Miami, Florida is the southernmost city on the eastern coast of the USA. Its beautiful broad sand beaches are located on the adjacent barrier island known as Miami Beach. This has long been the most famous winter vacation refuge in Eastern USA. At the beginning of January, just after the Christmas holidays, tens of thousands of retired folks depart from their homes and extended families in the cold northern cities and migrate south to their vacation homes and apartments in Miami Beach. They are know locally as "the snow birds".
Many cruise ships depart from the harbor of the Miami seaport. International tourists, cruise ship passengers, snow birds and local residents combine to create a vibant nightlife in this city. It has a large population of Cuban refuges and immigrants from many South American and Central American countries as well as from the various Carribean Isles. The Hispanic culture combines with the cuban rhythims and Island music to create the "Miami sound". This pulsating Latin beat can be heard in bars and dance clubs all over the city.
South Beach, as the southern end of Miami Beach is called, is famous for its art deco architecture, its upscale boutiques and its trendy restaurants and bars. It is a favored vacation destination for many gay tourists. Many rich and famous celebraties from around the world can be seen drinking and dining in the posh South Beach hangouts during the winter vacation season. Their lavish yachts and expensive powerboats are parked in the back waters of the Intercoastal Waterway.