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Flagler’s railroad sparked a wave of expansion in areas such as Miami Beach, Homestead and Cutler. Soon after the railroad was built, the Overseas Highway was created. This highway connected the Florida Keys to the mainland. Growth and progress in Miami continued through World War I as well as into the mid-1920s.
A devastating hurricane in 1926 halted Miami’s growth and temporarily put the city, as well as Miami Beach, in a recession. It was the city’s support of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal that helped the city rebuild. Roosevelt almost lost his life, however, when Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate Roosevelt when he came to Miami to thank the city for its support of the New Deal.
When a German U-boat sank a US tanker off Florida’s coast, the majority of South Florida was converted into military headquarters for the remainder of World War II. The Army’s WWII legacy in Miami is a school designed for Anti U-boat warfare.
Because of its low latitude Miami has a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons in Miami, a warm and dry season from November through mid April....and a hot and wet season from May through October. The wet or summer months of June-September will see most daytime highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit with lows in the low to mid 70's with high humidity. The coldest winter months from December through March have highs in the upper 70's and lows near 60°F, with sunny and dry weather with often very low humidity. At times winter can be quite dry with water restrictions and cold snaps. Miami has the warmest ocean surf after Honolulu in the United States annually - reaching 85°F in summer and 73°F in winter.
[url=http://www.miami-airport.com]Miami International Airport[/url] ({{ICAO|KMIA} is located just west of the city in an unincorporated suburban area. It's an important hub for traffic between Europe, North America and Latin America. The international traffic makes MIA a large and congested place. Be sure to allow extra time when departing MIA, particularly if flying internationally, as you may face an hour-long line just to check your bags. Curbside check-in is an excellent idea.
If you are approaching or leaving MIA via the Airport Expressway (Florida State Road 112), beware of the at-grade railroad crossing on the ramps connecting the Expressway to the airport terminals. Normally such crossings are grade-separated, but this one sits directly east of one of the runways. Thus, be prepared for the possibility of a 10-15 minute delay if a train happens to be there at the same time as you.
Opa-Locka Executive(ICAO: KOPF) is popular for general aviation and business jet travelers out of the Miami area. Air taxi and air charter companies such as Jetset Charter [url=http://www.jscharter.com]]fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstreams down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals.
The predominant carrier at MIA is [[American Airlines[/url]], which has direct flights to most major cities in the Americas, and several European cities as well. European, Latin-American and Caribbean carriers are well-represented at MIA. The airport has no non-stop service to Asia, Africa or Oceania with the exception of Qatar Airways which offers nonstop service to Doha. The recent construction of two new terminals at MIA has helped with the airport's passenger capacities as well as the efficiency in going through customs and baggage claim.
MIA also has several restaurants ranging from local chains such as La Carreta to national chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King and Starbucks. Be aware that some restaurants serve beer, wine and/or cocktails. If you drink too much the airlines can refuse your boarding on a plane. MIA also has several retail stores, including several magazine stands and bookstores (including a Borders). Other retail stores include, but are not limited to, Brookstone, K-B Toys and Ron Jon Surf Shop. There is also a hotel connected to the airport.
Money can be exchanged for US dollars at the airport. Wireless internet is also available at MIA for a fee.
At MIA, public transportation [url=http://www.miami-airport.com/bus_and_rail_info.asp]]includes a free shuttle to the nearby Tri-Rail station, as well as to Metrorail [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp[/url].] Your best option is to take a taxi from the airport or rent a car, depending on where you're staying at (if you need to get around parts of Miami with no nearby Metrorail stations). MIA's car rental facilities have now all been centralized into a very large garage known as the Rental Car Center which can be accessed directly from the terminal via a free automated tram. FLL's facilities are located in the parking garage adjacent to the terminals.
Also, riders can take the recently created [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=150[/url]Miami Beach Airport Flyer Bus on Rt#150[/url] ($2.65 one way fare purchased at the bus station) if they are staying in Miami Beach. To get to Downtown Miami, riders can take the [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp] Metrorail[/url] directly to the Government Center station (the Metrorail also serves other parts of Miami, including Coconut Grove). From the Government Center stop passengers can transfer to other buses [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/]]going to other destinations from Downtown Miami or the [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover.asp]Metromover[/url[/url] to get around downtown. Many hotels are along the MetroMover route which is one level down from the MetroRail Government Center station. Consult a map for the closest MetroMover station or bus route to your hotel.
Also, riders can take the [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=110]J Line bus[/url] to Biscayne Boulevard and transfer to a southbound bus to [wiki=3cd1cb6d83b73e042701c7ab98b616b5]downtown[/wiki], although this would likely take you a long time and isn't a well-publicized option. Likewise one can stay on the bus and continue to Miami Beach at 41st & Collins.
