Lisa Simundson - Miami Alive Guide. Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Coral Gables & Beyond

For more information about Greater Miami and the Beaches, including guides, brochures and maps, contact or visit the following information centers

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Visitors Bureaus & Centers

Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, tel. 305-531-3484, www.mdpl.org, is open daily, 11 am-4 pm.

Bal Harbour Village information center, 655 96th Street, Bal Harbour, tel. 305-866-4633, is open weekdays, 9 am-5 pm.

Downtown Miami Partnership , 25 SE 2nd Avenue (Ingraham Bldg.), Suite 1007, tel. 305-379-7070, is open weekdays, 9 am-5 pm.

Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association , is located at 407 Lincoln Road, Beach, tel. 305-531-3553 or 800-531-3553, www.gmbha.org, is open weekdays, 9 am-5 pm.

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is open weekdays, 8:30am-5pm, at 701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700; tel. 305-539-3063, 305-539-3034 or 800-933-8448, www.tropicoolmiami.com.

Snapper Creek Tourist Information Center is open daily, 9am-5pm; Floridas Turnpike Extension, MM 19, tel. 305-969-5927.

Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association Visitor Information Center , 17100 Collins Avenue, Suite 208, Sunny Isles, tel. 305-947-5826, www.sunnyislesfla.com. This information center is open weekdays, 9am-2pm.

Surfside Tourist Board is located at 9301 Collins Avenue, Surfside, tel. 305-864-0722 or 800-327-4557, www.town.surfside.fl.us. They are open weekdays, 9am-3 pm; till noon on Friday.

Tropical Everglades Visitor Association is open Mondays-Saturdays, 8 am-4:45 pm and Sundays, 10am-2 pm; 160 US-1, Florida City, tel. 305-245-9180 or 800-388-9669, www.tropicaleverglades.com

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Chambers of Commerce

The Greater Homestead & Florida City Chamber of Commerce is located at 43 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, tel. 305-247-2332 or 888-FLCITY1, www.chamberinaction.com. They are open weekdays, 8 am-5 pm.

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is currently located at 420 Lincoln Road, tel. 305-672-1270, www.miamibeachchamber.com. The office is open Mondays-Fridays, 8 am-5 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-4 pm. In the fall of 2001, they are scheduled to move to a new facility at 1920 Meridian Avenue.

The office of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is at 2820 McFarlane Road, tel. 305-444-7270, www.coconutgrove.com; it is open weekdays, 9am-5 pm.

Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce , 50 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, tel. 305-446-1657, www.gableschamber.org, is open weekdays, 8:30 am-5 pm; till 4 pm on Friday.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce , 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, tel. 305-350-7700, is open weekdays 8:30 am-5; till 4 pm on Friday.

The Hialeah-Miami Springs-NW Dade Chamber of Commerce is at 59 West 5th Street, Hialeah, tel. 305-887-1515. Weekday hours are 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

The Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce , 87 West McIntyre Street, tel. 305-361-5207, www.keybiscaynechamber.org, is open daily, 9 am-5 pm.

Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce , 235 Lincoln Road, tel. 305-674-1414, is open weekdays, 9 am-5:30 pm.

Miamis warm, sunny climate makes light resort wear the best choice for both men and women, although you may choose to dress more formally in the evenings for the theater, clubs and upscale restaurants. By day, shorts, T-shirts and tennis shoes are perfect for exploring local attractions and parks. If youll be spending time in the water, bring a swimsuit or two along with a cover-up and sandals to get you between the hotel lobby and the beach.

By all means, dont forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. You may even need insect repellent for Everglades excursions, depending on what time of year you visit. Its also a good idea to bring along a sweater or two, since winter nights can be cool, and the year-round chill of indoor air-conditioning can be uncomfortable for some.

If you forget something, dont worry. There are malls galore, drug stores on nearly every corner and all kinds of specialty shops to meet your needs.

Its possible tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crime than the average person, simply because theyre on vacation. Theyre relaxed, theyve let their guard down... theyre not thinking negative thoughts! Still, in a big city like Miami, a few words to the wise can prevent you from becoming a victim.

TAKE CARE

• Dont carry large amounts of cash. Use travelers checks, if possible. If you must carry cash, separate it; dont keep it all in one place.
• Dont wear expensive jewelry and watches while sightseeing.
• Pickpockets are attracted to crowds. So if you are part of crowd attending a festival, for example be wary of someone who brushes against you or bumps into you. Ladies, hold purses in front, not on the side. Men, put your wallets in your front pants pocket. Fanny packs are a good way to go.
• If youre renting a car, be sure to ask the attendant for exact directions to your hotel. Then ask the hotel concierge for detailed directions to your daily destinations. Use maps, but plan your route before setting out. Thieves are on the lookout for slow drivers and those who stop to ask for directions.
• If you do get lost, dont pull off to the side of the road. Drive to the nearest gas station or convenience store to ask for directions. If its dark, drive to a well-lit, populated area before stopping.
• Dont stop for strangers, even someone who appears to be asking for directions. Unfortunately, you may regret being a good samaritan.
• Keep your car doors locked and the windows rolled up while driving, and al ways lock the car when you leave it unattended.
• Never leave valuables in view and dont leave purses or wallets in the car under any circumstances.
• Bring your cell phone along or rent one while youre in Miami. In case of emergency, dial 911.
• If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood. Use your cell phone to call for help or walk to the nearest gas station or place of business.

Public beaches run along the sand-fringed shores of Miami Beach from South Pointe Park north to Surfside and, beyond that, to Haulover Park just south of Sunny Isles. As a rule, beaches and parks are open sunrise to sunset. Most beaches offer restrooms and showers, with restaurants and cafs usually a short walk away. Twenty lifeguard stations dot the sands from the southernmost point north to 83rd Street, and lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:30-4:30, with longer hours during the summer; be extra cautious if you swim when lifeguards are not on duty. Public beaches are free, but bring along change for the parking meters. Parks and recreation areas usually charge an entrance or parking fee. For more information, call either the Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department, tel. 305-673-7730, or the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department, tel. 305-755-7800.