A- Overview:
Although favored by climate and geography, Miami remained a remote tropical village of frame houses until Henry Flagler installed his East Coast Railway there in 1896 and turned his hand to community development. In fact, the fabulous city of Miami Beach was created out of a mangrove swamp!
Sprawling across 2,054 square miles of land, Miami is a huge and cosmopolitan city. Attracted by year-round warmth and sunshine, thousands of visitors pour into the area with the hope of capturing a little sun and relaxation. Greater Miami’s list of attractions is long and varied, the city really does have something for everyone! Some of the more popular attractions are Viscaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, and the Miami Metro Zoo. Biscayne Boulevard is a prime spot for shopping. It features the Bayside Marketplace- a shopping experience in the Tropical style. Shopping is also excellent at the Cocowalk shopping and entertainment complex.
A trip into Everglades National Park is a unique sightseeing experience. Multiple boardwalks lead out over the watery area and signs and displays identify and describe the flora and fauna that you may encounter. At Flamingo there are sightseeing boat trips, and naturalists who conduct nature walks along the shore.
World-famous South Beach, located on the southernmost part of Miami Beach, attracts a colorful mix of visitors to its Art Deco surroundings. Celebrities, artists, and International supermodels have all been found to frequent the trendy boutiques, restaurants and art galleries which make up South Beach.
Miami offers a grand array of activities geared towards enjoyment! Visitors can experience deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, golf,tennis, scuba diving, and of course, swimming and boating. Miami has all the ingredients for one of the best vacations Florida offers.
B- City Information:
Population: 362,470
Elevation: 11 feet above sea level
Land Area: 35.7 miles
Location: Located in the southeastern part of Florida, between Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys. Convenient to the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 75 from the west and Interstate 95 from the north.
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Miami, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles. Miami observes Daylight Saving Time from April – October.
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
68.9
69.8
73.1
76.1
80.0
82.8
84.3
84.3
83.1
79.6
75.3
70.8
High temperature (°F)
76.5
77.2
80.0
83.1
86.6
89.1
90.8
90.8
89.3
85.8
81.5
77.7
Low temperature (°F)
61.3
62.4
66.1
69.1
73.3
76.5
77.8
77.7
76.9
73.3
68.9
63.8
Precipitation (in)
2.2
2.2
2.8
3.5
5.7
9.1
6.0
8.4
8.3
6.1
3.6
2.3
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precip.
7
6
6
6
10
15
16
18
17
14
8
7
Wind speed (mph)
9.5
10.0
10.5
10.5
9.5
8.3
7.9
7.9
8.2
9.2
9.7
9.1
Morning humidity (%)
84
84
82
79
80
84
83
85
87
86
85
84
Afternoon humidity (%)
60
58
56
54
58
65
63
65
67
63
62
60
Sunshine (%)
66
68
74
76
72
68
72
71
70
70
67
63
Days clear of clouds
9
8
9
8
6
3
3
2
2
7
8
9
Partly cloudy days
13
12
14
15
15
14
17
18
15
14
14
13
Cloudy days
9
8
8
7
9
13
11
11
12
10
9
9
Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Local Seasons:
Miami is a vibrant, energetic city, alive with a Latin beat any day of the year, particularly when the suns sets. Winter tends to be the busiest time of year when people from the north come to experience the beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees and warm ocean breezes. However, at any time of year, the city is alive with tourists from throughout the world. When summer arrives there is an influx of visitors from both South America as well as Europe, making this truly an international destination. Spring and fall tend to be less crowded and are wonderful for enjoying all the city has to offer with a few less people. With temperatures during this time hovering in the 80’s F during the day, and the 70’s at night, visitors can work on the perfect tan during the day, and then enjoy a splendid meal while dancing the night away. Whatever the reason for visiting and whatever the time of year, Miami has the season for it.
How to get there:
By Car:
Miami is easily accessible via Interstate 95 from the north (Fort Lauderdale), Interstate 75 from the west (Fort Myers), the Florida Turnpike from the northwest (Orlando), and U.S. Highway 1 from the south (Key West)
By Air:
Miami International Airport
4200 NW 21st Street
Miami, FL 33142
Located 6 miles west of the city
305-876-7000
The airport is served my many of the worldwide airlines as well as certain regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Car Rental:
All of the major car rental companies are located at or near the airport.
Taxis:
Available curbside at the airport
Shuttle:
Super Shuttle is available at the airport
305-871-2000
By Train:
Amtrak
8303 NW 37th Ave
Miami, FL 33147
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus:
Greyhound
4111 NW 27TH ST
Miami, FL 33142
305-871-1810
Getting Around Town:
The easiest way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Rental cars are available throughout the city as well as at the airport. Keep an eye out for signs marked with an orange sun on a blue background. They are designed to assist visitors on the most useful routes to the city’s main attractions.