Currently at MIA, construction of the new Miami Intermodal Center is slated to become Miami's Grand Central station with hub connections of Amtrak [url=http://www.amtrak.com],]Metrorail, Tri-Rail, taxis, Metrobus, and all car-rental facilities [url=http://www.micdot.com/[/url].]
Miami offers different fare types for different amounts of rides. Beware that unless you purchase an EASY Card or EASY Ticket, you will have to pay twice in order to transfer between buses and between the bus and MetroRail. The full list of available fares can be found at [http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/fares-and-passes.asp[/url]
EASY Cards and EASY Tickets can be bought at Terminal E of MIA.
A map of transit run by Miami-Dade is available [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/tm_for_web.pdf]here[/url].
Fort Lauderdale International Airport [url=http://www.fll.net]]is 25-40 minutes north of Miami proper, depending on traffic, and does not have nearly as many international routes. It only offers a small variety. However, it is smaller and less trafficked than MIA, making customs, immigration and security a bit easier to go through. Southwest Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue, Allegiant, Spirit Airlines (predominate at this airport) and other low-cost carriers generally use Miami's other airport, FLL, instead of MIA, making FLL a cheaper alternative in many cases as well.
Public transport is available to MIA and FLL. If you are arriving from FLL, there is a free shuttle to the Tri-Rail train station nearby [url=http://www.tri-rail.com[/url].]Tri-Rail trains connect [[West Palm Beach[/url]], [wiki=702e989bf025becf325e0bb91eb2586b]Boca Raton[/wiki], [wiki=03de63c74ab76e54cfa7d2ab20b8d9c2]Fort Lauderdale[/wiki] and Miami (note that this leaves you at the Miami Airport station, not downtown Miami). From the Miami Airport station transfer to the Metro train to get downtown or the airport shuttle train to the MIA terminals. The cheapest way to get to Miami is to take the [url=https://www.broward.org/BCT/MapsAndSchedules/Routes/Pages/1.aspx] #1 bus[/url] south to Aventura Mall (via Federal Hwy on US-1); transfer to the [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=3]#3 (via Biscayne Blvd)[/url], [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=9]#9[/url] or [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=119]S Line (via Collins Ave in Miami Beach)[/url] to downtown Miami. See [url=https://www.broward.org/BCT/MapsAndSchedules/Pages/MapsAndSchedules.aspx]this link[/url] for other bus lines in Broward County.
A map of Broward County Transit (which runs the #1 from Fort Lauterdale Airport) is available at https://www.broward.org/BCT/Documents/SystemMap.pdf .
Amtrak's Silver Service operates two trains daily to Miami from [wiki=d97e023dce2bb237a0d44f46d8ee9438]New York City[/wiki], [wiki=9a8995d0e0d1775d0891f404e43911d7]Washington, D.C.[/wiki] and other cities along the Eastern Seaboard. The ride from New York is about 24 hours but is often subject to delays, as Amtrak uses poorer-quality freight lines south of Washington and must cope with slow freight trains along the way.
There are frequent (at least 1 per hour) Tri-Rail trains every day to Miami from [wiki=bda2667796bc5d0781a8b3a9d04e9361]West Palm Beach[/wiki], [wiki=702e989bf025becf325e0bb91eb2586b]Boca Raton[/wiki] and [wiki=03de63c74ab76e54cfa7d2ab20b8d9c2]Fort Lauderdale[/wiki] on weekdays. However, on the weekends, the trains come every 2 hours. The weekday fare varies by distance but the weekend fare is $5 between any two stations on the line. [http://www.tri-rail.com/fares/fare-calculator/]
There are three main highways coming into Miami. I-95 runs along the Atlantic coast of the United States and terminates in Miami. I-75 comes in from the midwestern United States and runs through [wiki=8b1c40ce6629723de95905617aaf5743]Atlanta[/wiki] and [wiki=4eaac66449fd6ba1a10d5870044e1a4c]Tampa[/wiki] before terminating in Miami. Florida's Turnpike is a toll road mainly useful for those driving in from [wiki=d4d2ea493b6a2460e9b9f00712e0a234]Orlando[/wiki]. The only southbound route from Miami is [wiki=d907d9c0ed5573b4bef5fd8a1f92bd50]U.S. Highway 1[/wiki], which runs through the [wiki=cb1e3c5c70ca92896b8e0e5a33b0e5f3]Florida Keys[/wiki] all the way to [wiki=95ae1fec116e5fbc40cec211e66d7eb6]Key West[/wiki].
Greyhound, [url=http://www.greyhound.com].]The station is at 4111 NW 27th Street, near Miami International Airport.
*MegaBus, [url=http://us.megabus.com/[/url]]runs busses from Miami to both [[Orlando[/url]] and [wiki=4eaac66449fd6ba1a10d5870044e1a4c]Tampa[/wiki].
*RedCoach, [url=http://www.redcoachusa.com].]Buses arrive and depart from the South Terminal at Miami International Airport. Service from various cities in Florida and Georgia.
