Located at the southeastern tip of Florida, Miami is an international city heavily influenced by Cuban culture.  Such Cuban influence can be easily reflected from the cigar shops and cafes along Calle Ocho in Little Havana.  Being home to South Beach, Miami Beach lies on the barrier islands across the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay. The splendid neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant art decorated architectures, surfside hotels, white sand and fashionable nightclubs.

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South Beach in Miami, Florida  (Copyright: S.Borisov)

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MIAMI, USA – DEC 9, 2015: People enjoying sunshine on South Beach of Miami Beach, Florida, USA  (TasfotoNL / Shutterstock)

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Miami Beach, Florida – May 9th 2014 – Tourists and locals enjoying a sunny day at Miami beach. Green water and blue sky. Miami, Florida, USA.  (LMspencer / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – CIRCA MARCH 2016: Tourists in the water on South Beach during Spring Break  (Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock)

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Miami Beach, Florida USA – February 25, 2016: Beautiful clear blue sky day in scenic and popular Miami Beach with Citibike rentals along the promenade.  (Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock)

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Miami Beach, Florida USA – February 25, 2016: Beautiful clear blue sky day in scenic and popular Miami Beach with beach goers along the promenade.  (Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – DEC 9, 2015: People on South Beach Boardwalk in Miami Beach, Florida, USA  (TasfotoNL / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 13, 2015: Coral Gables Venetian Pool on May 13, 2015 in Miami – Florida.  (Marco Borghini / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – MARCH 14, 2016: The famous Ocean Drive Avenue in Miami Beach.  (pio3 / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – MAY 21,2014 : Ocean Drive hotels and buildings in Miami Beach, Florida. Art Deco architecture in South Beach is one of the main tourist attractions in Miami  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,US – NOVEMBER 24,2013:Open deck sightseeing bus at Miami Beach. International tourists make up 48% of all visitors and contribute at least $2.9 billion to the Miami economy  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – MARCH 18, 2016: Young women walking on the street going to Ultra Music Festival in front of Bayside sign.  (pio3 / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – AUGUST 8,2015: Lincoln Road, a tourist landmark and shopping boulevard in Miami Beach  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – AUGUST 8,2015: Lincoln Road, a tourist landmark and shopping boulevard in Miami Beach  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI SOUTH BEACH FLORIDA, USA – JANUARY 16: Ocean drive street january 16 2015 in Miami Beach, Florida. Retro car exhibition in South Beach is one of the main tourist attractions in Miami.  (VA_Art / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 : Typical cuban restaurant at SW 8th Street, a focal point of the cuban community in Miami  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA – MAY 2004: Elderly Cuban men play dominoes at Gomez Park, on Calle Ocho (8th Street), the heart of Little Havana.  (Rob Crandall / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI BEACH, USA – MARCH 21, 2016: Starbucks coffee store in South Beach. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.  (pio3 / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI BEACH, USA – MARCH 16, 2016: Starbucks coffee store interior view in South Beach. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world. (pio3 / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – APRIL 29, 2016: Young woman lied in a bench resting around art murals at Wynwood Walls on APRIL 29, 2016 in Miami, USA.  (susana valera / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, USA – AUGUST 29, 2014 : Graffiti art on wall in graffiti design district Wynwood on August 29, 2014 in Miami, Florida.  (mariakraynova / Shutterstock)

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Miami, Florida USA – October 4, 2015: The urban Wynwood area in midtown has become a popular tourist destination for the colorful graffiti art on the facades of commercial warehouse style buildings.  (Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, FL – August 11: Hard Rock Cafe on August 7, 2014 in Miami, Florida. It is located at 401 Biscayne Blvd. R-200 in Bayside Marketplace (f11photo / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – AUGUST 5,2015 : Shoppers at the Bayside Marketplace in Miami  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,USA – MAY 19,2014 : Typical cuban souvenirs shop in Little Havana  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,US – DECEMBER 8, 2013:The show of Lolita,the killer whale at the Miami Seaquarium.Founded in 1955,the facility receives over 500,000 visitors annually  (Kamira / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI,US – JANUARY 24,2014: Lolita,the killer whale at the Miami Seaquarium.Founded in 1955,the oldest oceanarium in the United States,the facility receives over 500,000 visitors annually (ventdusud / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, FL – NOV 1: Water slides on the Carnival Breeze docked in Miami, Florida, on Nov 21, 2015. The Breeze is a Dream-class cruise ship owned by Carnival Cruise which entered service in June 2012.  (Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI, FL – NOV 21: Poolside on the Carnival Breeze docked in Miami, Florida, on Nov 21, 2015. The Breeze is a Dream-class cruise ship owned by Carnival Cruise which entered service in June 2012.  (Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI JANUARY 6; TOM FORD store within the Miami Design District by ArandaLasch . The Miami Design District is a luxury shopping area dedicated to fashion, design and art. MIAMI, JANUARY 6, 2015  (MR. INTERIOR / Shutterstock)

