne Boulevard.

In Miami Beach streets Collins, Washington Avenue And Ocean drive- the center of parties, restaurants and, perhaps, the most tourist places in all of Miami.

For me, as a lover of romance, the most attractive thing is, of course, the Miami Beach embankment Broadwalk, stretching along the entire coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

What to see in 1 day

I suggest starting your one-day trip from the Brickell metro station at 9:00, from there we move East towards the ocean and end up at Brickell Avenue.

We turn left (north) and walk through the very center of Miami - Downtown. Then we cross the small bridge over the Miami River and take a right across Biscayne Boulevard Way onto Biscayne Boulevard itself and continue north. After a couple of hundred meters, Bayfront Park awaits you, take a walk along it, it has its own embankment, and it itself is very nice.

Walking further north, you will see a shopping center - the Bayside Marketplace, where you can buy souvenirs, have lunch at any cafe of your choice, and there are many of them, and then take a boat excursion on the nearby pier.

Souvenirs, food and excursions on our way

Upon returning from the excursion at approximately 13:00, if you are tired, then take the bus (No. 3, 93, 103 or 119) to Museum Park. Again, a short walk through the park and you are already in one of the most famous museums of contemporary art in Miami, and in the whole world - Pérez Art Museum.

Around 4:30 p.m., after spending several hours at the museum, you will probably be hungry and want to finally visit the famous beaches of Miami. We go back to the stop where you got off at the museum and catch bus number 119, which rushes you across the bay along the long MacArthur Causeway bridge directly to the south of Miami Beach.

Next, your choice: Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue or Ocean Drive right away. There are a lot of different catering establishments here, we have dinner and go to the beach! Next, I suggest you take a walk along the embankment, and then sit down somewhere listening to live music and end your evening with this. Take bus No. 103 or No. 119 to Brickell Station (you need to get to the Stephen P Clark Center stop) and go to Government Center Metromover Station.

What to see in the area

The surroundings of Miami may be of interest to lovers of nature, thrills, and simply those who do not see their vacation in lying on the beach. So, not far from the city there are the Everglades swamps with the national park of the same name and the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge, where you can go hiking or canoeing and get to know the local flora and fauna, or even spend the night in a tent under a very starry tropical sky!

And a sweet addition to Miami are the Florida Keys with their coral reefs, fishing, beaches and pirate forts.

Nearby Islands

Of the interesting islands in the immediate vicinity of the city (of course, not counting Miami Beach) it is worth mentioning Key Biscayne And Virginia Key. Biscayne Island has only a small residential area and a lot of entertainment: attractions, parks, yacht and golf clubs, palm trees, beaches and an old lighthouse. Virginia is home to the famous Marine Aquarium.

But, again, if you have the time, energy and desire, go south and visit the Florida Keys archipelago. I think a whole article needs to be dedicated to him.

But what awaits you on the farthest inhabited island besides Key Lime Pie (traditional Florida pie), magnificent beaches, reefs, authentic architecture, live music, cuisine from around the world and Cuba 150 kilometers away:


Food. What to try

In Miami, as in the United States in general, there are a lot of people from all over the world. That is why here you can find cuisine from all nations of the world and at any level, from fast food eateries and street trailers to elite restaurants frequented by Hollywood stars.

The city has several places where cafes and restaurants gather.

Of course, one of these clusters is South Miami Beach. Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue are replete with a variety of restaurants of fairly high quality and prices, so a dinner for one can easily cost you 40–50 USD.

In Downtown Miami itself, along Brickell Avenue and neighboring streets, there are many cafes, bars and restaurants. Also interesting places in terms of gastronomy and more are Coconut Grove and Miracle Mile. In addition to shopping centers and art galleries, you can also eat delicious food there, and choose both expensive and budget options.

In my opinion, in Miami, just like in any other coastal area, you need to eat fish and seafood prepared by chefs from countries that traditionally respect seafood, such as the Mexicans and the Japanese. At the same time, fish and seafood, and Mexicans and Japanese are a dime a dozen here!

This is probably my favorite American crab.

Catering in the USA, as you know, is very well developed, and I often got the impression that it is cheaper and easier to eat in restaurants and cafes than to search, buy and cook it yourself. And in Miami itself, that’s what we did: we went to everything prepared and never made a mistake. The level of cuisine even in budget places was quite high.

