SUNNY ISLES BEACH
The scene is changing in this lively resort area. The atmosphere is still casual but the funky 50's motels and small beachfront hotels are giving way to luxury apartment towers and hotels. Little has changed on the Newport Fishing Pier, where you can drop a line and fish from shore. For real deep-sea fishing, head to the charter boats docked on the Intracoastal Waterway at Haulover Beach Park. Ocean breezes cool the nine-hole Par 3 golf course and tennis courts, and make the park a mecca for kite flying. Across the way, a one-mile stretch of pristine white sand and open ocean surf invites sunbathing and swimming. Shaded picnic facilities and landscaped sand dunes complete the scene.

SURFSIDE
One of the attractions of this quiet family-oriented town is the wide, secluded beach bordered by a path through the dunes. Rejuvenated hotels and new luxury condominiums are changing the style of Collins Avenue, but Harding Avenue, retains the feel of an old-style main street with small shops and a 50's corner drugstore and  soda fountain. Small bistros welcome strollers for a casual meal. Shows and events take place at the oceanfront pink Community Center. Just south of Surfside, the North Shore State Recreation Area offers an unspoiled beachfront nature preserve and picnic area that caters to families. Be sure to visit the Surfside Community Center and Tot-Lot, with an Art deco-style outdoor stage reminiscent of a miniature Hollywood Bowl, where various shows and events are presented year-round.

KEY BISCAYNE
The soaring Rickenbacker Causeway spans Biscayne Bay from the mainland to the waterfront mansions and luxury hotels on this charming, self-contained island. Miles of golden sand beaches line its shores and parks abound. You can play tennis at the Crandon Park Tennis Center, home to the Ericsson Open tournament every March, featuring the world's top-ranked tennis players. while Crandon Park Golf Course's intriguing terrain puts it among the top 50 public courses in Florida. Thick tropical foilage lines the road to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, where the beach invites swimming or kayaking. Also, you can rent small sailboats, paddle boats and water bicycles. On land, rent a bike, hike the nature trails and climb to the top of the 1825 lighthouse. Swim with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium or meet Lolita the Killer Whale and visit a host of fascinating sea creatures and exhibits. The Majorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center offers hands-on marine exploration among dunes, beaches, coastal hammocks, mangroves and fossil-rock reefs. The delicate ecology of Biscayne Bay is studied at the University of Miami's noted Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key.

BISCAYNE BAY ISLANDS
Island living has its charms, and nowhere better than in Bay Harbor Islands and North Bay Village. Lapped by the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, these quiet communities offer a small-town atmosphere away from the mainland bustle across the causeways. Bay Harbor's main street is defined by fashionable shops, art galleries and restaurants while North Bay Village offers the delights of waterfront dining with a variety of cuisines. In contrast, Dodge Island is busy with the activity of the Port of Miami, the largest cruise-ship port in the world - luxury cruise ships in dock are awesome when viewed from the MacArthur Causeway. Just beyond the port and accessible only by ferry, boat or plane lie the upscale residences, resort and spa on Fisher Island.