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MIAMI BEACH – JULY 28: Night view at Ocean drive on July 28, 2013 in Miami Beach, Florida. Art Deco Night-Life in South Beach at Ocean Drive is one of the main tourist attractions in Miami.  (Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock)

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Downtown of Miami night skyline  (Copyright: Miami2you)

Useful Reference

Discover Miami: The Cultural Highlights of a Sultry City
By William Klaauw

Miami is a beautiful city with many tropical influences. The nightlife and the latino character give this young city a ‘sultry look’. The television serie ‘Miami Vice’ has undeniably contributed to the image of a city full of excitement and thrill. And, to be honest, many residents of Miami love to party. The many bars, discos and nightclubs in Miami and Miami Beach are – even on weekdays – open till the early hours. Yet, Miami has much more to offer than just partying and entertainment. In this article you will find some tips to discover the cultural highlights in Miami and Miami Beach.

Holocaust Memorial: a breathtaking monument

Miami and the second world war are not often associated with each other. Yet, one of the most impressive monuments (the Holocaust Memorial) to commemorate the victims of this horrible war is located in Miami Beach. This breathtaking monument is dedicated to the six million Jews who were murdered during the second world war. Definitely worth a visit.

Coral Gables: Picasso and an unique swimming pool

Coral Gables is apparently a quiet residential area in the south of Miami (near the university). Yet, you will find a few interesting highlights in this neighborhood. For example, the Lowe Art Museum which features paintings by Picasso, Monet and Gauguin. This museum is located on the grounds of the University of Miami and is definitely a ‘must-visit’ for art lovers. Another must-see is the Venetian Pool. This is a pool made in an old quarry. The pool is filled with water from a fresh water source. This makes the Venetian Pool the largest freshwater pool in the United States.

Coconut Grove: history, science and art

The luxury neighborhood Coconut Grove in the south of Miami is a paradise for art lovers. The famous Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located in a beautiful villa. Visitors can enjoy unique paintings, furniture and carpets that where made between the fifteenth and the nineteenth century. For curious people, the Miami Museum of Science is definitely worth a visit.

Little Havana: enjoy Cuba in Miami

The southern influences of Miami are most visible in the Little Havana district in downtown Miami. This is the living space of many Cuban immigrants and the place is full of characteristic Cuban shops and restaurants. Stay alert during a visit, because unfortunately there is pretty much crime in this district.

Coral Castle: a sculpture garden created by magnetic superpowers

Coral Castle is a stone sculpture garden south of Miami. The beautiful statues are made of megalithic stones formed from coral. The creation of these huge sculptures obviously demands a legend. The founder Edward Leedskalnin formed the garden with his bare hands. Well, bare hands… he was also very proficient with the use of his magnetic superpowers.

Enough culture? Discover the waterways of Miami by boat

Do you need a break after visiting the cultural highlights of Miami? Hire a boat and discover a different – but just as beautiful – side of Miami. With a boat you can explore the coastline and many islands and waterways of Miami in a beautiful way. The options are numerous. Read more in the articles about Miami boat rental [http://boatfishingguide.com/miami-boat-rental-speed-nature-or-glamour/] and Miami fishing charters [http://boatfishingguide.com/miami-fishing-charters-5-tips-to-make-the-best-choice/] on boatfishingguide.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_Klaauw/1709805
http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-Miami:-The-Cultural-Highlights-of-a-Sultry-City&id=8027976

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