Miami’s South Beach . . . the name brings thoughts of the wealthy strolling down streets shaded by palm trees, the nouveau rich, yuppies, alternate life styles, tanned goddesses in thongs, azure waters lapping against white sand beaches. South Beach is advertised as a cool, red-hot destination for visitors of any age… and it lives up to its billing. Just come with an open mind for South Beach is no place for the myopic.

Ocean Drive is the street most synonymous with South Beach. From its multi-colored array of sidewalk cafes where you can enjoy a variety of reasonably priced meals and the drink of your choice, to elegant mansions housing the rich and famous, Ocean Drive is simply spectacular. The cafes are also a wonderful place to admire the scenery, whether it be roller bladers, sunbathers on the beach, or a familiar face you’re certain belongs to a movie star.

A wide, paved boardwalk serpentines along the beach, providing ample accommodations for bicyclists, skate boarders, and walkers. There are also a number of resting stops to relax and appreciate the gorgeous views of the ocean.

No surprise that hotel accommodations are pricey. Long gone are the days when “Rooms under $10 a night” was common on Ocean Drive. The arrival of Miami Vice and fashion designers with names like Klein and Versace forever changed that. Now there are hotels such at The Tides, considered by many as the best address on Ocean Drive, and recently recognized as one of the best small hotels in the world. The prices for this hotel run from $300-$2000 a night. Or if you prefer, for under $200 a night you can stay at the Winterhaven, an elegant Art-Deco hotel that was constructed in the 1930s. But no matter what the price, if you long to indulge yourself in life’s little passions, the hotels of South Beach await with open arms.

Getting to South Beach is easy. Taxis are available but if you’re staying elsewhere, perhaps the best choice it to rent a car at the Miami Airport for about $30 per day and drive the short distance to Miami Beach. But no matter the mode of transportation, South Beach is a destination you will certainly enjoy.

This story was published on 29 Jan 2003.