Miami, USA - Miami Hotel & Travel Destination Guide
Miami Hotel & Travel Destination Guide
Cheaper Hotel Rates - Your ultimate source for Cheap, Discount Miami Hotel Rates & Detailed Travel Information
Country Code: US
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides
Population:
365,000
Currency:
1 US dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Opening hours:
General opening hours for shops are 10am-9pm from Monday to Saturday and 12 noon-6pm on Sundays.
Tourist information:
Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau
Address: 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700, Miami, FL 33131
Opening hours: Weekdays 8.30am-6pm
Tel: +1 (305) 539 3000
www.miamiandbeaches.com
Miami
Here, everything oozes of glamour, elegance and cosmopolitan happenings. Beaming Miami nestles on the Atlantic coast of Florida’s most southern tip rendering it sunny and warm all year round. It is North America with a twist of the Caribbean, a touch of Latin America and a hint of Europe, giving Miami a vibrant cultural life. The place has picturesque beaches, exceptional nightlife, plentiful shopping and delicious restaurants. Although there is an abundance of things to do in the city and on the beach, it is easy to go for one day excursions to see some of the breathtaking nature around Miami.
Miami City
Miami has been growing explosively over the last 80 years of which migration and immigration has played a big role, influencing greatly the shaping of Miami to what it is today. Its people have made Miami pulsate with a large and vibrant multicultural art scene while its location on the sea and in the sun has attracted life indulging individuals from all over the world. The lazy beach culture by day gives way to infectious music rhythms by night.
Miami - in this guide also referring to Miami Beach built on a sandbar across Biscayne Bay - was revamped by the eighties’ television series Miami Vice. Since then, the white sand stretches of Miami Beach have been the backdrop of several film productions and an endless amount of fashion footage.
Little Havana and Little Haiti are the centres of Caribbean life in the city while the Art Deco architecture near South Beach exhibit Miami’s heydays in the roaring twenties mixed with today’s latest fashion in dining, wining, living and clubbing. Miami Beach exudes celebrity and celebrity-like lifestyles while Miami itself is fast becoming an international cultural hot spot as the centre of Latin and North American art and gastronomy with inspiration taken from the remaining corners of the world.
Things to See and Do in Miami
The good weather makes it easy to visit attractions all year round. Even more so, Greater Miami has plenty of different sights to charm you whether it is the nature, the architecture or the people. So if you fancy a break from the sunny beach then here are some of the many things to do and see.
The Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco District was built in and around the 1930’s in Miami Beach at the height of this architectural movement and embellished with exotic geometric motifs. The 800 buildings were restored, making it the largest group of Art Deco architecture in the world.
Address: 1001 Ocean Drive
Phone: +1 (305) 531 3484
Price: Free. Special tours are $15-$20
Internet: www.mdpl.org
More info: The South beach Local Shuttle
The Florida Everglades National Park
The Everglades, a World Heritage Site, is the only subtropical wetland in North America. Rich in birdlife, it is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side. There are trails where visitors can enjoy and get close to the wildlife. As there is no public transport to the park the best way is to get there in a rented car or with one of the many organised tours either by boat or bus.
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
Phone: +1 (305) 242 7700
Internet: www.nps.gov /ever or www.everglades.national-park.com
Little Havana
This is the Cuban heartland of Miami. Walk the Calle Ocho and feel the Hispanic spirit. Visit the El Credito Cigar Factory (on 11th Street) where you can see how cigars are rolled as if on Cuba itself. On the last Friday of each month the area turns into a street party called ‘Viernes Cultural’ with music, dancers, food and theatre - definitely worth a visit.
Address: SW 8th Street between 12th and 27th Avenues
Phone: +1 (305) 857 9720
Tickets: Free
Internet: www.littlehavanatogo.com
More info: Metrobus, Metromover or Metrorail to Little Havana, Eight Street and Brickell Station.
