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Miami and the Keys,
Florida |
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Miami
is a sprawling metropolitan area of 5.5 million people.
It is comprised of 11 districts each with its distinct
character such as Little Havana, Upper Eastside, Coral
Gables and Miami Beach. The city serves as the gateway
to the long stretch of beachfront communities on the
Atlantic coast, and to the coral cay archipelago of the
Florida Keys. |
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The Port of Miami on Biscayne Bay at the mouth of
the Miami River is the world's largest cruise
port. |
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
connects ports from Boston to Key West. It consists of natural
inlets, salt water rivers, bays and sounds, and man-made canals.
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Downtown Miami is the epicenter
with a blend of skyscrapers, sports venues, and views of
Biscayne Bay.
The Miami Metromover, a free electrically
powered tram, carries people through the downtown area.
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Miami City Hall is housed in the former Pan
American seaplane terminal on Dinner Key. Murals inside depict
the arrival of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. |
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Villa Vizcaya
Museum exemplifies the "Mediterranean Revival" architectural style popular in Florida
in the 1910-20's.
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Vizcaya Gardens are an example of Italian Garden
design which has been adapted to Miami's subtropical climate. |
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Miami Beach sprawls across a series of natural
and man-made barrier islands. It has 7 miles of shoreline. |
Ocean Drive, lined with neon-colored hotels and
restaurants, is the most photographed street in South Beach. 800
Art Deco buildings are found in Miami Beach.
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Fort Lauderdale lies 40 kilometers
north of Miami. It is known for its extensive beaches and "the
Strip" a promenade running along oceanside highway 1A1. |
Biscayne National Park preserves Biscayne Bay and
its offshore barrier reefs. The colorful fish and corals make it a prime diving and snorkelling location.
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A
short drive from Miami, the 1.5 million acre
Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site and
International Biosphere Reserve. A 15 mile tram tour takes
visitors into the heart of the ecosystem.
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Everglades National Park preserves the habitat of
350 species of birds, 300 species of fish, 50 species of
reptiles and 40 species of mammals, including alligators,
manatees and the Florida panther. |
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The Florida Keys are a chain of limestone and
fossilized coral reefs which became exposed during the ice age
and upon which debris from the West Indies was deposited.
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A
126-mile overseas highway links 40 inhabited islands and crosses
42 bridges. The largest island is Key Largo, consisting of
hardwood hammock and mangrove and site of John Pennekamp Coral
Reef State Park. |
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A popular attraction in
Key West is the buoy marking the southernmost point in
the U.S.
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A popular sight is the sculpture of
Marilyn Monroe, "Forever Marilyn" in front of the
Tropic Theater. |
People also enjoy seeing
the numerous cats that are the offspring of Hemingway's
6-toed cats.
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Duval and Caroline Streets are the hub of old
town Key West with its 180 historic sites including a
lighthouse, a cemetery, pubs and numerous shops and historic
homes.
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Historic Key West is anchored by Mallory Square,
the Custom House Museum of Art and History, the Armory, the
Maritime History Museum and the surrounding buildings from the
late 1800s. |
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The National Historic Landmark Ernest Hemingway
House is the home of the American writer who wrote some of his
best-received works while living in Key West in the 1930s.
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The Harry S. Truman Little White House was the
winter residence and office of the former president in the
1940s.
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Key West Bight is an active harbor and marina.
Pelicans, sea turtles and manatees can be seen in the waters of
the marina.
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Dolphin and turtle refuges, bird sanctuaries and
nature centers dot the islands of the Keys. |
