Stretching for 56 kilometres along the ocean front, Miami Beach's man-made paradise has more entertainment options than you can imagine thanks to its hundreds of lively nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and shops.
Found on a series of natural and man-made barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach was first joined to Miami by a wooden bridge in 1913. Since then, Miami Beach has changed from an uninhabited seafront to a developed playground for locals and holidaymakers who flock here every year to enjoy the tropical climate and myriad of entertainment options. Luxury resorts and Art Deco gems line the ocean front, along with ritzy boutiques and fancy restaurants. There’s also a buzzing nightlife second to none in the south.
The glamorous strip along the Atlantic Ocean owes some of its international prominence to those men in white suits featured in 1980s TV series Miami Vice.
Miami Beach's Art Deco District has over 800 buildings of historical significance, most built between 1923 and 1943. With their pastel colours, porthole windows, use of chrome and glass and sleek curves, few can resist getting their cameras out. For more culture, don't miss Art Basel which is held every December and is one of the world's foremost modern and contemporary art shows.
Just a few minutes south lies South Beach popularly known as SoBe. English is the first language for just a third of the population here, so expect to hear many different accents. This is a great place for water sports and hitting the beach and is very popular with Aussie and European travellers.
To reach Miami Beach by car, take one of the causeways north of downtown Miami. There are plenty of buses that connect the two areas, and though South Beach has a local bus service, exploring the area on foot is an easy option.
