ESPN

The image of Miami as a sunny paradise of pastel Art Deco architecture, endless beaches and glitzy nightlife may still hold up. But, a population explosion in South Florida combined with the region's accessibility to Latin America, has helped turn the city into a hub of international banking and trade. Yet even as Miami's strategic location and rapid growth has attracted an influx of big business, tourists continue to flock here in the simple pursuit of fun in the sun.

Miami is a city of drivers, and unless you plan to stay put it's not easy to get around without a car. In the downtown area, an elevated monorail called the Metromover (free) is a terrific option, hitting all the major attractions and sharing two transfer stations with the 22-mile Metrorail ($1.50). Otherwise, hopping on a bus ($1.50) is the only option.

Miami International Airport is located eight miles west of the city, with cab fares to the downtown area costing approximately $20. Several bus lines are available, as well, and Tri-Rail provides commuter train service to Broward and Palm Beach counties. If you're renting a car, you might also consider flying into smaller Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, 25 miles north of downtown Miami.

Support a Dolphins Resurgence
Pro Player Stadium isn't the most fan-friendly venue in the NFL (and the resident Marlins don't much like it for baseball either), but the Dolphins' rich tradition and has helped them keep a loyal following despite some recent lean seasons. A recent coaching change and promising young players has the area optimistic of a return to prominence.

Watch Shaq and Riles Go after a Title
With an exciting lineup, recent success and the return of Pat Riley to coaching the Miami Heat have become one of the hottest tickets in town. Fans and celebs alike are flocking to their waterfront venue, the American Airlines Arena, to see whether the Heat might be on the road to capturing the city's first NBA championship.

Try to Keep Up with the World's Fastest Sport
Jai alai, which dates from the 15th century, has been played in Miami since 1926 on the nation's oldest court (called a fronton). The game is similar to an indoor form of lacrosse, and the ball that players fling out of long, curved baskets has been clocked at speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour.

See a Championship Decided in Another Fast Sport
The winner of NASCAR's biggest prize - the championship of the Nextel Cup Series - is often determined at Homestead-Miami Speedway, home of the Ford 400. This race is not only the last race of the season, but also the culmination of the ten-race "Chase for the Cup" playoff series instituted in 2004.

Windsurf at Hobie Beach
Also known as Windsurfer Beach, Hobie Beach is located on a secluded inlet where Key Biscayne's Rickenbacker Causeway meets the mainland. The predictable winds, calm waters and downtown views make it a safe and popular destination for both beginning and advanced windsurfers.

Get a Game of Tennis Where the Pros Play
The Crandon Park Tennis Center hosts the annual NASDAQ-100 pro tournament and its 26 courts (6 of them clay) are open to the public. After your game, relax at nearby Crandon Park Beach, one of the best in all of Miami.

Go Snorkeling at Biscayne National Park
Head an hour south of Miami and strap on the mask and fins to explore nearly 200,000 acres of underwater reefs, including the northernmost coral reef in North America. Biscayne is also a top destination for scuba divers, and kayakers and canoers can explore the mangroves along the shoreline.

Little Havana
SW 8th St., between SW 12th and SW 27th Aves., Miami, FL
Called Ocho, as SW 8th St. is known among locals, is Little Havana's Main St. It is home to many who've fled Cuba since 1960, and its street culture reflects that. Buy a hand-rolled cigar, dine on fish croquetas, buy an embroidered guayabera shirt. And dance, dance, dance to the pulsating Latin music. Little Havana is located three miles west of downtown Miami. Best bet: take a taxi.
http://www.gmcvb.com/Neighborhood/Other_Miami_Beach_Neighborhoods.asp

Miami Art Museum
101 W. Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130, 305-375-3000
The museum reflects the city's international culture. Its most admired collection in Miami Art Museum is its Latin American and South American art. The museum is located in downtown Miami. There is ample parking or hail a cab if you prefer.
http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/home-about.asp

Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th St., Homestead FL 33033, 305-23-7275
Ride in a 53-foot glass-bottom boat across the largest marine park in the national park system or on a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamara - though mangrove forests, past schools of manatees, over the world's third-largest coral reef (and home to more than 200 species of fish). The park is located 35 miles south of downtown Miami. There is ample parking
http://www.nps.gov/bisc/resource/index.htm

Miami Metro Zoo
1 Zoo Blvd., 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177, 305-251-0400
Rated among the nation's top 10 zoos, Miami Metrozoo showcases subtropical animals not easily exhibited in cooler climates. Many of its 900 animals roam open, moat-enclosed environments. The zoo is located 18 miles southwest of downtown Miami. There is ample parking or share a cab.
http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/en/Home_Page.asp

Everglades National Park
400001 State Rd. 9336, Homestead, FL, 33034, 305-242-7700
Everglades National Park is a fragile, 1.5 million acre ecosystem - home to alligators, crocodiles, rare wading birds, 25 varieties of orchids, delicate plant life and 36 threatened or endangered animal species. The park is honeycombed with nature trails. Or take a guided boat tour. The park is located 43 miles southwest of downtown Miami. There is ample parking.
http://www.everglades.national-park.com/info.htm#wor

2006 Miami Heat (defeated Dallas Mavericks, 4 games to 2).
2003 Florida Marlins (defeated New York Yankees, 4 games to 2).
2001 University of Miami (NCAA Football National Championship)
1997 Florida Marlins (defeated Cleveland Indians, 4 games to 3).
1991 University of Miami (NCAA Football National Championship)
1989 University of Miami (NCAA Football National Championship)
1987 University of Miami (NCAA Football National Championship)
1983 University of Miami (NCAA Football National Championship)
1974 Miami Dolphins (defeated Minnesota Vikings, 24-7).
1973 Miami Dolphins (defeated Washington Redskins, 14-7).