Top 10 Famous Movie Places to See in Miami, Florida

Miami is a vibrant city and as such makes a great film location for movies and television series (Miami Vice, CSI Miami pop into mind immediately). The South Beach really dominates the movie and TV scene although other locations are featured as well. Movie fans should not miss a visit to these top 10 movie sites (listed in alphabetical order):

1. Big Pink Restaurant
157 Collins Ave (@ 2^nd Street)
South Beach
The Big Pink Restaurant is the meeting spot for Pat and Sully in Something About Mary (1998). The restaurant features comfort food and large portions. Burgers range from $6.95 to $9.95 while entrees fall between $11.95 and $19.95. Find out more at the Big Pink Restaurant website.

2. The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave (@ DeSoto Blvd)
Coral Gables, Southwest Miami
Julie jumps from the roof of the hotel to land in the pool in Bad Boys (1991). The hotel's stunning architecture is inspired by that of the Mediterranean but is unique. Designed in the 1920s, the hotel is the absolute picture of luxury with its own 18-hole golf course. For photos and more information, visit the Biltmore Hotel website.

3. The Carlyle
1250 Ocean Drive (@ 13^th Street)
South Beach
The Carlyle was the Birdcage Club in The Birdcage (1996). It has also been featured in Bad Boys 2 (2003), Random Hearts (1999) ,and Scarface (1983). This Art Deco hotel is elegant and impressive. Rooms include fully equipped stainless steel kitchens, widescreen HD TVs and Jacuzzi tub/showers. For photos and more information, visit The Carlyle website.

4. Colonial Bank Centre-
1200 Brickwell Ave (@ SE 13^th Street)
Downtown
Harry reeks havoc on this building which serves as the terrorist hide out with a Harrier Jump Jet in True Lies (1994).

5. Cordozo Hotel
1300 Ocean Drive (@14^th Street)
South Beach
This fantastic Art Deco hotel is owned by Gloria Estefan. It has been used in the filming of several films including Something About Mary (1998), A Hole in the Head (1959), Any Given Sunday (1999), and The Birdcage (1996). For photos or more information visit the Cordozo Hotel website.

6. Dade County Courthouse
73 West Flagler Street (@ NW 1^st Street)
Downtown
The Courthouse is featured in both Bad Boys (1995) and Absence of Malice (1981).

7. Fountainebleau Hilton Resort & Spa
4441 Collins Ave
South Beach
Featured in Scarface (1983), Goldfinger(1964), The Bodyguard (1992), and The Bellboy (1960), opulent, stunning and amazing are all adjectives that come to mind when describing this resort. Disney is definitely not the only Enchanted Kingdom. Here you have 22 acres of beach, a 40,000 sq ft. spa, award winning restaurants, night clubs, entertainment and more all within your reach. For photos and more information, visit the Fountainebleau Miami Beach website.

8. Matheson Hammock Park
9610 Old Cutler Road at SW 96th Street
Coral Gables, South Miami
Gallagher's secret meeting with a shady politician was filmed at Matheson Hammock Park in Absence of Malice (1981). This man-made island of coral encompasses a tidal pool is a great place to relax and enjoy a cool breeze on the beach. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, admission is $5 per vehicle. More information can be found on the Matheson Hammock Park Beach website.

9. The Miami Herald
1 Herald Plaza
Downtown
The real Miami Herald Headquarters doubles as the offices of the Miami Standard (a made-up newspaper) in Absence of Malice (1981).

10.The Villa Vizcaya
3251 South Miami Ave (@32^nd Road)
South Miami
This National Historic Landmark has been used as a film location in Ace Ventura (1989), Absence of Malice (1981), Airport '77 (1977 ), and Any Given Sunday (1999). It showcases a historic house set on 10 acres of beautiful gardens. It is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is $15 for adults ($10 for Dade County residents) and $6 for kids ages 6-12 ($5 for County residents). Admission for students with I.D., seniors (62 and up), and wheelchair users is a flat $10. For photos and more information, visit the Villa Vizcaya website.

Sources:
The World Wide Guide to Movie Locations. < http://www.movie-locations.com/index.html> Accessed on November 13, 2009.
USA Today: 10 great places to check into movie-hotel history. < http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2008-02-21-10-great_N.htm> Accessed on November 13, 2009.