Raúl: When it comes to being a Cuban in Miami, it's not all about Bird Road and Little Havana.

Jorge: We also like to enjoy all the sites and sounds that Miami has to offer.

Glenn: And you can't come to Miami without enjoying the beach. We realize that the beaches are probably Miami's No. 1 attraction.

Jorge: When company comes to visit, we know that their trip is not complete unless we take them to Miami Beach.

There are many vendors up and down the beach that offer cold drinks, food, and other refreshments.

Glenn: Especially when they have escaped the cold northern winter to join us in sunny Florida. Miami Beach, and in particular South Beach, offer a unique combination of swimming, sunbathing, entertainment, dining, exercise, and people watching.

Jorge: Come with a swimsuit and a towel and lay out on the beach for a great tan.

Glenn: If the spirit moves you and you're female, you can even forget the top part of your swimsuit. Topless bathing is perfectly acceptable everywhere on Miami Beach.

Raúl: It's not only acceptable, it's really appreciated by those of us who enjoy that sort of thing.

Jorge: Let's not mention any names!

Kids love feeding and chasing the seagulls.

Glenn: This is the place where all the beautiful people hangout.

Raúl: And a lot of the not so beautiful.

Raúl: There are lifeguard facilities located in many areas. If you haven't had a lot of experience swimming in the ocean, make sure you stay close to one of the lifeguard towers. Always watch for any warning signs and listen to the advice of the lifeguards. During certain times of the year, there can be dangerous water conditions including riptides and the occasional jellyfish.

Glenn: If you are not a good swimmer, it's a good idea to stay in the shallow water just offshore. Don't get in over your head.

There are many events scheduled throughout the year. This large Sandcastle was built during one of the many festivals.

Jorge: The beaches are active all year-round, however only real diehards and crazy people from the North actually swim in the ocean during the winter months when the water temperature is way too cold for most Cubans.

Jorge: There are many places along the beach where you can rent chairs and little tents that offer some shade when you get too hot. There are also several locations where you can rent wave runners for a little ocean fun.

Glenn: Miami beaches stretch several miles from Haulover Beach to South Beach. If you are interested in swimming and sunbathing, take your pick of one of the many beaches. If you'd like to combine some sightseeing with your sunbathing, choose a Beach that's closer to the South Beach area.

Jorge: South Beach has something extra: a dazzling array of restaurants, shops and clubs that line Ocean Drive. During the day, it is a people watchers paradise. You will see many beautiful guys and girls skating by on rollerblades. There is also an endless stream of cars cruising the boulevard.

South Beach is a popular locations for shooting music videos and commercials. These hot babes are appearing in a music video for a popular rap group.

Glenn: So it is perfectly acceptable to come to South Beach without your bathing suit. You can take a walk along the beach, eat dinner at a great restaurant, and then spend the evening at one of South Beach's many clubs

Tired of walking? This little veranda is a great spot to sit down and relax for awhile.

Miami Beach is known for its great Art Deco architecture.

Raúl: As busy as South Beach can be during the day, at night it really comes alive. Come to the beach in your best Miami casual clothes and enjoy the exciting night life and club scene.

Glenn: There are many restaurants all along South Beach, offering everything from seafood to hamburgers and milkshakes. All offer sidewalk dining, and in South Beach, that's the best place to be.

Jorge: If you decide to start the night off with dinner, why not try Larios on the Beach -- one of the great Cuban restaurants in Miami. It is owned by Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio.

Glenn: The club scene is ever changing. However, long-time Ocean Drive hotspots include Mango's, the bar at the Clevelander, and one of our favorites, Nikki Beach.

Raúl: Nikki Beach not only has a great restaurant, but the club scene at night is fantastic.

Glenn: Nikki Beach is the only club/restaurant that is right on the beach. By day you'll see some of the hottest girls in Miami sunning on the hot sand. At night, there's music and dancing. The best day of the week is Sunday, when they host a weekly afternoon beach party.

Jorge: Many of the hottest clubs are off the beach on Collins and Washington Avenues. If you can endure the long lines to get in (or just be totally unhip and arrive before midnight) you'll have a great time at the Mansion, the Pearl Champagne Lounge, B.E.D., and the Skybar.

Raúl: Let's be honest and admit that theThree Guys have gotten a little old for the club scene.

Jorge: Yes, sad to say, the clubs are geared strictly to the young -- or those rich enough to still pretend to be young!

Glenn: We have to get most of our club scene information secondhand from Nephew Neil or our kids.

Please note that part of Haulover Beach is clothing optional. That means you'll see a lot of completely naked flesh roasting in the hot summer sun. If you decide to go, be prepared to shed all clothing. Gawkers and fat guys with cameras are actively discouraged, so if that's your motivation, don't go.

Want a great beach experience without the frenetic pace of Miami Beach?

Crandon Park on Key Biscayne offers one of the purest beach experiences with plenty of sand (about two miles of beach) and warm ocean water all within sight of a historic lighthouse. Crandon is known for an off shore sandbar that keeps the wave activity down and is a great place for novice ocean swimmers. There is a small parking fee, but plenty of parking with just a short walk to the beach. Showers and changing rooms here are well kept and clean. Many Cubans bring the family here on weekends for a picnic. There are picnic tables and grills scattered all over the park. Crandon also has a small amusement center with a roller rink and a historic merry-go-round. The kids love it!

The beach scene runs from about 167th Street on the North end to 1st Street at South Point Park. There are several metered lots and parking ramps along Collins Avenue and a few blocks West of Collins. Just remember that the closer you get to South Beach, the harder it is to find parking, especially on weekends! Try to get there early -- before 10:00 a.m -- and you can avoid a big hassle.

Not every foot of beach is protected by lifeguards, so look for a life guard station before entering the water. Lifeguards can usually be found in the following areas:

► Between 1st and 14th Streets

► 21st Street

► 35th Street

► 46th Street

► 52nd Street

► 64th Street

► Haulover Beach

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