*ATC Buses, [url=http://www.atcbuses.com[/url].]Transfers in and out of the city of Miami for groups to the rest of the US. City tours and more.
*Gray Line Miami, [url=http://graylinemiami.com/package.php?destination=1&origin=1&tipo=6[/url].]Numerous companies offer shuttle services between the airport and Miami hotels.
*Key West to Miami Bus Service, [http://www.miamiinfotours.com/key-west.html[/url] Bus service from Miami Beach, FL to Key West, FL 7 days a week.
Miami's public transit system is the most diverse and extensive of any locality in Florida. In short, if travel time is not a priority, it is possible to travel to all commercial areas and major attractions within Miami without a car.
Miami's bus system covers the entire county and connects to bus lines serving Broward County and the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Recent developments have made the bus system more reliable than in the past. Even with the changes, and because of high local traffic, buses tend to have a hard time remaining on schedule. However, buses run often enough through each route so as not to be a nuisance. Many of the major bus routes operate 24 hours a day, seven days week, including the Route S bus, which connects downtown Miami to all of Miami Beach, terminating at Avenutra Mall in north Miami-Dade.
The Metrorail is a dual line, Green and Orange Line, elevated rail system serving Miami and surrounding cities, running 24.9 mi with 23 stations. It connects many areas of tourist interest, including downtown Miami, Miami International Airport (Orange Line - Only) Dadeland Mall, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Museum of Science, Village at Merrick Park and many other nearby shopping areas. Coconut Grove and downtown [wiki=4789b2e2aaa3be93ae2dc69f6fe73135]Coral Gables[/wiki] can be reached via short shuttle bus from various stations. Metrorail operates between roughly 5AM and midnight, with a bus serving all Metrorail stations operating in the overnight hours, effectively providing 24-hour service.
Recently, state and federal funding has allowed for planned expansions to the Metrorail to take better shape. A connection to Miami International Airport started construction in late 2009, opened July 2012.
Metrorail Green Line runs from Palmetto Station to Dadeland South with Orange Line trains traveling from Miami International Airport to Dadeland South. Both lines service the main trunk line from Earlington Heights Station to Dadeland South. Main line trunk service operates from 5AM to Midnight, seven days a week. Trains run as frequently as every 5 minutes to as infrequently as every 15 minutes along the main trunk. Mid-Day Weekday service along the main trunk averages seven minute service.
Fare for a single trip on both Metrorail and Metrobus is $2.25 per ride ($1.10 for persons with disabilities or on Medicare). Daily, weekly, and monthly pass are available. In early 2010, Miami-Dade Transit implemented a fare card system known as EASY Card. Though exact change/cash is still accepted on all Metrobus routes, an EASY Card is required for riding the Metrorail, and for utilizing the free transfers offered between an unlimited number of bus routes, and a single Metrorail ride. Currently, the fare card software does not allow passbacks. Any remaining transit tokens you may have can no longer be exchanged for EASY Card credit, and are not accepted as fare. Additional information on fares, routes and schedules can be found at [url=http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/],]or by calling +1 305 770-3131.
Downtown Miami is served by a free elevated people mover system known as Metromover, which connects to Metrorail at two stations at Government Center in the central business district and at Brickell Station in Brickell. Metromover is free of charge and is the most efficient way to move around Downtown Miami. It is a great way to take a rest when walking around downtown, and a great time to take pictures of the skyscrapers and growing Miami skyline from above.
South Florida’s Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) can be reached at [http://www.tri-rail.com/[/url], or by calling +1 800 tri-rail. During the week, there are frequent trains (at least one per an hour) to one of the four major destinations, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and South Florida Education Center (SFEC)/ Davie Campus Transit Routes. (However, on the weekend, trains run every 2 hours) Each of these four destinations have many different stops. Be sure to check the website for each stop and a schedule. There are employer discount programs on the website as well as fares.
Taxis are generally expensive with a surcharge of $2.50 for the pick-up and an additional $0.40 for each sixth of a mile traveled. Almost all cab companies in the area have pre-determined rates for travel into the barrier islands of Miami Beach and other beach and nightclub communities popular with tourists which can range from $30-$60 depending on arrival location. For example, South Beach may be the most expensive while a residential neighborhood in Miami Beach may be the cheapest. The charge is the same regardless of pick-up location on the mainland. All taxis are fitted with maps of the barrier islands which state the cost per location. The same applies for passengers leaving the islands onto the mainland, though normal rates apply for person traveling by taxi within the islands or within the mainland.
Service is available throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties regardless of pick-up location. The normal service charges apply for these four counties, but it is wise to ask for a pre-determined price beforehand if leaving the county as this will in most cases turn out to be cheaper and most drivers are willing to negotiate when leaving the county. If you wish to be taxied to a location outside of those four counties, you must negotiate a price and advise the cab company first. Drivers may refuse to drive outside of the metropolitan area if they are not advised to do so beforehand.
