South Beach

Address:Miami Beach, Florida

If there ever was a model for the wonders of gentrification, South Beach (SoBe) in Miami Beach would be it. Once so crime-ridden and run-down that Scarface and Miami Vice represented life in the area, the fashion industry adopted South Beach as a capital, and now it is one of the hottest vacation spots in the United States.

The city of Miami Beach promises visitors a 25 hour day. Travelers claim this is a vacation destination you will never forget. Lots of hype surrounds it. Find out first hand what it's all about.

With thousands of fashion models, it's no wonder beachgoers have replaced crack dealers and have restored the elegance and popularity of the 1930's with a very trendy and chic, 21st century flavor.

Visitors, including many Europeans, choose South Beach for many of the same reasons it was chosen by the original trendy residents who developed the area's Art Deco buildings in the 1920's and 1930's. Many of these have now been converted into some of the most alluring boutique hotels in the United States. New high end hotels and residences have also been built to serve the tourist and fashion boom.

The area caters more towards singles and couples than families. Topless bathing is standard on the beach. Stores, bars and cafes seem to be open always. People watching is at its finest, whether the people are walking, driving vintage cars or zipping by on rollerblades.

Don't let all that distract you from South Beach's world-famous Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Nautical Moderne architecture. After a short walk, you will actually be able to understand the differences.

South Beach occupies the southern tip of the island of Miami Beach, north to 23rd Street; a distance of approximately 2 miles. Most of the hotspots are on three main north-south roads – Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue.

Getting around South Beach is quite simple – walk. The area is compact enough, the views are great and new experiences await every few blocks. If you do insist on getting from one end to the other in a hurry, take the bus, the South Beach Local (or SBL) running up and down Washington and Alton. For 25 cents, it will be the least expensive part of the South Beach experience. You may or may not see a movie or rock star, but no matter, almost everyone walks around like one. You will too.

Visitors to South Beach should be aware that the beach itself is not one of the best in Florida. The sand is not as soft as you might expect, a parking is expensive. In fact, everything is expensive. You will see lots of "beautiful people", but also some homeless ones. And don't expect the polite friendliness typical of many resort destinations. This is South Beach and it is like nothing else.