The Insider's New Year's Eve Guide to South Beach and Downtown Miami

Welcome to South Beach, Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, the party capital of the world ... especially on New Year's Eve. There's more to see and do here than where else in the world ... and the weather is always great for doing it.

Here's a guide to what's happening in the greater Miami and Miami Beach area ... including free events and sources for more information and reservations.

Bayfront Park Spectacular

New Years Eve. Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami becomes the Times Square of of the South. The only differences being Miami drops a giant orange instead of an apple ... and the weather is more beautiful than up in New York. In fact both USA Today an MSN have rated Bayfront Park in Miami as one of the Top 10 places in the World to ring in the New Year.

Live entertainment begins at 8 pm, with a variety of different musical groups scheduled to perform. There'll be disco mixed with a double shot of Latin, a dash of Reggae ... a splash of hip hop and a jigger of Rock & Roll ... so there's something for everyone!

At midnight, "Big Orange" drops from the top of the Intercontinental Hotel at the south end of the park followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and there's usually a crowd already lined up to get in. Parking will cost you a minimum of $20 -$25 at local parking lots around the park.

This is definitely a family-friendly event. Bottles, cans, coolers, illegal drugs, weapons and personal fireworks will not be allowed in the park.

This is the biggest scene in Florida for New Year's Eve, so plan to get there early to assure you get nearby parking and a place near the bandstand.

Fireworks on South Beach

The city of Miami Beach sponsors a free fireworks display on the beach. The crowd starts gathering at 8th and Ocean Drive about 11:00 pm. Admission to the beach is free.

There is little or no on-street parking and the municipal lots fill up early. Valet parking is available along Ocean Drive ... but even the valet parking runs out of room later in the evening. Plan to spend at least $25 to $50 on parking and plan to get there as early as possible to avoid traffic jams and no parking availability.

An Eve at the "Cleve"

Those wanting to "party hearty" while they watch the fireworks can go across the street to the Clevelander Hotel at 1020 Ocean Drive. This year the Clevelander is celebrating with an Asian bash. General admission to the pool bar area where there are drinks and plenty of music is $30 per person ... drinks not included. VIP "party zone" tickets are also be purchased for admission to the C-Level rooftop, SPF-4 deck or the 1020 lounge that include an open bar and champagne toast at midnight. The Hotel is a high-energy, friendly and fun place. It's small and the rooms are comfortable and clean. Guests under 21 are not allowed. A room for the New Year's Eve start at $459 and the hotel fills up fast!

For more information about "party zone and reservations go to: http://www.clevelander.com/ or call the "Cleve" directly at 877-532-4006.

Party At Nikki Beach

Just down the beach at 1 Ocean Drive, you'll find non-stop action at the world-famous Nikki Beach Club. Reserve beach a beach front table, day beds, opium beds, a tee pee, or indoor private party room while you enjoy fab food, exotic drinks and great music by top local DJs. For reservations and information go to www.nikkibeach.com/miami/

Poolside at The Fontainebleau

The party goes on all night and into the early morning close to 100 Miami Beach clubs and hotels. The Fontainebleau Hotel at 4441 Collins Ave is one of the best places to ring in the new year.

There'll be a gala poolside party with a DJ is planned where you can ring in the New Year in a cabana, luxury lounge or table. Food, drinks and service are top-notch. For general admission, packages and hotel reservations go to www.fontainebleau.com or call 800-548-8886.

The Hotel and Club Scene

Every hotel and nightclub on Miami Beach has a special evening planned and is charging general admission or offering special package deals ... including group packages

Some of the hotspots for New Year's Eve include SET on Lincoln Road. Mansion at 1235 Washington Street, as well as at SoBe Live and BED also on Washington Street.

For information and tickets to parties at all of the clubs in Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, go to The Club Zone at http://www.clubzone.com/events/1/Miami/December/31/2010.

Usher At The Arena

Usher will be performing at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami at 9:00 pm. Trey Songz and Miguel will also perform. For ticket information. Individual tickets and ticket packages range from $38 to over $1100. There's plenty of parking in the arena's parking lot and valet parking as well. The valet parking is fast and efficient, so save yourself time and aggravation and valet park. For information and to book tickets go to the American Airlines Arena website: http://americanairlinesarena-miami.com/Tickets-Active.php?eventID=1490461&venueID=141

Easing Down The Beach

If you're the adventurous, spur of the moment type person, just get down to South Beach in the late afternoon and early evening and park your car. Check out some of the smaller restaurants off the side streets and grab a bite to eat and have a few drinks. As the evening begins Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive feature and impromptu parade of merrymakers, party animals, drag queens and other revelers looking to ring in the new year and have a great time. Be sure to bring a camera because you never know what or who'll you'll see

Happy New Year ... and party on!