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Profile

The City of Miami, for all its tropical allure and movie set looks, is still a relatively new city. It has been an obliging host for a variety of inhabitants that have included Native Americans, Spaniards and Caribbean pirates, onward up to modern times where today's cosmopolitan metropolis embodies a variety of ethnic cultures. Miami has grown into a major tourist resort that capitalizes on its Southeastern location on the Miami River between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic where widespread white sand beaches and blue waters welcome a pleasant climate and a plethora of visitors.

Since its incorporation in 1896, this "Gateway to the Americas" has grown tremendously. Miami is now far removed from when it was considered a simple winter resort weighted by a primarily retirement community. Today, it's one of America's favorite tropical locations and is ranked near the top for popular vacation destinations with Los Angeles and New York. But in spite of its celebrity-centered playground appeal and spring breaker saturation, it is also accessible to the average traveler seeking more sunlight than limelight.

Greater Miami covers an area of more than 2,000 square miles that includes 80 miles of coastline. It's home to a population of more than 2.2 million complimented by another 10 million visitors a year, more than half of which are international travelers. Greater Miami and its beaches make up a sprawling community dotted with a number of tourist-friendly neighborhoods that include sophisticated South Beach, the internationally acclaimed Miami Beach, Surfside and Sunny Isles on the northern end, Key Biscayne off the coast, Coral Gables' Mediterranean-inspired charm, and Coconut Grove's upscale appeal.

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Weather

The temperate, nearly tropical climate of Miami provides plenty of year-round warmth. Winters remain fairly mild, with the coldest months of December, January and February reaching highs in the upper 60s and low 70s, while summers are sunny, hot and humid, particularly during August, when temperatures reach up to 87 F. Oceanic breezes temper the subtropical South Florida climate and strike a counterbalance to the summer extremes. July through October is hurricane season and there's a greater likelihood for tropical storms, over and above the usual quick, daily thundershower.

Current Weather

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Attractions

According to the experts, Art Deco made its debut in 1925 in an exposition in Paris in which it set a stylistic tone. In Miami, Art Deco is marked by the pastel-hued buildings that line South Beach and Miami Beach. Most of the finest examples of the whimsical Art Deco style are concentrated along three parallel streets--Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue-from about 6th to 23rd streets.

The Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Dr.; 305-531-3484; www.mdpl.org/tours.html) offers a 90-minute District Guided Walking Tour Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.), conducted by local historians and architects that takes visitors through the district. The price is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under. The Art Deco District Self-Guided Audio Tours are available at the Welcome Center seven-days-a-week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., priced at $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and children 12 and under. Private and themed tours are available by appointment only. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Among Miami's newest attractions, Parrot Jungle and Gardens (1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island; 305-372-3822; www.parrotjungle.com) is a 19-acre park that features a petting zoo, a waterfront Serpentarium, jungle trails, aviaries, and of course, a parrot show. Watch your heads and maybe wear a hat because flying above are hundreds of parrots, macaws, peacocks, cockatoos, and flamingos. Visitors can meet Crocosaurus, a 20-foot saltwater crocodile who hangs out in the park's Serpentarium, or catch up with a roller-skating cockatoo or card-playing macaw. Located between Downtown Miami and South Beach, the park is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and also features amphitheaters, picnic grounds and pavilions to accommodate large groups. Admission for adults is $24.95, for children three to 10, $19.95, and children under 3 are free. Senior, military and student discounts are also available.

One of the more amazing, if unusual, Florida attractions, Coral Castle (28655 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead; 305-248-6345; www.coralcastle.com) is an unlikely creation tied to mysterious origins. It was a project begun by an emotional Latvian named Ed who drowned his sorrows of lost love by immersing himself in the work of carving huge chunks of coral into a prehistoric "castle." Short on stature if not ambition, his 25-year handiwork has left many a scientific mind scratching their head and comparing it to the mysteries of the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge. How could he have carved and moved more than 1,100 tons of rock by himself? Did he know any secrets? Coral Castle has baffled scientists, engineers and scholars since opening in 1923. Featured on the National Register of Historic Places, the Castle is open year-round, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and until 9:00 p.m. on weekends.

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Family Fun

One of Miami's most treasured attractions, the Venetian Pool (2701 DeSoto Blvd.; Coral Gables; 305-460-5356; www.venetianpool.com) was formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923 into the world's most beautiful swimming hole and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The 800,000-gallon pool, replenished daily during the summer months, features an abundance of tropical foliage, two waterfalls, coral caves, and grottos surrounded by Venetian-style buildings that transport visitors to a whimsical romantic retreat. The facility is open year-round and is available for parties and group activities.

