| While the rest of the country fights the cold, | | | | Deco district. If you are looking for a quieter |
| winter is the start of Miami's great weather. On | | | | beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is nice |
| the southern tip of Florida, the city of Miami rests | | | | and has a lighthouse. |
| on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The close | | | | Miami is edged by two National Parks, the |
| proximity to the ocean and the low latitude gives | | | | Biscayne and the Everglades. The Biscayne |
| this city its tropical climate. From December to | | | | National Park is mainly a marine park with |
| January, the average daily high is in the | | | | fantastic coral reefs. The Everglades are famous |
| mid-seventies, and these are the coldest months | | | | for their wildlife, like alligators and great white |
| of the year. The wet season ends in November, | | | | herons. Nature-lovers will appreciate the many |
| and Florida's dry season begins. | | | | trails and viewpoints. Year round there is |
| Miami is a vibrant city with strong Latin influences. | | | | something to see at these National Parks. Winter |
| The city is very metropolitan while still retaining a | | | | is also a time of harvest, with many of the |
| relaxed, fun-loving attitude. The Miami area has a | | | | famous Florida oranges being harvested from |
| long history. First the area was a Native American | | | | December through March. Many homes in Florida |
| settlement, then the Spanish brought in some | | | | have fruit trees in the yard. Farm stands are |
| missions. In the late 1800 to today, Miami has | | | | open all year with fresh, local fruits and |
| experienced huge growth, partially because its | | | | vegetables. |
| popularity as a winter destination. While the | | | | Several excellent golf courses are in and around |
| thriving economy supports a large, year-round | | | | Miami, and the PGA has regular competitions here. |
| population, winter is still the season when | | | | There are several huge shopping mall, and a few |
| everything comes to life. There is always | | | | outdoor shopping areas like the Lincoln Road |
| somewhere to go and something to do. The Latin | | | | street mall in Miami Beach. Imagine shopping for |
| influence can especially be felt in the dining and | | | | Christmas presents in their great shops, and then |
| dancing--Miami has fantastic restaurants and clubs. | | | | having lunch on the patio of a delicious Cuban |
| The winter weather in Miami is so pleasant that | | | | restaurant. All of this while wearing shorts. It is no |
| there are few days that cannot be spent at the | | | | wonder, Miami is one of the most popular |
| beach. Miami has several long, sandy beaches ideal | | | | retirement areas in the country. |
| for sunbathing, beach-combing, and water sports. | | | | Miami is a delightful city with perfect winter |
| There are plenty of places to snorkel and scuba | | | | weather. It is a great place to have a home-many |
| dive, and even in winter the water is a tolerable | | | | come for winter vacation and never leave. If you |
| seventy degrees. The most famous of Miami's | | | | are looking for a combination of sunshine and fun |
| beaches is South Beach. This somewhat | | | | things to do, Miami is the place to choose. |
| risqué beach is lined with a funky Art | | | | |