IN BRIEF

Miami reinvents itself every 10 years. The land boom of the 30s put the city on the map, when millionaires came and built mansions along Biscayne Bay. The bust in 1929, combined with the big hurricane, reduced Miami of the 40s to a depressed shadow of her former self, with few jobs and no development. In the 60s, the invention of air conditioning and the return of exservicemen who had savored its charms during World War II led to steady growth. Thousands more arrived to start careers, raise families and become Miamis movers and shakers. Beginning in 1960, a flood of Cuban refugees turned Miami into a bilingual city within the short span of five years. Succeeding decades brought many other Latinos as well as Haitians and Asians, transforming Miami into one of the most cosmopolitan, multicultural cities in the world.

BIRD-EYE VIEW

Miami is a sparkler of a city set against the water. It was originally settled at the mouth of the Miami River by the Tequesta Indians, and the downtown area still hugs the junction of the river and Biscayne Bay. To the south along the water, Coconut Grove is 3 mi/5 km away. The cities of Coral Gables and South Miami are approximately 6 mi/10 km to the west. Beyond that to the west is Kendall梐 vast stretch of condos, homes, shopping malls and restaurants that reaches the edge of the Everglades. To the south is Homestead and, beyond that, the Florida Keys. Miami Beach is a finger of land separating Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic, connected by five causeways to the mainland. At its southern tip is South Beach, now known as the Art Deco District or SoBe.

ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS

Performing dolphins at the Seaquarium, monkeys at the Metro Zoo, demonstrations and airboat tours at Miccosukee Indian Village.

CITYSCAN

1 Jan, New Year抯 Day; 19 Jan, Martin Luther King Day; 16 Feb, Presidents Day; 10 Apr, Good Friday (some stores, offices closed); 25 May, Memorial Day; 4 Jul, Independence Day; 7 Sep, Labor Day; 14 Oct, Columbus Day; 26 Nov, Thanksgiving Day; 25 Dec, Christmas Day.

The tourist areas themselves bayside, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are no more dangerous than tourist areas in any other large city. The popularity of South Beach is such that it has extended the safe tourist area into streets that were marginal (or perilous) a few years ago; still, its best not to stray into areas where you don´t see crowds on the sidewalks. Use your street smartsake notice of your surroundings. Avoid wearing expensive (or expensive-looking) jewelry or watches on the street and don´t flash cash. Ask your hotels concierge or at the front desk for information about specific areas you´ll be visiting.

Wintertime visitors should be prepared for cold snaps that can send the temperature close to freezing at night. All year long, the intense ultraviolet rays of the sun demand the use of a sunscreen or sunblock and protective clothing. Take precautions even on cloudy days.