Don't get caught in the shuffle! Know the hot spots you want to visit before you get out and about.

For an area that started as farmland in 1870, the neighborhood now known as South Beach, Miami, has certainly evolved. In the 1920s, several millionaires, including Harvey Firestone, J.C. Penney, and Harvey Stutz, made South Beach their home. In the 1930s, art deco architecture became wildly popular, giving the neighborhood the distinction of having the world's largest collection of streamline moderne art deco architecture. Between the 1960s and 1980s, South Beach was made even more popular by several television series, including The Jackie Gleason Show and Miami Vice. Also during this time, many of the unique art deco buildings were lost to developers. But in 1979, the Miami Beach Architectural District, one square mile of South Beach, was saved by activists then named to the National Register of Historic Places. Although it was known as a high-crime neighborhood before Miami Vice made it so popular, it is now considered one of the wealthiest commercial areas on the beach. Today, South Beach is popular both nationally and internationally because of its influx of fashion and entertainment professionals, as well as its multiculturalism.

Accommodations:

Hotel Victor
Located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District and adjacent to the Versace mansion, the famous Hotel Victor offers an intimate atmosphere flanked by the decadence of the '30s and the sophistication of Paris.

Miami Beach Resort and Spa
Luxurious with breathtaking views, the Miami Beach Resort offers easy access to beaches, a lavish spa, exquisite dining, and numerous other activities.

Attractions:

There are so many things to do in South Beach! Take our cue for some fun and interesting outings for your party.

For Art Deco District tours of the area, click here.

For an outdoor adventure not to be missed, visit Everglades National Park.
305-242-7799

To get the full history of Florida, visit the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.
305-375-1492

For a zoo experience that covers 740 acres and has more than 80 exhibits, visit the Miami Metro Zoo.
305-251-0040

Enjoy an otherworldly experience at the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium.
Museum: 305-646-4200
Planetarium: 305-646-4400

The Miami Seaquarium is ideal for a fun-filled family adventure.
305-361-5705

More monkeying around than you could ever imagine, visit the Monkey Jungle, home to nearly 400 primates running free on 30 acres of preserve.
305-235-1611

More than 1,100 exotic birds fly free at Jungle Island, not to mention all the other animal kingdom inhabitants. Don't miss it!
305-400-7000

A National Historic Landmark, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the place to learn about art, interior design, architecture, landscape design, horticulture, the environment, and United States history.
305-250-9133

Arts/Entertainment:

For a world-class ballet experience, visit the Miami City Ballet.
305-532-4880

Visit the Bass Museum of Art for a stunning array of some of the finest art in the world.
305-673-7530

Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts
For Broadway shows, American Ballet Theatre, opera, and contemporary performances, don't miss this theater experience.
305-673-7300

Colony Theater
This state-of-the-art theater is home to local and national artists and institutions from theater, dance, music, comedy, and film.
305-674-1026

Nightclubs:

For a listing of top South Beach nightclubs with descriptions, click here.

Dining:

If you want to try some of the most raved-about South Beach restaurants, click here.

Get an inside look at this year's South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami's South Beach—a foodie's paradise—in "Sunny SOBE," on page 78 of the July/August 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine.