About Miami

Unlike other major southern cities in the United States such as Atlanta, Nashville or Houston, Miami has very little southern influence. In fact, it has very little overall American influence as well. Its proximity to Latin America and its status as an international gateway means the city dances to a different beat. Miami has plenty of attractions, beaches, shopping, nightlife and events that make this city anything but boring.

Approximately 2.5 million call Greater Miami home, making it one of the most populous areas in Florida and the United States. Over half of its population is foreign born, which is more than any other U.S. city.

Its tropical climate makes Miami extremely popular with tourist looking to escape the frigid temperatures in the north. The high season runs from September through May. World-famous events like Art Basel Miami Beach, South Beach Food & Wine and Winter Music Conference happen during the high season and keeps the influx of visitors high. This also equates to high hotel rates in some of Miami's most popular areas like South Beach, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Downtown Miami and Brickell.

The rates are considerably lower during the city's off season of June through August, but visitors might be turned off the city's high humidity and temperatures, which makes being outdoors almost unbearable. The likelihood of a hurricane is also high during this time, meaning that events held in the city are minimal to avoid possible cancellation.

Still, armed with a little know how and a good map, visiting the Magic City can make for an enjoyable getaway any time of year. Most tourists who say they have visited Miami probably meant they visited South Beach, the 23-block district in the southernmost portion of Miami Beach. Lincoln Road, the Art Deco District and the Wolfsonian are all located here, as are some of Miami's most notorious hotels such as the Delano, The Raleigh, The Shore Club, The Setai, and the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

To see Miami how the locals do, stay in the gritty but up-and-coming area of Downtown Miami. While South Beach may make nightlife headlines due to its constant flow of celebrities, Downtown has quickly risen to prominence thanks to ionic venues like Space and Pawn Shop Lounge. The area's Park West district boast an impressive strip of clubs that all are allowed to stay open past 5 a.m. closing time thanks in large part to the 24-hour liquor licenses they posses.

The area is also home the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts as well as the American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. The Downtown/Brickell skyline is instantly recognizable thanks in large part to the impressive architecture. There is no shortage of great accommodations, which can be found at places like the Mandarin Oriental, Conrad Miami and Four Seasons Miami.