At the southeastern tip of Florida stretches the metropolis of Miami. A bustling marina, white sand, beachfront hotels, and upscale nightclubs make it a thriving beach destination. Discover our practical guide to Miami.

Miami: The Magic City

Behind its skyscrapers, the Magic City harbors wild paradises. Its bustling marina is the world's number one cruise tourism port. Who would turn down a sailboat excursion to see the Art Deco facades that line Miami Beach drift by? Who wouldn't enjoy browsing its shopping centers, window-shopping at clothing boutiques and luxury jewelry stores? For groups of singles, a thrilling nightlife awaits in clubs and beach bars. Finally, don't miss the city's historical and natural treasures. Visit the History Miami Museum, the largest history museum in south Florida. Between Fairchield's tropical garden, sea turtles, Everglades alligators, and the mangroves of Biscayne Bay, ecotourism enthusiasts will find their share of entertainment. Book your flight to Miami without delay and spend magical vacations in south Florida.

Historical Notes

The Gateway to the Americas… Miami is still called this because of the strong social and cultural relationships it maintains with Canada, Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean islands. A former Spanish possession, it takes its name from a Native American word translated as "fresh water." A municipal government led by a mayor and council members was born in 1896. The English from the Bahamas were the first Europeans to settle there. Miami owes its tourism vocation to the arrival of railways, which opened it to the rest of Florida. Its Cuban community dates from Fidel Castro's rise to power in 1959, which led nearly 500,000 Cubans to flee to the south of the Peninsula. Its cultural blend is remarkable. For example, English ranks behind Spanish among the languages spoken at home. After Hurricane Andrew, which caused heavy loss of life and financial damage, Miami quickly bounced back by developing its tourism industry.

Today: A Tourist Resort

The county seat of Miami-Dade, Miami is one of the most captivating metropolises in the United States. This, despite its modest population (463,000 inhabitants, according to 2017 estimates). Tourism is one of the pillars of the local economy. The figures speak for themselves: 24.2 million visitors in 2019, just before the pandemic arrived, nearly 144,800 jobs created, and $1.5 billion in tax revenue. Miami has become more sophisticated in recent years. It aims to be a city of luxury and excess. That said, well-maintained gardens, natural parks, and wildlife sanctuaries have been carefully preserved despite urban growth.

What to See and Do

The endless beaches with turquoise waters will dazzle you, from Miami Beach to South Beach via Virginia Key Beach. Apart from the beach scene, the metropolis boasts a significant number of parks, botanical gardens, museums, and art houses. To help you organize your itineraries, our guide sheds light on the must-sees.

Natural Heritage

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy ecotourism, head to the national parks. There are two, located respectively east and west of the city: the Everglades and Biscayne.

The first park offers a speedboat ride through marshy waters; a guide will help you identify the park's emblematic species, including the American crocodile, alligator, manatee, Florida panther, and sea turtles.

Similarly, the Biscayne National Park is, with its coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, turquoise waters, and mangrove forests, a gathering place for nature lovers.

Looking for an outdoor activity closer to amenities? Head to the Bill Gags Cape Florida State Park, just twenty minutes' drive from Miami. Don't miss its biking trails, salt marshes, and spectacular white sand beaches.

You'll appreciate taking a green break at Fairchield Tropical Garden. Its Wings of The Tropics exhibition is a hit with young visitors. Countless butterflies flutter in a covered gallery. You can observe rare plant varieties, originating from the Americas and beyond, such as orchids, rhododendrons, and water lilies, to name just a few.

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

Miami Beach concentrates the city's tourist attractions. Luxury cars and celebrity residences invest in the beach. Facing the sea, the Art Deco district is a procession of historic houses evoking the golden age of the 1930s. Blending eccentric architecture and bold lines, this neighborhood symbolizes the grandiose ambitions of a few American businessmen. Cultural edifices line the streets, which art enthusiasts will visit with great joy.

Leaving Miami's port, relax in Bayfront Park for a stroll. While your children play on the slides and rides, you can direct your attention to the statue of Christopher Columbus, the statue of Julia Tuttle, or the Challenger Memorial.

Near the Miami Design District, Wynwood Walls are also worth seeing. A giant palette of colors covering six buildings presents itself before you. It is produced by graffiti and street art specialists from around the world. It's one of Miami's most important tourist attractions.

Maximo Gomez Park, affectionately nicknamed Domino Park by locals, has retained a Cuban atmosphere. Domino players gather there morning and evening, chatting and smoking cigars. The park houses a beautiful mural. This canvas, dated and signed by Oscar Thomas, depicts the U.S. Presidents and governors who attended the First Summit of the Americas. A visit to Maximo Gomez Park immediately follows a stop at Memorial Boulevard Park, right next door.

Continue your artistic tour with the De la Cruz Collection, Miami's largest private collection, and the Holocaust Memorial, which displays around a hundred sculptural works on the theme of the Holocaust.

Amusement Parks and Museums

History Miami Museum

The museum's temporary and permanent exhibitions attract many visitors. The most popular gallery is titled "Tropical Dreams: The History of South Florida's People." The cultural institute is committed to preserving, gathering, and displaying period objects and archival documents on Miami's history. It's the first project of its kind in the Magic City!

The Science Museum

Inaugurated in 1960, Miami's Science Museum educates young and old through its exhibitions devoted to space exploration, meteorology, and the peculiarities of animal life. A top attraction if you're traveling with children.

The Pérez Art Museum

The grand collection of the Pérez Art Museum houses masterpieces by European and Asian artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya is an Italian-style mansion that served as a winter residence for industrialist James Deering. It remains in excellent condition despite its 110 years of existence. Take a look at this major historical monument if you pass near Biscayne Bay. Strolling through the botanical garden with the fountain is very soothing, not to mention the museum's sculptures, which are worth the detour.

When to Visit?

Miami is a tropical destination par excellence. Beach vacations in Miami are usually planned between May and September. Caution is advised if you travel in the middle of summer—June, July, or August. This is when hurricanes sometimes cause devastation.

Feel free to fly, drive, or sail to Miami. Miami International Airport is one of the country's most important. Direct flights are available from France. Air France and American Airlines operate on this route, among other airlines. After landing, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or take a luxury shuttle to reach downtown. The journey to downtown Miami will take you just 11 minutes.

You'll Love…

• Strolling through the historic Art Deco neighborhood;
• Swimming alongside sea lions and dolphins at the Sea Aquarium;
• Scuba diving in Biscayne National Park;
• Observing the variety of animals in the Everglades;
• Browsing art museums;
• Lingering in Fairchield Tropical Garden;
• Dining at a fine dining restaurant;
• Enjoying a luxurious beachfront palace.