However, next door to Miami, in the town of Hollywood, I still insisted on buying groceries and cooking dinner in our small motel kitchen. Finding seafood was not difficult. There are quite a lot of places with fish, crabs and shellfish. Our choice fell on the popular stone crab here. A pound of this joy, depending on the size, will cost from 10 to 20 USD. But finding fresh vegetables turned out to be a more difficult task... The market, which we passed right through in the morning, was closed by the police in the evening due to its illegality, and in a small shop on a tourist street a head of Iceberg lettuce cost 9 bucks, a pound of tomatoes about the same, and cucumbers we didn't find it at all.

So, the issue of independent nutrition remained unsolved for me. And the crab, boiled in ocean water on a tile in a motel, still sits in my head and demands that the banquet be continued.

Oddly enough, despite the fact that we visited several restaurants in Miami, it was difficult to recall their names in memory, only good impressions and approximate locations remained. And only after reviewing photos of dishes on Google we realized that yes, this is the Mexican restaurant Chili's in Bayside Marketplace. It's worth a look!

Budget

According to Tripadvisor, the top 5 delicious and inexpensive restaurants include:

  • Coyo Taco
  • Five Guys
  • El Mago de las Fritas
  • Camila's Restaurants
  • El Palacio De Los Jugos

Even the names show internationality and diversity.

Mid-level

A similar story with mid-price restaurants from Tripadvisor:

  • Crust
  • Vero Italian Restaurant
  • Pollos & Jarras
  • CVI.CHE 105
  • Old Lisbon Restaurant

Expensive

Holidays

Miami is famous for its annual major events: exhibitions, festivals and parades. Everyone will find something to suit their interests.


Safety. What to watch out for

Miami is a multinational city, there are many migrants here, both legal and not, and locals who don’t mind profiting from the property of honest tourists. Therefore, in ethnic areas with a predominance of Latin- and African-Americans, be attentive and careful, if possible, drive a car (rented or taxi) at night, and do not approach the local population during the day, even if the person seems to be friendly.

In cars in parking lots (even in crowded places), do not leave anything visible and be sure to close the doors and windows. During the trip, we lived in a motel next door to Malenky, and the administrator immediately warned us that we shouldn’t move around the area alone.

On crowded beaches, there are lifeguard towers about every 200 meters manned by muscular guys, similar to the Malibu lifeguards, only not in California, but in Florida. By the way, it is forbidden to climb the towers even at night, when it would seem they are not working and no one needs them. Patrol police closely monitor that order is maintained on the beach at any time of the day.

Things to do

It’s not for nothing that Miami is famous as one of the most popular resorts in the USA, and probably throughout the world. There really is a lot to do here. Although, if your favorite vacation is doing nothing, come anyway! As we've already discussed, there are plenty of beaches, bars and restaurants, and you can enjoy the bright sun, warm ocean, cuisine and drinks from all over the world.

If, on the contrary, you can’t sit still, jump on your bike, go to the beach, stand on your board and catch a wave yourself or with experienced surfers at school. In the evening, take a speedboat tour of the villas of local celebrities and enjoy the speed and splash of the waves! Then go to the Everglades or Bigsceepers, go hiking, spend the night in the open air next to alligators and mosquitoes, and canoe through swamps or mangroves.

Take a car and go to Kiis, there are a million different ways to look at underwater life: snorkeling, diving, kayaks with boats and boats with a transparent bottom. And anyway, go to the Siquarium and play golf! Once you start relaxing actively, you will never want to just lie on the beach for more than one day again!

Shopping and shops

In Miami, fans of this business will have something to do. In Miami Beach, on Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue, there is a huge number of all kinds of stores of famous and not so famous brands. On Washington Avenue there is a smaller choice and the prices are less exorbitant, so I advise those who like saving money to come here.

On the mainland, there are perhaps two notable places for shopaholics:

  • Northeast 40th Street in South Little,
  • Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

In the first, in addition to a variety of clothing stores, you can see the works of local artists in several art galleries. And in the “Mile of Miracles” you can choose a restaurant or cafe to suit your taste.

In addition, the city has a large number of shopping centers such as Bayside Marketplace, Miami International Mall, Dolphin Mall, Coco Walk, Dadeland Mall and others.

Bars. Where to go

There are a lot of bars here. They have the usual ones for us with classic cocktails, there are Latin American and English pubs, Czech pubs and everything you can imagine.

