Welcome to Miami. The sunny capital of the sunny state of Florida. Most people who haven't visited Miami, just think of Sonny Crocket and Ricardo Tubbs in a speedboat chasing some drug dealers. Be your own judge and come over to find out what Miami really is like: a melting pot of cultures, a warm and friendly city on one of the most beautiful spots in the world, a city of great architecture and the perfect starting point for exploring the rich variety of sights and things to do of Florida. When you are in Miami one thing is sure, you will not be bored! There are too many things to see and do, museums to go to, bars & cafes to drink and relax in, nightlife to savor.

Miami's explosive population growth in recent years been driven by internal migration from other parts of the country as well as by immigration. Miami is the 46th most populous city in the U.S., just behind Minneapolis and Omaha. As of the census of 2000, there are 362,470 people.  Greater Miami is regarded as a cultural melting pot, heavily influenced both by its very large population of ethnic Latin Americans and Caribbean islanders (many of them Spanish- or Haitian Creole-speaking).

The region's importance as an international financial and cultural center has elevated Miami to the status of world city; because of its cultural and linguistic ties to North, South, Central America, and the Caribbean it is sometimes called "the capital of the Americas."

No matter what kind of entertainment you're looking for, you will most definately find it in Miami. Bars, cafes, clubs with music ranging from Salsa to Jazz, films, sexy nightclubs....and that's only the beginning of an exciting dive into Miami's nightlife - or is it its gloomy side?
There's quite a lot to choose from in Miami.  If you're looking for the really upscale all night, all out experience, you want South Beach.  Collins, Washington, Ocean Drive and Lincoln are where it's at.  And don't forget to actually go to the beach while you're on South Beach.  The gorgeous blue water is hard to beat.  But you may not want to bring the kids; it's a topless beach, but be prepared to see just about anything. 

The Design District, back on the mainland (most easily accesed by I-195 before you get to the beach) is full of art galleries in warehouses and plenty of interesting things going on.  Stay on the main roads, this isn't the best part of town.

A favorite of tourists and college students is Coconut Grove.  CocoWalk has a movie theater, restaurants, and shops.  Here, the clubs close at 2 AM; this is for the laid-back party-goer.  The Grove is south of downtown Miami. 

Bayside is just along US-1 on the mainland but facing the bay.  It features the Hard Rock Cafe (where bands often play), some shopping and other restaurants.  Another good place to go if you're looking to chill.