Public Transportation:
Metro-Dade Transit
305-638-6700
Metro trains run on a single line between the northern suburbs and south Miami. Some key stops are Government Center, Coconut Grove, and the University of Miami. Downtown Miami is also circled by the Metromover, a monorail that gives a good view of the city and provides some basic transportation. Metrobuses cover the entire city.
Call for routes, schedules, and additional information
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Parrot Jungle and Gardens
11000 SW 57 Avenue, Miami.
305-666-7834
Admission Charged.
An exotic bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botantical garden. Here you will find 100’s of varieties of birds and plants. Also, ape exhibits, wildlife shows, and alligators.
Metrozoo
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami.
305-638-6700
Admission Charged.
A giant zoo with more than 250 species and 60 major animal exhibits. The zoo also has a wildlife amphitheater with three shows daily.
Miccosukee Indian Village
US 41 ( Tamiami Trail) West
305-223-8380
Attractions include alligator wrestling, crafts, demonstartions, a small museum highlighting the history of the tribe, and airboats rides. Music and arts festivals are held in July and December.
Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
3280 S. Miami Ave
305-854-4247
The exhibits describing coral reefs and the Everglades are especially enlightening. There is also a participatory science arcade, a wildlife center housing more than 150 live animals, and a natural history collection with cases of fossils and butterflies. Kids love the hands on exhibits and mini-shows. The Planetarium has several daily shows, explaining what’s new in the heavens.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami.
305-667-1651
Admission Charged.
An extensive botanical garden with a vast collection of rare tropical plants, a rain forest display, and sunken garden.
Monkey Jungle
4805 SW 216 Street, Miami.
Admission Charged.
See a colony of monkeys living in a topical jungle. Shows are held throughout the day. Shows include Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, Ape Encounter, and Hangin’ Wild Orangs.
Historical Museum of South Florida
305-375-1492
The excellent exhibits here chronicle the histories of the various groups that have settled in the region. Numerous displays including a chickee hut, depict Native American Life, while the Spanish exploration period comes alive through the 17th-century maps and a mock fort that kids can climb.
Coral Castle
28655 South Dixie Highway, Homestead.
305-248-6344
Admission Charged.
A coral wonder built by a single man over 30 years. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.
305-361-3705
Admission Charged.
Home to more than 10,000 sea creatures, a killer whale, and dolphin superstar Flipper. South Florida’s largest marine aquarium.
Bass Museum of Art
2121 Park Ave.
305-673-7533
Classic Art Deco design, and constructed of Key stone, the exterior of this building is adorned with carved nautical figures and features whimsical touches inspired by traditional Maya architecture. The gems displayed within the museum include works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Ruebens.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami.
305-250-9133
An Italian Renaissance style villa built in 1916 by James Deering. Over 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains. The house contains 34 rooms with period furnishings.
Everglades National Park
25 miles west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail.
305-242-7700.
Admission Charged.
A 1.4 million acre park complete with endangered species and many birds and animals. Boats tours are available.
Jungle Queen
Bahia Mar Yacht Basin in Fort Lauderdale on A1A, north of 17th Street Causeway.
Sails to a tropical island for an all-you-can-eat dinner of ribs, shrimp and chicken. The dinner is followed by a variety show and sing-along. Daily sightseeing cruises are also available.
Art Deco District
New and restored buildings, cafes, hotels, carry the facades of bright pink, turquois, and peach gleam in the sun. Take a walk through the Revival-style buildings, many containing eclectic boutiques and art galleries.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Parrot Jungle and Gardens
11000 SW 57 Avenue, Miami.
305-666-7834
Admission Charged.
An exotic bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botantical garden. Here you will find 100’s of varieties of birds and plants. Also, ape exhibits, wildlife shows, and alligators.
Metrozoo
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami.
305-638-6700
Admission Charged.
A giant zoo with more than 250 species and 60 major animal exhibits. The zoo also has a wildlife amphitheater with three shows daily.
Miccosukee Indian Village
US 41 ( Tamiami Trail) West
305-223-8380
Attractions include alligator wrestling, crafts, demonstartions, a small museum highlighting the history of the tribe, and airboats rides. Music and arts festivals are held in July and December.
Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium
3280 S. Miami Ave
305-854-4247
The exhibits describing coral reefs and the Everglades here are especially enlightening. There is also a participatory science arcade, a wildlife center housing more than 150 live animals, and a natural history collection with cases of fossils and butterflies. Kids love the hands on exhibits and mini-shows. The Planetarium has several daily shows, explaining what’s new in the heavens.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami.