Many establishments broadcast sports, and Americans are happy to go there to drink beer and watch football, baseball or racing. Also often in bars, musicians play live music, making noise throughout the entire street and entertaining not only visitors, but also passers-by.

The opening hours of bars vary, some open from 8:00, some from 18:00, and usually close between 00:00 and 3:00.

Pricing policy depends on the location and popularity of the places. Of course, don't expect cheap booze at the Purdy Lounge in south Miami Beach.

Top 5 bars according to Tripadvisor:

  1. MO Bar + Lounge,
  2. Little Lounge,
  3. Vino's in the Grove,
  4. Coconuts Tiki Bar,
  5. Duffy's Tavern.

Clubs and nightlife

Nightlife in Miami Beach has something for every taste. Parties sometimes last for whole days, and many clubs are open seven days a week.

  • Nikki Beach. The club is interesting because it is located right on the beach, and many visitors come straight away in swimsuits. The beach party takes place on Sundays from 21:30 to 3:00.
  • Liv. Almost an elite club where you can often meet American celebrities. In addition, famous performers perform here, for example, 50 cent, Jay-Z, etc. The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 23:00 to 5:00, entry is strictly from 21 years old and observing the dess code.

There are also clubs for people with non-traditional orientation, for example, the famous Twist.

Remember that there is always face control at the entrances, so you should dress appropriately. In addition, many establishments have an entrance fee and can cost up to 100 USD.

Extreme Sports

Every type of surf you've heard of can be found on the beaches near Miami.


In addition, among water activities you can try water skiing, tubing, wakesurfing, yachting, scootering and probably something else. The local people have come up with so many things that you can get lost in all the different options.

On the earth's surface, in addition to a regular pleasure bike, you can try BMX, mountain biking, skateboarding, rollerblading - there are plenty of places to ride!

Not far from Miami, you can experience the safari atmosphere at Lion Country Safari. The trip will cost about 30 USD, but you will see lions, giraffes and other African animals on the North American continent!

Safari 70 km from Miami

Not the most common and perhaps extreme for some, I would also like to mention fishing in the ocean. Participation in such an event costs about 250 USD per person.

You can also rent a boat with your own company, it will cost 750–1000 USD per group. Information and specific offers can be found at any pier.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Be sure to stop by for souvenirs. Official art deco giftshop, very authentic things: retro posters about Miami life. Also, take a look at some art gallery, of which there are a lot, here you can buy a painting, a figurine or a magnet with a work of art.

In Little Havana, you can buy anything related to Cuba, including cigars, which are handmade by Cuban artisans right in Miami.

How to get around the city

In my opinion, it is better to move around Miami either on your own or by public transport, which is quite well developed here. Why is that? Yes, because there are a lot of cars here, and all the parking lots are not only paid, but also always occupied.

In addition to standard taxis, buses, metro and car rental, the so-called Metromover and bicycle rental work well here. The fare, of course, varies: by public transport the trip will cost about 2.25 USD, by taxi no less than five bucks.

Another pleasant way is tourist buses, which have many stops; you can ride as much as you like, depending on the ticket, for one or two days.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxi in Miami without significant features. All officially registered cars must have the following inscriptions: Taxi, cab or taxicab on both sides and the telephone number of the transport company. Payment is made at a rate of 2.5 USD for landing and 1/6 of a mile and 0.40 USD for each subsequent 1/6 of a mile or minute of waiting.

You can catch a taxi either by waving your hand in an authorized place, or in parking lots, or by calling by phone. You can easily Google the numbers or get them from the hotel. A trip from the airport to the seaport will cost you approximately 25 USD.

Transport rental

Automobile

To have complete freedom of movement, it is always convenient to rent a car. We did it back in New York and so we went all over the east coast. But if you are flying to Florida, you can rent a car here, there is no problem. In Miami itself and its airports there are quite a lot of different rental companies: Dollar, Alamo, National, and Avis. You can compare prices from different rental companies, for example.

The price will be approximately 40 USD per day of rental (plus gasoline will cost approximately 80 cents per liter).

The list of documents is usual: passport, international driving license and driving experience of more than 1 year. I didn’t like having a car in Miami - it’s very difficult for it to find parking (besides, it’s paid), and all distances can be covered using public transport or a bicycle.

