To put it simply: Miami has a vibe. Diversity, debauchery, and decadence abound here… and it results in a melting pot like no other city in the United States. Miami is truly a place where anything (and everything) goes. And in recent years, it’s undergone an incredible transformation. So while you’re sure to still see your fair share of stereotypically spray-tanned and enhanced bodies grinding to the bass until the wee hours, I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the many layers this city has to offer.
Miami is constantly reinventing itself. While it still has the Art Deco charm and steady Latin American pulse it’s always been known for, it has also become a veritable mecca for art, cuisine, culture, and all of life’s finer things. It’s a city of beautiful beaches… and even more beautiful people. And it is literally impossible not to have fun here. Because Miami has something for everyone.
Ditch the guidebooks and read on… ¡Bienvenidos a Miami!
Pro Tips
Getting there
Although you might automatically assume that Miami International Airport (MIA) would be your best bet for flying in, you’ll be better off landing in Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) if possible. Flights should run you about the same amount, and Fort Lauderdale is actually much quicker to move through and get a car from than Miami International. They’ll both take about the same amount of time to get to the city center, and you’ll save yourself some trouble.
Pack wisely
Miami calls for packing your favorite leave-nothing-to-the-imagination dresses and going-out attire, so be sure to utilize the extra suitcase room for extra layers and rain gear. Miami has a subtropical climate, which means that heat and humidity go hand in hand with flash storms (and floods!). So while the temp never really dips much colder than 70 degrees, the weather can be unpredictable. Pack a lightweight rain coat (bonus points if you can fold it up to fit in your purse!) and your days and nights will stay golden.
So. Much. FUN.
Every time I visit Miami, I somehow feel like I morph into my most fun self. It’s a city where fun rules all—at all hours. While going out to dinner in Los Angeles wearing my tightest and shortest dress might garner me some unwarranted disapproving looks, literally anything goes in Miami. Use this as your excuse to channel the city’s energy into wearing whatever makes you look and feel your best. Oh, and don’t be turned off by the subtropical humidity… your skin will thank you (hello, dewy complexion!).
Uber-bonus!
One of the things I was most shocked to find in Miami is the affordability of Ubers! Rides that would typically cost upwards of $35.00 in Los Angeles cost like $15.00 in Miami. So drink up… and enjoy the ride!
Where to Stay
Miami spans about 56 square miles, and is comprised of tons of different neighborhoods, from Little Havana to the Design District. But since the majority of the action takes place in South Beach / Downtown, these are (not-coincidentally) my favorite places to stay. Here’s a list of some of my top places to stay and recharge.
Staying “Off-Campus”
If South Beach isn’t your vibe, consider Coconut Grove as a great option to stay—especially if you’re looking for a slightly slower pace and family-friendly atmosphere. Hugging the shoreline of Biscayne Bay, it’s an upscale, leafy neighborhood full of relaxed sidewalk cafes, smoothie bars (The Last Carrot is one of my faves), and chic shops. Coconut Grove is also home to the bay-front Barnacle State Park, a mangrove forest, the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and tons of sailing clubs (although most are membership-based, unfortunately). Not to mention, Coconut Grove has recently transformed itself from a collection of late-night bad decision bars to the city’s best new culinary destination with amazing eats (i.e. Glass & Vine and The Spillover). Keep in mind that Coconut Grove is about a 30 minute trek to South Beach, but is a great option if you’re looking to escape the “party” vibe. The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove is a great hotel option here.
What to Do
While Miami can feel like (and basically, is) one giant party, there are some truly memorable ways to spend your daytime hours here. Whether it’s soaking up the rays or the culture, there’s never a lack of amazing activities to keep you busy and entertained. Here are few of my favorite ways to while away the hours:
Bring your SPF!
This one is a no-brainer, but soaking up the sun on South Beach or Miami Beach is a great way to spend an afternoon. Just beware of the rays… they’re powerful! Even on the occasional overcast day (or when the humidity kicks in) you can still get a killer sunburn (been there)! And from low cut one-pieces to barely there bikinis and thongs, it’s no surprise that anything goes on the beaches of Miami.
Visit the neighborhoods
Museums and culture
Get a dose of #culture before the party begins. If you’re staying in South Beach, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the perfect excuse to visit Coconut Grove! The former estate of businessman James Deering (of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune) is open to the public and home to extensive Italian Renaissance gardens and the villa itself is to die for.
Events and excursions
If your itinerary timeline permits, other fun Miami activities include catching a concert (the Fillmore is a great smaller-sized venue), a Heat or Dolphins game, or a comedy show at the Olympia Theater.
No guide to Miami would be complete without an emphasis on retail. Miami is one of my favorite places to go on a shopping spree, because there’s just so much of everything! A few of my favorite areas to shop include the Bal Harbour Shops (an open-air, luxury shopping oasis) and the Design District. Lincoln Road, which runs east to west across the width of Miami Beach, also boasts some amazing high-end storefronts, including the coveted Alchemist for men. Also, don’t miss The Webster, a three-story, high-end boutique in a sunlit Art Deco venue with a rooftop deck… so you can shop ‘til you drop (or at least need a drink).
Where to Eat
Miami feels like a melting pot in every imaginable way—it’s a city where the food, atmosphere, and vibe all come together. From high end institutions to the divey Cuban restaurant around the corner, it’s no surprise that Miami was recently rated as the number one city for foodies. Here are a few of my favorite places to get a bite, at any time of the day (or night):
A few other notable Miami cuisine genres (because it’s impossible for me to pick just one):
Sushi
Local Favorites
Prime Group
The Myles restaurant group three Prime restaurants in Miami. All of them specialize in top quality ingredients and are a sure-fire bet for a well-worth-your-money dinner.
Dave Grutman spots
Dave Grutman is the unofficial king of South Beach nightlife and is a hospitality icon—his restaurants are no exception. Be sure to consider visiting at least one (if not all) of his standout dining spots:
Cuban Sabor
You absolutely cannot visit Miami without indulging in some of the best Cuban food you’ll find outside of… well, Cuba. But thanks to its proximity and native influence, one of my very favorite parts about visiting Miami is getting off-the-grid and experiencing some real Cuban culture. A few must-tries:
Dine and Dance
One of the city’s best-kept anomalies is the concept of a DINNER CLUB. While I’d be hard pressed to eat at the same place where I party in Los Angeles, this is literally your ultimate answer to nightlife in Miami. Eat dinner. Stay and party. Here are two places I think do it best:
Daytime
While Miami is all about the nightlife, don’t dismiss the daytime scene (hangover be damned). A few Miami day party spots worth a visit are:
AM or PM
Come day or come night, Miami bars are a dime a dozen. But the cream rises to the top. Here are a few of my favorite places to imbibe, anytime:
Late Night
In Miami, the club scene starts late (around 1:00 AM) and goes even later (until 4:00 or 5:00 AM). So make sure your hotel has a comfy bed for sleeping in—you might need it! Here are a few of my favorite late-night haunts. Just beware of the blinding sunlight when you (finally) emerge.
Events
In the past half decade, Miami has undergone an undeniable transformation. While the rowdy club scene is still alive and well, the city has cultivated a more highbrow appeal—in large part thanks to the influx of art and music festivals, which draw worldwide appeal. While Miami’s main art shows and festivals command a crowd (and hotel prices to match), consider timing your visit with the following, should you be so inclined:
