PinkAgenda

Community Calendar and Travel Information

Gay in Miami, Florida.

Carlos T. Mock, MD and William R. Rattan

Last Update August 2006

Airports | Climate | Currency | Dining | Getting Around | Internet | Lodging | References | Scene | Shopping | Things to See | Tipping

There is so much to do in South Florida, it should be illegal to declare boredom. From east to west, the beach to the Everglades, with miles of activities in between, the options are almost endless.

Time Zone

Miami is on Eastern Standard Time zone. They adopt Eastern Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.

Language

The language spoken throughout America is, of course, predominantly English. However, a large number of people in Miami speak Spanish or other languages.

Currency

US Dollar - USD = 100 cents

Weather

Between December and March, Miami’s winter months, expect temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (13-25 degrees Celsius) on average. Outside these months the climate varies only slightly; temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 30 degrees Celsius), with high humidity and frequent ocean winds

Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) is six miles (ten kilometers) west of the city, with Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) about 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the north. Both airports have 24-hour shuttle bus services, taxis, limousine hire and a choice of national and local rental car agencies. The best way to get around the Miami area is by car and a number of the rental firms offer hourly as well as daily and weekly rates. To avoid getting trapped in traffic congestion in the downtown area there is the 'Metromover'. Part bus, monorail and train, it comprises a couple of computer-controlled carriages that run on an elevated track and offers great views of central Miami.

Tipping

Holidays

2007 Federal Legal Holidays

Internet

It is possible to connect to the Internet through the phone sockets of most hotel rooms in the United States. If you own a mobile phone contact your phone company as it may be possible to use this to connect to the Internet.

Getting around

Word of caution about car rental companies

Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.

Our recommendation:

If you arrive by car, you’ll probably drive on I-95, the major north-south expressway on the East Coast, running just west of downtown Miami all the way to Maine. Just south of downtown I-95 ends and merges with US1, zipping southwest along Biscayne Bay through Greater Miami’s suburbs of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and others. Another major highway, I-75, runs from the West Coast of Florida to Miami.

Public transportation in Miami, as in the rest of the state, leaves a lot to be desired. But at least the city is trying and has several options not offered in other large metropolitan areas in Florida. The Metrobus and Metrorail operate within Greater Miami. Tri-Rail transports passengers around within 3 counties.

Things to see

Museums

Each year, thousands of tourists are lured to Miami for the beautiful beaches, sexy nightlife and unique Latin flavor. With so much to do, many visitors tend to overlook the art and historical dimension of the city.

Beaches

With 15 miles of white-sand beaches and a tropical climate, almost any day of the year is a great day for the beach in Miami. On Miami Beach a 300-foot-wide palm-studded shoreline extends from South Pointe Park north to 87th Street. The entire beach is open to the public and staffed by lifeguards during daylight hours in selected areas. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, public parking lots, and metered parking. Lots are usually full by 10 am on weekends. Buses and taxis make frequent stops at the beaches.

Surfers prefer South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave. At Biscayne St. in South Beach), with its wide beach, boardwalk, pier, marina, and restaurants. The main stretch of South Beach’s water and sand can be crowded with scantily clad sunbathers and gays. Many families find more privacy at Third Street Beach (3rd St. and Ocean Drive). North Shore Open Space Park (75th to 87th Sts.) has a boardwalk, pavilions, walking trails, a bike path, and places to fish.

South Beach Located in the heart of South Beach, this beach offers some of the best people watching in America. Although the gayest area of the beach is at 12th St & Ocean Dr, you're likely to find family all along the beach.

To the north is Haulover Beach, located on Collins Avenue between Bal Harbor and Sunny Isles. Beach access is at 108th St. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the beach has concession stands, lifeguards on duty, and shaded picnic areas among the landscaped dunes. Families enjoy the southern end of the beach park, while nudists claim the northern portion. Haulover Beach is a favorite spot for many gays and lesbians. The northern part of the beach is clothing optional (nude). If you prefer to stick with family, go to the northern part of the clothing optional area. No matter where you go, you will be welcome, as everyone here seems to have a live and let live attitude.

In Key Biscayne, the 410-acre Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area (1200 S. Crandon Blvd.) is considered the area’s best picnic beach. Besides picnic areas, it boasts beautiful bicycle trails, fishing, and a picturesque lighthouse. A cafe serves seafood on the beachfront. The beach at Crandon Park (4000 Crandon Blvd.) In Key Biscayne ranks as one of the nation’s top 10, according to several surveys. It has a bird refuge, marina, and a beachfront playground featuring water-themed play objects.

The Scene

We would like to recommend you visit Travel Gayzette before heading out for your night of fun in Miami. We recommend them to stay current with the gay life in Miami.

Start your evening with cocktails at Hotel Astor (956 Washington Avenue). The elegant Astor is a seductive and slow-paced spot with excellent refreshments (martinis are $8). Attracting a consistently varied and tempting mix of sophisticated locals, hotel guests, and visitors. Gay favorite for lunch and mid week lounging by the pool. Try to get there early and get poolside seating.

Associations & News Magazines

References

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