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.

B.E.D.

Mixed gay and straight clientele, famous food, and, yes, beds, and only beds, for dining on or for flopping when you take a break from bopping. Gimmicky it may be, but devotees say it’s “just the right mix of weird and wonderful”.
Bacardi Import Headquarters

You can’t miss the tropical foliage mosaic. Be sure to notice the building next to it, too.
Bahama Village

Charming mural evoking the simplicity and beauty of Caribbean life.
Bahia Honda State Park

This protected area boasts the finest beaches in all the Keys – and is often voted among the best in the US. Brilliantly white sand is backed by dense, tropical forest crossed by a number of nature trails.
Bahia Honda State Park

Frequently voted the best beach in the US, Bahia Honda is noted for its perfect sands, great watersports, and exotic tropical forests.
Bahia Honda State Park Waters

The beautiful, sandy beach of Bahia Honda in the Keys – often lauded as one of the best beaches in the US – has good waters for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment rentals are available (see Bahia Honda State Park).
Bahia Honda State Recreation Area

Very heavily forested, with great nature trails. Fascinating snorkeling, too (see Bahia Honda State Park).
Bal Harbour

The Barrier islands north of Miami Beach are occupied mainly by posh residential areas, and this is the poshest. Known for its flashy hotels and one of the swankiest malls anywhere, Bal Harbour is said to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in the US. Bal Harbour Shops – note the British spelling – is a determinedly snooty place in a tropical setting, whose tone is set by the wealthy grandes dames and the security staff in neo-colonial uniforms and pith helmets. Elsewhere along 96th Street, you’ll find galleries, gourmet shops, and a swarm of plastic surgery studios.
Bal Harbour Shops

The ultimate in chichi, down to the English spelling of “Harbour” (see Bal Harbour). Here are Hermès, Gucci, Armani, Dior, Bulgari, Tiffany, Versace, and Louis Vuitton, not to mention Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Lalique. Need we say more? Well, okay, Nieman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Balans

An eclectic mix of Asian and Mediterranean influences, this chic, London-style café is popular, loud, and a SoBe standard-bearer. Great choice for a non-buffet Sunday brunch.

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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