A Traveler's Guide to South Beach, Miami

South Beach, Miami has been called the French Riviera of the United States. Filled with beautiful models, international travelers, and Snowbirds; (New Yorkers who flock to the South every winter) it is a vacationers' paradise. South Beach is an island located in Miami. It is THE playground for the rich and the famous. Many celebrities own properties here. Miami has hosted some of the biggest events like the MTV Video Music Awards and the Super Bowl. This is also the prime locale for photo shoots because of the stunning backdrop and gorgeous weather all year around. Besides the dreaded hurricanes that drop in from time to time; there is nothing holding this city back from Global domination.

South Beach in itself is not very large. It's radius is only about 23 blocks north to south and 10 blocks east to west. The two main street that run up and down the strip are Collins Avenue and Washington Street. Collins Avenue is on the waterfront, so many major elite hotels like the Ritz Carlton, and Lowes are located on Collins. Also boutique hotels like the Delano and the Shore club is located there too. You must check out the Settai which is a stunning hotel/apartment complex but also has a restaurant/lounge you can sit and admire. If you are looking for a place to stay; try to get a hotel on Collins Street. It is only a block away from the ocean. Washington Street is also a very busy pedestrian hopping street. Filled with shops, restaurants, and bars; it is a place to be seen. It can get crazy at times; so South Beach is not for the faint hearted. There's an Electric bus that runs up and down Washington Street and it only costs $.25. Yes, that's right, $.25

If you want to be taken away to some cobbled stoned street in Europe; take a stroll down the historic Espanola Way. This quaint street is filled with small boutiques and outdoor cafes. The Clay Hotel/Hostel is located there, and it is very popular with international and budget travelers. The Spanish architecture is absolutely stunning. If you are in the mood for yoga; there's also a yoga studio called Synergy. On the weekends, there is an outdoor bazaar where vendors sell anything from sunglasses to handmade clothes. They are perfect items to take back as souvenirs

Lincoln Road is also a popular destination for travelers. It's an outdoor mall filled with restaurants and standard retail stores like the Gap, Victoria Secrets, and Anthropologie. But it also has specialty boutiques too. Two Starbucks are located on Lincoln Road in case you get a craving for a Java. But I recommend that you try the Cafe con Leche instead. There's also a small bookstore Books & Books which is very popular with the locals.

Ocean Drive. This place is mad. It's filled with hotels and outdoor cafes (Had enough of cafes? Don't be; That's practically all there is in South Beach) Ocean drive runs parallel to the ocean and Lummus Park. Lummus Park is popular for midnight strolls and for roller blading.

Of course, the main attraction of South Beach is the beach. This is a man made beach, and the sandbars stretch endlessly. The water in the Atlantic is much calmer than the Pacific. There are days where the water is smooth like glass. The sun is very intense here, even on cloudy days. I highly recommend sun screen and apply it religiously. You can rent out beach chairs for about $15 and an umbrella is extra $5. The umbrella is a must in the summer if you plan to sun out during the day. Some hotels also rents out their chair, but it's more along the lines of $20. This is a great option if you want to get your cocktails hand delivered to you. I am a huge fan of Mangoritas. In South Beach, you can go topless. This is heavily influenced by the European and the Brazillian population who either reside here or visit often. If you want to be surrounded by beautiful people; I recommend 3rd street or 8th street beach where all the models hang out. 3rd street beach is also called the locals beach.

Although South beach is a tiny island; maybe even a village, It packs a lot of punch. The energy here is incredible and very intense. However, it is also laid back. This is the most international city in the United States. You will hear so many different languages spoken here as you walk down the street. I would not recommend South Beach as a vacation to get away from it all, but if you are looking for fun, adventure, excitement. South Beach heeds your call.