Curator’s statement
I relocated to Miami Beach in 1999 while I was still in my early 20s, and what an incredible time it has been to witness the changes and growth of this city. Fast forward 20 years, and I am still as excited to keep discovering this ever-changing piece of paradise. I cherish the natural beauty, iconic architecture and the vibrant energy that defines Miami Beach. It's a melting pot of diverse cultures, nationalities and beliefs, making it truly wonderful and dynamic.
One of my favorite modes of transportation is biking around the city and specially the beach boardwalk which stretches from the southernmost point of Miami Beach, known to the local as South of Fifth to the Bal Harbour jetty. Feeling the warm breeze on my face while soaking in a good dose of vitamin D is invigorating. Strolling down Lincoln Road is another joy, where the symphony of different languages creates a unique and captivating atmosphere.
In my younger days, I explored the city's nightlife, hopping from bar to bar and dancing the night away in its fabulous clubs. These days, I find equal joy in the daytime scene. Boating with friends or spending days at the beach or pool are fantastic ways to embrace the city's offerings. While having friends with boats is a perk. For visitors, I can recommend several companies for booking a fabulous day on the water—exploring islands, cruising while enjoying the skyline, snorkeling at cool spots or embarking on a day trip for fishing. Miami truly has it all, including incredible waterfront restaurants accessible by boat.
Miami attracts a diverse range of people with varying desires and expectations. While I've highlighted some of my favorite spots, hotels and cafes here, feel free to contact me for a personalized guide tailored to your needs. Whether it's visiting museums, shopping, city exploration, organizing a private tour, driving to the keys, meeting alligators in the Everglades, soaring above the city in a helicopter or simply enjoying a cigar and learning salsa in Little Havana, I would be delighted to guide you in the best direction.
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Where to stay in Miami
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
A fantastically flamboyant Mid-Beach favorite, with a rare art collection, epic live events and a must-visit Francis Mallmann restaurant.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Oceanfront hotel with elevated Italian dining and chic property.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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1 Hotel South Beach
A South Beach slam dunk, especially for groups, with solid eco-credentials, four pools and beach access.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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The Betsy Hotel
Luxe boutique hotel in a former Georgian Revival building from the 1940s with colorful rooms and suites.
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The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
On Belle Isle, between downtown and South Beach, this spa-focused stay has a vibe all its own, plus a dreamy bayside pool.
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Things to do in Miami
Hot Spots and Entertainment:
South Beach (SoBe): Famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and iconic art deco architecture. Enjoy sunbathing, water sports and explore the Ocean Drive for trendy bars and restaurants.
Wynwood: Walk through the Wynwood Arts District for galleries, boutiques and unique street art. Visit Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring large-scale murals by some of the world's best-known street artists.
Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture, music and delicious food in this lively neighborhood. Don't miss the Domino Park, Cuba Ocho Museum, and the vibrant Calle Ocho with their fun .
Design District: A hub for luxury shopping, art galleries, and cutting-edge design. Explore high-end fashion boutiques, public art installations and upscale dining options. Come for the shopping, stay for the amazing restaurants in the area.
Buena Vista: While visiting the Design District area, you must visit this hip and artistic extension of the neighborhood with colorful murals and historic architecture. Home to art galleries, diverse dining options and unique boutiques.
Upper Buena Vista: A conceptual village extension of Buena Vista, featuring lush greenery, boutique retailers and upscale shops. Offers a peaceful escape with stylish cafes and dining experiences.
Miami is loud, Miami is chic, Miami is fun, Miami is a Vibe!
