Miami

The dense population of the city, and its repute as crime and smuggling center, betray the fact that Miami is also an exotic seaside paradise. Nowhere else in the United States can one find a vibrant mix of fine beaches, curious art deco and modern architecture, and a pulsating party scene. The “Gateway to Latin America,” the Hispanic influence is apparent in the city. The city is rife with culturally diverse choices – from food to residential districts.

Much vaunted is the Art Deco District. With hipness that is said to rival Manhattan’s, the district is home to several fine restaurants, nightclubs, and trendy watering holes. Neon and flesh-colored buildings lie in the backdrop. Tourists and locals walk the streets to the beach. On weekends, its bumper-to-bumper cars and scantily clad pedestrians along Ocean Drive. Clearly, when in Miami, this is where to party.

The Everglades National Park is one of the last wild frontiers in America, and a traveler must-see while in the city. At 600,000 hectares of land, the Everglades is a mix of saw-grass prairies, swamps, and sub-tropical jungles. It is the home of the Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, the American crocodile, and other rare species. Much of it is yet to be fully explored but a portion has been developed for bikers and hikers.

The slew of other destinations in Miami includes museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and theme parks, such as the Miami Seaquarium and Jungle Island.

Travelers to Miami are generally required a valid passport and visa. Citizens from 27 select countries can come into the country without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Petty crimes, like pickpockets and purse snatching, are typical tourist hassles. However, these should not be of much concern if basic precautions are taken. Miami is a great destination the whole year round.