Sun and sand, salsa and style, Miami is distinctly different from any other city in America -- or any city in Latin America, for that matter. This is no sleepy little beach outpost, no drowsy southern town.

In the early 1980s, Miami Beach was an oceanside geriatric ward. Today's South Beach residents have a hip that doesn't break. The average age of locals dropped from the mid-sixties in 1980 to a youthful early forties today. Toned young men outnumber svelte young women two to one, and hormones are as plentiful as cell phones.

Miami has always attracted its fair share of hucksters, scammers, and fly-by-nighters and celebs, too. From the carpetbaggers to Al Capone, from the Colombian druglords of the 1980s to the Russian mafia in the 1990s, this city opens its arms to anyone with flash and cash. Miami bid farewell to Madonna and Sylvester Stallone, who swept into town for a few years, and extended an uneasy greeting to O. J. Simpson and his children. High-profile hometown heroes Gloria and Emilio Estefan lead the list of Latin artists who spend much of their time here, along with Jon Secada, Julio Iglesias, Albita, and Andy Garcia.

Winter is the best time to visit, but if money is an issue, come in the off-season -- after Easter and before October. Summer brings many European and Latin American vacationers who find Miami congenial despite the heat, humidity, and intense afternoon thunderstorms. Like millions of others, they've discovered the many natural and unnatural pleasures to be had year-round in America's southernmost metropolis.

Miami is truly an international city with global headquarters for many multinational corporations located in the city. A multi-ethnic city, at least half of Miami's population is Hispanic, mostly Cuban, giving the city a uniquely Latin flavor. Miami is bilingual and Spanish is spoken as freely as English.

Dining is a pleasurable experience in Miami, where the choices are endless. Hot and spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, Cuban black beans and rice, Haitian conch chowder, soul food, as well as fresh stone crab and key lime pie can be found at storefront cafes as well as elegant restaurants in South Beach.

POPULAR MIAMI NEIGHBORHOODS:

Coconut Grove
The beautiful shore of Biscayne Bay is the setting for the Coconut Grove neighborhood. Vizcaya, former home of industrialist James Deering, turned art museum, is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Miami. The main shopping area, CocoWalk, features theaters, an Artist in Residence Gallery, and many of the usual chain stores and restaurants.

Coral Gables
Coral Gables is a multinational city and is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the Miami area. It is known as the "Fine Dining capital of South Florida". The streets of Coral Gables are pedestrian-friendly and upscale shops can be found along Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami is mostly business during the day but some areas along Biscayne Bay offer an exciting nightlife with popular dance clubs and bars. The most popular shopping destination in Downtown Miami is Bayside marketplace which features more than 140 shops, restaurants, and daily live entertainment.

Miami Beach
Locals and visitors alike love the sunny beaches and the 1.8 mile public boardwalk.

The communities of Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and Surfside make up the northern end of Miami Beach. This area is much quieter than the hustle and bustle of South Beach. The Bal Harbour Shops is an upscale mall with exclusive shops and exotic cafes.

South Beach
This trendy Art Deco district, also known as SoBe, is internationally known for its exciting nightlife and haute cuisine.