305-667-1651
Admission Charged.
An extensive botanical garden with a vast collection of rare tropical plants, a rain forest display, and sunken garden.
Monkey Jungle
4805 SW 216 Street, Miami.
Admission Charged.
See a colony of monkeys living in a topical jungle. Shows are held throughout the day. Shows include Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, Ape Encounter, and Hangin’ Wild Orangs.
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.
305-361-3705
Admission Charged.
Home to more than 10,000 sea creatures, a killer whale, and dolphin superstar Flipper. South Florida’s largest marine aquarium.
Everglades National Park
25 miles west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail.
305-242-7700.
Admission Charged.
A 1.4 million acre park complete with endangered species and many types of birds and animals. Boats tours are available.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
FedEx Orange Bowl Classic
Held in early-January
Pro Player Stadium
305-371-4600
Annual college bowl game featuring an entire weekend of fun and excitement culminating in a classic holiday bowl game.
Indian Arts Festival
Held in early-January
305-223-8380
This Miccosukee Indian festival features arts and crafts plus traditional foods.
Art Deco Weekend
Held in mid-January
Hosted along Ocean Drive in South Beach
305-672-2014
A street festival featuring Art Deco displays and tours of the historic district.
Taste of the Grove
Held in mid-January
Hosted in Coconut Grove
305-284-3603
Each January, area restaurants put on this popular festival with a variety of concerts, children’s activities, games, contests & demonstrations by area chefs ensure that everyone is entertained & enlightened.
February
Coconut Grove Art Festival
Held in mid-February
305-447-0401
Showcases artists from all over the country, also food and music.
Miami International Boat Show and Sailboat Show
Held in mid-February
Find the watercraft of your dreams at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Miami Film Festival
Hosted each year at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
305-377-3456
The Film Society of Miami shows independent foreign and American films.
Home Design and Remodeling Show
Held in early February
Located in the Coconut Grove Convention Center.
One of Florida’s largest collections of the finest in home furniture, accessories, decorating, remodeling, interior design, architecture and many home improvement services.
Doral Open
Doral Golf Resort
305-477-4653
Many say this is the most exciting and fun outing on the PGA Tour. The Doral Ryder Open started in 1962 and continues to draw crowds.
March
Miami Grand Prix
Held in early-March
Hosted at the Homestead Motorsports Complex, approximately one hour from Miami
World famous car race.
Carnival Miami Festival
Held in early March
305-644-8888
A week of Latin celebrations with food, music, dance, parades and fireworks.
Calle Ocho Open House
Held in early March
Culmination of the festival with a big street party on SW 8th Street, in the heart of the Cuban district.
Ericsson Open
Hosted at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne.
A top flight tennis championship with all the top names on the professional tour. It’s a well-organized event and a favorite among tennis fans.
April
South Beach Film Festival
Held in early-April
Hosted at the Colony Theatre
Eclectic films from around the world are presented each year.
Italian Renaissance Festival
Held at Vizcaya
305-579-2708
Relive the Renaissance period at the beautiful Vizcaya.
May
Great Sunrise Balloon Race
Held the second weekend in May
Hosted at the Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport
305-596-9040
A delightful assortment of hot-air balloons graces the sky each year.
Arabian Nights Festival
Held in early May
Hosted in Opa Locka
305-688-4611
A unique festival hosted each year in the Opa-Locka community.
Coconut Grove Bed Race
Held in mid-May
Runs from Peacock Park through the streets of Coconut Grove
A hilarious and quite silly race that is a wonderful fund raiser for charities.
Miami International Home & Garden Show
Held in late May
Located in Miami Beach Convention Center
305-666-5944
June
Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival
Held in early June
305-372-9966
Celebration of Bahamian heritage in Coconut Grove.
South Florida Boat Show
Held in mid June
Find the perfect watercraft at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
July
America’s Birthday Bash
Held on July 4
Hosted at Bayfront Park
Concert and fireworks display celebrating American independence.
International Mango Festival
Held in early July
Presented by Fairchild Tropical Gardens
305-667-1651
Everglades Music and Crafts Festival
Held in late July
305-223-8380
Native American bands perform, plus crafts and food.
August
Annual Miami Reggae Festival
Held in early August
Hosted at Bayfront Park.
Top bands come from all over for this annual festival.
September
Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show
Held Labor Day weekend
305-667-9299
Hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center
A plethora of products for the home; furniture, accessories, home improvement products, landscaping and services.
Festival Miami
Held in mid September
Hosted at the University of Miami School of Music
305-284-4940
An annual series of concerts
October
West Indian American Day Carnival Extravaganza
Held in early October
305-435-4845
A Caribbean Mardi Gras.
