The city of Miami Beach earned its nickname, the 'American Riviera', after undergoing a renaissance in the 1980s. Initially developed in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, the beautiful Art Deco architecture fell into disrepair, and Miami Beach quickly lost its appeal as a destination for the young, wealthy and stylish. In the 1980s, however, some intrepid architects, aided by designers such as Calvin Klein, began the process of renovating the buildings and revitalizing the neighborhood.

The gamble paid off, and by the 90s, Miami Beach was the neighborhood to see and be seen. Luxury hotels, posh dining establishments, trendy nightclubs, high-fashion boutiques and, of course, the beach are the primary attractions for the area, drawing vacationers from all over the world. This, coupled with the unique marriage of art with urban functionality, makes Miami Beach a highly desirable location to live.

Miami Beach takes its role as a center of arts seriously. There are at least four museums within Miami Beach proper, and over a dozen more in Miami itself. The art galleries are even more plentiful, tucked away on streets between little restaurants and dance clubs. The entertainment and fashion industries are also quite prominent, and it's not uncommon to walk down a street and stumble upon a fashion shoot in progress, or a production crew filming a scene for a commercial.

Miami Beach is geared towards those who enjoy art, glamour and entertainment. Known as a playground for the rich and beautiful, it's possible to spend several weeks there and leave without having seen all that Miami Beach has to offer. Stroll up and down Ocean Drive, and stop for a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many sidewalk cafes and eateries. Splurge on a pair of designer shoes. Dance until 3 am to the sounds of house music, or if you prefer, salsa music. Enjoy the Art Deco architecture and the other innovations in design that Miami Beach is known for.

Miami Beach is home to many different types of accommodations, from trendy boutique hotels to

If a night out is in order, trendy nightclubs like Liquid or Amnesia keep the music loud and pumping until the early morning hours. Nikki Beach is another dance club with a uniquely Miami flair – the dance floor is right on the beach! If laid-back is more your style, check out Mango's Tropical Café, where live reggae and salsa music is featured every night. Foodies will appreciate the unique fusion cuisine served at restaurants around the area: American eclectic at Nemo, Nuevo Latino at Yuca, or Floribbean at Rumi.

Of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without spending some time on the white sands that line the oceanfront. Rollerblading is very popular, as Miami Beach has several straight, wide boardwalks that run the length of Ocean Drive. Most water sports rentals, such as Jet-skis and snorkeling, are readily available. Fun for the entire family can be had as well, with a trip to Parrot Jungle, a habitat for exotic birds, or the Miami Seaquarium, home to large marine life like killer whales and dolphins. Professional sports are another fun pastime for the whole family, with the Florida Panthers, the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Marlins and the Miami Heat all based in or around Miami.

With so many clubs, bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques and theaters open until all hours of the night, visitors to Miami Beach will never be bored.