Usually you will have to call a cab company and request a pick-up. Taxis operated by the major companies are not normally allowed to pick up passengers at random locations for safety and legal reasons except at MIA, the Port of Miami and train stations. Some individual taxi drivers will not follow this rule, however. You can try hailing a taxi in the street. A significant and notable exception to this rule is the South Beach section of Miami Beach. For all intents and purposes, taxis can be flagged from the street on the island in a very similar way to what one might expect in New York City. This trend has begun spreading into the downtown area of Miami, but is primarily due to the increased redevelopment and foot traffic downtown, and should not be relied upon if you have a schedule to keep.
All taxi drivers must have a valid license to operate. It is uncommon to hear of crimes involving unlicensed taxis anywhere in the metropolitan area since Dade County keeps track of all taxi activity in and around Miami and cooperates with other counties in getting this information. If you enter a cab and do not see a valid license placed in front of the passenger's seat, you should not enter the taxi and instead call another cab company regardless of what the driver says. If you willingly enter a taxi without a license or with an expired license and there is an incident or accident, it is possible that you may not be able to hold the driver accountable by law. When entering a cab you should make note of the driver's name, license number and cab number if any problems arise during the trip. This information should be easily found inside the taxi.It may be able to help you identify the cab driver to the police or the cab company.
Unless you plan to stay downtown, Miami Beach/South Beach, or in a single location elsewhere, you will find that a car is very convenient in Miami, and car rentals are cheap in comparison to other major US cities.
You can find cheap car rentals off terminal from the Miami Airport from such companies as AeroCars [url=http://www.aerocars.com/Reservas]]and Ace Rent A Car. The major car rental companies can be found in terminal be can be often more expensive for the same service and vehicles.
Surface roads in Miami are usually easy to navigate. The area's roads are designed around a grid system, where most roads are numbered based on their distance from the city center. The two main axis roads are Miami Avenue (running north to south) and Flagler Street (running east to west). These two roads intersect in downtown Miami, the county's symbolic center. All avenues run north to south, while all streets run east to west. For example, the address, "9500 NW 30th Street" would be at the intersection of NW 30th Street (to the west of Miami Avenue, and 30 blocks north of Flagler Street) and NW 95th Avenue (north of Flagler Street, and 95 blocks west of Miami Avenue). Most roads in Miami conform to this nomenclature, but due to the more than 30 municipalities within Miami-Dade County, there are a few exceptions to be aware of. Examples include Coral Gables, the Coconut Grove section of Miami (city proper), Miami Lakes, and Hialeah. Hialeah is particularly notorious since it uses its own grid system, in addition to the overall county system. For example, NW 103rd Street is also marked as E 49th Street, or W 49th Street in Hialeah.
Note that if you cross into Broward County, the roads will be numbered based on their distance from the Fort Lauderdale city center, which is generally the same going east-west but will be very different going north-south. Most of the municipalities in Broward County use their own limited grid systems as well. Some street names also change at the county line. The coastline highway, A1A, is known as "Collins Avenue" in Miami Beach, but becomes "Ocean Drive" in Broward County. Likewise, "Red Road" in Miami becomes "Flamingo Road" in Broward.
Miami has four primary expressways. In addition to I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, there is state highway 836 (also known as the Dolphin Expressway) and state highway 826 (also known as the Palmetto Expressway). The Dolphin Expressway runs west from downtown Miami along the edge of Miami International Airport. The Palmetto Expressway and Florida's Turnpike form "F"-shaped loops around the city. The Turnpike continues north, roughly parallel to I-95, and will take you to Orlando if you keep driving. I-95, the Palmetto and the Turnpike intersect at a junction in North Miami called the Golden Glades. You may find driving in the Glades challenging, especially if you have little experience driving in it.
New visitors to Miami should be aware that the area's drivers are particularly aggressive. AutoVantage.com's Road Rage Survey has rated Miami drivers the rudest in the country for a third year in a row [http://www.autovantage.com/global/scripts/promo.asp?ref=avAUTVANonlgs01[/url]. This shouldn't discourage anyone from using the roadways, but a passive approach to Miami driving can save you from an unwanted exchange with another driver, or even worse an accident. Posted speed limits are ignored by most drivers, especially on larger roads with lower speed limits. Two examples are I-95 and state road 826 (The Palmetto Expressway). The eastern portion of state road 836 (The Dolphin Expressway) between Miami International Airport and downtown Miami handles traffic that exceeds its capacity, and contains several left-hand exits, including the eastbound off-ramp to Lejuene Road (NW 42nd Avenue), which is the posted route, and the quickest route to Miami International Airport.
