When you think of Miami, you usually think of beaches, tanned bodies, and night parties with an endless supply of exotic drinks under umbrellas. Miami is that and much more. Due to its ties to North, South, and Central America, as well as its close ties to the Caribbean, it is considered the central hub of America. As a result, it is often referred to as the “Gate of the Americas”. Due to its strong relationship with Central America, especially economically, it has a large Spanish-speaking contingent, which is why the majority of Florida natives are bilingual and speak both English and Spanish. It also has the distinction of being the only major American city that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle.

Miami’s climate is tropical, characterized by hot, humid summers and hot, dry winters. There are occasional cold fronts between November and March, but the temperature has never dropped below 17 degrees Celsius. In summer the temperature can rise up to 36 degrees Celsius, but it is the humidity that gets really bad and it settles on you like a towel soaked in boiling water and makes it difficult to breathe, as if you were breathing through hot sand. Another disadvantage of the tropical climate is the hurricane season, which occurs every year around the same time as the rainy season.

Shopping is one of Miami’s traditional ritual pastimes, along with eating out and spending the night dancing to the beat of your heart. One of the most cosmopolitan places to experience all of this is Coconut Grove in Miami’s Village. Coconut Grove is located along the waters of Biscayne Bay and is one of the oldest settlements in Miami. It has managed to maintain its bohemian and quaint old world vibe, despite the fact that it has become one of Miami’s trendiest spots.

It is packed with shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. It is home to the Coconut Grove Playhouse, a historic South Florida landmark and acclaimed live theater since 1956. It also hosts the Coconut Grove Art Festival, an open-air festival where visitors can interact with artists; enjoy live shows and where children have the opportunity to create their own works of art. Other events include The King Mango Strut, which is a satirical parade of local public figures in a lighthearted and fun way, and The Commodore Block Party.

Nightclubs are probably Miami’s biggest draw card and thousands of tourists flock to the city, at least when it comes to the individual scene. Nightclub owners work hard to make sure their clubs stay on the hip and trendy list, while new clubs are open all the time, eager to break into the coveted hot market. As a result, every season new concepts and exciting ideas are born and club owners have to adapt or die. Some of the more popular clubs and bars include:

Mansion

Voted one of the most popular nightclubs by People magazine, it has hosted some of the biggest parties of the year, including the Island Def Jam after party for the MTV Video Music Awards and a performance by Velvet Revolver in Miami. It consists of several floors connected by wide stairs; other features include ornate fireplaces and cornerstone arches, where the emphasis is on luxurious decadence. The club has capacity for 2500 people, has a private room for groups and has an additional charge and valet parking.

Opium Garden / Private

This nightclub epitomizes Miami’s nightlife. It’s a two-tier dance club that successfully combines energetic and vibrant dancing late into the night or early morning with laid-back Asian décor. It’s adorned with golden buddhas, Chinese lanterns, and palm trees, yet it has a sound system that you can feel in your bones long after you’ve left the club. Prive is the VIP section of Opium Garden and has its own entrance; you have to be on list A to enter. The total capacity is 2500 people and there is a separate room for groups. There is an additional charge and valet parking.

Bar M

This bar is located in a prime position for patrons to enjoy exquisite views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. It has a large menu of 250 martinis, which is divided into categories including sweet, spicy, naughty but nice, and weirdos. The capacity is quite small and the bar only seats 30 people, but there is a Happy Hour.

PlayBar39

During the week, this bar functions as a wine bar and lounge, where locals and tourists can find themselves deep in conversation. On Sunday afternoons it presents a weekly drag show. The total capacity is 20, but for groups it is 150, as they stay in the poolside and lobby areas. Other features include Happy Hour and food service.

The beaches are the other great attraction for Miami. They are pristine, with white sand and beautiful warm waters. The sun almost always shines, so every day is a good day for the beach. Bikini babes and tanned men like Adonis flaunt their stuff in all directions. You could almost get tired of looking, almost. Some of the most spectacular beaches include:

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach

This beautiful beach is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne and has scenic walking and biking trails that wind through native vegetation. There is also a historic lighthouse to see. Features include: food and beverage stands, picnic tables and barbecue grills, restrooms and showers, fishing, lifeguards, and beach patrol, as well as shelters. Parking has to be paid for.

Crandon Park Beach

This lagoon-style beach is three miles long and protected by 13 lifeguard towers. It is an ideal place for families as it has a children’s carousel and playgrounds, it also has beach wheelchairs available for rent. Other features include: Picnic tables and BBQ grills, shelters, beach chairs, umbrella and water sports rentals, showers and restrooms, volleyball, lifeguards, and beach patrol. Parking has to be paid for.

Hobie Beach / Windsurfer Beach

This beach is located in a secluded cove where there is a good view of the downtown Miami skyline. Dogs are welcome and beachside parking is available. Features include: water sports rentals, biking and walking trails, food and drink stalls, and fishing.

Other popular beaches include Haulover Beach, which has a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a kite-flying area and a kite shop, as well as a clothing optional section at its northern end. Oleta River State Beach, which is popular for its boating and kayaking and sleeping cabins. Virginia Key Beach – South, which is the only beach in Miami-Dade County that allows dogs on a leash, also has a nearby bird sanctuary and nature trails for walking.

Miami is a city that has something for everyone. TV shows and movies can get the impression that you are riddled with drugs, murder, and sex. But it is a city that prides itself on its cultural background. It has almost as many art galleries as it has nightclubs, as well as the infrastructure to support its local artists. Theater productions are well supported for the duration of each season and there is nothing Miami citizens love more than a festival. It is also a family oriented city, all you need to do is look beyond the propaganda and media hype. Heat and humidity aside, Miami is an ideal vacation destination, like New Orleans, a place that everyone should experience in their lifetime.