Caribbean Carnival
Held in early October
305-653-1877
Street Festival complete with costumes, steel bands and parades celebrating the Caribbean. Presented by the Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Hosted in different locations throughout Miami-Dade County
305-541-5023
This celebration lasts the whole month and commemorates the discovery of the Americas, and the role Hispanics have played development of the U.S.
Columbus Day Regatta
Held Columbus day weekend
305-573-9592
Hundreds of sailboats from over 15 classes sail from the north end of Biscayne Bay to the southern end and back the following day.
Ramble – A Garden Festival
Hosted at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami
305-667-1651
A festival of plants, garden accessories, exhibits, shopping, food, music, & activities for children & adults.
November
Ramble-A Garden Festival
Held in early November
Hosted at Fairchild Tropical Garden
305-667-1651
Annual gardening festival with plants, garden accessories and activities for the whole family.
South Florida Auto Show
Held in early November
305-947-5950
Hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center
The latest car models on display for auto enthusiasts at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
South Miami Art Festival
Held in early November
Hosted along Sunset Drive in South Miami
305-661-1621
Jiffy Lube Miami
Held in mid November
Hosted at the Homestead Motorsports Complex, approximately one hour from Miami
The season-ending NASCAR race.
November Home Show
Held in mid November
Located in Miami
305-666-5944
Harvest Festival
Held in late November
Hosted at the Fair Expo Center
Craft booths, historical re-enactments, musical entertainment, antique automobiles and more.
Puerto Rican Festival
Held in late November
Hosted at Bayfront Park
Celebrates Puerto Rican cultural heritage.
Miami Lakes Country Holiday and Crafts Show
Held in late November
305-817-4006
Craftsmen from throughout Florida exhibit their work. There’s also country and western entertainment.
Annual Winter National Thanksgiving Day Parade
Held on Thanksgiving Day
Traveling down 125th Street from NE 6th Avenue to NE 12th Avenue
305-893-6511
Participants include walkers, riders, bikers, clowns, beauty queens, bands & floats.
December
Indoor Flea Market
Held in mid December
Hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center
Claiming to be the world’s largest, this event features over 1,000 booths filled with merchandise at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
King Mango Strut
Held in late December
Hosted in Coconut Grove
A light-hearted parody of the Orange Bowl parade down the streets Coconut Grove.
The Nutcracker
Held in late December
Hosted at the Jackie Gleason Theater and other South Florida venues
Performed annually by the Miami City Ballet.
Junior Orange Bowl Festival
305-662-1210
The children’s version of the Orange Bowl celebrations. It features arts and crafts shows and sports competitions.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Held most of December through early January
Held at Tropical Park
Tropical Park becomes a brightly-lit winter wonderland each season.
Orange Bowl Parade
Held on December 31
Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami each year.
A Miami tradition since 1939, this themed parade marches down Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami.
Big Orange New Year’s Eve Celebration
Held on December 31.
Hosted at Bayfront Park
Just like the Times Square Ball Drop, but using a really big orange and with much warmer weather.
Arts and Entertainment
Miami City Ballet
Ophelia & Juan Js Roca Center
2200 Liberty Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-929-7010
The Miami City Ballet has been recognized as among the largest ballet companies in the United States.
Miami Symphony
10300 SW 72nd Street
Miami, FL 33173
305-275-4363
Founded in 1989, The Miami Symphony Orchestra is Dade County’s flagship orchestra. Under the leadership of renowned conductors, the orchestra has come to represent the excitement and cultural vitality of the Miami community.
Florida Opera
Arturo di Filippi Educational Center
1200 Coral Way
Miami, FL 33145
800-741-1010
Hours: Monday through Friday 10am-4pm
Summer hours often exclude Fridays
Ensemble consists of the Young Artist Studio and Resident Artists.
Jackie Gleason Theatre
1700 Washington Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-673-7300
Located adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center
Venue for the Miami Ballet, Broadway Series as well as national recognized performers.
Sports
Florida Marlins
Professional Baseball
Games played at Pro Player Stadium
2267 Dan Marino Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33056
305-623-6100
Call for ticket information
Season runs from April – October
Miami Heat
Professional Basketball
Games played at the American Airlines Arena
601 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
786-777-1000
Call for ticket information
Season runs October – April
Florida Panthers
Professional Hockey
Games played at the Office Depot Center, located in Sunrise, FL, approximately 45 minutes from Miami.
Office Depot Center
One Panther Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33323
954-835-PUCK
Season runs October – April
Miami Dolphins
Professional Football
Games played at Pro Player Stadium
2267 Dan Marino Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33056
305-623-6100
Call for ticket information
Season runs September – January