Miami is the most populated city in Florida. It sits at the southeastern tip of the Florida, the most southeastern state of the United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the neighboring states of Alabama and Georgia to the north.
Most visitors aren't here for Miami itself, but rather to visit Miami Beach, an entirely separate municipality. Miami is on the mainland, while the city of Miami Beach is on a thin barrier island about 4 miles (6km) east, across Biscayne Bay.
When to go
The most popular time to come to Miami is between December and May, when temperatures average between 60-85°F (16-30°C), and average rainfall is a scant couple of inches. Miami's Carnaval, which takes place in early March, is one of the most popular reason to come, and hundreds do, so if you are travelling then, book early and prepare for the masses.
Miami Beach
Most people come to Miami Beach for its beaches, clubs and bars, and to witness one of the most spectacular redesigns in modern architectural history. The Art Deco Historic District, a collection of bright pink, lavender and turquoise buildings dating from the 1920s, is one of the largest areas on the US National Register of Historic Places. Its protection and renovation has been one of the major reasons for the rebirth of Miami as a top-notch tourist destination. The Deco district is in the heart of funky South Beach (SoBe), the southwestern section of Miami Beach.
Key Biscayne
South of downtown Miami, along Biscayne Bay's shore, lie a number of the city's best attractions. They're spread out, but if science and animals intrigue you, it's definitely worth heading this way. Some of these attractions include the Miami Museum of Science & Space Transit Planetarium and the Miami Seaquarium.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades is a unique and delicate ecosystem made up of swamps and marshes at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. It's the largest subtropical wilderness in the continental US but is under serious threat from pollution. The marshes here are home to crocodiles and alligators, bottle-nosed dolphins, manatees, snowy egrets, bald eagles and ospreys.
Key West
Key West is the most populated and touristy of the islands. It lies about 160 miles (258km) from Miami along the Overseas Highway. Key West is roughly oval shaped, with most of the action taking place at the western end.
Mallory Square
Mallory Square at the far northwestern tip, is the site of nightly sunset celebrations.
These string of islands to the south of Miami were once underwater coral reefs, and they're still recognized for their great diving and marine life today. The best diving is off Key West's southern shore.
