USA Guide
Florida
Getting around
Downtown and South Beach, the two main tourist areas, are eminently walkable – and, indeed, are best enjoyed on foot. However, if you want to see more of the city, driving is the most practical option. An integrated public transportation network run by Metro-Dade Transit ( 
305/770-3131, 
www.miamidade.gov/transit ) covers Miami, making the city easy – if time-consuming – to get around, at least by day (nighttime services are more skeletal). Metrorail trains ($1.50) run along a single line between the northern suburbs and South Miami; useful stops are Government Center (for downtown), Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, and Douglas Road or University (for Coral Gables). Downtown Miami is also ringed by the Metromover (free), a monorail that doesn't cover much ground but gives a great bird's-eye view. Metrobuses ($2, with a 50¢ surcharge for transfers) cover the entire city, but services dwindle at night.
Taxis are abundant in Miami (meters start at $2.50); either hail one on the street or call Central Cab ( 305/532-5555) or Metro Taxi ( 305/888-8888). If you want to rent a bike, try the Miami Beach Bicycle Center, 601 5th St, South Beach (Mon– Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm; $8/hr, $24/24hr; 305/674-0150, www.bikemiamibeach.com ).
For an informed stroll, take one of Dr Paul George's Walking Tours from the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (call for schedule; no tours July & Aug; $20 and up; 305/375-1621, www.hmsf.org ). In South Beach, don't miss the ninety-minute Art Deco Walking Tour (Tues & Wed, Fri– Sun 10.30am; Thurs 6pm; $20; 305/672-2014), which runs from the gift shop on 12th Street, until the Art Deco Welcome Center reopens in 2010. The shop also offers a self-guided audio walking tour of the district (available daily 9.30am–5pm; 90min; $15).