Super Shuttle [http://www.supershuttle.com/en/MIAAirportShuttleMiami.html]. +1 305 871-8210 or email sales@miamisupershuttle.com. There is a shuttle that will take you where ever you need to go from MIA airport and is called Super Shuttle Miami. Approach any of the blue vans located on the outer island. They also have guest services representatives in the airport wearing a blue Super Shuttle shirt.
Of course, if you're in Miami, you'll want to spend some time on the beach. Miami Beach is on a barrier reef across Biscayne Bay, and its sandy, sunny beaches from party-hearty South Beach continues all the way north along the coast of Florida. As Miami has pretty temperate weather, the beaches will be active all year round. Topless sunbathing is tolerated, if not strictly legal, in Miami Beach and South Beach. If you want to take it all off, go to Haulover Beach Park in North Beach.
*Miami City and Boat Tour (Sightseeing Tour)[url=http://www.miamiinfotours.com/miami-city--boat-tour.html]]Discover what Miami has to offer with it`s world famous Miami City & Boat Tour combination. Tour includes several stops and complimentary hotel pick-up from select Miami & Miami Beach Hotels.
*Everglades Tours from Miami (Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show)[url=http://www.miamiinfotours.com/everglades-tour.html[/url]]Explore the Florida Everglades. Tours from Miami and Miami Beach to the Everglades are available every day. Complimentary hotel pick-up from select Miami & Miami Beach Hotels.
*Y Charter Miami [url=http://ychartermiami.com/[/url]]- Rent a yacht for a day, evening, or longer and explore the intercoastal waters as well as jet ski, kayak, and more.
*Seaplanes of Miami [http://seaplanemiami.com/[/url]
*Miami by Land and by Sea [http://miamidiscounttours.com/miami-city-and-boat-tour.html]
*Lapis Spa [url=http://www.fontainebleau.com/web/spa]]+1 305 674-4772 - This Miami spa is located in the Fontainebleau and has six different packages to choose from including individual and two person packages. Specials are run often during certain months so make sure to take a look at their different specials located on their website. The spa also has a salon and gym. Gift cards are available. The spa treatments range from $300-$580 depending on whether it will be an individual spa treatment or couple. Make sure to check out this spa if you are interested in a relaxing vacation. From downtown Miami you have to cross one of the two Miami bridges that are located near Miami’s port. Once you cross the bridge you will now be on South Beach. Find Collins Ave. which will be near Ocean Ave. (South Beach's most famous street) and look for 4441. The Fontainebleau will be on your right.
*Space Miami [url=http://www.clubspace.com/[/url]]For Info +1 305 375-0001 For VIP +1 786 357-6456 - 34 NE 11th St. Miami FL, 33132 - Space Miami was voted best U.S. club at the IDMA 2011 Awards. Located in downtown Miami, Space Miami is known for their Saturday nights. There are multiple rooms with different genres of music in each room so you can choose from a wide variety. They hold events almost every weekend with themed parties and well known/famous DJs.
*Bongos Cuban Cafe [url=http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/[/url]]For reservations and info: +1 786 777-2100 - Bongos Cuban Café has locations in Miami, South Beach, Hollywood, FL and Orlando, FL. The café is owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan and shines with Latin flavor. The music is Latin as well as the food and majority of the crowd and employees. It is a restaurant by day and club at night.
*Port of Miami/Dodge Island[url=http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/portofmiami/[/url]]- Take a relaxing cruise to a variety of locations.
*South Beach Food Tour[url=http://www.miamiculinarytours.com/[/url]]- Explore the cultural diversity of the neighborhood, learn about the Art Deco architecture while you stop at restaurants and eateries to savor the local flavor.
*Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard (Northwest 199th St) (in Miami Gardens), +1 305 623-6100 (fax: +1 305 625-6403, e-mail: DS@dolphinstadium.com, TTY +1 305 623-6266 ) [url=http://www.sunlifestadium.com/[/url].]This football stadium has been renamed several times in its history. Some of its previous names include Dolphin Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, and Land Shark Stadium. It is primarily known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Ironically, FedEx Orange Bowl games are held here instead of the Orange Bowl on 11th Street, which has been torn down to make way for Marlins Park (see below). The Miami Hurricanes (college) moved from the Orange Bowl in 2008 to make way for its demolition and redevelopment. MLB's Florida Marlins (now Miami Marlins) played baseball here through the 2011 season, but moved to Marlins Park in 2012. For tours of Sun Life Stadium, contact rheard@dolphinstadium.com or call +1 305 623-6286. Tour prices are $3 for children under 14, $5 for those 14 and older and $4 for senior citizens. Check website for individual phone numbers for tickets to Miami Dolphins games and the Orange Bowl.
*American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd (near Bicentennial Park), + 1 786 777-1000 (box office: +1 786 777-1250) [url=http://www.aaarena.com/[/url].]In addition to Miami Heat (an NBA team) games being played here, this arena has hosted several awards shows in its past such as the MTV Video Music Awards (twice). Several concerts are also held here. Call box office for ticket information.
