When one thinks of Miami one usually thinks of beaches, tanned bodies and all night parties with an endless supply of exotic umbrella drinks. Miami is that and so much more. Owing to its ties to North, South and Central America, as well as its close link to the Caribbean it is considered the central hub of America. As a result, it is often referred to as the "Gateway of the Americas". Owing to its strong relationship with Central America, especially economically, it has a large Spanish-speaking contingent, so most Florida natives are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. It also has the distinction of being the only major American city that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle.

Miami's climate is tropical, characterised by hot and humid summers, and warm dry winters. There are occasional cold fronts between November and March but the temperature has never gone below 17 degrees Celsius. In summer the temperature can rise to 36 degrees Celsius, but it's the humidity that gets really bad and settles on you like a towel that's been soaked in boiling water, and makes it difficult to breathe, as if you're breathing through hot sand. Another disadvantage of the tropical climate is the hurricane season, which occurs every year at roughly the same time as the wet season.

Shopping is one of Miami's traditional, ritual pastimes, along with eating out and spending all night dancing to the rhythm of your heart. One of the most cosmopolitan places to experience all of these is Coconut Grove in Miami's Village. Coconut Grove is situated along the waters of Biscayne Bay and is one of Miami's oldest settlements. It has managed to hold onto its quaint old world, bohemian feel, even though it has become one of the trendiest places in Miami.

It's filled to the brim with shops, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. It is home to the Coconut Grove Playhouse, an historic South Florida landmark and acclaimed live theatre since 1956. It also hosts the Coconut Grove Art Festival, an outdoor festival where visitors can interact with artists; enjoy live entertainment and where children are given the opportunity to create their own works of art. Other events include The King Mango Strut, which is a satirical parade of local public figures in a light hearted and fun manner, and The Commodore Block Party.

Nightclubs are probably Miami's biggest draw card and have tourists flocking to the city in their thousands, at least as far as the single scene is concerned. Nightclub owners work hard to ensure that their clubs stay on the hot and trendy list, while new clubs open all the time, anxious to break into the coveted hot market. As a result, new concepts and exciting ideas are born every season and club owners have to adapt or die. Some of the more popular clubs and bars include:

Mansion Voted one of the hottest nightclubs by People Magazine, it has hosted some of the year's biggest bashes, such as The MTV Video Music Awards Island Def Jam after party and Velvet Revolver's Miami performance. It is made up of several floors connected by sweeping staircases; other features include ornate fireplaces and keystone arches, where the emphasis is on luxurious decadence. The club can accommodate 2500 people, has a private room for groups, and has cover charge and valet parking.

Opium Garden/Prive This nightclub epitomises Miami nightlife. It's a two-level dance club that successfully combines energetic, throbbing late-night/early-morning dancing with peaceful Asian dcor. Its adorned with golden Buddhas, Chinese lanterns and palms trees, and yet has a sound system that you can feel in your bones long after you have left the club. Prive is Opium Garden's VIP section and has its own entrance; you have to be on the A-list to get in. The total capacity is 2500 people and there is a separate room for groups. There is a cover charge and valet parking.

M-Bar This bar is situated in a prime position for patrons to enjoy exquisite views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. It has a large menu of 250 martinis, which is divided into categories including sweet, tangy, naughty but nice and oddballs. The capacity is rather small with the bar only able to accommodate 30 people, but there is a Happy Hour.

PlayBar39 During the week this bar functions as a wine bar and lounge, where locals and tourists alike can be found deep in conversation. On Sunday afternoons it presents a weekly drag show. The total capacity is 20, but for groups its 150 as they are accommodated in the poolside and lobby spill over areas. Other features include Happy Hour and food service.

Beaches are the other great draw card for Miami. They are pristine, with white sand and beautiful warm water. The sun almost always shines, so every day is a good day for the beach. Bikini babes and bronzed Adonis-like men strut their stuff in every direction. One could almost get tired of looking, almost. Some of the more spectacular beaches include:

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach This gorgeous beach can be found at the southern tip of Key Biscayne and has scenic walking and biking trails that wind through native vegetation. There is also an historic lighthouse to see. Features include: Food and drink concession stands, picnic tables and barbeque grills, restrooms and shower facilities, fishing, lifeguards and beach patrol, as well as shelters. Parking has to be paid for.

Crandon Park Beach This lagoon style beach is three miles long and is protected by 13 lifeguard towers. It is an ideal spot for families as it has a children's carrousel and playgrounds, it also has beach wheelchairs available for rent. Other features include: Picnic tables and barbeque grills, shelters, beach chairs, umbrellas and water sports rentals, showers and restroom facilities, volleyball, lifeguards and beach patrol. Parking has to be paid for.

Hobie Beach/Windsurfer Beach This beach is situated on a secluded inlet where there is a good view of the Downtown Miami skyline. Dogs are allowed and there is beachside parking available. Features include: water sports rentals, walking and bike trails, food and drink concession stands and fishing.

Other popular beaches include Haulover Beach, which has a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a kite flying area and kite shop as well as a clothing optional section at its northern end. Oleta River State Beach, which is popular for its boating and kayaking and sleep over cabins. Virginia Key Beach - South, which is the only beach in Miami -Dade County to allow dogs on leashes, it also has a bird sanctuary nearby and nature trails for walking.

Miami is a city that has something for everyone. You may have the impression from television shows and movies that it is rife with drugs, murder and sex. But it is a city with great pride in its cultural background. It has nearly as many art galleries as nightclubs, as well as the infrastructure to support its local artists. Theatre productions are well supported for the duration of each season and there is nothing that Miami citizens love more than a festival. It is also a family orientated city, all you need to do is look past the propaganda and media hype. Heat and humidity aside, Miami is an ideal holiday destination, like New Orleans, a place that everybody should experience in their lifetime.

Recommended sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_florida

http://www.miamigov.com/cms/Visitor.asp

http://www.gmcvb.com/visitors/nightlife.asp

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Travel and Tourism News travel and tourism news http://www.travel-and-tourism-news.info/ one of the leading site indexes for travel and tourism news.