South Beach, Miami, Florida

Photos of South Beach Happenings At Night

For some unknown reason many of you travelers like to go to South Beach to party. If you do, be sure to bring Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys. They do a great job telling you what to expect and where to go. It can be a fun place if you know what to expect. Or, more likely it will be kind of lame, but at least you can brag to your friends back home that you cruised the strip and got "crunk" on "gin and juice", that is if people are still using that slang when you leave.

Work took me to South Florida more times than I prefer to admit. It wasn't all bad, but certainly wasn't all good. Nothing in Miami feels real; the people, their looks, their lifestyles that they'd projected all felt like a facade. Sure many people had big houses and flashy cars, but how many of them were rich? Not nearly as many as you think, but you'll be better off not telling "them" that.

Took this one from Watson Island. The iconic shot of Miami's Downtown Skyline. A pretty city from the outside? Yes.

Be sure to read a post by Joel over at the Freedonia Post on his unique experience during his Douche filled trip to Miami. He gets it right.

Colony Hotel South Beach Florida at night

Starlite Hotel South Beach Florida at night

The Colony Hotel and the Starlite are completely recognizable from movies and photos and postcards inside every souvenir shop in town. They are across the street from the beach and right in the middle of the action.

Many tourists rent mopeds. Then they drive them up and down A1A. It's called cruising and it is very hard to feel cool doing it when you're on a moped and everyone else is in a lamborghini. Good luck trying to pull.

Boulevard Hotel South Beach Miami At Night

Ohhh... Pretty lights and shiny things.

Clevelander Hotel South Beach Florida at night

People eating at night South Beach Florida

Unfortunately, for as beautiful as this place is, it is still Miami. The people are an "acquired taste". The drinks cost as much as parking which costs more than I am happy to pay. But have fun, either way and don't forget your Lonely Planet.