It used to be called 'God's Waiting Room' because of the many octogenarians eking out their last moments by the pool. Today the old folks mingle with fashion designers, bikini models and Cuban émigrés, and the city that once had the highest murder rate in the US attracts millions of tourists.

Greater Miami is a melting pot that would make America's founders swell with pride. Half the population is Hispanic, giving the city an international outlook that feels rare in the USA. For the casual visitor this means a city spiced with Latin American food, language, music, politics and spirit.

Greater Miami offers a mix of cultures that can be found no place else. The Miami gay-friendly environment extends beyond local businesses to government officials and policies.

Greater Miami is truly the Gay Riviera. It's where you'll find one of the world's hottest gay destinations, South Beach, which offers a exhilarating cocktail of history, culture and nightlife — and, oh yes, the beaches!

The Miami culture is very dynamic and has a heavy Latin influence. Immigrants can be found from Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico, among other Latin American countries. In fact, 58 percent of the people living in Miami city in 2003 were foreign born. It is not uncommon to walk down any street in the city and not hear English spoken. It is a wide variation of people and backgrounds, influencing cultural celebrations found throughout Miami. You can also see a generous difference in wealth. Miami is full of those living a life full of riches and fame, driving expensive cars and owning high rises with oceanfront views. On the opposite side, you will also find suburbs with little income.

Little Havana is the heart of the Cuban exile community and teeming with culture. This 25 block area is populated by restaurants, car dealerships, record stores and cigar factories, and also neighbourhoods with small homes and apartments. Calle Ocho, made famous for its Latin celebrations, is one street worth visiting in this section of town. Little Havana provides residents with central parks and boulevards for large family gatherings, cultural partying and political demonstrations.

Getting there

By air

By Air there are two Major Commercial Airports for travel to in Miami, Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Ft. Lauderdale Airport is farther away from Downtown Miami and Miami Beach but ticket prices tend to be cheaper flying into Ft. Lauderdale . But if you are not going to rent a car a taxi from Ft. Lauderdale to Downtown Miami or Miami Beach can run up to around $65.  Miami International Airport is used more as an International Gateway.

By rail

There is only one way to get to Miami by train – using Amtrak.  Amtrak runs a daily service to the city.  You can also take a car train from Washington DC to Sanford, FL.

By car

Driving to Miami is very simple. Driving in Miami is not. I-75 will take you to Ft. Lauderdale where you can connect to I-95 or US-1. I-95 will take you right into Downtown Miami. I-195 will take you into Miami Beach. US-1 will take you through the local parts of Miami into Downtown and than into Carol Gables and South Miami. US-1 will continue on until Key West. The Florida Turnpike also goes into Miami.