Miami Beach

Understand

Miami Beach, like Miami, has a huge Latin American population, and Spanish is a language often used for day-to-day discourse in many places. However, English is the language of preference, particularly when dealing with businesses and government. Spanglish, a mixture of English and Spanish, is a somewhat common occurrence, with bilingual locals switching between English and Spanish mid-sentence.

The local Latin population is mostly Cuban exiles (who have now become second and third generation locals), with South Americans from various countries gaining ground. There is also a large Haitian community and many signs and public announcements are in English, Spanish and Creole.

It's a common occurrence to encounter people who mostly or only speak Spanish, English, Haitian, or other languages, more so than most other places in the US. You may find stores where some employees speak English and some speak Spanish, and they may not be strong in both languages. It will be beneficial for you to learn a few words and phrases to be able to ask basic questions in either language.

Miami Beach has a rich history as a trend-setting arts center, from the world famous nightclubs of the 1950s to the rich cultural life of today's modern South Beach. Today the entertainment, production and arts communities of Miami Beach are stronger than ever.

Art museums, ballet performances, cultural events and entertainment are a part of this great city. Art Center at Lincoln Road has performance art exhibitions, as well as classes and courses including photography, jewelry-making and painting.

Information

• Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1920 Meridian Avenue – Open M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-4PM.

Get in

By plane

Miami International Airport (MIA) is closest, but Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is only around 40 minutes away by shuttle (depending on traffic) and the plane tickets are often cheaper. Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport offers charter flights to the Miami area.

By car

Take I-95 North or South to 395 over Biscayne Bay which turns into 5th Street.

By taxi/shuttle

Taxi- Initial rate is $2.50, plus $0.40 for every 1/6 mile. There is a flat rate from the airport to Miami Beach based on 5 different zones, ranging from $24 to $52.

Shared Taxi/Shuttle Service- For a cheaper ride to your destination in South Beach, you can opt to use a "shared taxi/shuttle service". This costs about $18/person plus a tip (about $23/person). You can find the shuttles outside of the airport baggage claim area. No need for reservations. For your trip back to the airport, you can contact the company to pick you up from your hotel and take you back at the same rates.

By bus

From MIA, you can take the 36 or 150 or 100 buses to Miami Beach. The 150 continues to South Beach. The fare is approximately $2.25.

From FLL, you can take the #1 Broward County bus to Aventura Mall, and transfer there to the Miami-Dade 100 bus.

From downtown Miami, take the 20 or 100 bus.

Get around

Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place. Car rentals are the most convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience regarding return policies and shop times.

Public transportation

• South Beach Local - a shuttle bus that operates in a loop from 19th St to the southern end of Miami Beach (buses travel in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions). Fare is only 25 cents.
• Miami-Dade Transit has several routes serving Miami Beach. The most useful is the 100, which runs north-south along the entire length of the island, continuing to downtown Miami. The 100 runs every 12 minutes during the day, and hourly all night long. Schedules and routes are available from the website or by calling +1 305 770-3131.

By electric golf cart

South Beach Decocarts, 1000 5th St, +1 786 383-2278 is the newest addition with stylish Eco-friendly golf cart rentals. Hourly, daily and weekly rentals are available. Each Decocart can fit 4 adults (great for groups) and requires a driver's license. It can hold shopping bags and other items you won't be able to transport with a bike or scooter. Decocarts also offers trendy E-Bikes that don't require a license.

By bike

Miami Beach has a network of bike paths and bike lanes, although not as comprehensive as other major cities. The paved "Beach Walk" runs parallel to Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue and is on the beach, and the South Point Park runs along the bay. In Miami Beach and South Beach riding is permitted on sidewalks, which luckily are wider than average. Pedestrians and drivers tend to be tolerant of bikers and willing to share the right of way. However, be prepared to slow down and go on foot, particularly on the congested streets closer to the beach. Absent heavy auto traffic, South Beach is biking bliss.

There are better attempts at bike-friendliness in the South Beach district, where most of the bike rental shops are located. Lummus Park and Lincoln Road Mall are great for bikers, and have plenty of bike racks throughout; meanwhile, if you are trying to go north or south, go a few blocks west and take one of the roads less traveled. Meridian Ave is a good choice: plenty of interesting Miami-style houses to see and a local park.

Bike rentals will run about $8/hour or $30/day (or 24-hour time period).

• Miami Beach Bicycle Center, 601 5th St, +1 305 674-0150.
• Two Wheel Drive, 1260 Washington Ave, +1 305 534-2177.
• Bike and Roll, 760 Washington, +1 305 538-2121 .
• Mr Bikes Rental & Scooters, 2720 Collins Ave, +1 (305) 452 1056

By free taxi

They say there's no such thing as a free ride, but that's exactly what SWOOP Miami (+1 305 409-6636) is. Supported by advertisements, the SWOOP taxi is a six-passenger white electric golf cart that will pick you up and take you anywhere within South Beach — no fee or fare required, although the drivers will gladly accept tips. Call ahead to be picked up within 15 minutes, anytime between noon and 2AM daily. Unfortunately, though they have "Miami" in the name, they won't go outside the South Beach district.

Learn

• Miami Dade College
• Barry University
• Florida International University
• University of Miami

Stay safe

Emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911. Police are unusually omnipresent, even by American standards.