*Miami Yacht Charters & Rentals, 3300 NE 192nd St Aventura FL, + 1 888 484-5959 [url=http://www.MiamiYachtCharters.net/[/url].]Yacht charters and boat rentals in Miami. Large selection of yachts to choose from between 35 and 150 feet. Half-day, full-day and multi-day charters. Great way to experience Miami. Call for yacht availability and charter quotes.
*Miami Balloon Rides, + 1 305 860-5830 [url=http://www.miamiballoonrides.com/[/url].]Year round sunrise flights with views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades and Redlands of Miami, including a post-flight toast and picnic. Reservations are required.
*Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way (Little Havana), +1 877-MARLINS (627-5467), e-mail: ticketsales@marlins.com ) [http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/mia/ballpark/index.jsp[/url]. The newest stadium in Major League Baseball, Marlins Park opened in April 2012 at the former site of the Orange Bowl as the new home of the renamed Miami Marlins. The futuristic, retractable-roof park broke new ground in ballpark architecture; at the insistence of team owner Jeffrey Loria, it is designed to reflect the culture of 21st-century Miami. Check website or call the toll-free number for tickets to Marlins games.
There are very few city-wide events planned during Jul and Aug because of the high temperatures during the summer in Miami.
*Ultra Music Festival, Streets of downtown Miami, [url=http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/],]. People from around the world flock to Miami every March for its notorious Ultra Music Festival. It’s a three day and night festival that includes the most famous DJs in the music industry. Tickets usually range from $300-$600 from the three day festival and increase in price as it gets closer to the show in March. The show sells out almost every single year so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible if you plan on attending.
*Calle Ocho, Southwest 8th St. between 11th and 27th ave,. Calle Ocho is the largest Hispanic street festival in Miami. It’s a one day festival that consists of contests, concerts, food and much more. There is also a carnival that is located in a lot to the left of Florida International University’s main entrance. The carnival is on the same day as Calle Ocho. The festival is usually held in March and is located on. Calle Ocho is free except for parking if you bring your car.
*Carnaval Miami, Miami, FL,. [url=http://www.carnavalmiami.com/[/url].]A festival that consists of ten events along the course of ten days during the weeks of late February and early March. The Kiwanis club of little Havana (little Cuba) hosts this festival full of music, international foods, concerts, sports, culinary competitions, galas and upscale Latin jazz festival.
*Miami Fashion Week, Miami Beach Convention Center, South Beach, Miami, FL. [url=http://www.mimaifashionweek.com/[/url]mimaifashionweek[/url]. March 21st-24th 2012. This upcoming year (2012) will mark the 14th annual Miami Beach International Fashion Week. The week consists of exhibitions, fashion shows and sponsor lounges as the world’s fashion elite flock to Miami.
*FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game, Sun Life Stadium, +1 305 341-4700 [url=http://www.orangebowl.org/].]Held in early Jan around New Year’s Day. A major Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game held ironically in Sun Life Stadium. Top teams from two conferences, one of the conferences being the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), battle for this prize.
*South Beach Wine & Food Festival, various locations throughout South Beach, (e-mail: info@sobewineandfoodfest.com) [url=http://www.sobewineandfoodfest.com/[/url].]Held in late February, this festival is sponsored by Food & Wine magazine and the Food Network. The event raises money for Florida International University’s hospitality program by having celebrity cooks and chefs (many of them who work for or have appeared on Food Network at one time) descend upon South Beach to do cooking demonstrations and throw parties. Florida International University’s hospitality program students volunteer at some of the festival’s events. Wine and food tastings featuring local chefs and cuisine are also held during the annual event. Tickets range from $15-$300 depending on the event.
*Winter Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 571-1924 (ask for Michael Bath) [url=http://www.winterparty.com/[/url].]Held between mid-February and mid-March, this circuit party benefits several gay organizations throughout Dade County as well as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Beach parties, pool parties, parties held at local clubs and a dinner are the main features of the Winter Party.
*Winter Music Conference, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 954 563-4444 (fax +1 954 563-1599) [url=http://www.wmcon.com/[/url].]Held in mid-March, the Winter Music Conference attracts electronic musicians (and the labels they belong to) and DJs as well as fans of various electronic music genres for the love of music. In addition to several parties held in clubs, parks and on Lummus Beach (and occasionally in retail stores and hotels), there are seminars for people to learn more about the music business and DJ showcases. Don’t confuse the Winter Music Conference with the Winter Party!
*Independence Day, city-wide. Held on July 4th. The Miami skyline is illuminated by fireworks on the “birth date” of the United States. While Key Biscayne has great views of the fireworks show, Bayfront Park has live music as well as a laser show.