Miami Metro Zoo
This over one square kilometre cageless zoo has around 2000 animals such as rare white Bengal tigers, exotic birds, apes, koalas, elephants, kangaroos and may others.
Address: 12400 SW 152nd Street
Opening hours: The zoo is open daily all year round from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Phone: +1 (305) 251 0400
Internet: www.miamimetrozoo.com
More info: Metrorail to Dadeland South Station, then take the Coral Reef Max Bus
Miami Museum Of Science & Planetarium
The museum takes you on a fantastic journey into the natural world and explains its inner workings. There are hands-on exhibits, continuous demonstrations, and an outdoor wildlife center with snakes, birds and insects.
Address: 3280 South Miami Avenue
Phone: +1 (305) 646 4200
Internet: www.miamisci.org
More info: Metrorail to Vizcaya Station
Miami Seaquarium
Marina animal theme park featuring spectacular whale, sea lion and dolphin shows. Bring an extra set of dry clothes just in case.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne
Phone: +1 (305) 361-5705
Internet: www.miamiseaquarium.com
More info: Metrorail to Brickell Station, then take Metrobus route B
Parrot Jungle Island
It is like being on a tropical island with lush plants and trees, colourful parrots, waterfalls and plenty of exotic animals!
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Phone: +1 (305) 258 6453 / +1 (305) 400 7000
Internet: www.parrotjungle.com
More info: Metrobus to Macarthur Causeway
South Beach
Locally known as SoBe, South Beach ‘is’ the beach in the Miami area with quite a few hotels, restaurant and bars across the street from the ocean. SoBe is widely known as the hottest nightspot in the world - Ibiza go home! South Beach lies at the tip of slender island off the coast of Miami fringed with a wide belt of white sand.
Address: Ocean Drive from 1st to 22nd Streets, Miami Beach
Phone: +1 (305) 673 7720
Internet: www.miamibeachfl.gov
More info: Metrobus to South Beach
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This Italian Renaissance-style villa built on formal gardens on Biscayne Bay in 1916 was originally the winter residence of industrialist James Deering. There are 34 decorated rooms in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassic styles.
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
Opening hours: The villa is open daily between 9.30am and 5pm.
Phone: +1 (305) 250-9133
Internet: www.vizcayamuseum.org
More info: Metrorail to Vizcaya Station
Dining in Miami
Miami has a well-deserved reputation for being a gourmet city. Here the cuisine is an infusion of flavours. Greatly influenced by the city’s ethnic mix and its location by the Atlantic Ocean providing an abundance of seafood. Giant crabs can be devoured all over the city but the most famous spot is Joe’s Stone Crab, while traditional Caribbean pollo con platano (chicken with banana) or Cuban cafécitos can be enjoyed in the Little Havana area. Creative chefs have merged Miami’s seafood with Asian, Caribbean, European or South American flavours making the cuisine unique. Steaks, bar-b-qs and hamburgers are a must. Not only are they traditional “Americana” dishes, but they are also large. Last, but not least, when in Miami one should not forget to try out the local and deliciously refreshing dessert: Key Lime pie.
Casa Lario’s
This Cuban family-owned restaurant is now run by the second generation. Try the Cuban style lamb-shank which is enough to feed two and don’t miss out on the delicious desserts.
Address: 7705 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33126
Phone: +1 (305) 266 5494
More info: Metromover to the Miami Avenue Station
Jerry’s Famous Deli
Try it the American way. It’s open 24/7 and serves soups, sandwiches, salads and Sunday ice-cream.
Address: 1450 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 532 8030
Internet: www.jerrysfamousdeli.com
More info: Metrobus to Collins Avenue
Joe’s Stone Crab
If you’re in Miami during crab season (May-October) then this restaurant is a must. It’s large, full of people and the stone crab, grilled tomatoes and Key Lime pie are yummy! But be aware, getting a table can sometimes be a bit of a wait on busy nights.