The Everglades Alligator Farm (40351 S.W. 192nd Ave.; Florida City; 305-247-2628; www.everglades.com), established in 1985, is Florida's oldest alligator farm. The Farm is currently home to about 3,000 alligators, birds and animals. Located at the edge of the Everglades, this working farm possesses a scenic beauty and rustic charm rooted to the early history of the area. Visitors can take an exciting airboat tour into the Everglades or a leisurely walk around the park to view the alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and snakes. Informative wildlife shows take place hourly and visitors often find themselves with numerous chances to touch and even hold the animals. The farm operates from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The ticket price for adults is $17, for seniors, $16, children four to ten, $10, and children under four are admitted free.

For a fun and exciting yet educationally sound experience for the whole family, take the time to participate in Sea Grass Adventures, one among many ecologically stimulating programs taking place at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (Crandon Park, 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 305-361-6767; www.biscaynenaturecenter.org). For a price of $10 per person, a naturalist guide from the center will introduce a variety of interesting sea creatures where viewers will wade through knee-deep water to observe and learn. Land-based hikes, beachcombing and other group-related activities are available on-site. Call for reservations.

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Cultural Arts

Coconut Grove has been dubbed a "village with a rhythm all its own" due to its variety and originality, both reflected in its many diverse eateries that line the quaint streets along with art galleries, antiques shops and boutiques of every description. The waterfront parks of Coconut Grove offer some of the best vantage points for watching manatees and sailboats.

The Coconut Grove Playhouse (3500 Main Hwy.; 305-442-2662; www.cgplayhouse.org) is one of the oldest in the country and well worth a visit. The historic theater began life as a movie house in 1926 and grew into a major player in regional theater 30 years later. Affectionately known as "Broadway by the Bay," the present-day playhouse includes two stages: the 1,100-seat proscenium Mainstage Theater and the intimate 135-seat Encore Room Theater. Today, the playhouse continues to attract high profile stars and fill the seats. It will be featuring a list of headliners that reads like a who's who of stage and television as it gears up for its 50th anniversary during the 2006 season.

Sometimes referred to as the "Hearst Castle of the East," Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave.; 305-250-9133; www.vizcayamuseum.org) is an extraordinary European-inspired estate located in the heart of Miami, which includes a house packed with relics and works of art dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, ten acres of lush formal gardens on Biscayne Bay and an historic village under restoration for public usage. Vizcaya was built in 1916 as a winter retreat for American industrialist James Deering and has most of its original furnishings, including dishes and paintings, still intact. Free guided tours of all the rooms are available and strolls about the estate grounds are recommended. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ticket prices for adults are $12, Miami-Dade residents $9, children (six to 12) $5, and children under five are admitted free.

The World Chess Hall of Fame and Sidney Samole Chess Museum (13755 S.W. 119th Ave.; 786-242-4255; www.chessmuseum.org) features a mix of attractions that range from historical to high-tech housed in an eye-catching checkerboard-patterned structure highlighted by a 45-foot-tall rook for an entranceway. Inside, visitors will view an interactive history of chess with an introduction to celebrity players such as Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Fischer. You can also have the opportunity to play chess against computers, observe tournament spaces, glimpse rare artifacts, watch films, shop, and more. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission price for adults is $5 and for students, $3.

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Sports/Recreation

Greater Miami and its beaches is a rewarding place for Miami sports enthusiasts, offering countless water sports and recreational activities. Miami boasts a 35-mile stretch of beachfront, which runs from the tip of South Beach, north to Sunny Isles and circles Key Biscayne and the numerous other pristine islands dotting the Atlantic. Along the way visitors can find plenty of outdoor fun in the sun, whether walking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, or hitting the links, there are plenty of active pursuits to choose from.

There are more than 50 private and public golf courses in the Miami area. Contact the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau (800-933-8448; www.miamiandbeaches.com) for a list of courses and costs.

Regarded as one of the best in the city, the renowned Country Club of Miami (6801 Miami Gardens Dr., at N.W. 68th Ave.; 305-829-8456; www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/country_club.asp), sports two 18-hole courses of varying degrees of difficulty: West Course covers more than 7,000 yards with plenty of disruptive bunkers to make for a challenging game; East Course is just over 6,300 yards and issues a challenge to both the novice and professional. Throughout each course you'll encounter lush fairways, rolling greens and plenty of history. The Club was founded in 1961, its courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and inaugurated by the great Arnold Palmer, and it has played host to a number of celebrities and professional tournaments. Weekly rates range from $25 to $39 and up to $49 on weekends. Special twilight rates are available.

Haulover Beach Park (10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-947-3525; www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/haulover_beach_marina.asp) sports one of South Florida's most beautiful beaches, offering a mile and a half stretch of white sand shores. Across the street from the beach is a full-service marina that sports some spectacular fishing and is home to the largest charter/drift fishing fleet in South Florida. The 180-acre park also has two on-site restaurants, Solo on the Bay and Cafe Azul, an ice cream shop, souvenir shop, bicycle rentals, picnic pavilions, casual nine-hole golf course, and tennis courts.