*White Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 667-9296 [url=http://www.whiteparty.net/[/url]]and [url=http://www.kissthegirlproductions.com/[/url].]The White Party held in mid-November. Miami’s oldest gay circuit party raises money for Care Resource, the largest and oldest HIV/AIDS association in South Florida. The party spans over 10 days. It’s not nearly as popular as the Winter Party held earlier in the year, but the White Party still manages to sell out its tickets nearly a year in advance.
*King Mango Strut, Main Avenue and Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, +1 305 401-1171 [url=http://www.kingmangostrut.org/[/url].]Held after Christmas, this parade began as a parody of current events as well as the Orange Bowl Parade. The Orange Bowl Parade, unlike its famous Rose Bowl counterpart, is no longer held anymore, but the King Mango Strut is still having a good time making fun of the previous year’s follies.
*Nikki Beach Sundays, Miami Beach, FL, +1 (786) 505-3847 [http://www.southbeachlivegroup.com/[/url]. Celebrate at Nikki Beach Miami Every Sunday.
Collins Avenue between 15th and 3rd Streets, Miami's Collins Avenue has stores to satisfy all shopping tastes and budgets.
*Lincoln Road also on South Beach, Lincoln Road offers a large range of stores and restaurants running the gauntlet from cozy cafe to high class dining. There is a farmers market held here all day on Sundays, as well as an antiques market (days vary).
Most clothing shops located away from major Miami area shopping centers are located in South Beach.
Sephora, 721 Collins Avenue, +1 305 532-0494 [http://www.sephora.com/help/stores/controller.jhtml?store=C9033]. Open Mon-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-8PM. Nationwide chain specializing in makeup. There are also branches of Sephora in the Dadeland Mall.
*M*A*C, 650 Collins Ave., +1 305 604-9040 - Small outpost of the worldwide cosmetic line. There is also a branch of M*A*C in Aventura Mall.
The major supermarket chains in Miami are Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, Sedanos, and Aldi. In addition many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Fresh Market can also be found in Miami.
Uncle Sam’s Music, 1141 Washington Ave [http://www.unclesamsmusic.com/]. Since 1984 this independent record store has electronic music as well as items like stickers and incense.
Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd. (near the Dade/Broward County line), +1 305 935-1110 [url=http://www.shopaventuramall.com/]]- Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun 12PM-8PM. This mall, spanning 2.3 million feet, not only has nation-wide chains such as Bloomingdales, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Nordstrom but also has chains such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Apple, as well as Rainbow Valley Playground, a play spot for children. The other notable landmark of this mall is its 24-screen AMC movie theater.
*Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave (on 97th Street in Bal Harbour), +1 305 866-0311 [url=http://www.balharbourshops.com/[/url]]- Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-6PM (Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue are open from 12PM-7PM). Several designer labels fill up the spaces of Bal Harbour Shops, including Chanel, Chloe, Cartier, Fendi and Gucci among others. (hourly parking fees).
*Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd (near Bayfront Park), +1 305 577-3344 [url=http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/[/url]]- Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-9PM. Despite having several chain stores such as the Hard Rock Café, the Gap, Sketchers and Victoria’s Secret attached to it, this mall is noted for its gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay. The only downside is that traffic is bad at Bayside when Bayfront Park is having a concert nearby. Connected to public transit via Metrorail and Metromover.
*CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave (in Coconut Grove), +1 305 577-3344 [url=http://www.cocowalk.com/[/url].]Sun-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-12AM (stores), restaurants and bars open until 2AM. This open-air mall not only has nice Mediterranean-styled architecture but chain stores such as Victoria’s Secret and FYE Music.
*Dadeland Mall, 7535 North Kendall Dr (in Kendall), +1 305 665-6226 [url=http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=138[/url].]Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun 12PM-7PM. Dadeland is one of the United States’ first malls. Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue are some of the stores now represented at Dadeland.
*Dolphin Mall, 11401 Northwest 12th St, +1 305 365-7446 [url=http://www.shopdolphinmall.com/[/url]]- Mon-Fri 10AM-9:30PM, Sat 10AM-9:30 PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. In addition to Off 5th (a Saks Fifth Avenue outlet store), Marshall’s HomeGoods and Burlington Coat Factory, this mall has a movie theater and many busy restaurants.
*The Falls, 8888 Howard Dr (in Kendall), +1 305 255-4570 [url=http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1232[/url]]- Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30 PM, Sun 12PM-7PM. Shops including Brooks Brothers and Pottery Barn adorn this mall and its tropical waterfalls.
*Lincoln Road Mall, Lincoln Rd between Alton Rd and Washington Ave [url=http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/NEWCITY/tourism/lincolnroad.asp[/url]]- This open-air pedestrian mall was designed in 1957 by legendary Miami architect Morris Lapidus. It includes restaurants and cafes that run the gamut from Starbucks to Miami originals like Pizza Rustica and David’s Café. There is outside seating. It includes nationally known shops such as French Connection, Ann Taylor and Anthropologie, as well as international shops such as Italy’s Miss Sixty. There’s also a multiplex theater located on the corner of Lincoln Road and Alton Drive. Lincoln Road Mall also hosts a farmers market on Sun from 9AM to 6PM and an antiques market on the second and fourth Sundays from 9AM to 5PM. Call +1 305 673-4991 for information about the antiques market.
*Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 Sunset Dr, +1 305 663-0482 [url=http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=143[/url]]- Open Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-9PM - In addition to nationwide chains such as the Gap, Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret, this mall has a Niketown store, as well as a large movie theater.
*Village of Merrick Park, 4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd (in Coral Gables), +1 305 529-0200 [url=http://www.villageofmerrickpark.com/html/index19.asp[/url]]- Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-6PM. The Village is Bal Harbour Shops’ major competition. It is very much like Bal Harbour. This mall features mostly designer stores such as Jimmy Choo, Neiman Marcus and is the home of Miami’s first Nordstrom.
*Miami International Mall, 1455 NW 107th Ave, +1 305 593-1775 [http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=141[/url] - Open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. There 120 stores including Macy's, Dillard's and JCPenney.
In addition to some of the places listed in Eat and Miami International Airport, several hotels have internet access-both LAN connections and wireless-but it is not free in all hotels. Check with your hotel to see if internet access is free or for a fee.
Several cafes have wireless internet connections, but depending on the café internet access may incur a fee. Unless it’s a nation-wide chain offering free internet access like Starbucks, check with your café to inquire about whether your internet access is charged separately from your meal.
Free wireless is now offered all around Miami Beach and few neighborhoods around the Miami area. Although you might have some trouble connecting, it will still be a good way to connect with others.
*Miami-Dade Public Library System, +1 305 535-4219 (main branch number) [url=http://www.mdpls.org]]- Free Wi-Fi at any of the system’s libraries.
*Kafka's Cybercafe and Bookstore, 1464 Washington Ave, +1 305 673-9669 [url=http://www.kafkaskafe.com/[/url]]- Open daily 8AM-12AM. Internet access $6 per hour.
*D’Vine Cyber Lounge, 910 Collins Ave, +1 305 534-1414 [http://www.dvinelounge.com/[/url] - Local area connection $5, wi-fi $3 (without purchase of food).
The emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911. If you require non-emergency assistance, do not call 911. To contact police in a non-emergency situation, call +1 305 4POLICE.
There are a lot of consulates in the Miami area. This is only a small listing of them. Check the United States Department of State's Foreign Consular Offices website [url=http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/]]for more consulates.
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Miami Herald, 1 Herald Place, +1 305 350-2111, [url=http://www.miamiherald.com/].] The city’s main newspaper that is read throughout the city, state and various places such as university libraries across the nation.
*El Nuevo Herald, 1 Herald Place, +1 305 350-2111, [url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/[/url].] Spanish-language version of the Herald.
*South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, +1 954 356-4000, [url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/[/url].] News concerning South Florida (including Miami).
*Miami New Times, 2800 Biscayne Boulevard, +1 305 576-8000 (fax +1 305 571-7677), [url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/[/url].] An alternative, free weekly newspaper which focuses on lesser-known news as well as movies and local events ranging from current theatrical productions to the Winter Music Conference.
*Miami Today News, 710 Brickell Avenue, +1 305 358-2663, [url=http://www.miamitodaynews.com/[/url].] Miami business news.
*Diario Las Americas, 2900 N.W. 39 Street, +1 305 633-3341 (fax +1 305 635-7668), [url=http://www.diariolasamericas.com/[/url].] Spanish-language news focusing on Latin America.
*Biscayne Times , 9325 Park Drive, Suite C, [url=http://www.biscaynetimes.com/intro.html[/url].] News concerning Northern Miami communities and some Miami communities located in the city (i.e. the Design District).
*Miami Living Magazine, 1602 Alton Road, Suite 50, +1 305 538-4282 (fax +1 305 535-6531), [url=http://www.miamilivingmagazine.com/index.html[/url].] Magazine focusing on food and nightlife.
*Home Miami, 445 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, +1 305 673-2112 (email info@homemia.com, fax +1 305 673-2101), [url=http://www.homemia.com/[/url].] Homes for sale and interior design.
*Ocean Drive, 404 Washington Ave, Suite 650, +1 305 532-2544 (fax +1 305 532-4366), [url=http://www.oceandrive.com/flash/interface.html[/url].] Fashion and events in South Beach.
*Ocean Drive Español, 404 Washington Ave, Suite 650, +1 305 532-2544 (fax +1 305 532-4366), [url=http://www.oceandriveespanol.com/[/url].] Spanish-language edition of Ocean Drive.
*Press Release 365, 11900 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 210, +1 305 292-6712(fax +1 305 292-1398), [http://www.pressrelease365.com/[/url]. Miami-based news outlet specializing in breaking-news and press release distribution services.