Miami

Miami, located in the ‘Sunshine State” of Florida, USA, is a popular destination for people who want to learn English in a vibrant, tropical and multi-cultural environment.

It has many neighbourhoods, but for tourism the most commonly visited areas are Downtown Miami and South Beach. Downtown Miami, the city, is the financial and commercial hub of South Florida. It is home to many major museums, parks, banks, theatres, shops, restaurants, bars and historic buildings.

In the 1930s, an architectural revolution came to South Beach, bringing Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Nautical Moderne architecture to the Beach. In more recent years, this area has formed the backdrop to many TV shows and films, from Miami Vice to Scarface. South Beach (also known as “SoBe”) offers miles of golden sand and crystal clear water. Its promenade is a popular place for walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Among the many sights is theAdrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts which has two main components – the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall – connected by a pedestrian bridge. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are now used for the display of contemporary art but this Italian villa was created as a residence by the industrialist James Deering in 1916 and made to look centuries old to create the illusion of ‘old money’.

The Seaquarium was one of the first facilities dedicated to the preservation of marine life although its main attractions, the dolphin and whale shows, have drawn controversy in recent years. For an insight into the art-deco architecture of SoBe, visit the design museum Wolfsonian FIU and for a flavour of old Havana see the Maximo Gomez Park.

Day and night, the South Beach area of Miami Beach is a major entertainment hub with a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, and boutiques.

The diverse nature of the Miami population influences the menus and themes of restaurants, from Italian to Latin American.

Shoppers flock to Collins Avenue, Downtown and the pedestrianised Lincoln Road, where designer goods, electronics, perfumery, surf gear and souvenirs are on offer.

Other popular activities for English language student include seeing a Miami Dolphins football game, visiting nearby famous attractions such as the Florida Everglades and Orlando theme parks, and a host of outdoor activities, from sailing to simply relaxing on Miami Beach in the warmth of the sun.