Address: 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 673 0365
Internet: www.joesstonecrab.com
More info: Metrobus to South Pointe Drive
Novecento
Good Argentinean food with a touch of Mediterranean accent at great value. The place turns into a bit of a social club every night with lively Brazilian jazz and house music.
Address: 1080 Alton Road (near 11th Street), Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 531 0900
Internet: www.novecentomiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Alton Road
Pacific Time
Fresh local seafood and ingredients successfully fused with Asian flavours. They also make the city’s best bittersweet chocolate bomb.
Address: 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 534 3979
Internet: www.pacifictimerestaurant.com
More info: Metrobus to Lincoln Road
Scotty´s Landing
It’s not the easiest restaurant to find but it is definitely worth the search. Scotty`s Landing’s simple menu offers fresh fish and other seafood specialities. The she-crab soup is recommendable and if possible ask for one of the tables along the seafront.
Address: 3381 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133,
Phone: +1 (305) 661 6349
Internet: www.sailmiami.com/scottys
More info: Metrobus to South Bayshore Drive
Shorty’s Bar-b-q
It is said to make the best barbeque in South Florida and at low prices since 1951.
Address: 11575 40th Street, Miami, FL 33165
Phone: +1 (305) 227 3196
Internet: www.shortysbbq.com
More info: Metrobus to 40th Street in West Miami
Smith & Wollensky
On the southernmost tip of South Miami this steak restaurant has superb location, views and food.
Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 673 2800
Internet: www.smithandwollensky.com
More info: Metrobus to South Pointe Drive
Tobacco Road
Still going strong after 90 years Tobacco Road serves huge and delicious greasy hamburgers while accompanied by some of the best live blues music in the country.
Address: 626 Tobacco Road, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: +1 (305) 379 2545
Internet: www.tobacco-road.com
More info: Metromover to Eight Street station or Metrobus No 8 to 1st Avenue
Tony Chan’s Water Club
A visit to this restaurant is memorable; attentive service brings you luscious Chinese food prepared in an open kitchen, which you can enjoy while you gaze at the panoramic view of Biscayne Bay.
Address: Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, 1717 North
Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
Phone: +1 (305) 374 8888
Internet: www.doubletree.com
More info: Metromover to Omni Station
Miami Cafes
Whether you fancy a quick cup of coffee or tea in a busy café or if you prefer to sip it slowly and comfortably - Miami has it all. Most cafés also serve food and offer excellent opportunities to sit back and admire the Miami scene passing by the outdoor café tables.
Crystal Café
Crystal café is one of Miami’s best kept secrets serving generous portions at moderate prices and with friendly service. If you’re willing to eat early - between 5pm and 6pm - you can get a three-course meal for the price of an entree.
Address: 726 West 21st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: +1 (305) 673 8266
More info: Metrobus to 41st Street
La Provence French Bakery
It’s delicious! The smell of freshly baked bread and croissants lures you into this authentic French bakery.
Address: 1627 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.laprovencemiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Collins Avenue
Segafredo Espresso
Segafredo serves the best coffee in Florida and some pretty good cocktails too. It is the place for a wake-me-up espresso before spending the rest of the night on the dance floor.
Address: 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.segafredocafé.com
More info: Metrobus to Alton Road near Lincoln Road
Van Dyke Café
Van Dyke’s nightly jazz and blues bar and intense chocolate soufflé is a favourite with the local crowd. It has a basic menu and serves cocktails and beers from all over the world.
Address: 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.thevandyke.com
More info: Metrobus to Alton Road near Lincoln Road
Brunch At The Nikki Beach Club
The Saturday and Sunday brunch here are unrivalled. All-you-can-eat brunches are served from 11am including everything from sushi to omelettes to desserts galore. It’s St Tropez with an American twist. At night time, Nikki Beach is one of the most exclusive clubs in Miami.
