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 Who
has the best..? Where can I find..? How do I get..?
These are all important questions when you're visiting a new city.
But how do you find answers before you arrive? It's easy! Contact
the Visitor Information Center.
Hello! Welcome
to Miami Beach 411. My name is Tour Guide Owl.
If you're planning to visit Miami, you're in for a great
vacation!
Without a doubt, Miami Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations
in the United States.
We're not the biggest city on the map. It would be more accurate to
describe Miami Beach as a narrow, 7-mile island that boasts hundreds
of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and places to shop, not to mention
beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife -- there is simply nothing
like it.
When Jackie Gleason coined the phrase "The Sun and Fun Capital
of the World" he wasn't kidding.
This report contains a summary of the best things there are to see
and do.
So let's begin the report, you'll want to
bookmark this page!
FLIGHT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
If you are coming to Miami Beach on vacation, you are most likely
arriving by plane. The two closest airports are: Miami International
Airport (MIA)
and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
There are pros and cons for arriving at each.
Airline tickets to Fort Lauderdale Airport are usually cheaper,
and the baggage claim and terminals are easier to get around. The
bad thing about arriving in Fort Lauderdale - the Airport is at least
a 40 minute drive to Miami Beach (or Port of Miami). If there is traffic
on Interstate 95, the drive can take 90 minutes, or more.
The big advantage about arriving
at Miami Airport - it's only a 15 minute drive to Miami Beach.
Travel tip #1: If you are arriving at Miami Airport with 3 people,
or less, the fastest and cheapest way to get to South Beach, Downtown
Miami, or Port of Miami is a taxi. The flat rate is $22 to Downtown,
$24 to the Port, and $32 to South Beach.
If you are arriving at Fort Lauderdale Airport, a private shuttle
to Miami is cheaper than a taxi.
To arrange private transport from Fort Lauderdale,
Miami, or anywhere in South Florida
contact MiamiBeach411. Check
our Rates List to learn about our 10% discount and get a FREE,
no obligation price quote. We provide safe and courteous transportation
for the lowest price guaranteed.
If you are searching for an inexpensive airline ticket, read
this review that compares 8 online travel agencies with the best
airfare websites for purchasing cheap airline tickets.
 DRIVING
DIRECTIONS & MAPS
Driving to Miami Beach is easy. Streets are well marked with roads
running in straight lines from North to South and East to West.
Directions from Interstate 95 to Miami Beach:
- Arriving via 41st Street (Julia Tuttle Causeway) - If
you're hotel is located in Miami Beach north of 30th Street, it's
best to use Julia Tuttle Causeway. From Interstate 95, look for
signs that read 195 East. After you cross the Causeway, (which
is just a fancy name for bridge) continue eastbound to Collins
Avenue and turn either left or right, depending on where your
hotel is located.
- Arriving via 5th Street (MacArthur Causeway) - If your
hotel is located in South Beach between 1st Street and 30th Street,
it's best to use MacArthur Causeway; it's a very scenic drive
that runs parallel to the cruise-ports (see: video).
From Interstate 95, look for signs that read 395 East. After you
cross the Causeway continue eastbound into South Beach and turn
either left, or right depending on where your hotel is located.
Our MiamiBeach411
Maps allow you to see satellite images for almost every type
of business and attraction in Miami. We have used Gooole Maps to create
a Shopping
Map, a Parking
Lots Map plus many, many more.
 HOTELS,
MOTELS, & HOSTELS
Miami Visitors will find a wide range of accommodations with options
for every type of budget. Miami Beach has close to 100
unique hotels that are divided into three types of lodging:
oceanfront
resorts, boutique hotels, and hostels
for budget-conscious travelers.
Take a look at this hotel
map to see what's near your hotel.
The biggest downside about staying here - our City has the second
most expensive hotel rates in the United States, just behind New York.
Another complaint: the size of hotel rooms tend be smaller
than other major cities. If you are unhappy with your room
and want an upgrade, see what we suggest to do in this
article about booking hotel rooms.
So, why do people visit? Two reasons: the atmosphere and the level
of exciting activities...