In Miami you can enjoy the simplicity of just being here or you can get as extravagant as you can imagine it. Certainly, if you're looking for high-end and borderline extravagant experiences in Miami, here are some activities that fit the bill:
Private Yacht Charter with Sunset Dinner
Exotic Car Racing Experience
Private Rooftop Dining Experience
Swimming with Dolphins
Helicopter Tour over Miami and the Keys
Everglades Airboat Adventure
Skydiving Over Miami Beach
Favorite Yoga and Pilates Studios:
Hanu Yoga
Tremble
State of Yoga
Fuze
Mimi Yoga
My favorite Spas:
The Spa at The Miami Beach EDITION
Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau
Bamford Haybarn Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Acqualina Spa by ESPA
Turnberry Isle Miami Spa & Fitness Center
Best Miami Golf Experience:
Turnberry Isle Miami
Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne
Miami Beach Golf Club
Biltmore Golf Course
Trump National Doral Miami
Day Trips:
Everglades Adventure
Wynwood and Little Havana
Key Biscayne Retreat
Coral Gables Elegance
Coconut Grove Charm
Key Largo Escape
Places to eat & drink in Miami
Favorite Coffee Shops, Bakeries and All-Day Eateries:
Café à la Folie
Betsy Hotel
News Café
Panizza
Prima Classe
Big Pink
Maison Valentine
True Loaf
Zac the Baker
Cachito Cafe
Only in Miami:
A "ventanita" refers to a small window, often found at cafés or eateries, where customers can place orders and receive their food or drinks without entering the establishment. It's a popular feature in Miami, especially in Cuban cafeterias.
My favorite Ventanitas:
Las Olas
Puerto Sagua
El Pub
Cafe Versalles
Cafe Sazon
Enriqueta
At dinner. Dress to impress and make a reservation!
Macchialina: A celebrated Italian restaurant in Miami Beach known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's a go-to spot for classic pasta dishes, house-made charcuterie and a selection of fine wines.
Joe's Stone Crab: A Miami institution, Joe's Stone Crab has been serving delicious seafood since 1913. Known for its stone crab claws, the menu also features other fresh seafood and classic American dishes.
Casa Tua is an intimate Italian restaurant located in a Mediterranean-style villa in Miami Beach. Known for its romantic ambiance, Casa Tua offers a menu of classic Italian dishes with a focus on quality ingredients.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a charming restaurant in the Design District that brings the flavors of the Aegean region to Miami.
La Petite Maison: La Petite Maison is a French-Mediterranean restaurant with locations around the world. It's known for its elegant and lively atmosphere, serving classic dishes with a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Cote: Cote is a modern Korean-American steakhouse with a Michelin star, known for its exceptional dry-aged steaks, Korean flavors, and lively atmosphere.
Rooftops In Miami:
Mila on Lincoln Road
Sugar at EAST Miami
Area 31 at EPIC Hotel
Watr at the 1 Rooftop
The Rooftop at E11EVEN
Favorite Miami Bars:
Broken Shaker
Nestled within the Freehand Miami hostel, Broken Shaker is a vibrant and eclectic cocktail bar known for its creative and expertly crafted drinks. The laid-back atmosphere, tropical garden setting, and inventive cocktails make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.Joliet
Joliet is a hidden gem in Miami, offering a speakeasy-style experience with a touch of mystery. Tucked away, this intimate bar surprises patrons with its unique cocktails, upscale ambiance, and a curated selection of spirits, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a refined and exclusive atmosphere.Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky is a classic steakhouse with a distinguished bar known for its timeless elegance. Overlooking the waterfront, this bar offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy premium cocktails, fine wines, and the stunning views of the Miami skyline and watch the cruise ships go by.The Betsy Hotel
The Betsy Hotel houses a stylish bar that exudes sophistication and charm. With a classic yet contemporary ambiance, this bar offers an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere and live music. It’s an ideal place to unwind and savor finely crafted drinks.The River Oyster Bar
Situated along the Miami River, The River Oyster Bar is a seafood haven with a welcoming bar. Known for its fresh oysters, inventive cocktails, and a casual yet upscale vibe, it’s a favorite spot for those seeking a taste of the sea in the heart of the city.No Reservation Bar
No Reservation Bar is a trendy and unpretentious spot, living up to its name by offering a welcoming atmosphere without the need for reservations. With a diverse drink menu and a relaxed setting, it's a go-to destination for spontaneous nights out.The Anderson
The Anderson is a retro-inspired bar with a cool and eclectic vibe. Known for its inventive cocktails, retro decor, and lively atmosphere, it's a hotspot for those seeking a blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair in Miami's nightlife scene.
Favorite Smoothie Spots:
Sunlife Organics
Ten Fruits
Pure Green
Under The Mango Tree (Vegan Cafe)
Joe & The Juice
Dreamer in Sunset Harbour
Apple a day
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Miami.