DK Travel : Miami

At its best, Miami is all pastel hues and warm, velvety zephyrs – a tropical reverie. The culture is sensuous and physical, often spiked with Caribbean rhythms and accents. Outdoor activities hold sway throughout the area, at the world-famous beaches and in the turquoise waters; the vibrant nightlife, too, attracts pleasure-seekers, while significant historical sights are around every corner.

Dadeland Mall

Fear not! There is a Saks Fifth Avenue even way down in South Miami – plus some 170 high-end specialty shops and several other fine anchor stores, including Florida’s largest Burdine’s. Unless you’re shopping on the cheap, just ignore the fact that there’s also a JC Penney, a Radio Shack, and a Best Buy. The décor is pleasing, if a bit predictable – palm-tree pillars and ceilings painted to resemble skies.
Daiquiri

Another timeless Caribbean rum concoction, any way you like it: mango, strawberry, lime, peach, guava, etc.
Dania Beach Historic Antiques District

Here is South Florida’s largest concentration of antiques shops. More than 100 dealers offer an array of furniture, fine art, and jewelry, as well as glass, pottery and china, and various other collectibles. Prices vary greatly, so shop around for bargains.
Dave Barry

The newspaper humorist and author has helped to create Miami’s image as an over-the-top urban free-for-all.
DD of Ocean Drive

Situated in the heart of the action is a boutique of SoBe style, haute hip club-gear for the fashionably proactive of both sexes.
Deco District

With some 800 Tropical Deco wonders to behold, you can hardly miss; just walk or bike along Ocean Drive, and Collins and Washington Avenues between about 5th and 22nd Streets.
Deco District

A national treasure of uplifting architecture. In saving it, South Miami Beach not only transformed itself but also inspired a national movement to preserve historic structures.
Deco District

The whimsical architecture on South Beach ultimately traces its roots back to 1920s Paris (see The Story of Tropical Deco), but it underwent fruitful, exotic influences along the way and blossomed into Florida’s own Tropical Deco.
Deering Estate Walk

Morning

To get to the Charles Deering Estate , drive south from Miami on Hwy 1 (also called the Dixie Hwy) and turn left on SW 168th St. Follow it until it deadends at the Estate on SW 72nd Ave.

A full tour of the grounds will take 3–4 hours. Follow the Entrance Trail to begin, and as you emerge from the mangroves you will encounter a splendid vista of Biscayne Bay. Note the water level marker, showing the inundation caused by Hurricane Andrew.

Richmond Cottage, the original structure here, was built as an inn in 1896. It was destroyed by Andrew in 1992, but has since been replicated. The elegant Stone House next door contains bronze and copper doors, portraits of the Deering family, a celebrated wine cellar, and more besides.

Head over to the Carriage House, where you can see a vintage gas pump. If you have time, take the Main Nature Trail, which crosses a handsome coral rock bridge, built in 1918. Finally, walk out through the historic Main Entrance, with its coral rock pillars and wood and iron gates.

Afternoon

Picnicking on the grounds is a possibility, and some facilities are provided. Or, for an elegant lunch, head south to the Cauley Square Tea Room . To make a full day’s outing, head farther south along Hwy 1 to the eccentric Coral Castle .
Delano

A very trippy and ultra-luxurious Post-Modern wonder. The original, rather austere white exterior has been restored without any fuss. But inside, the divine madness of Philippe Starke, along with hilarious Dali- and Gaudi inspired designs have been given room to play. The very chi-chi and daring Blue Door restaurant is co-owned by Madonna.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$250
- $250–$300
- over $300