Address: 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.nikkibeach.com
More info: Metrobus to Ocean Drive
Miami Bars and Nightlife
The bar scene in Miami is great and varied and there are plenty of them - especially in the Miami Beach area. Some are good for post-sun bathing while others set the mood before heading to the clubs. Miami Beach has the most happening club scene in the United States with something to please everyone’s desires. There are the pricey VIP areas and the more laidback music clubs. Get ready for some serious night fever!
The 1220 Bar
The 1220 Bar offers a colourful selection of cocktails and specialty drinks to the sound of live piano jazz.
Address: 1220 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.tidessouthbeach.com
More info: Metrobus to Ocean Drive
M-bar
This bar offers more than 250 martinis while you can sit comfortably and enjoy the great views of the downtown skyline.
Address: 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131
Internet: www.mandarinoriental.com
The Marlin Bar
The Marlin Bar is a beautiful and stylistic gem with great music and delicious cocktails.
Address: 1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.marlinhotel.com
More info: Metrobus to Collins Avenue
Purdy Lounge
The laidback atmosphere at Purdy Lounge takes you into a bohemian vibe. There are free cosmos for ladies every Thursday night.
Address: 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.purdylounge.com
More info: Metrobus to Alton Road near 18th Street leading to Purdy Avenue
Skybar
Fast becoming a living legend among loungers, Skybar is set in the Shore Club’s pool area between the hotel and the beach. Saturday nights are big.
Address: 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.shoreclub.com
More info: Metrobus to Collins Avenue
Wet Willies
It’s a popular post-beach hangout and is famous for its strong drinks and rooftop patio with views of South Beach across Ocean Drive.
Address: 760 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.wetwillies.com
More info: Metrobus to Ocean Drive
B.e.d.
This is the place to party on Wednesday nights when this restaurant with king-size beds turns into a club with house music. Sweet dreams!
Address: 929 Washington Avenue
Internet: www.bedmiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Washington Avenue
Crobar Miami
Housed in a large and historic Art Deco theatre, Crobar offers top class DJs, in stylish surroundings and with high-octane partying. Wear your best dance shoes!
Address: 1445 Washington Avenue
Internet: www.crobarmiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Washington Avenue
Jazid
The music in Jazid is fantastic featuring live jazz downstairs while DJs play soul and funk upstairs. It’s a great place for drinking and mingling with a perfect soundtrack.
Address: 1342 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.jazid.net
More info: Metrobus to Washington Avenue
Mansion
This place has a great selection of music, rock, hip hop, Latin, house, techno - drinks are around $10. The club is open Tuesday through Sunday 11pm to 5am. Dress to Impress - it helps at the door!
Cover charges range between $20 to $30.
Address: 1235 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.mansionmiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Washington Avenue
Opium Garden
Opium Garden is one of the most exclusive night clubs in South Beach. Famous people like Paris Hilton have been spotted here. Drinks are around $11 and entry is between $20 to $30. Again, Dress to Impress - it will get you through the door!
Address: 136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Internet: www.opiummiami.com
More info: Metrobus to Collins Avenue
Shopping in Miami
Plenty of good shopping opportunities in breezy open-air venues or in closed air-conditioned shopping malls, make Miami a shopper’s paradise. Interior design can be found in the Design District or you can go celebrity spotting while shopping on Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue. Hunting bargains is made easy in the Dolphin Mall designer outlets.
Bal Harbour Shops
Here is exclusive shopping offering many well-known American and European designer shops. Refreshments can be enjoyed in a tropical garden setting, artworks can be admired in the Bal Habour Gallery or you can get pampered in one of the beauty salons.
Address: 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154-2208
Phone: +1 (305) 866 0311
Internet: www.balharbourshops.com
Bayside Market Place
This open-air shopping centre offers more than 100 high street shops as well as cafés, bars and restaurants. Street performers, live music and even boat tours add to the shopping experience.
