Miami’s amazing blend of cultural diversity will be apparent the moment you enter this city and hear the melodic sounds of Spanish carrying through the warm tropical air. This is a city brimming with activity. It’s a world-class holiday destination, as well as a 24-hour party scene full of jetsetters and celebrities. In a nutshell, this metropolis has a little taste of everything.

Although Miami is notorious for many things, it is widely considered one of the trendiest spots in America. Its fabulous sunny weather, powdery-white beaches and hyperactive nightlife easily back up this reputation. Right in the heart of the city are more than 15 miles of beautiful beaches, most of them with excellent dining and shopping just across the pavement.

What was once considered the retirement haven for America’s senior citizens has transformed into the place to live for the younger generation. It is possible to stargaze along the ultra-trendy strip of South Beach and Coconut Grove, but most of the people who live in this city are average Americans who come for the climate and the lifestyle. The food here is simply fantastic, and has a unique blend of Caribbean, Latin and South American styles. Some of the best food in town is found in the ubiquitous street stalls and small Cuban cafés that serve the real deal at a working man’s price.

Where you stay in Miami really depends on your budget. Although the beach is a major drawing card, there are dozens of affordable hotels scattered around the downtown area and the ocean is never far away. This city of extremes doesn’t fail to please. The fashionable love it for the shopping and world-class nightclubs, the elderly for its kind weather, and many others for the colourful cultural diversity which permeates every aspect of life.

Centuries before sun worshippers spread their towels on the sand and Art Deco became vogue, the Tequesta Indians lived in the swampy, mosquito-ridden area we now know as Miami. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive, building a mission settlement in 1567. But nothing really developed here until the Americans acquired Florida in 1821 and then droves of pioneers migrated to the region around the Miami River.

The city’s growth remained as sluggish as the summer climate until the Florida East Coast Railroad connected Miami to the rest of the country. This marked the true beginnings of Miami as a city to be reckoned with. Wealthy American developers quickly saw the tourism potential of the area and began transforming the swamps into white sandy beaches and luxurious hotels. In addition to the hotels, many intrepid individuals built homes and estates, which culminated in the property boom of the 1920s, a period of excess and extravagance in Miami. The Art Deco movement brought a special character to the city, but the Great Depression halted much of the progress.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Miami gained a reputation for attracting a diverse blend of people. Military men mixed with artists, retired pensioners and even the occasional outlaw such as Al Capone. The warm weather and sandy beaches continued to draw in the tourists, but Miami was still just a tropical backwater.

The massive Cuban migration following Castro’s revolution in 1959 was a major catalyst for the growth of Miami into an international city of business and commerce. The Cuban community formed the first of many distinctive ethnic enclaves, all of which contribute to the colourful, festive atmosphere that is Miami. Today, the beautiful beaches and tropical waters are just a part of the allure for tourists. Equally engaging is the fantastic Hispanic flavour which permeates nearly every aspect of life in this city.

Miami is one of the only cities in America which has a true tropical climate. Temperatures range from warm to hot throughout the year and humidity levels are consistently higher than anyone would prefer. However, due to its location along the coast, ocean breezes often waft through the city helping to cool things off.

Winter, which runs from December through February, is the best time to visit Miami. The temperatures average from 15 - 24°C and blue skies dominate the days. This is also when the vast majority of tourists, pensioners and snowbirds come to town, so things become quite crowded. Summers are however another story. The heat and humidity can be completely oppressive, with daily afternoon thunderstorms ensuring that conditions remain muggy at all times. Add to that the real danger of hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and you can see why most visitors avoid Miami during the summer months.

An excellent compromise is to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. From May to early June and mid-September to October, the weather is ideal and the crowds seen in the winter months have dispersed allowing you to fully enjoy the sights, bars and beaches as well as saving on hotel rates.