Destination information
The whole area has an exotic Latin feel to it - from the delightful architecture in pastel-coloured Coral Gables to the genuine Cuban community in Little Havana. Families will appreciate miles and miles of pristine beaches, year-round warm weather and attractions such as the Seaquarium, Gator Park and Metrozoo. Raging nightlife will keep the young and lively up till all hours and the shopping is to die for! South Beach (known to the locals as SoBe) is full of palatial homes, hip clubs, excellent restaurants and beautiful stretches of golden sand with water sports galore.
Getting there
Flight Details - You fly direct non-stop to Miami international airport from Heathrow with award-winning Virgin Atlantic.
Flight Time - Approx 10 hours time difference GMT -5 hours distance Approx 9 miles from Miami international airport.
Driving Times - Approx 15-20 min from Miami international airport.
Non-driving Option
We understand that even in the land that invented the automobile, not everyone likes to drive. Being a non-driver in Florida is easy with Virgin Holidays.
Take our chartered bus between Orlando and Miami. After a stay in Orlando, what could be better than to chill out in South Florida? You then have just a short transfer to Miami international airport for your flight back to London. Or, if you stay in Miami before heading up to Orlando, you can do the same transfer, but in reverse.
Transfers between Orlando Virgin Holidays favourite hotels and The Days Thunderbird Beach Resort
Only £40 per person each way
Operates every Tue between 11 Mar-02 Dec '08.
Transportation from Miami international airport to Miami couldn't be easier. Just catch one of the readily available Super Shuttle transfers* or to avoid the queues, take a taxi (approx $55). Just see one of our representatives at the airport and they will show you where to go.
*Denotes local charge
We operate a daily service which is available for Fort Lauderdale
Only £20 per person each way
Or opt to arrive in style
From as little as £239
Our limo transfers are hugely popular. Stretch out in one of these amazing vehicles and arrive at your hotel in film-star style. Go on - you're worth it!
All limo prices are per round trip for a min of 2 people. Limos take a max of 8 people excluding luggage. The boot fits 4 large suitcases and 2 pieces of hand luggage. If your party has more luggage, you will need to book an additional taxi.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
Virgin Holidaymakers have been returning to the Thunderbird year after year, secure in the knowledge that they are in for a great value beach holiday. Our Miami office is here in the hotel, making booking all your excursions even easier – don't forget to ask us about fishing trips.
It's arguably the most famous hotel on Ocean Drive, THE street in South Beach, lined with restaurants and bars. You really are staying in a work of art at the Park Central. The beach is opposite and the hotel has a sexy rooftop sun deck, as well as its own swimming pool. The cool hotel bar is the perfect place in which to hang out and sip cocktails before you hit the nightlife.
This legendary hotel first opened its doors to the public in 1954, when the A-list celebs of the time - Elvis, Sinatra and the Rat Pack - were frequent visitors. Following a $1 billion renovation and expansion, hotel offers 22 oceanfront acres of a spectacular blend of Miami's golden era and stylish modern luxury.
This hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an unrivalled standard of accommodation in a prime beach location. The building is a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel in the city's historic Art Deco District and La Maison de Beauté Carita Spa has been voted one of America's top 10.
There’s a distinct tropical atmosphere at this lovely resort, located in a quiet area, overlooking a very private stretch of beach. Miami Beach Resort boasts a huge variety of amenities including an oceanfront Olympic-size swimming pool with concierge service – simply request your towels, snacks or magazines and they’ll be brought to you as you soak up the sun on your comfortable lounger!...
Weather and climate
Additional info
Chic People and Nightlife
South Beach is home to numerous nightspots, frequented by the rich and famous. One such place is Tantra Restaurant and Lounge or head to News Café? on legendary Ocean Drive, a haunt for wannabe models and socialites. A block off Ocean Drive, all-night clubs raise the tempo with Mansion, Bed and Opium Garden, to name a few.
Artistic Flare and Culture
Ocean Drive is SoBe's most photographed street and in the Art District you'll find more than 800 Art Deco buildings and edgy art galleries. In Little Havana, salsa music fills the air whilst men play dominos in the park. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the state's oldest science museums and features an Italian Renaissance-style villa.
Extravagant Shopping
Aventura Mall is one of Miami's finest malls and easily reached by local bus. Designer shops can be found at Dolphin Mall near the airport, which has over 200 shops, or head to South Beach for one-of-a-kind boutiques. Coconut Grove is a lively retail area with trendsetting Bal Harbour Village, home to flagship stores such as Hermès and Gucci.
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Beach Fun (and Water Worlds)
There are fantastic beaches at Key Biscayne with windsurfing and sailing along its causeway. Miami Seaquarium is one of Florida's first marine attractions with dolphin interaction programmes and environmentally inclined exhibits. 95% of Biscayne National Park is covered in water with boat tours aplenty, snorkelling and diving.
Family Tips
The brand-new Miami Children's Museum has interactive exhibits designed to keep the kids happy for hours. They'll also love Parrot Jungle Island, home to Hercules, a 900-pound tiger, and Hank, the 200-pound crocodile! Miami Metrozoo, with its plant and animal life, is also recommended for a day out.
Floribbean Food
A Miami invention, Floribbean cooking fuses the best of Florida cuisine with island techniques to produce one of the most popular styles to have hit in many decades. Restaurants are usually excellent value for money with a number of them serving food 24 hours a day. Sunday brunch is a popular affair, as is Cuban cuisine in Little Havana and Coral Gables.
Did you know?
- Walking tours are the best way to appreciate the architecture of the Art Deco district.
- Situated on Ocean Drive, Casa Casuarina is the most distinguished residence in Miami - it used to be the home of designer Gianni Versace; further back in its history it was also offices of Al Capone. It is now a private members' club and often hosts lavish A-lister events.
- Every 3rd Fri in the month is 'Free Friday' at the Miami Children's Museum.
- Crandon Park has calm waters, fine sand and palm trees for shade. The drive to the park itself is worth it for the amazing view from the bridge (approx $1 toll).
- For casual dining and shopping, Miracle Mile in Coral Gables is fast becoming the place to be.
- South Beach hit the headlines again with the film release of Miami Vice, which was all filmed on location here.