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Miami is a major city in south east Florida, in the United States. Miami and the surrounding metropolitan area are situated on northern Biscayne Bay between the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. By population, Miami is the largest city in Miami-Dade County and the county seat, the largest city in the South Florida metropolitan area, which comprises Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County, making up the largest metropolitan area in the Southeastern United States and the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States. However, based on city limits, it is the second-largest city in Florida (after Jacksonville).

Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896, with a voting population of just over 300. In 1940, 172,172 people lived in the city. According to the 2000 census, the city proper had a population of 362,470, while the larger metropolitan area had a population over 5.4 million. The U.S. Census Bureau estimate of the population of Miami in 2004 was 379,724. Miami‘s explosive population growth in recent years has been driven by internal migration from other parts of the country as well as by immigration.

Greater Miami is regarded as a cultural melting pot, heavily influenced both by its large population of ethnic Latin Americans and Caribbean islanders (many of them Spanish- or Haitian Creole - speaking). The region‘s importance as an international financial and cultural center has elevated Miami to the status of world city; because of its cultural and linguistic ties to North, South, and Central America, and the Caribbean it is sometimes called "The Gateway of the Americas." Florida‘s large Spanish-speaking population and strong economic ties to Latin America also make Miami and the surrounding region an important center of the Hispanic world.

Practically all major foreign countries today maintain consulates in Miami. The city has been involved in numerous political controversies with nearby Cuba and Fidel Castro, plus wider concerns with terrorism, immigration, and drug issues throughout the region. Miami is one of the country‘s most important financial centers. It is the major center of regional commerce, and boasts a strong international business community.

According to the ranking of world cities undertaken by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group & Network (GaWC) and based on the level of presence of global corporate service organizations, Miami is considered a "Gamma World City."

Because of its proximity to Latin America, Miami serves as the headquarters of Latin American operations for many multinational corporations, including American Airlines, Cisco, Disney, Exxon, FedEx, Microsoft, Oracle, SBC Communications and Sony. Several large companies are headquartered in or around Miami, including Alienware, AutoNation, Burger King, Carnival Cruise Lines, Citrix Systems, DHL, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Ryder Systems.

Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami are among the nation‘s busiest ports of entry, especially for cargo from South America and the Caribbean.

Tourism is also an important industry: the beaches of Greater Miami draw visitors from across the country and around the world, and the Art Deco nightclub district in South Beach (in Miami Beach) is widely regarded as one of the most glamourous in the world. However, it is important to note that Miami Beach is not a part of the city of Miami.

GO THERE FOR

The Beaches & Bay – Miami boasts long white sandy beaches and the water is warm year round. South Beach is the most popular destination for travelers worldwide and you will see tanned and fit Florida residents as well as foreigners from a vast number of countries. Head north to Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles for some family friendly beaches. Pick up a paddle ball and play around on the beach.

With a sunny climate all year round Miami Beach is the perfect place to indulge in water sports. Take paddle boarding lessons on the bay and see some of Miami’s mansions up close from your board. The bay is full of activity on weekends, and with its glassy waters it’s a perfect spot to learn how to wakeboard or better yet rent a yacht, anchor up at the sandbar- there will be hundreds of other likeminded boats at the weekends- and wade in shallow water (as low as 3 feet in some areas).

Shopping – Internationally recognized as a luxury retail capital, Bal Harbour Shops features the world’s most coveted designer goods. This open air shopping center is the perfect place for a Sunday stroll and wandering around the boutiques. For the perfect place to 'see and be seen' take a walk down Lincoln Road. One of the nation’s first pedestrian malls, Lincoln Road runs along the length of South Beach. Find everything from vintage wares and antiques to designer jewelry and sunglasses.

Nightlife – Miami Vice may have popularized the iconic Art Deco strip that is Ocean Drive, but beyond the neon lights there lies a playground for the international glitterati. Miami offers everything from world famous mega clubs with state of the art lighting and design to ultra-private underground lounges. Want to explore more? Head to over to the mainland and explore the Design District for cocktails and a jazz bar in Wynwood. 

Art & Culture – Home to the world famous New World Symphony, Miami Beach has become a thriving center for the arts. Downtown visitors can enjoy theater, opera and the Miami Symphony Orchestra at the Adrienne Arscht center. Explore the art scene, museums and the galleries of the Design District and venture into Wynwood for some gallery hopping.

DON'T MISS

Once a year Miami hosts Art Basel Miami Beach the largest art fair in the country. The fair runs through the first week of December and brings the top artists, galleries and collectors from the world.

Fontainebleau Hotel, having recently undergone a billion dollar renovation, this opulent hotel has been restored back to its former glamour. This historical destination was designed by famed Art Deco architect Morris Lapidus and was a playground for the elite in the early 1950s. It now has six restaurants which celebrate the best of international cuisine and an 18,000 square foot lounge.

The Sony Ericsson Open takes place annually during the months of March and April in Key Biscayne, Florida. The tournament is an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event. Past players in competition include Pete Sampras and the Williams sisters. Visitors can also enjoy Crandon Park and all the recreational activities that Key Biscayne has to offer.

South Beach Food and Wine Festival Held annually in February, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival takes place ocean-side and attracts 20,000 guests to a series of dinner seminars as well as a grand tasting. Popular dinners include the Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ, Rachey Ray’s Burger Bash and the Wine Spectator Seminar Series. Meet and mingle with popular Food Network chefs who include Bobby Flay, Daniel Boulud and Todd English.


Stiltsville & The Sandbar Charter a yacht to cruise through Stiltsville, a historic colony of houses on stilts. Here you will see kite boarders circling Fisher Island and Key Biscayne. A little further on and yachts, cigarette boats and other watercrafts anchor at the Key Biscayne Sandbar during the weekend for a party in the middle of the ocean. Here the water is shallow enough to stand in and visitors can indulge in sun bathing and swimming.

Casa Casaurina The famed Versace Mansion is a villa originally constructed as a replica of the home of Christopher Columbus’ son Diego in the Santo Domingo. It is the second most photographed house in the United States. In the 1990’s it was purchased by Gianni Versace and used as his private residence. Gianni Versace was gunned down at the steps of the mansion in 1997. It has since been purchased and converted into a restaurant and private members club.

GETTING AROUND South Beach is pedestrian friendly. Explore Bal Habour, Coral Gables and the neighborhoods on the mainland by taxi or rent a luxury vehicle.

HOW TO GET TO MIAMI Miami International Airport (MIA) is the hub for all of flights to and from the Americas as well as a major point of entry from Europe. In 2009, MIA was the second largest point of entry into the United States. The airport is centrally located and is only 10 minutes away from downtown and 15 minutes away from Miami Beach by car.

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) also ranks in the top 50 airports in the country. Located a short car ride away from downtown Fort Lauderdale many travelers fly into FLL as it is 30 minutes away from Miami by car. 

Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF) serves on-demand and charter airlines flying from both domestic and international destinations. Located in northern Miami-Dade County this general aviation airport is the most popular port of entry for those flying on private air travel.

 Many of Miami’s visitors choose to travel by sea. The port of Miami is known as “The Cruise Capital of the World” and accommodates the largest cruise ships in the world. It’s located on Biscayne Bay and over a bridge from downtown Miami. It is also one of the most scenic ports where visitors can peer into the luxury properties on Star Island belonging to Miami’s most famous residents.

BASICS

WHEN TO GO

Miami is a great city to visit all year round. The subtropical climate means that the temperature is generally pleasant with lots of sunshine. Sun protection is advised, even when temperatures are moderated by cool ocean breezes. Rainfall occurs mainly during summer and early autumn. Miami is one of the most humid cities in the US, and during the summer humidity levels are usually between 85-90%.

WHAT TO SEE 

Lucky Strike 1691 Michigan Ave, Miami Beach Mix Hollywood chic, celebrity bowling and fun comfort food, and you’ve got Lucky Strike. This hip bowling spot is fun for the whole family. Avoid the wait and book a lane.

Parrot Jungle 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami Beach A visit to Parrot Jungle Island is an adventure that includes animal stage shows, one-of-a-kind aviaries, plant nurseries, jungle trails, a petting farm and educational exhibits.

Miami Children’s Museum 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach The museum offers hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits, programs, classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Miami Metro Zoo 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami Beach Rated one of the top 10 zoos in the U.S., this 300-acre cage-less zoo showcases more than 1,300 animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America.

Miami Seaquarium 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami Enjoy 38 acres of entertainment, great shows and exhibits. It is the home of Lolita, the Killer Whale and TV superstar Flipper.

Monkey Jungle 14805 Southwest 216th St, Miami Escape on a jungle safari and explore the wilds of South America, Asia and Africa.  Delve into the lush, tropical Amazonian rain forest filled with hundreds of exotic monkeys.

Everglades Safari 26700 SW 8th Street, Miami Experience South Florida's delicate ecological system with an exhilarating airboat ride through natural wildlife.

Venetian Pool 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables Built in 1923, the Venetian pool is a tropical dream consisting of waterfalls, caves and a man made beach.  It’s easy to see why it drew Hollywood stars like Esther Williams and Johnny Weissmuller back in the day. 


Fairchild Tropical Garden 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables These gorgeous gardens span 83 acres and feature various wine tastings and 16 elaborate flowers shows each year. 


Boucher Brothers Water Sports 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach Are you a water sports lover? Do you like speed and some action on the water? If the answer is yes, then jet skiing is the perfect sport for you. Parasailing is also offers and exhilarating experience, giving you a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most famous beaches and one of the hottest city skylines.

South Beach Divers 850 Washington Ave, Miami Beach Scuba diving in Miami Beach, also known as the ‘Wreckreational Dive Capital of the Americas,’ is amongst some of the best available. Whether you want to take a class or just enjoy the beauty that lies underneath our turquoise blue water, South Beach Divers is your gateway to adventure.