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Fun Things to Do Inside and Outside of Miami-Miami Beach Visitors once flocked to this particular spot on the South Florida coast for vacation simply because it had sun, sand and adventurous things to do. It gained early fame as a winter playground for the rich and a retirement village for seniors eager to trade their snow shovels for shuffleboard cues. But like the doe-eyed, swimsuit-clad beauties seen in postcards from those early, innocent years, there didn't seem to be a lot of substance behind that bright “wish you were here” smile. As a city Miami was just, well, nice.

But as Miami dealt with runaway growth, refugees and periodic crime waves, the destination exchanged its image as a placid winter retreat for the more nuanced reputation as an edgy, yet sophisticated destination with a blend of diverse cultures all its own.

Things to see in Miami-Miami Beach

Decades ago it took something as over the top as the artist Christo outlining 11 islets in Biscayne Bay with acres of bright, pink plastic to grab the attention of the art world. Now thousands of those same discerning eyes turn toward Miami each winter during the prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach art show when artists, curators, collectors, critics and A-list celebrities from across the globe come together for the glitzy sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel with numerous things to see.

Pestana South Beach Art Deco Boutique Hotel
The art scene might not have taken off like this had it not been for an earlier watershed moment: the rebirth of South Beach and its Art Deco District. Once heralded as the American Riviera, South Beach began a long period of decline in the late 1950s. By the 1970s the neighborhood had an unwelcoming reputation for drug-related crime. But in 1979 historic preservationists successfully lobbied to have the Art Deco District added to the National Register of Historic Places, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback. Protected from the wrecking ball, area hotels, local restaurants and apartment buildings were returned to their pastel glory, and soon artists, photographers and fashion industry players rediscovered South Beach.

An International City

While architectural trends like Art Deco shaped the skylines, political events in nearby Cuba transformed both cities' culture. In the decades following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, hundreds of thousands of refugees arrived in South Florida, first settling in an area along S.W. 8th Street (Calle Ocho) that became known as Little Havana. Today, Little Havana remains the historic heart of the Cuban community.

According to a 2013 report, immigrants account for 39 percent of the population of Miami. When asked why they chose to travel to the Miami area, visitors today rate its international, multiethnic vibe as one of their top reasons. They also come for its urban diversions: cruise vacations, elegant shopping districts, world-class performing arts centers, local restaurants representing a variety of cuisines, a now-legendary nightlife scene and fun things for couples to do.

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Miami, FL

Top AAA Diamond Hotels

AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.

Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

Courtyard by Marriott, Miami Dadeland

9075 S Dadeland Blvd. Miami, FL 33156

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Save 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program

Best Western On The Bay

1819 79th St Cswy. North Bay Village, FL 33141

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Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

The Gates Hotel South Beach, a DoubleTree by Hilton

2360 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Members save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami

1102 Brickell Bay Dr. Miami, FL 33131

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Travel Information

Miami Population

399,457

Miami Elevation

20 ft.

Miami Beach Population

87,779

Miami Beach Elevation

4 ft.

Sales Tax

Miami-Dade County sales tax is 7 percent. An additional hotel room tax is 6 percent in Miami-Dade County, with the exception of Surfside and Bal Harbour, where the resort tax is 4 percent.

Emergency

911

Police (non-emergency)

(305) 476-5423 (Miami-Dade County) or (305) 579-6111 (Miami)

Fire (non-emergency)

(786) 331-5000 (Miami-Dade County) or (305) 416-5400 (Miami)

Time and Temperature

(305) 324-8811

Hospitals

Baptist Hospital of Miami, (786) 596-1960; Jackson South Community Hospital, (305) 251-2500; North Shore Medical Center, (305) 835-6000; University of Miami Hospital, (305) 689-5511; Westchester General Hospital, (305) 264-5252.

Visitor Information

701 Brickell Ave. Suite 2700 Miami, FL 33131. Phone:(305)539-3000 or (800)933-8448

Air Travel

Miami International Airport

Rental Cars

Miami and Miami Beach are served by many major car rental agencies. Hertz, (800) 654-3080, or (305) 871-0300 at Miami International Airport, offers discounts to AAA members.

Rail Service

The Amtrak Station is at 8303 N.W. 37th Ave.; for reservations and other information phone (800) 872-7245.

Buses

Greyhound Lines Inc. stations are at 3801 N.W. 21st St., (305) 871-1810.

Taxis

Cabs are plentiful and operate on the meter system. Fares are $2.95 base fee plus $5.10 for the first mile, $2.40 per additional mile and 40c for each minute of waiting. A $2 fuel surcharge and an airport surcharge may apply. Taxi companies include Yellow Taxi, (786) 830-6253, and USA Taxi, (305) 897-3333.

Public Transportation

Transportation by elevated light rail, people mover and bus is available in Miami.

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