Gay Guide Miami Beach

Miami Beach (or "SoBe", South Beach) is a very trendy place. It's interesting to take a look at the reasons for this. The most obvious reason is the "National Historic District", consisting of 800 renovated Art-Deco-houses, apartment buildings and small hotels. A kitsch dream in pastel shades. Another reason is the clever way that the city government has used the media and dreamlike beach and palm scenery, to promote the city. The "Ocean Drive" is the boulevard next to the beach, where the beautiful and the wanna-be-beautiful saunter along. Parallel to it run Collins and Washington Avenue, which form one side of the gay right angle. The other side is the "Lincoln Road Mall", a real pedestrian zone in the US (!). Along one of these axes you'll find all gay establishments of the town in walking distance. It is best to find accommodation in this area and save yourself renting a car. The best time to visit is between October and April, peak season around Christmas to Easter. Important events are the parties, which begin with "Thanksgiving" (last Thu in November). The climax of this party season is the Winter Party in March. SoBe is situated right next to a major city, Miami. And this city has many things to offer: Little Havanna (SW 8th Street/SW 11th Avenue), where the Cuban immigrants have settled, Showtime in Seaquarium, or shopping and strolling around Bayside Marketplace, Coral Gables or Coconut Grove.