Miami lies on the southeast side of the Florida Peninsula, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Biscayne Bay lagoon and Miami Beach. Sun-kissed beaches and art-deco beauties make an alluring backdrop to Miami’s other charms – a burgeoning arts scene, creative cuisine and blazing nightlife. The city's pleasant winter climate makes it a very popular holiday destination, particularly for those in the northern regions of the country.
TOP 8 PLACES TO SEE
1.MIAMI CHILDREN’T MUSEUM
The museum houses Educational and entertaining exhibits that are designed to appeal to children's curiosity and creativity. Interactive displays at the museum include a variety of themed galleries that revolve around arts, culture, community, and communication.Galleries and a 200 seat auditorium, restaurant, and gift shop is also housed in the museum.
2.MIAMI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
The museum was established in 1950 and is presenting a large number of hands-on and interactive exhibits covering a variety of scientific fields including physics, biology and chemistry. New themes is on display with exhibit changes. The museum is also well known for its children's summer science camp.
3.SEAQUARIUM
The daily shows featuring dolphins, killer whales, seals and other ocean inhabitants has been a favorite family attraction during holidays. Observation tanks contain alligators, sharks and tropical fish. The Seaquarium is actively involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of Florida's endangered manatees, and there are normally at least a few of these gentle giants housed here. The Seaquarium also offers a "swim with dolphins" program to teach about the physiology, behavior and natural history of dolphins.
4.GOLD COAST RAILROAD MUSEUM
The museum was founded in 1950 and has more than antique railway cars. The presidential railcar the "Ferdinand Magellan" used by Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Truman and Reagan is on display. Visitors can also see the California Zephyr cars, "Silver Crescent" and "Silver Stag".An extensive model railroad section is also housed. Wooden train sets are on display for children to play with and enjoy.
5.FREEDOM TOWER
As tribute to the Cuban immigrants the Freedom Tower was built in 1925. It is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the southeastern United States, and served for many years as the headquarters of the Miami Daily News.
6.AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA
The arena on the waterfront holding more than 19 000 is the home of the NBA's Miami Heat and also the main venue for large concerts and special events, including top name singers and performers. In 1999 it has been awarded the Leed Green Building Certification for being an energy efficient building.
7.VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
The Museum and Gardens is one of Miami's greatest treasures. Built in 1916 and former home of the early 20th century industrialist, James Deering the mansion features 34 rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The Italian Renaissance-style villa is filled with European furniture and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th century. The garden contains Italian and French fountains, pools and sculptures. A breakwater at the base of the steps leading into Biscayne Bay is carved into the form of female figures. The name "Vizcaya" is a Basque word meaning "an elevated place."
8.HOLOCUST MEMORIAL
The memorial is a moving tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. A small group of Holocaust survivors from 1984 conceived the idea and the memorial officially opened to the public in 1990. Other features of the site include a series of statues, architectural pieces, a garden of meditation and a memorial wall. The main sculpture features dozens of emaciated people reaching out for help, clinging to one another, that make up an outstretched arm reaching up to the sky.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Coral Castle
- Miami Zoo
- The Art Deco District
- Everglades
- Calle Ocho in Little Havana
- Deering Estate at Cutler
- Everglades Alligator Farm
- Jungle Island
- Key Biscayne and Crandon Park
- Bayfront Park
- Bayside Marketplace
- Ocean Drive
- South Beach
- Miami Beach
- Haulover Beach Park
- Lummus Park
- Lincoln Road Mall
- Ancient Spanish Monastery
- South Pointe Park and Pier
- The Bass Museum
- Coconut Grove
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Stillsville
- Venetian Pool
- Planetarium
Hop aboard a trolley, rent a car, bike the beach, hail a taxi or take advantage of public transportation.
The best time to visit Miami Beach is between March and May when the sun shines with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s during the day.
