In the 1930s and into the 1950s south Florida, especially Miami, carried an image of posh hotels on balmy beaches, populated by wealthy tourists from New York. They played cards on the sand and danced to big bands at night — sort of a tropical Catskills. No more! Miami and its surrounding smaller towns are important ports of call for the booming cruise industry, and Miami itself is home to the hip South Beach.  And it is very Cuban.  You'll find plenty of outdoor sun 'n fun activities here, and there are many other south Florida attractions within an easy driving distance.

Who goes there? In times past, this was the kind of place that really appealed to those who wanted a very predictable vacation. Visitors counted on sun 'n fun beaches, luxurious hotels and lots of people just like them escaping from the cold up north. Miami now attracts a slightly younger group, especially those who enjoy the Caribbean beat of this area. Cruise passengers (also younger than in the early days of cruising) often spend a few days in one of the south Florida ports before or after their cruise.

When do they go? Winter in Florida is still the most desirable time thanks to its pleasant weather.  Summers are warm and humid, but the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay will cool you off — and the prices on hotels and air tickets are better.

Go scuba diving in Miami, called the "wreckreational" diving capital of the world.  It counts more than 50 wreck sites suitable for divers, and one is the Spirit of Miami Boeing 727 jet, sunk to provide artificial reefs.

For divers (or snorkelers) who prefer their reefs au naturel, go to Greater Miami's Biscayne National Park.

Dance at funky nightspots in South Beach.

Do some boating and camping in the Everglades National Park. The park service advises that boating in the Everglades requires skill because of treacherous passes that cut through long banks of mud and seagrass in Florida Bay. Other areas, especially among the Ten Thousand Islands, have many oyster reefs and sandbars. Also, most of the park's 47 wilderness campsites are only accessible by boat.

For museums that raise eyebrows: The Wolfsonian has America's largest collection of 20th century American, German and Italian political propaganda. And, maybe you thought you had to go to Copenhagen for the likes of this: Take a look at the World Erotic Art Museum in South Beach.

Charter a yacht and do some jet skiing or diving. Or charter a sailboat. Or go deep-sea fishing.

Go to Jimbo's, a ramshackle shantytown hidden down a lane on Virginia Key in Key Biscayne, for outstanding smoked fish and coolers filled with beer, water and soda. 

Try out the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Homestead for a chance to ride or drive an authentic NASCAR Nextel Cup-style race car.

Sightsee over Miami in a helicopter or by plane. Or, take to the water: Choose a sightseeing cruise or a dinner cruise.

See the Everglades National Park by taking a narrated tram tour departing from the Shark Valley Visitor Center and/or by taking a narrated boat tour of the Ten Thousand Islands from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Biking in the park is an option, too.

Activities for visitors to the Biscayne National Park include diving and snorkeling, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing and camping. Also, a glass-bottom boat tour.

Hear jazz, salsa and reggae in the funky neighborhood bars of Coconut Grove.

Go to tiny Coopertown to take airboat sightseeing tours to see wildlife in its natural Everglades environment (this is outside the Everglades National Park which does not permit airboat tours). Other vendors offer airboat tours, too.

Swim with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium.

Visit Schnebly Redland's Winery in Homestead, but forget the part about grapes. Come for tours and tastings of wines made with tropical fruits: carambola, guava, lychee, mango and passion fruit.

Miami Beach's Art Deco District claims the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture (more than 800 buildings). See as many as you can. Consider joining one of the regularly scheduled walking tours of the district.

Take the kids to Miami's Metrozoo, a fine example of a cageless zoo, where animals roam in settings that imitate natural habitats.

Eat great seafood; especially stone crabs if they are in season.  Miami is a good place for authentic, tasty Cuban foods.

Miami has spas of all kinds and to fit every budget. Find the one that meets your needs (or fulfills your dreams).

Visit the ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach. The oldest building in the Western Hemisphere, it dates to 1141 and was brought to the United States by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and rebuilt on its current site.

Take a Miami Duck Tour which lets you explore Miami by land and sea. On land, you ride through downtown Miami and South Beach aboard a "vesicle" that looks like a duck on wheels, but later you are cruising into Biscayne Bay for a new angle on the sights.

Enjoy golf at any of the hundreds of courses in South Florida.

For more information, consult the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.miamiandbeaches.com

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