{"id":4488,"date":"2017-10-17T05:59:20","date_gmt":"2017-10-17T10:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4488"},"modified":"2017-10-17T05:59:20","modified_gmt":"2017-10-17T10:59:20","slug":"48-hours-famed-miami-beach-provides-hotbed-of-culture-and-entertainment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4488","title":{"rendered":"48 Hours: Famed Miami Beach provides hotbed of culture and entertainment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted October 17, 2017<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By EDWARD PUNALES<\/p>\n

Located just off the coast of downtown Miami, Miami Beach is one of the most famous vacation destinations in the world. The area is primarily known for its eponymous beach, and the art deco structures that line it, but it is in fact a hotbed for South Florida culture and entertainment. Be it a screening at an independent movie theater, a stroll through an art gallery and or a meal at a local restaurant, Miami Beach has a lot to offer for any vacationer.<\/p>\n

Friday<\/strong><\/p>\n

Noon: News Caf\u00e9<\/strong>
\nStart off by stopping at the News Caf\u00e9, a quiet dining establishment on South Beach. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this Ocean Drive restaurant offers an eclectic mix of dining options, ranging from a traditional breakfast of pancakes and sausage, to burgers, to pizzas, to ice cream. The place has a quiet, cozy atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon break from the sun. Diners can eat indoors or outside to see all the people moving along the famed street. And it\u2019s a great introduction to the more laid-back atmosphere of Miami Beach.<\/p>\n

2 p.m.: Ocean Drive<\/strong>
\nThis iconic stretch of road, known for its historic art deco buildings and lovely ocean views, is a must see for every visit to Miami Beach. Elizabeth Germanotta, a South Florida native, has walked the road many times and says it never gets old. \u201cThe colors of the buildings at night, the smell of the ocean, it\u2019s just so beautiful,\u201d she said. The drive is also home to some of the most beloved restaurants and shops in Miami Beach, such as Fish of Avalon, and the Shoppes of Il Villaggio.<\/p>\n

7 p.m.: O Cinema<\/strong>
\nFor a little culture, one might check out the O Cinema. An independent movie theater that specializes in smaller films, as well as special screenings of classic films, O Cinema, has the look and feel of an old- time movie house, complete with a balcony. It has become a staple of the South Florida film scene. \u201cI love how they always show old movies,\u201d said Heather Strully, a South Beach native. \u201cIt\u2019s just nice to see them on the big screen sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saturday<\/strong><\/p>\n

10 a.m.: Lincoln Road<\/strong>
\nLocated near Ocean Drive, this outdoor mall has a lot to offer the serious shopper. Between the big name shops such as Pandora, The Apple Store, and Banana Republic, to the beautiful archways, fountains, and plants, a stroll down Lincoln Road is certainly a unique experience. And it\u2019s also good for a bite to eat, with restaurant such as Pizza Rustica and Balans Restaurant & Bar.<\/p>\n

2 p.m.: South Pointe Park<\/strong>
\nLocated just south of the main Ocean Drive strip, South Pointe Park is a lovely scenic location right next to the beach and along Government Cut. Guests visiting the park can explore the pier, have a picnic on the grass, or just walk along the canal and enjoy the water. And if you\u2019re lucky, you might even see some of the magnificent cruise ships pass by, as they enter and leave the Port of Miami<\/p>\n

7 p.m.: Books & Books<\/strong>
\nAnother staple of South Florida, Books & Books is one of the most well-known independent bookstores in the Southeast. The story provides an intimate atmosphere to peruse the shelves of classic books and new releases. You could even grab a bite to eat at the outdoor caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Sunday<\/strong><\/p>\n

10 a.m.: Britto Central<\/strong>
\nFinish off your trip to Miami Beach with a trip to a South Florida Institution, Britto Central. Its dedicated to the work of artist Romero Britto. Britto Central is a lively art gallery, where guests have the opportunity to purchase prints of the artist\u2019s work, or simply admire the colorful, strange work, that could\u2019ve only come from South Florida.<\/p>\n

If You Go<\/strong><\/p>\n