Address: 401 Biscayne Boulevard, R106, Miami, FL 33132-1924,
Phone: +1 (305) 577 3344
Internet: www.baysidemarketplace.com
Central Business District
Downtown Miami offers many shops easily reached by the free underground Metromover. The area also houses the Miami Jewellery District on Flagler Street (Metromover to Miami Avenue station). The website can help you find specific shops or items.
Address: Downtown Miami
Phone: +1 (305) 379 7070
Internet: www.downtownmiami.com
More info: Metromover Downtown Loop and Omni Loop (the orange and the blue lines)
Cocowalk
Lively CocoWalk combines 40 something shops with restaurants, outdoor cafés and cinema in a European style open-air site. It is open every day until late while restaurants and nightclubs remain open until 3am.
Address: 3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 118, Coconut Grove, FL 33133,
Phone: +1 (305) 444 0777
Internet: www.galleryatcocowalk.com
More info: Metrobus for Coconut Grove
Dolphin Mall
Near the airport, the Dolphin Mall is full of top-brand outlets making it a heaven on earth for shopaholics. A shuttle bus takes visitors to the mall from the airport or from downtown from Monday to Saturday. A return ticket costs $5 and details for how to reach the bus from where you are can be found on their website.
Address: 11401 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33172
Phone: +1 (305) 365 7446
Internet: www.shopdolphinmall.com
More info: Dolphin Mall Shuttle
Little Havana
Take a break from US-style city shopping and walk right into old Cuba on Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street). Stroll around the area with small shops and cafés. There is a variety of stores and gift shops full of goods imported from Latin America. Several ‘Botánicas’ sell herbal medicine and exotic remedies.
Address: SW 8th Street between 12th and 27th Avenues, Miami, FL 33135
More info: Brickell Metrorail Station and change to the 208 Metrobus or Eight Street Metromover Station
Miami Beach
Once known as the Fifth Avenue of the South, Lincoln Road pedestrian mall in South Beach is a haven for shoppers. A mix of international, local and one-of-a-kind shops are blended among cafés, restaurants and several art galleries. Nearby Collins Avenue offers a more upscale cosmopolitan shopping experience - the must be place for shopping
wannabes after a day on the beach. Other one-of-a-kind shops can be found on Washington Avenue and Española Way.
Address: Miami Beach
More info: Metrobus to Washington Avenue
Miami Design District
The Miami Design District is the centre of interior design and home furnishings in Greater Miami. There are plenty of art galleries, furniture and design showrooms, photo studios and antique shops.
Address: Between NE 36th and 41st Streets, N Miami and NE 2nd Avenues,
Phone: +1 (305) 573 8116,
Internet: www.designmiami.com
More info: Metrobus to 41st Street
Miami Hotels
Luxury Miami Hotels
Delano
Stay where the stars stay. The Delano is beautiful, exclusive and is famous for its friendly staff. Located straight on the beach, this hotel oozes chic style, glamour and luxury.
Address: 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Click here to check Delano Hotel Cheaper Hotel Rates
Tides
The Art Deco style Tides hotel is bang on the ocean and has luxurious and comfortable rooms decorated in shades of cream and white. It has all the hotel amenities you can think of and more.
Address: 1220 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: +1 (305) 604 5070
Click here to check Tides Hotel Cheaper Hotel Rates
Good Value Miami Hotels
Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
This elegant waterfront option is close to many of Miami’s attractions. Rooms are spacious and have view of Biscayne Bay and Miami Port.
Address: 1717 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
Click here to check Doubletree Grand Hotel Cheaper Hotel Rates
Townhouse Hotel
The Townhouse is an affordable design and cool hotel experience in a prime location. The stylishly decorated roof terrace with waterbeds and a water tower attracts sunbathers. There’s a delicious sushi restaurant downstairs.
Address: 150 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Click here to check Townhouse Hotel Cheaper Hotel Rates
Cheap Miami Hotels
Hotel Atlantica
With only a few minutes walking distance from the beach and the happenings on Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, this little Swiss cottage hotel offers a great value for its lower rates.
Address: 321 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl 33139