USA

Collins Avenue runs parallel to the ocean, through South Beach and the neighbourhoods farther north. Along it I found a little of everything: simple hotels, luxurious towers, attractive historic Art Deco buildings, boutiques, shopping centres, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés and places to go out.

The South Beach stretch was particularly good for an evening walk, especially if you enjoy being surrounded by city life.

For a hotel within walking distance of the main places around South Beach, I would have chosen the section between 14th and 20th Streets.

The Miami Beach Boardwalk was a picturesque wooden path along the Atlantic shore. I loved its quiet atmosphere, the sound of the ocean, the light breeze and the scenery.

There was the Atlantic on one side and hotels and residences among greenery on the other: a lovely setting for an unhurried walk or a run. Along the way were places to stop for food or a swim, benches and drinking fountains. Running here in the morning was an excellent start to the day.

Cycling was pleasant too. We could hire bicycles at our hotel, Townhouse, though some sections of the boardwalk prohibited them at the time.

It was popular with both visitors and local people, and one of the pleasures of this part of Florida. I highly recommend spending time here.