MIAMI, FLORIDA
The Foreign Land Closest To America?

Miami, Florida, to paraphrase Charles Dickens "Tale Of Two Cities", is the best of places and the worst of places. You will learn why on this website.

In this largest of Florida's cities, I am known as an Anglo, as in Anglo-American. The town is overwhelmingly Latin. Latin people are warm and friendly, so I feel right at home there too.

"Bienvenidos a Miami" they say. Welcome to Miami.

Find out what made this great city what it is today: read the history of Miami Florida.

Miami is an exciting and dynamic place to live and visit, and has become a major international, financial and cultural center of the world.

It is also easy to get to with many flights originating from all over the world.

I have lived in Miami Florida on three separate occasions, including once at the marina pictured to the right.

I enjoyed my time living in Miami with one exception: the traffic. It just seems to get worse every year.

The first NFL football team in Florida, the Miami Dolphins, still performs on Sundays at what the locals still call Joe Robbie Stadium after the team founder.

Coach Don Shula and many players from the famous undefeated and unequaled 1972 season still live in the Miami area.

There is always something exciting going on. Many movies and television series are filmed there, and it's easy to bump into famous actors at various restaurants and taverns around the area. South Beach and Coconut Grove are great for star watching.

Miami Vice, with Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as Miami vice detectives, was filmed here. Don's character, Sonny, lived aboard his sailboat at Miamarina, now next to Bayside Marketplace.

CSI Miami and Burn Notice are two current series being filmed in town. CSI has some fantastic and beautiful aerial videography of the city, the best I've ever seen. I'm not crazy about all the violence and bodies, but the buildings are gorgeous. Another new TV series is Glades that is action packed and full of Miami scenes.

The movie True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis was filmed here. The movie has some tremendous helicopter scenes along the Brickell area of Miami, and some great chase and blow up scenes.

Sylvester Stallone and Madonna both lived in Coconut Grove, and Oprah Winfrey, Mel Brooks and other famous stars have made their homes on Star Island, Palm Island or Fisher Island off the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach.

Even the real Al Capone, not the knockoff from the movie "Scarface", had a place on Palm Island back in the day.

When movies are being made, local streets are sometimes shut off and the traffic gets even worse. Miamians don't seem to care, they think it's worth it.

The typically tropical and balmy weather means there are always plenty of outdoor activities in Miami at any given time of the year.

Miami Florida and its division of the South Florida Metropolitan Area has grown from about 300 people during Julia Tuttle's time in 1896 to more than 2.5 million people in 2010.

The Miami hotel scene is constantly changing with new hotels being built and old ones being torn down. Check TripAdvisor.com for the latest ratings on hotels in the area.

The Halcyon Hotel shown in the postcard below from the State Archives of Florida, used to be at Flagler and Second Avenue in downtown Miami. It was one of the busiest hotels in Miami in the 1910s and 1920s.

It was torn down and replaced by the Alfred I DuPont Building in 1939, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI, FLORIDA

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129 | (305) 250-9133

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a stunning historic estate that feels like a European palace. We enjoy exploring the grand mansion filled with art and antiques.

Visitors appreciate the beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The waterfront views of Biscayne Bay add to the charm.

It's a great place to take photos, learn about history, and relax in a peaceful setting. The friendly guides offer interesting insights into the estate's past.

Wynwood Walls
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 | (305) 576-3334

Wynwood Walls is an incredible outdoor museum dedicated to street art. We enjoy the vibrant murals created by artists from around the world. Visitors appreciate the colorful and creative atmosphere.

The area is great for walking and taking in the stunning art. It's a perfect spot for photography and discovering new artists. The nearby shops and cafes add to the fun.

Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 | (305) 361-5705

Miami Seaquarium is a favorite for marine life lovers. We enjoy the exciting shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas. Visitors appreciate the variety of exhibits, including manatees, sea turtles, and tropical fish.

The interactive experiences, like swimming with dolphins, make it extra special. It's a great place for families to learn about marine conservation and have fun. The friendly staff and beautiful location on Biscayne Bay enhance the experience.

Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 | (305) 251-0400

Zoo Miami is a fantastic place for animal lovers of all ages. We enjoy the wide variety of animals, from elephants to tigers. Visitors appreciate the open-air exhibits that let you see the animals in naturalistic settings.

The zoo is great for walking, with plenty of shaded paths and rest areas. It's perfect for a family day out, with interactive exhibits and educational programs. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities make it a top attraction.

Miami Design District
3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

The Miami Design District is a bustling and refined global hub for fashion, art, architecture, and gourmet dining. It covers 18 square blocks just north of the Wynwood neighborhood.

This dynamic area is filled with high-end luxury fashion boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, eye-catching public art, and stylish restaurants.

Although many visitors are initially attracted to the Miami Design District by flagship luxury stores like Prada and Balenciaga, their experience is further enriched by the captivating public art found throughout the district.

Little Havana
SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 | (305) 854-4000

Little Havana, the vibrant center of Miami's Cuban community, significantly contributes to the city's rich cultural landscape. The neighborhood revolves around Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth Street).

It's a lively avenue filled with Latin-inspired eateries, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries, and music venues.

Máximo Gómez Park, famously known as Domino Park, is a highlight where locals engage in spirited domino games while discussing politics. The street boasts an array of murals and artwork.

Mosaic tiles near Domino Park celebrate Cuban heritage with symbols like cigars, musical instruments, and tropical fruit. Walls are adorned with portraits of Cuban icons such as revolutionary poet José Martí and beloved singer Celia Cruz.

Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 | (305) 375-3000

The Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers. We enjoy the diverse exhibits featuring modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Visitors appreciate the stunning waterfront location and the innovative architecture of the building. The museum is great for exploring thought-provoking art and enjoying beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.

It's a perfect spot for a cultural outing with family and friends. The friendly staff and engaging programs add to the experience.

Gulfstream Park Racing
901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 | (954) 454-7000

Gulfstream Park racetrack, about 18 miles from Miami, is a premier destination for horse racing and entertainment. We enjoy the excitement of live horse races and the variety of dining options. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the beautiful setting.

The park is great for a day of betting on the races, shopping, and dining. It's a perfect place for families and friends to have fun. The friendly staff and excellent facilities make it a top attraction.

Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 | (305) 577-3344

Bayside Marketplace is a lively shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. We enjoy the variety of shops, restaurants, and live music. Visitors appreciate the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and the festive atmosphere.

The marketplace is great for a day of shopping, dining, and enjoying the outdoors. It's a perfect spot for families and friends to gather and have fun. The friendly vendors and diverse offerings make it a popular destination.

MIAMI FLORIDA DAY TRIPS