Tours

Whether you spend the day tanning on the beach or discovering the various shops and cultural attractions, there's plenty to do in Miami.

South Beach Ocean Drive is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and views that epitomize Miami's beautiful natural surroundings. The Miami Beach Marina is a great place to spend the day. Dine at the nearby Balans. There are also many well-known museums in South Beach, such as the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM), the R.J. Hohimer Signature Gallery and the Kennedy Gallery. The Holocaust Memorial is also located in South Beach.

Bayside Marketplace The Bayside Marketplace begins to wake up around 10a, when the first sightseers depart for a two-hour breakfast cruise around Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. Grab a bite at the 11th Street Diner. Take a stroll in Bayfront Park, which is right next to the Marketplace. The Park also contains the Bayfront Park Amphitheater, where there are frequent concerts and other events.

Coral Gables Coral Gables is well-known for the Venetian Pool, which was formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923. Take a dip in the pool in the early afternoon, when the heat of the day is at its peak. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe, then dry off, clean up, and head over to Biltmore Hotel. The Biltmore is both a designated national historic landmark and a five-star luxury hotel. This neighborhood is also the site of the annual Festival Miami. Dine at La Palme d'Or.

Miracle Mile Wander down the Miracle Mile, where there is always a big event taking place. Jazz lovers should stop by the Satchmo Blues Bar & Grill, while theater fans can see what's playing at the Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Ortanique is one of the most famous restaurants on this strip.

Florida Keys Just south of Miami are a string of islands called the Florida Keys, connected by one main highway. Waters are crystal clear and the sea life is amazing. Coral Castle is an incredible work of art that took 28 years to finish. Browse the different trees and buy some preserves at the nearby Fruit and Spice Park. Dine at the Main Street Cafe. Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, located across the way on the mainland, are two of Florida's most unique. Not far from the Everglades is the Black Point Marina, popular among those that fish and sail.

There are many tour companies in Miami that offer a wide variety of options for seeing the city, from air boat tours to eco-adventure tours.

Car Tours Go Car Tours ( +1 888 462 2755/ http://www.gocartours.com )

Boat Tours Island Queen Cruises ( +1 305 379 5119/ http://www.islandqueencruises.com ) Discovery Cruise Line ( +1 888 213 8253/ http://www.discoverycruise.com ) Boca Chica Key & Lighthouse Tour ( +1 305 230 1100 ) Blackbeard's Cruises ( +1 954 734 7111/ +1 800 327 9600/ http://www.blackbeard-cruises.com ) Urban Tour Host ( +1 305 416 6868/ http://www.miamiculturaltours.com/index.php ) Miami Duck Tours ( +1 786 276 8300/ http://www.ducktoursmiami.com ) Thriller Powerboat Tours ( +1 305 373 7001 ) Heritage Tours ( +1 305 442 9697/ http://www.heritageschooner.com/heritage.html )

Airboat Tours Everglade Airboat Tours ( +1 305 221 9888 ) Air Boat USA ( +1 305 219 1200/ http://www.airboatusa.com ) Gator Park ( +1 800 559 2205/ +1 305 559 2255/ http://www.gatorpark.com ) Coopertown Airboat Tours ( +1 305 226 6048/ http://www.coopertownairboats.com )

Eco-Adventure Tours Miami Dade Eco-Adventure Tours ( +1 305 365 3018/ http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/ecoadventures.asp ) Everglades Day Safari ( +1 239 472 1559/ http://www.ecosafari.com/boat.cfm ) Wild Dolphin Adventures ( +1 305 296 3737/ +1 866 296 3737/ http://www.wilddolphinadventures.com ) Miami River Historical Jungle Tours ( +1 305 755 9055 ) Urban Tour Host ( +1 305 416 6868/ http://www.miamiculturaltours.com/index.php )