What immediately comes to mind when you think of Miami? Palm trees, sandy beaches, and throngs of beautiful sun worshipers? No doubt. But there’s so much more to this coastal paradise. Here, you’ll find a vibrant and rich cross section of cultures and traditions, art and architecture, style and substance. From Miami Beach to Little Havana to Wynwood, the streets come alive with music, murals, community and colorful conversations. Get lost in street art and sculpture. Enjoy lively dinners turn into impromptu dance breaks, spurred by energetic sounds that span acoustic Latin and Caribbean to electric grooves. Recover on the beach while planning your next adventure.
We’ve compiled a few favorites to get you started. Celebrate with old friends. Make plenty of new ones. No matter your ultimate itinerary, in this dynamic city, you’re destined for a good time.
Where to Stay
Miami Beach Oasis: The Setai
Ever go to a spa and wish you could just move in? That’s the impulse you’re likely to enjoy at The Setai Miami, located off fashionable Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. The action outside the hotel will seem world’s away as you settle into this stylish refuge, designed with nods to both Eastern and Western aesthetics. Clean lines carry though the property and warm woods connect both indoor and outdoor spaces elegantly. There are several dining options to choose from, with menus from South Asia to Japan to the Mediterranean. Relaxation reaches blissful heights at the Valmont Spa, where a selection of treatments can be enjoyed with panoramic views of the ocean.
My Kind of Modern: The Miami Beach Edition
The masters of the “urban resort,” Edition brings to Miami Beach their signature boutique hotel vibes mixed with larger property amenities and access. It’s hard not to feel like a VIP here, surrounded by sophistication and first-class service. The rooms are sunny and spacious, especially the 28 private bungalow rooms and suites with terraces. The outdoor spaces delight with easy beach access or a shady hammock to enjoy with a cocktail. In addition to a sumptuous spa, guests can reserve a table at the Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant or hit the lanes at the intimate bowling alley.
Social Media Ready: The Good Time Hotel
It’s all in the name. This picture-perfect spot is all about fun in the sun. Brainchild of Pharrell Williams and David Grutman, The Good Time Hotel brings the party poolside at signature restaurant and bar Strawberry Moon. Styled in pink and seafoam green, the charming interiors and outdoor spaces, designed by Ken Fulk, give a vintage wink and amusement at every corner. If a workout fits into your vacation itinerary, the hotel partnered with MyBeast to create an indoor/outdoor gym experience like no other.
Where to Eat
Share and Share Alike: Mother Wolf
The dining sensation that started in Los Angeles makes its Miami debut with a taste of Roma. Chef Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf pays homage to the Italian capital with all the classics like Carbonara, all’Amatriciana, alla Gricia, al Burro, Arrabbiatta and more. Also known for their wafer-thin pizzas, this is the perfect outing with friends for a sharable experience in a stylish eatery with delightful cocktails and dishes. Don’t miss the squash blossoms with ricotta and parmigiano Reggiano. Bravo!
Let’s Get Social: Sunny’s
Located in the Little River neighborhood, Sunny’s has already created plenty of buzz for locals. And what’s not to love? With a twinkling terrace, chic dining room and plenty of crowd pleasers like a raw bar, steakhouse classics and wood-fired dishes, this place comes alive each night with the added appeal of a fun bar crowd. Highlights include a Guava Cosmopolitan and martinis just how you like it.
Feels Like Family: Sanguich
This popular lunch spot keeps the Cuban tradition alive and delicious at four Miami locations, including the original in Little Haiti. Created by Daniel Figueredo and Rosa Romero, Sanguich is the place to be for bar stool conversation, a guava and cream cheese milkshake and one of the best Cubanos (marinated ham, lechon, Swiss cheese and pickles on Cuban bread) around.
Where to Drink
Sweet Beginning: Suite Habana Café
Born and raised in Cuba, Nayelis Delisle fell in love with café con leche at a very young age. Now, she’s bringing that dark brew with a touch of brown sugar to Miami with Suite Habana Café. Specializing in Cuban coffee, this Wynwood neighborhood hangout sell both brews and beans in a stylish lounge setting. Enjoy a Cuban specialty or your preferred caffeine hit at the barista bar or take some to go and enjoy back home.
Change of Scene: Gramp’s
The antithesis of posh Miami Beach vibes (in the best way), Gramps isn’t trying to be cool. It just is. Some call it a dive bar, but this Wynwood venue (there’s also Gramp’s Getaway in Key Biscayne) brings more to the table than booze, including a rotating calendar of live entertainment, DJ sets, karaoke, comedy, and yes, pizza.
Café La Trova
Teaming up with chef and friend Michelle Bernstein, “ambassador for Cuban culture” Julio Cabrera brings his cantinero style of bartending to Café La Trova in the heart of Little Havana. A homage to classic Cuban bars, the atmosphere here is warm, lively and stylish. Sip on a handcrafted artisanal cocktail at the bar, masterfully created by your cantinero and enjoy sounds from Trova musicians.
Where to Shop
The Essentials: Lincoln Road
Stretching from Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach and the Atlantic, popular thoroughfare Lincoln Road features more than 200 shops, cafés, galleries, cultural hubs and more. Created in 1912 and redesigned in the 1960s by renowned architect Morris Lapidus, the pedestrian-friendly destination brings all of Miami’s distinct architecture to one place, from iconic Art Deco to midcentury and Frank Gehry’s New World Symphony. The landscape, maintained by Fairchild Botanic Garden, features orchids, palms, flowering trees and public art sculptures. Amidst the big-name stores that stretch east to west, you’ll also find monthly farmer’s markets, antiques and collectible markets, fitness events and other joyful outdoor experiences.
House of Fashion: The Webster
The original flagship, The Webster opened in 2009 at the art deco Webster Hotel designed by Henry Hohauser on stylish Collins Avenue. More than a store, this expansive residence brings together a curated mix of international names, including Chanel, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and more in a gorgeous setting. There are now Webster locations around the world, but this is the one you can’t miss.
Putting It Together: Curio at Faena Bazaar
Founded by Jeff Lasota and Danielle Licata, this multi-level store at the center of the Faena District caters to both men and women with a wide selection of coveted brands. At Curio at Faena Bazaar you’ll find clothing, jewelry and other treasures surrounded in a beautiful design to elevate your shopping experience. This is a must stop before hitting the town.
Things to Do
Preserving Identity: Pérez Art Museum Miami
Dedicated to featuring modern and contemporary works from international artists, The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) celebrates the unique diversity of the Miami-Dade community. With both a permanent collection and robust calendar of new exhibitions, there’s always something new to enjoy at this urban epicenter of creativity and community. On view through June 6, José Parlá: Homecoming is the Miami-born artist’s first hometown exhibition, featuring work that illustrates his Cuban, Caribbean and Latin American influences.
Walk This Way: The Wynwood Walls
A collection of curated works from cutting-edge fine artists, graffiti writers and muralists, the Wynwood Wallsturns the streets of this Miami art and design district into a living art gallery. One of the most celebrated urban revitalization projects, this multi-block exhibition is best experienced with a guided tour or hand-on spray painting session where you get to be the creator of your own piece of street art.
Beach Break: Key Biscayne
A barrier island just minutes from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne is home to beautiful beaches for everyone to enjoy. One of the most popular, Crandon Park Beach, features white sand and calm waters, perfect for standup paddleboarding or kayaking. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to one of the oldest structures in Miami-Dade, a historic lighthouse from 1825. It’s also a great place to stretch out, dip your toes in the ocean and soak in that glorious Miami sun.