Bike

Another very attractive opportunity for me is renting a bicycle. Miami is an almost flat city, and even for inexperienced cyclists, getting around will be easy, and local authorities have taken care of an extensive network of bike paths.

You can rent a bike either at large rentals, for example, Bike and Roll or Deco Bike for 4 USD per hour, and up to 30 USD per day. When planning your trips, don’t be lazy, visit the websites, tariffs are described in detail there, there are promotions and discounts. There are also small rental offices that you can meet on the streets.

Moving around the city in your own (rented) car is fraught with a long search for expensive parking (cost per hour is about 2 USD) and a pointless waste of your vacation time, so choose motels with parking, as we did, switch to a bicycle or public transport and enjoy!

It’s not just that Miami is one of the largest and most popular cities for tourists in the world. People want to live and relax here, and, in my opinion, it is worth doing this not through the glass of a car.

Miami holidays with children

Among the entertainments that are traditionally popular with children, the Zoo and the Sea Aquarium should be noted; in addition, on the beaches you can enroll in a surf school or simply hire an instructor for lessons; in many places you can rent a kayak or take a tour on a boat, speedboat or yacht.

Of course, it would be great to take the kids to the Everglades with its swamps and alligators and see the coral reefs of the Florida Keys while snorkeling, kayaking or glass-bottomed boating. By the way, there are significant discounts for children almost everywhere.

Miami is a large metropolis located on the eastern Atlantic coast of Florida.

Today Miami is the second largest city in the state of Florida and its main financial and economic center; offices of many international banks, large corporations, and famous recording and television studios are located in Miami.

Photo used from the site www.miamiandbeaches.ru

Miami is the third city, after New York and Chicago, in terms of the number of impressive skyscrapers. Miami has 112 high-rise buildings over 90 meters in height.

Miami's tallest skyscraper - Four Seasons Hotel and Tower, its height is 240 meters.

History of Miami

Incorporated as a city in 1896 with a population of only about 500, Miami is enjoying its first boom thanks to a wealthy American woman. Julia Tuttle, who planted the first orange plantation here, after which Miami became the main supplier of oranges to all states of America.

The second spurt of growth and development of the city of Miami was associated with the construction railroad to Miami, industrialist Henry Flagler.

Since the construction boom of 2001, Miami now has more than 50 skyscrapers over 120 meters high and a population of more than 350,000 people.

Photo used from http://luxlifemiamiblog.com

Miami amazes with the diversity of ethnic groups and cultures of the people living there. You can hear how Miami is called the "Gateway of Latin America", more than 60% of Miami's population comes from Cuba, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico.

Average age of Miami residents slightly above 38 years old is due to the fact that Miami has traditionally been a favorite place to live for American retirees. Many wealthy Americans move here upon retirement, attracted by the comfortable climate and relatively low real estate prices.

Miami owes its warm and mild climate to Gulf Stream, flowing about 20 km off the coast of Miami.

Typically, a map of the city of Miami is divided into 2 parts:

Miami Central Business Districts –Downtown Miami and Brickell is a commercial area with skyscrapers, offices of banks and corporations, luxury hotels and apartments mainly for managers of all levels working here. Life in this downtown Miami area is completely different from the entertaining, vibrant tourist atmosphere of its coastal areas.

CoastalMiami areas –Key Biscayne, Fisher Island, Sunny Isles, Miami Beach and- These are the resort areas of Miami, more familiar to everyone from photographs of wonderful sandy beaches, palm trees, colorful seaside cafes, restaurants and clubs, numerous hotels and entertainment for tourists.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is separated from the City of Miami Biscayne Bay.

Officially, the resort town of Miami Beach is an independent separate city, but it is the one that everyone associates with the city of Miami.

Miami Beach is home to the best luxury hotels in Florida, clubs and casinos, and a wide variety of entertainment for the millions of vacationers who come here every year.

Miami Beach is known throughout the world for its beautiful, long lasting clean sandy free beaches. Luxury hotels and homes of world celebrities are located along the entire coast of Miami Beach. The entire coastline is built up with high-rise hotels and houses of world celebrities

The resort and entertainment life of Miami Beach does not stop around the clock. Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking and will be imbued with the amazing atmosphere of an eternal party.

Main promenade of Miami Beach, its oldest district and calling card - Ocean Drive.

Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive Promenade stretches for several kilometers along the ocean and a beautiful sandy beach, bicycle paths and beach volleyball courts lie here in the shade of numerous palm trees. On Ocean Drive there is always music playing and the lights are always on of numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, waiting for their guests and offering a variety of refreshing cocktails of the most bizarre compositions.

More than 800 buildings, famous and familiar to everyone from postcards, hotels in the Art Deco district, built in 1920-1930, each have their own style and unique appearance, and were designed by the most famous architects of that time. The area is listed on the U.S. National Historic Register.

Photo used from the site http://okstudio.photo

Miami Attractions

Numerous tourists flock to Miami every year to relax, relax and take pictures on the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Fans of visiting nightclubs and fashion galleries, surfers and divers, connoisseurs of art and architecture... simply curious active beginners and more sophisticated tourists... everyone will find a lot of interesting and varied entertainment in Miami.

Main and popular attractions of Miami

Versace Mansion

Villa Vizcaya

Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Holocaust Memorial

South Florida Historical Museum

Jewish Museum of Florida

Bass Museum of Art

Design Museum

Modern Art Museum

Science Museum

Miami Children's Museum

Railway Museum

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Butterfly world

Bayfront Park

Oleta River Park

Miami Seaquarium

Everglades National Park

Lion Safari

Jungle Island or Monkey Jungle

Zoo Miami

Photo used from www.visitflorida.com

Key West Island

Key West Island is the most famous of all the islands, Ernest Hemingway wrote his main works here, and American Presidents John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, and Dwight David Eisenhower repeatedly came to vacation here.

Key-West The island city of Key West is the southernmost point of the archipelago and the southernmost city in America.

Key-West is connected to the mainland by a system of bridges running from island to island across the entire Florida Keys archipelago right across the ocean. The total length of the road is 160 km, the longest bridge is 11 km long.

Diving in Miami

The artificial coral reefs near Miami are considered one of the most attractive places in the world for diving; there are many sunken ships under the water.

Surfing and kiting in Miami

Skating has become a popular pastime all over the world. Miami, with its year-round warm climate, warm ocean water and constant waves, attracts surfers from all over the world year-round.

Miami Hotels

Miami is one of the most popular resorts in the world; hotels of all hotel chains in the world are located here. Among more than a hundred hotels in Miami you will always find a hotel to suit your taste.
In the northern area of ​​Miami Beach you can not only rent a hotel, but also an apartment with a kitchen, which is especially popular with families with children.
The southern area of ​​Miami Beach is more party-oriented and noisy, more suitable for lovers of active 24-hour entertainment.
If you decide to stay in the center of Miami Beach resort life - the Ocean Drive area, then be sure to choose a hotel in the famous Art Deco district.

The best Miami hotels with discounts

Communication and Wi-Fi

Cellular operators in Miami: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, MetroPCS and Spring Nextel.
Free Wi-Fi is available in almost many public places, in hotels and restaurants, and on beaches.

Miami Climate

There is no winter in the usual sense in Miami. Summer continues all year round in Miami.

Miami is a tropical city with practically never-cooling ocean water, thanks to the Gulf Stream passing very close by.

Miami's calendar winter begins in December and ends in February; daytime temperatures at this time are 25 C, and sometimes up to 30 C. Winter in Miami is warm and dry, precisely because of the lack of intense heat, this is the time that many choose to vacation in Miami.

Summers in Miami are hot and humid.

From May to October, heavy rainfall is possible in Miami. From late June to early November, Miami is at risk of hurricanes.

Transportation Miami

Public transport in Miami is represented by buses, subways and metro movers. Metromovers are a unique type of public transport in Miami - these are driverless passenger cars controlled by electronics.
Metromovers intersect with Miami Metro lines at two stations - Brickell and Government Center.

Photo used from http://mysssr.com

Get to Miami

Miami has its own Miami International Airport, so getting to Miami by plane is very easy. Miami Airport - Florida's largest airport

From New York You can get to Miami by train.

Miami is also a major port Atlantic. Many cruise ship routes start from here.

Getting to Miami by car one of the simplest ways. By renting a car, you can comfortably explore all the sights of Miami and Florida that interest you, even the most remote ones, and of course, beautifully taxi to the hotel in your Mustang, Cabriolet or Taho, carelessly leaving the keys to the valet :)

The largest selection car rental companies at Miami airport, these are American and world rentacar brands.

Find out car rental prices in Miami from more than 30 rentacar companies in Florida:

Enjoy your holiday in Florida!

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