For the more adventurous, deep-sea fishing is available at the Kelley Fishing Fleet (305-945-3801), located at the marina, where half-day, full-day and night fishing is available for upwards of $30 to $50 for adults; reservations are recommended. Also at the marina, private charter boats can be rented from Helen C Sport Fishing Charters (305-947-4081; www.fishmiamibeach.com) starting at $100 per person. Half- and full-day trips are available as well as special group rates.

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Accommodations

In Miami, following on an extensive building program during the 1980s and 90s, there is a wide range of new hotels to accompany those long since established. From the upsurge in expensive luxury hotels, modest mid-priced, budget, beachfront, chic, stylish, suburban, there are plenty to choose from an ever-increasing number of lodging options. Rates in Miami area seasonal with the best prices generally available during the summer months, typically 30% to 50% lower than the winter highs.

Facing the sea in Bal Harbour, a ritzy neighborhood in North Miami Beach, Beach House Bal Harbour (9449 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-865-3551; www.thebeachhousehotel.com) is a boutique hotel inspired by the extravagant ocean side homes found in the Hamptons and Rhode Island. Its prime location is within easy reach of South Beach and just around the block from the upscale Bal Harbour shops where visitors will discover more than 100 stores rivaling those along Rodeo Drive and New York's Madison Avenue. Guests at this 1950s-era resort enjoy a beach house atmosphere, which outlines 165 guestrooms drenched in Ralph Lauren decor and furnishings, mini-libraries and collections of starfish and local seashells. A sundeck with lounge chairs surrounds the outdoor lap pool and spa tub. During the low season, rooms can be had starting at $99 per night with suites available for $179.

The Biltmore (1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 305-445-1926; www.biltmorehotel.com) boasts a four-star, four-diamond ranking and is one of only a few resorts in South Florida recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The exquisite craftsmanship and detail found throughout the property is reminiscent of an Old World European luxury hotel. The hotel's 276 guest rooms and 133 suites feature tasteful décor and luxurious accommodations with magnificent views of the hotel's famous pool, championship golf course and City of Coral Gables itself. Since opening its doors in 1926, The Biltmore's guest registry has read like a who's who of history, counting the likes of Al Capone and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor as guests. Starting room rates per night begin at $199 and $419 for suites.

For a welcome retreat by the sea, the Raleigh Hotel (1775 Collins Ave. Miami Beach; 305-534-6300; www.raleighhotel.com) provides a pleasurable mix of style and comfort that radiates with glamour and charm. This legendary South Beach hideaway features 104 guest rooms and suites in the elegant Art Deco style, along with a 6,000-square-foot penthouse offering magnificent 360 degree views of the Atlantic and the city with a huge terrace extension and rooftop fountain. The famous Raleigh swimming pool is outlined with tropical foliage and cascading waterfall, dotted with private poolside cabanas and nearby martini bar. Glance towards the ocean to discover the "Oasis," a relaxing mid-point between pool and beach. Room rates at the Raleigh begin at $375, and for suites, $750.

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Shopping

Miami is one of the world's premier shopping cities, offering a choice of mega-malls, from the upscale Village of Merrick Park and the mammoth Aventura Mall, to the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops and touristy waterfront flavor of Bayside Marketplace or the casual yet charming character of Coconut Grove.

Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables; 305-529-0200; www.villageofmerrickpark.com) is a Mediterranean-style outdoor mall located amidst a corporate and residential complex encompassing some 20 acres in a quaint village brimming with fountains and tropical foliage. More than 100 designer boutiques dot the park's landscape and consist of such high-end names as Ann Taylor, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, plus more than 20 shops unique to South Florida including Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykiel, Denimaxx, and Elemis Spa. Known as "The City Beautiful," Coral Gables is located south of Miami and features some of the nation's most beautiful architecture.

With more than 2.3 million square feet of space, Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura; 305-935-1110; www.shopaventuramall.com) is South Florida's largest regional shopping mall. Embracing an airy, European flair, the mall features more than 250 stores, including mega-stores like Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Sears, and Burdines, a 24-screen movie theater, as well as Adventurer's Cove, a large indoor playground for kids. Shoppers will also discover a deep selection of international fashion retailers that includes Boss Hugo Boss, Michal Negrin, Miss Sixty, Movado, Oilily, and Puma.

Downtown Coconut Grove, centered on Main Highway and Grand Avenue, is among Miami's more pedestrian-friendly zones. The Grove's wide sidewalks, lined with cafes and boutiques, can provide hours of browsing time while keeping the kids busy. CocoWalk (3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-444-0777; www.galleryatcocowalk.com) is a lovely outdoor Mediterranean-dressed mall well styled to suit the quaint flavor of this small village. Its open-air architecture is inviting not only for shoppers, but also for those who'd prefer to sit at an outdoor cafe or just soak in the sunshine.

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Nightlife

The enticing Art Deco lobby offers a smooth transition to what is revealed as an outdoor labyrinth of alcoves and gardens at the Skybar (1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-695-3100; www.shoreclub.com), a beautiful Moroccan-themed open-air hideaway at the Shore Club Hotel at Miami's South Beach. Skybar is comprised of four different themed indoor and outdoor bars of varying characteristics from antique to ultramodern, intimate or opulent, to suit a variety of moods and occasions.

Tobacco Road (626 S. Miami Ave.; 305-374-1198; www.tobacco-road.com) holds the oldest existing liquor license in the history of Dade County. Its notorious history began as a speakeasy and gambling hall during the Prohibition years and was a hangout for mob boss Al Capone. During the years since, the bar was a magnet for police raids, threats of license revocation and closure, yet somehow more than 90 years later, it still stands as a premier city hot spot. The blues bar and restaurant, which has played host to such musical greats as B.B. King, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins, is open seven-nights-a-week, and offers a plentiful menu of typical bar food and main dishes along with a soulful atmosphere.

Having first opened in February 1926 as a silent movie palace under the moniker of Olympia Theater, and dazzling the public with its stunning Moorish architecture, airy acoustics and simulated night sky, today's 1,700-seat (Olympia) Gusman Center for the Performing Arts (174 E. Flagler St.; 305-372-0925; http://gusmancenter.org) still offers plenty in the way of its original design. The sound, which is still superb, combines with yesterday's classic look complete with fancy columns, a huge pipe organ, and those twinkling "stars" atop the ceiling that made for such an enchanting visual accompaniment. Having at one time hosted such cultural icons as Elvis Presley, Sarah Vaughan and Luciano Pavarotti, today Maximum Dance Company, Florida Philharmonic and the Miami International Film Festival call the theater their home.

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Travel Info

Public Transportation in Miami is known to be reasonably priced and efficient, and Miami-Dade Transit is the largest in Florida. Public transport offers a number of options, all operating at specific routes throughout Greater Miami that range in length and cost, and run on different schedules from weekdays to weekends.

For a scenic way to see South Beach, the Electrowave makes 22 stops at the most popular spots. It runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Sundays. The fare is 25 cents. Metromover is a free fully automatic service that serves downtown Miami from Omni to Brickell. It makes 21 stops and is efficient for shopping and navigating Downtown Miami. The Metrorail is a 22-mile elevated rapid transit system that makes stops in South Miami, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, and the outer reaches through Tri-rail train transfers. The fare is $1.25.

For more information about Miami's transit system, local tours, information on parks and beaches, visit the Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau (701 Brickell Ave., Suite 2700; 305-539-3000 or 800-933-8448; www.gmcvb.com). In advance of traveling, ask for a free copy of Tropicool to tell you all you need to know about the City of Miami and its surroundings. The local office can also provide maps, general directions, information on events, and getting the most out your stay.

The Go Miami Card offers unlimited admission to more than 25 Miami tours and attractions, including such favorites as the Parrot Jungle, Miami Seaquarium, Miami City Tour, Bass Museum of Art, Miami Metrozoo, and more for one price. Plus, cardholders receive more than $500 in savings at shops and restaurants, free gifts at select attractions and a full-color pocket guidebook to the city. The Go Miami Card comes in 1-, 2-, 3- or 5-day increments and is activated the first time you use it. For more information visit www.gomiamicard.com.

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Fast Facts

Miami is the cruise ship capital of the world with more than 3 million cruise ship passengers boarding or embarking here every year.

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Links

City of Miami

Miami City Tourist

Miami Travel Guide

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A Health-Minded Offering at Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering "Spa Lifestyle Rooms," specifically designed for the health-minded guest. Complete with an air purification system, in-room fitness program, personal lifestyle consultant and spa cuisine offerings, these special rooms provide a balanced, stress-free environment for guests. Each of the 16 Spa Lifestyle Rooms are made "allergy-friendly" by receiving a seven-step cleaning process, which treats the walls, the bedcovers and the air itself. The in-room fitness program includes wellness dumbbell racks and wellness balls from world-class fitness equipment providers, as well as a variety of Eco-Yoga equipment for guests to enjoy. The Spa Lifestyle Rooms are located on the sixth floor of the hotel and each feature an expansive, private veranda with views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, with elegant bed and bath furnishings. Rates begin at $630 per room, per night. For reservations, contact (305) 913-8288 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com.

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