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.

Fredric Snitzer Gallery

New collage paintings, featuring the work of Sandy Winters.
Freedom Tower

Downtown’s landmark was built in 1925 in the Mediterranean-Revival style, inspired by the Giralda, an 800-year-old bell tower in Seville, Spain. Initially home to the now-defunct Miami Daily News , its role and name changed in the 1960s, when it became the reception center to process more than 500,000 Cubans fleeing Castro. It was restored in 1988 to create a Cuban museum, which is located in the lobby of the building.
Freedom Tower

Inspired by the famous belfry (formerly, under the Moors, a minaret for a mosque) of Seville’s vast Cathedral. A museum is located in the lobby.
Frit’s Skate Shop

Get yourself a pair of in-line skates, to rent or buy, and take some free lessons (Sunday mornings). Scooters available, too.
Front Porch Café

Many consider the breakfast here to be the best in South Beach. The atmosphere’s homey, and the food’s definitely worth the wait.
Fruit & Spice Park

This 30-acre (12-ha) tropical botanical park is devoted to exotic plants, such as citrus fruits, grapes, bananas, herbs, spices, nuts, and bamboo. It forms a unique attraction in the United States – after all, South Florida’s tropical climate is found nowhere else in the US. The astonishing number of varieties on display include a selection of poisonous species and hundreds of bamboo and banana varieties. A wonderful store enables you to stock up your cupboards with many unusual fruit products.
Fruit & Spice Park

The only tropical botanical garden of its kind in the United States. The plants are grouped by country of origin, and the tropical climate here sustains over 100 varieties of citrus plant, 65 of banana, and 40 of grape. The park also houses the largest bamboo collection in the US. In the store you’ll find imported fruit products, including dried and canned fruit, juices, jams, teas, and unusual seeds.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market

A family-run eatery with a friendly atmosphere, in-and outdoors, though you might have a bit of a wait. Great grouper chowder, and conch salad.
Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Fort Lauderdale

Located in very gay Wilton Manors, this is a big and wellmaintained center. There’s an extensive library of gay literature and reference works, friendly staff, a full calendar of special events, and plenty of opportunities for lively social interaction.
Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Key West

Set on an appealing square, the center offers a library, a lounge, and all the information you might need. Pluses include a monthly calendar of special events, such as wine-and-cheese parties, discussion groups, and a film series. Free anonymous HIV testing is available, or just stop by for a chat.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80