Beautiful white-sand beaches, incredible art installations, and unique multicultural neighbourhoods characterize the coastal metropolis that is Greater Miami and Miami Beach. The lively arts scene thrives throughout the city, manifesting in esteemed museums, vibrant street art, and neighbourhood galleries.
From renowned festivals like Art Basel to famed art-filled areas like Wynwood, arts and culture play an integral role in Miami’s identity.
Filled with small shops and restaurants, areas like Little Havana bring a certain local flair to the city. Hispanic influence is largely seen throughout the different neighbourhoods, with Cuban coffee being an iconic staple in Miami.
With the help of our friends at Miami and Beaches, we’re rounding up our favourite things to do, places to stay, and establishments to eat at in Miami.
WHAT TO DO:
Explore the beaches
Whether you’re relaxing in the sun on a beach chair, swimming in the ocean, or biking along Miami’s Beachwalk, there’s nothing quite like feeling the ocean’s breeze and getting some sunshine outdoors.
Along the Beachwalk—which stretches from the tip of South Pointe Park to North Beach—you’ll find many things to do and see, including Lummus Park, the Art Deco District, picnic pavilions, dog parks, and Citi Bike stations.
Plan a day in the sun, choosing to walk, rollerblade, or bike down the path making pit stops along the way. If you’re someone who loves the water, make sure to pack a bathing suit and towel in your day bag as the combination of the warm sun, beautiful white sand, and turquoise blue water will promise to tempt you into a swim.
Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
If you’re looking to get out on the water and get your adrenaline pumping, Thriller Miami is a speedboat adventure tour that showcases the shores of Miami. Providing a unique sightseeing experience, the charter tours around the City of Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, and Star Island, all while highlighting the different mansions that inhabit the waterfront properties.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
If you’re a fan of space or the underwater world, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a great place to explore.
From their planetarium with intriguing and educational programs and exhibits, to their massive aquarium with aquatic life galore, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science will have you in awe.
Explore the arts scene at Wynwood
Full of eclectic dining and drinking establishments, colourful street art, and contemporary art galleries, Wynwood is Miami’s creative and cultural hub.
At Wynwood’s center is Wynwood Walls, a collection of 6 buildings with giant vibrant wall murals. These famed walls have become a canvas for celebrated artists across the globe.
On the second Saturday of every month, Wynwood Art Walk is held. This monthly event turns the district into a late-night street party and arts festival with the establishments staying open late, food trucks lining the streets, live music playing, and art all around.
Pretty to explore any time of the day and any day of the week, Wynwood is the perfect neighborhood for taking in the arts and culture scene of Miami.
WHERE TO STAY:
This hotel is truly a dream with two swimming pools, a wine hour, a lavish lounge, and an incredible restaurant. Located in the heart of South Beach—and only two blocks from the beach—this Mediterranean Revival resort offers a secluded and intimate refuge amid the hustle and bustle of Miami.
With lush landscaping around the property, moody interiors, and one-,two-, and three-story suites, lofts, bungalows, and villas, Kimpton Angler’s is truly a sophisticated retreat for those looking for a home away from home.
Seawell Fish N’ Oyster—the hotel’s restaurant—has been renowned for their seafood dinner menu, which features local and daily catches and nostalgic regional favourites. In November, they debuted a top notch brunch menu that delivers all that flavour and more.
Fusing upscale sophistication with tasteful comfort, Lennox Hotel is a Miami Beach boutique hotel that strives to produce an exceptional, stylish, and artistic living experience.
With an infusion of natural elements, Lennox Hotel is inspired by the outdoors transforming the interior walls with naturally preserved moss to create the ultimate synergy of nature & design. Situated in the hotel pool courtyard and restaurant, the sustainably-harvested greenery is said to have healing properties to improve air quality, filter noise, and reduce energy consumption.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
Even if you’re not staying at Kimpton Angler’s, Seawell Fish N’ Oyster is definitely a restaurant worth dining at. From their beautiful outdoor patio to their incredibly fresh and delicious menus, if you’re craving seafood—say no more.
From a Lobster Benedict breakfast, to a Seafood Charcuterie appetizer, to a Caribbean Fish Bake dinner, your plate will be filled with the locally sourced ingredients from both the land and sea.
MILA is an experience in and of itself. Located in the heart of South Beach, this rooftop restaurant is equipped with a mixology bar and lounge. The menu aims to transport diners on a culinary journey through the shores of the Mediterranean and Japan—elevating the dining experience with a multi-sensory approach. The chic-bohemian enclave blends Balearic music with a flirty ambiance and dishes full of flavour. With the blend between Asian and Mediterranean influences, the chefs utilize colourful ingredients that not only taste delicious, but present beautifully. From premium wagyu, to a full branzino fish finished and prepared at the table, the intricate details that MILA incorporates into their experience makes the restaurant a standout Miami establishment.
With a tropical botanical garden, taproom, restaurant and stage for nightly live music, La Tropical is the perfect spot for a beer with friends. Based on the original La Tropical in Cuba, guests can wander through the garden while sipping on beer and taking in the lively, tropical atmosphere.
The beer is the centerpiece of the establishment, with an original recipe that has been at the core of La Tropical since its inception over a century ago.
Wynwood Marketplace is an open air venue located in the heart of Wynwood. This outdoor oasis combines local favorites [like The Deck—a Miami restaurant], food vendors, art installations, and shops with an entertainment hub that features live music and more.
Open seven days a week, this Marketplace is always a fun spot to hang out, transforming into a place to dance and drink as the sun goes down.
Nestled away in a quaint ally, Meraki Greek Bistro strives to bring the best authentic Greek Cuisine to Miami. The atmosphere and aesthetic transports guests to Greece with beautiful hues of blues and whites all around. The drink menu is filled with imported beers and wines, while the food menu is filled with an eclectic selection of traditional appetizers, homemade gyros, and a daily selection of fish and seafood.
For more ideas on what to do in Miami, visit Miami and Beaches.
