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.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The park is best known for its fabulous underwater reaches, providing an unforgettable glimpse of coral reef life. You can also rent canoes, dinghies, or motorboats, as well as snorkeling and scuba gear, or choose a glass-bottom boat ride. Most destinations are actually located in the neighboring Florida Keys (Key Largo) National Marine Sanctuary. The shallow waters of White Bank Dry Rocks is especially good for snorkeling, as well as nearby Molasses Reef. At Key Largo Dry Rocks, the Christ of the Deep, a submerged statue, is popular for underwater photos.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Many say this park offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. Various boats can also be rented here, or you can take a more leisurely view from a glassbottomed boat.
Johnny Rockets

This 1950s-style diner opposite CocoWalk is always jumping. Order a burger and fries and watch the whole of the Grove go by sooner or later.
Julia Tuttle

The dynamic pioneer who convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad down to Miami, in 1896.
Jupiter Beach Resort

Plush but unpretentious. The rooms are simple but have marble baths, colorful furnishings, and (mostly) terrific views. Good choice for families.
Kafka’s Used Book Store & Cyber Café

Yes, books in the middle of South Beach, and a reference to Franz Kafka, no less. Just in case you suddenly start feeling intellectual on the beach.
Kevin Bruk Gallery, Miami

Featuring work by New York artists Max Gimblett and John Yau.
Key Biscayne

The Square Shopping Center, 260 Crandon Boulevard, and several other generic types nearby are just about all that you’ll find on Key Biscayne. They contain a few art galleries, small clothing boutiques, and the usual mix of banks, chain stores, and dentists.
Key Biscayne Parks

Both Crandon and Bill Baggs Parks have excellent areas for snorkeling, in some of Miami’s cleanest, clearest waters (see Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area.
Key Deer

The diminutive Key deer (max. 32 in/81 cm tall) are found primarily on Big Pine and No Name keys. Docile and endearing, these tiny animals have returned from the brink of extinction in the last 40 years.

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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