Mar 19, 2001 09:21 PM
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Florida is a huge state, including 54,000 square miles (87,000 square km) of real estate and more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of beaches. It's so large and diverse, that I'm going to offer reviews that relate to specific areas rather than attempt to comment on the entire state. This first in the series will highlight the south Florida city of Miami.
This city in the sun has been famous for a century as a place to escape the bitter chill of winter. From December through April, while most of the Northern Hemisphere is coping with snow and freezing temperatures, Miami basks in the warmth of the tropical south. Daytime temperatures usually range from 72 to 85 degrees F (22-29C) with little precipitation to interrupt afternoons on the beach. Now and then, cold fronts will reach south Florida but it's rare for temperatures to drop below 72 degrees (22C) during the day.
Miami is a progressive and cosmopolitan city, with virtually every culture represented. More and more, when winter grips the Southern Hemisphere, Miami has become the destination of choice for those seeking the sun. Flights are available from most major cities around the world.
Major attractions:
The Beaches. The broad, sandy beaches of south Florida are never crowded and offer a splendid experience for everyone. For families, Key Biscayne provides a wonderland of beaches and parks. For body builders and the beautiful people South Beach offers a meeting place for kindred spirits. For those who prefer the sun au natural, Haulover Park, north of the city, offers a nude sunbather's paradise.
Miami Beach. Separated from the city of Miami by Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach offers a vacation experience for everyone. From the luxury hotels to the south to more moderately priced lodging to the north, this is where you should reserve your room if you want to be a few steps from the water.
South Beach. Actually a part of Miami Beach, South Beach, or SoBe as it is fond of being called, is home of the Art Deco District. It's a sleek, casual, wonderful place of meeting for those who love people, food, music, and a world that comes to life after dark.
The Wild Bunch. For those who enjoy animal life, Miami offers The Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle, The Miami MetroZoo, and Parrot Jungle. There are also diving and snorkling tours offshore and Everglades National Park is only an hour away.
The Sporting Crowd. For those who are fond of horse racing, several tracks, including Gulfstream Park and Hialeah, offer thoroughbred racing and paramutual betting. While casino gambling is not legal in Florida, several ships depart daily that offer this diversion while sailing offshore. Also, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians operates a casino just west of Miami. Jai-Alai and greyhound racing are also available.
Side Trips. Orlando with its Disney World and an array of other attractions is only three hours away by car. The Florida Keys stretch across the tropical southern boundary of the state offering a wealth of water sports and relaxation. Key West is a three-hour drive. The Bahamas are a short distance from the mainland and can be reached in a few minutes by air. Watch for reviews of several of these destinations, coming soon.
Miami is a wonderful place to visit with accommodations that are affordable for almost everyone. While the summer months of June through August can be hot and humid, the tropical breezes make the rest of the year a paradise
