Miami
With its glorious year-round weather, tropical atmosphere and cosmopolitan charm, Miami, located on the southern tip of Florida, is a sunny, sensational city.
Miami in a nutshell
With its glorious year-round weather, exciting resort atmosphere and cosmopolitan charm, Miami, located on the southern tip of Florida, is a sunny, sensational city.
Once you visit here, you’ll want to return time and again to enjoy Miami’s extraordinary modern and eclectic lifestyle which boasts a splash of Caribbean culture, Latin American soul and Florida warmth that is found nowhere else in the country.
Miami has become known for its artistic community, love of everything creative and dynamic, evident in numerous cutting edge art galleries, trendy boutiques and eateries. The city attracts visitors from all over the world to come and enjoy its sunny climate and personality and laze on long stretches of white sand doing as little as possible for as long as possible.
Come night-time, they rise from their stupor and head to party till the wee hours, before basking on the beach again the following day to recuperate.
Caribbean charm is discovered in both Little Havana and Little Haiti, and Miami’s iconic pastel-colored Art Deco architecture near South Beach brings to mind the allure of the rip-roaring 1920s, when the city was first celebrated for its uniqueness and resort charm.
Miami Beach, to the east of the mainland, offers parties 24/7 and throughout the city you’ll find more shopping opportunities than you can enjoy, spectacular natural surroundings – and those beautiful beaches.
Best time to visit: The weather is gorgeous year-round, but summer is very hot. Come in the shoulder seasons, spring (April to early June) for outdoor activities and fun or fall (September and October) when Miami Art Week takes place. Winter (November to March) is also very popular.
The tropical vibe of Miami Beach is a wonderful and warm area of the city.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Each area in Miami has its own special charm. For inspiration, look at Things to do in Miami, below.
Shopping in Miami: Shopping is a major pastime in Miami, and you’ll find numerous open-air venues as well as sophisticated shopping malls. The Design District is popular for art and interior design, and Bal Harbor features unique stores as well as regular products. Exotic Cuban items are on offer in Little Havana. Pick up excellent handicrafts at the Miami Fair Trade Marketplace, and head for Miami Beach and Downtown Miami if you’re looking for upscale items.
Food & Restaurants in Miami: Dining options are varied and delicious, with a stunning selection of Caribbean, Asian, Latin American and European flavors. Miami also boasts an eclectic coffee culture, evident also in Little Havana.
Nightlife: Choices, choices…. It’s all up to you, whether you’re looking for glitzy nightclubs, Latin dance clubs or sophisticated cocktail bars. Each district offers its own special charm, so explore and savor a variety of nightlife offerings.
Beaches: The Atlantic shoreline offers numerous beaches, and there’s also the islands off Key Biscane to enjoy just offshore, so take your pick. In Miami Beach, a favorite is South Beach, that iconic stretch of sand lined with luxurious hotels. Then there’s Haulover Beach north of Bal Harbor, Miami’s only nudist beach, stunning less crowded Sunny Isles Beach, situated in the northernmost part of Miami Beach. At the tip of Key Biscayne you’ll find unspoilt Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, with its rugged sand dunes and calm sea, home to a 19th century lighthouse. On Key Biscayne itself is Crandon Park, with an abundance of water sports offerings and lessons.
Things to do in Miami:
- Visit the Miami Seaquarium to see a wide selection of marine life.
- Discover Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban heart, and visit the Maximo Gomez Park where life carries on as it has for the past 35 years.
- Explore the world-class Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
- See the ancient Spanish Monastery, brought from Spain and rebuilt in North Miami Beach.
- Visit Miami’s iconic Art Deco Historic District to see 800 magnificent restored Art Deco buildings.
Best way to get around: Rent a car or take a cab to explore, when you’re not on foot.