Summer in Miami is a lifestyle of tropical beaches by day and exciting South Beach cruising by night. Yes, it can be hot, but with the constant flow of ocean breezes, even the hottest days are bearable. A hot day is also a perfect opportunity to hit the beach, or to really cool off, jump into the cold clear water of the Venetian pool.
We know that most Northern visitors prefer to come during the winter, and we don't blame them. However, summer is not all that bad and there are many things to see and do. You also get better bargains on hotels during the summer. If you are planning a side trip to Key West, summer is a great time to go. Hotel and motel prices are at their lowest, and the island isn't choked with throngs of tourists that are common in many winter months.
Once the sun goes down, Miami comes alive with it's vibrant Latin lifestyle. Hanging out in the Grove, hitting a dance club in South Beach, or taking the family out to a nice restaurant, are all popular summertime activities. So put on your guayabera, have a café cubano, and hit the road with us as we enjoy another great summer in Miami!
Jorge Castillo: We also like to enjoy all the sites and sounds that Miami has to offer.
Glenn Lindgren: And you can't come to Miami without enjoying the beach. We realize that the beaches are probably Miami's No. 1 attraction.
Jorge Castillo: When company comes to visit, we know that their trip is not complete unless we take them to Miami Beach.
Glenn Lindgren: 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 Castillo: Come with a swimsuit and a towel and lay out on the beach for a great tan.
Glenn Lindgren: 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 Musibay: It's not only acceptable, it's really appreciated by those of us who enjoy that sort of thing.
Jorge Castillo: Let's not mention any names!
Raúl Musibay: And a lot of the not so beautiful.
Glenn Lindgren: 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.
Glenn Lindgren: 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 Castillo: 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.
Glenn Lindgren: 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 Castillo: 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 Musibay: Nikki Beach not only has a great restaurant, but the club scene at night is fantastic.
Glenn Lindgren: 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 Castillo: 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 Musibay: Let's be honest and admit that theThree Guys have gotten a little old for the club scene.
Jorge Castillo: Yes, sad to say, the clubs are geared strictly to the young -- or those rich enough to still pretend to be young!
Glenn Lindgren: We have to get most of our club scene information secondhand from Nephew Neil or our kids.
Nearby Key Biscayne offers some great beach experiences with plenty of sun, sand, and warm water. There are informal beaches along the Causeway and two big parks for a perfect all-day beach experience.
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:
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