Miami Beach's lush, tropical environment evokes one great movie set, a fantasy world peopled with models and celebrities. But on this stage everyone can enjoy the same alluring lifestyle, relaxing poolside or beachside, lunching at umbrella-shaded tables, even zipping along Ocean Drive on 'blades. At night the non-stop action moves to sizzling clubs, bars and restaurants.

And when sun and surf don't suffice; enjoy shopping, sightseeing and sampling exotic food in trendy restaurants in always-fascinating Miami Beach.

SIGHTSEEING
Miami Beach offers more than fantasy Art Deco buildings, it is blessed with diverse cultural institutions. The new Cultural Campus houses the Bass Museum of Art with a permanent collection of important European art, the public library and the Miami City Ballet headquarters. On Washington Avenue, the Spanish Baroque facade of The Wolfsonian/FIU is as distinctive as the eclectic collection of more than 70,000 objects inside. The Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco synagogue and the Holocaust Memorial is built around a stark sculptured hand pointing skyward.

Public beaches define the 10-mile strand along the Atlantic Ocean, enlivened by colorful, funky lifeguard stands. A raised boardwalk along the beach invites strolling.

For a different view of Miami Beach take a boat tour around the private Biscayne Bay islands - Star, Palm and Hibiscus - where celebrities reside on elaborate estates. Or, get close-up to Art Deco architectural gems on a walking, biking or in-line skating tour offered by the Miami Design Preservation League.

Collins Avenue, Miami Beach's main artery, carves out a scenic route parallel to the beach. In the North Beach neighborhood, Miami Modernism is the favored building style while an ornate fountain sets the French theme on Normandy Isle.

SHOPPING
Boutiques and specialty shops put a designer spin on shopping in Miami Beach. On Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, the names on the shopping bags reflect the range of designers - Benetton, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, Versace, Kenneth Cole and Hugo Boss among them - selling clothes on the cutting edge of cool.

Lincoln Road Shopping District, once known as "the Fifth Avenue of the South," is now a pedestrian-only oasis of tropical vegetation, Art Deco structures and street theater. High-style stores, art galleries and restaurants attract visitors until late at night. Here you will find avant-garde design in lamps and home furnishings, books, original gift items and the latest hip gear. An Outdoor Antique and Collectibles Market complements a smaller flea market among the funky stores on Spanish-inspired Española Way.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Miami Beach's trendy charms revolve around its sizzling clubs and night spots and the plethora of dining and entertainment options for every taste from Asian, Cuban and Floribbean to no-nonsense fare. Outdoor eating is appealing all over, where watching-the-world-go-by is as fascinating as the cuisine. And in Miami Beach's famed restaurants, celebrity chefs work their magic for the most discerning palate.

The cultural scene thrives too on music of every genre; modern and experimental dance programs, film festivals and art shows. Broadway regularly comes to Miami Beach with performances of top hit shows. Both on and off the stage, Miami Beach plays a starring role as the place where you are most likely to have fun!