 SIGHTSEEING
TOURS & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
One thing that contributes to Miami Beach being such a popular vacation
destination is how close we are to Florida's best attractions. Disney
World is a 4 hour drive and Key Largo is just an hour and a half
away. A short 40 minute drive can have you on an Airboat buzzing through
the Florida Everglades.
If taking a tour sounds like fun, make sure to reserve in advance
with MiamiBeach411. We sell tours at prices significantly
reduced below standard rates. See
our Sightseeing Tours to get started planning.
If you are looking for other fun things to do, check out these 101
attractions that are all within an hours drive.
 RESTAURANTS
& PLACES TO EAT
Generally speaking, Miami
Beach restaurants are not cheap. The cost of restaurant meals
can add up quickly. To save money, do as locals do. Think picnic style
for breakfast and lunch. Buying a taco, an empanada, or a sandwich
instead of sitting down at a restaurant can turn a $50 lunch into
a $10 one.
You can also save money buy stocking up your hotel room with food,
snacks, and drinks you can find for sale at any of these markets
near your hotel. If you prefer a sit down meal, try one of the
inexpensive
restaurants with reasonably priced menus like News Cafe,
or 11th Street Diner.
But if money is of no concern, you can definitely find plenty of great
restaurants for fine dining. Most of the popular restaurants fill
up quickly. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance. You
can reserve a table online here.
Travel tip #2: Be aware most restaurants in Miami Beach add the
tip to the check. Make sure you read the bill before paying.
 ACTIVITES,
NIGHTLIFE, & RECREATION
Miami Beach has lots
of activities and events
to keep you busy.
First, we have an
incredible nightlife scene with some of the best night clubs on
the planet that stay open until 5am. If that's not late enough for
you, there are more night clubs (just 10 minutes away) in Downtown
Miami that stay open until 12pm in the afternoon.
Miami Beach also has a world class golf course, wave runners, bicycle,
and scooter rentals, the Miami Beach Marina which is home to
fishing charter boats and the largest casino yacht in Florida, a beautiful
boardwalk and an outdoor shopping mall that are perfect for strolling.
In addition to that, you will find kayak rentals, popular health clubs
that offer day passes, and places to practice yoga indoors and outdoors
on the beach.
If you think your recreation options stop there, we're just getting
started. Located in the middle of Miami Beach is the beautiful, tree-lined
Flamingo
Park. The Park facilities include a swimming pool with lap lanes,
a water playground for kids, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball
diamond, soccer field, and a dog park. The only thing we don't have
is a skateboard park, but MiamiBeach411 is working
on it. Until then, here are the
Skateboard parks near Miami.
We saved the best type of recreation for last -- the Beach! There's
nothing more relaxing than spreading your towel on the sand and spending
a few hours lounging next to the ocean. If you like to swim, the water
is a beautiful turquoise color -- and warm year round.
Miami Beach ranks as one of Travel Channels’ top
ten beaches in the world, and Surfrider Foundation
voted South Beach the premier urban beach in the U.S.
(see: PDF)
Travel tip #3: When swimming in the ocean, DO stay
alert for rip currents and jellyfish -- MiamiBeach411 provides
info about what to do if you swim into them. Learn
more.
We should also mention, Miami is closer to the equator than most people
are used to. The sun is very strong down here. Avoid having a nasty
sunburn ruin your vacation, by wearing sunscreen whenever you're outdoors.
And lastly... if you didn't already know, it's perfectly acceptable
for ladies to sunbathe topless in South Beach.
BOOK YOUR NEXT MIAMI GETAWAY WITH THR
REAL MIAMI EXPERTS
Customer Service is available at (305) 754-2206 Monday to Sunday from
9am to 7pm.
Our team is standing by to help you. Click to chat.
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MIAMI AREA TRAVEL INFORMATION RESOURCES
In addition to the information at MiamiBeach411,
there are many other travel information resources available for visitors
to the Miami area. These include convention and visitors bureaus and
information centers located throughout the City:
I hope you found our Visitor Information report helpful.
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Have fun!
And enjoy your trip!
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