Which 8 Miami Attractions Doubled as Box OfficeHits?

Next time you visit the “Magic City,” check out these 8 iconic sites that doubled as filmlocales.

Planning a Miami* vacation? It’ll be deja vu all over again, as you see places that you’llrecall from your favorite movies and TV shows. For many folks, it was Miami Vice – the 80scop-action TV hit that popularized the laid-back pastel-hued, no-socks attire – that put the

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Magic City on the film location map. But the truth is, a lot of filmmakers, before and since,have deemed Miami the perfect backdrop for a whole gamut of films – from low-browcomedy to highly intense dramas. Perhaps it’s that stylistic blend of glamor and grit – themixture of contrasting cultures, colorful architecture, and a rich music scene – that makesthe place a “special effect” in and of itself. Check out this preview of top Miami attractionsthat shined on the silver screen:

1 Scene-Stealing: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

(Seen in Any Given Sunday, Absence of Malice, Ace Ventura Pet Detective)

Want to be swept away to fairytale land? Then be sure to visit one of Miami’s mosttreasured spots. The Vizcaya (Basque for “an elevated place) Museum – built as a winterhome for early 20th century industrialist James Deering – is an Italian Renaissance villacome to life. Filled with authentic 15th-19th century European furnishings, as well asFrench and Italian fountains and sculptures, Vizcaya has hosted world leaders from PopePaul II to Queen Elizabeth II during their Miami stops. Today, its opulent interiors andlovely gardens are a favorite backdrop for weddings, quinceañeras – and films.

2 Show-stopping: Ocean Drive

(Seen in Scarface)

If you want to experience quintessential Miami, then a slow cruise on Ocean Drive is inorder. Imagine yourself in the ‘20s or ‘30s, as you pass those beautiful pastel-hued ArtDeco buildings. Old-style glamor and flamboyance are back in hotels like: the Cardozo, theWaldorf Towers, the Breakwater, the Beacon, the Cavalier, the Park Central, the ColonyHotel, and other structures by the top architects of the era. Ocean Drive is the best placeto start your Art Deco District tour. It’s also one of Hollywood’s favorite film locations.

3 Long-running: Versailles Restaurant

(Seen in 2 Fast 2 Furious)

Dubbed the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” Versailles has been a Miami fixturefor four decades. It has served both locals and tourists with delicious Cuban cuisine – andthe best cafe cubano in Miami, say long-time fans who line up by the restaurant’s coffeewindow. Of course, patrons get all that with a side of local color and culture. So much so

that Versailles is the go-to place for politicians and media who want to garner thecommunity’s support and/or take on the issues of the day. It’s also the go-to film locale formovie makers seeking that authentic Miami vibe.

4 Star-studded: South Beach

(Seen in The Birdcage)

If you want to hang out with (or simply gape at) models, hipsters, and sundry celebrities,then South Beach is the place to be. This 10-block stretch along Ocean Drive – known asAmerica’s party beach – offers sun and fun for surfers, sunbathers, rollerbladers. Enjoypostcard-pretty views of Art Deco buildings and great cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs,and designer boutiques. Or take a break from the partying and enjoy quiet palm-fringedLummus Park with attractions for the whole family. With new hotels and hot spotssprouting on either side of the 10 blocks, the South Beach scene is ever-expanding. And ofcourse, all this glamor is not lost on film location scouts and managers.

5 Audience favorite: Bayfront Park

(Seen in Entourage, There’s Something About Mary in Bayside Marketplace )

A 32-acre pedestrian-friendly waterfront oasis, the Isamu Noguchi-designed Bayfront Parklies in the heart of downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay. The park is home to Noguchi’sinnovative playgrounds and sculptures, three major event spaces (Bicentennial Park, TinaHills Pavilion, and Klipsch Amphitheater), and three significant monuments (the ChallengerMemorial, World War II Memorial, and Torch of Friendship).  Oak and palm trees (forinstant shade), family-friendly activities (free yoga classes, flying trapeze school), and agreat location (a few minutes’ walk to the Bayside Marketplace open-air mall) make thepark a must-see on your itinerary. And its iconic place in the Miami landscape makes it agreat movie locale.

6 Family entertainment: Crandon Park Beach

(Seen in the original Miami Vice series)

If you just want to kick back and find a place where there’s something for everyone, youcan’t do better than Crandon Park Beach. Just look at everything this northern KeyBiscayne beach escape offers: two miles of palm-tree lined, rip-tide-free beaches; great

tennis and golf; kite-board and kayak rentals and water sports lessons; ecosystem-showcasing tours and nature trail walks; amusement center with restored carousel andold-fashioned outdoor roller rink; plus lots of picnic tables and concession stands. Nowonder it always ranks in “top 10 US beaches” lists. And with its gorgeous views, it’s alsothe most photographed beach in South Florida and a popular film location.

7 Blockbuster Shopping: The Miracle Mile at Coral Gables

(Seen in Midnight Cowboy)

Feel like having an unparalleled shopping experience? Head on to Coral Gables –nicknamed “The City Beautiful” for its tree-lined boulevards, giant banyan trees, beautifulfountains, and old-fashioned elegance and exclusivity. And the upscale ambiance extendsto its Miracle Mile shopping district, where fine boutiques, specialty shops, salons andspas, and world-renowned restaurants offering the best in international cuisines are to befound. With the Mediterranean setting, high-end products, and personalized service fromshop owners, who can resist. Not tourists. And I guess, not filmmakers either.

8 Atmospheric: Espanola Way

(Seen in Chains of Gold, The Specialist, Burn Notice)

Looking for spice, local color, and atmosphere? Want to enjoy the world’s flavors all withinjust two blocks? Espanola Way, with historic ties to Al Capone and bandleader Desi Arnaz,is a small, charming European-style street. Its pink sidewalks, Spanish colonialarchitecture, overhanging café lights, striped awnings, foliage-lined streets, and cuisinefrom every part of the world give the place a bohemian feel. If you’re a romantic, a foodie,or an architecture fan, you’ll want to explore Espanola Way and transport yourself toanother world. Just like when you’re watching a film.

Our premium properties are tailored-to-your-needs luxury getaways with incredible viewsand private pools, spacious interiors and state-of-the-art kitchens, luxe amenities and lushsurroundings, with access to activities and local attractions. For more information, visitLuxury Villa Vacation Rentals.

* First-time visitor and can’t differentiate between Miami and Miami Beach? The City of Miamiand Miami Beach (the beach town and more touristy area) are two different municipalities inMiami-Dade County. South Beach is part of Miami Beach.

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