Cheap Flights to Miami (MIA) from UK Airports

Miami is famous for its fantastic beaches

Miami is located in the south east of Florida, within the most populous county in the state. Often dubbed The Gateway to the Americas, flights to Miami are popular among tourists looking to visit this renowned international entertainment centre.

The area around present day Miami was inhabited by the Tequestas for more than one thousand years, but was subsequently claimed by Spain in 1566. In 1836, during the second Seminole war, Fort Dallas was erected, providing a stronghold for the United States during their conflict with the Native American Indians. Miami is the only major city in the entire United States to be founded by a woman, local citrus grower Julia Tuttle. It officially became a city in July 1896, having started off with a population of just 300 people. During the Second World War, Miami played an important role in the battle against German U-boats, owing to its excellent location on the southern coast of Florida.

Today there are lots of things to see and do in Miami, particularly activities that involve entertainment and the performing arts. One of the latest additions to the arts scene is the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the home of the Florida Grand Opera and there are regular concerts, ballets, operas and musicals being performed throughout the year. Though Miami is not often thought of as a historical hotspot, the city is home to a handful of excellent museums, most notably the Bass Museum, Frost Art Museum and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. The latter houses an excellent selection of historical photos and documents that budding historians amongst you will especially enjoy.

Miami is probably most famous for its fantastic beaches, many of which have received prestigious awards and have been recognised in national surveys. Some of the best beaches for tourists include Bal Harbour and the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach. As well as soaking up some fantastic Florida sun and swimming in the pristine seas off the Miami coast, there are plenty of other water-based activities to indulge in, two of the most popular being snorkelling and surfing. There is always a wide range of activities on offer on all of Miami's beaches, so be sure to read up on what's available before visiting, as some are aimed at specific sports or other types of recreation. Of course, all of them are perfect for lazing on the sand and admiring the ocean.

There are plenty of places to eat in Miami, with the city offering the best of many different international cuisines. Most restaurants welcome children, so finding somewhere to eat out with the entire family is never difficult.

If relaxation is your thing, Miami boasts an excellent spa scene, which attracts tourists from across the globe and is one of the primary attractions of the city. Many spas have been ranked amongst the best in the whole of the United States, with each one promising a unique experience. Some are located within peaceful resorts, while others are to be found in modern penthouses. Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a spa to suit you, so sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. After all this is Miami.

All flights arrive and depart from its international airport, which is one of the busiest in the world, certainly the busiest in the state of Florida. Flights to Miami arrive daily from most international airports, but you should note that cheap flights to Miami are more likely to be available during non-peak periods, which is to say during the winter months. The city is also home to the Port of Miami, which has become the largest cruise ship port in the world in recent years. Public transport in and around the city is mainly serviced by its excellent bus system, so getting around is relatively easy and cheap.

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it experiences hot humid summers and short warm winters. The hurricane season runs from June to the end of November, so before making any trip to the area, during this period, you should check the weather forecast, as this will influence what clothing you need to bring with you.

If you fancy seeing the sights of Miami, but are not sure where to begin, consider taking a sightseeing tour on one of the many bus-routes. Tours range from the traditional ones, focusing on the sights of the city, to eco-treks and other outdoor excursions.