Tips for visiting the Latin capital of the U.S.

There are certain cities that make you feel alive. Miami is one of them.

Miami is a hot destination year-round, but this summer it’s off the charts! The New York of Latin America, it immerses you in a vibrant, melting pot of cultures on the tropical Florida coastline. Miami welcomes visitors and locals alike with food festivals, art shows, sandy beaches, and its signature nightlife.

Being based here in Miami, we want to give you some tips and recommendations for visiting this Magic City, whether you can get here now or later!

When to visit

Summer is here now and Miami is ready to welcome you. But in case you’re not able to make it in the next few months, don’t worry. Miami is great any time of year! 

🌴 Spring: Perhaps the most perfect time to visit Miami. The weather hangs around the 70s and 80s and the prices are just right. 

🌴 Summer: It starts to heat up. It’s all about family summer vacations, long soaks in the pool and ocean, and sizzling nightlife. 

🌴 Fall: Known for hurricanes, but also great festivals and fewer crowds. Just keep an eye on weather reports and enjoy the city.

🌴 Winter: The most popular time to visit, when locals and visitors alike enjoy the amazing tropical weather while other places in the U.S. are snowed in. Book ahead!

Getting around

Miami is a big metropolis and there are lots of cool and exciting areas and neighborhoods to explore (read on!). If you’re planning to get out and see it all, definitely consider renting a car. If you’re staying more centrally located in one area or another, check out some of the convenient public transportation options which include Uber and Metromover for the Downtown; the Metrorail for Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and South Miami; and the bus for Miami Beach. Miami’s trolleys are free and charming, if not always punctual.

Neighborhoods

Greater Miami is made up of 36 small cities or neighborhoods, all worthy of a visit. We’ve listed some of the most popular here for you to consider visiting or settling into for a stay.

Downtown and Brickell 

Immerse yourself in Miami’s urban center, a thrilling blend of industry and finance, art and entertainment. The two adjoining areas of Downtown Miami and Brickell are a dense, exciting area of glittering skyscrapers and architectural icons looking over Biscayne Bay. Enjoy shopping the three levels of Brickell City Centre, exploring world-class museums like the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD), and savoring Miami nights at one of many stylish rooftop bars.

Coconut Grove

This lush, waterfront area founded in 1873 has been called “Miami’s original neighborhood” and is affectionately known simply as “The Grove.” It is both upscale and laid back, dotted with beautiful green spaces and sparkling marinas where sailboats bob in the Miami sun.  Enjoy everything from upscale shopping to mangrove forests. Find romantic restaurants and chic boutique shops along CocoWalk, experience lavish luxury at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and enjoy one of the many art and food festivals in a tropical landscape. 

Coral Gables

Everything about Coral Gables is lush, from the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens to the surroundings of the Ventian Pool to the golf courses of luxury hotels like the Biltmore. The neighborhood feels like a beautiful community built upon Mediterranean colors and architectural styles. It has old roots as well as a young spirit fostered by the University of Miami, found within its borders. Make the most of cafes, bookstores, farmers’ markets, museums, and a lush, laid-back Miami lifestyle!

Key Biscayne

The undeniable draw of this barrier island neighborhood is its many pristine beaches and vast parkland. The “village” itself is nestled between Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which include everything from mangrove forests to a historic lighthouse, visitors find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor recreation. In town, there is a strong sense of community with relaxed coffee shops and restaurants as well as a Village Green to stretch out your legs and relax.

Little Havana

This neighborhood is the heart of Miami’s Cuban community, where both visitors and locals can experience total immersion in the Latin culture, whether through food, art, or music. Calle Ocho, which is the main thoroughfare of the area, erupts with colors and sounds, festivals, and flavors. Enjoy everything from bakeries to rum bars, cigar shops to fruit stands, Cuban coffee to Cuban sandwiches. Even the hotels in Little Havana are unique getaways from the greater city, gateways to the beating heart of both Miami and Cuba!

Miami Beach

Connected by bridges to the mainland, the 9-mile long barrier island that is Miami Beach is a vision of pastel hotels, mid-century glamour, and endless beaches. When you arrive here the fantasy that is Miami becomes an exciting, tangible reality. This neighborhood is as cool as one of the handcrafted cocktails you’ll sip poolside and as swanky as one of its many hotel lounges. Days are filled with sun, surf, and sand on your choice of beach, while the nights sizzle in restaurants and clubs.

South Beach

While technically part of Miami Beach this iconic area has become synonymous with Miami! Here you are immersed in Art Deco architecture, sexy beaches, and nonstop nightlife! When not people-watching and sun-bathing on the sandy stretches of beach, indulge in the restaurants and shops lining Lincoln Road, the charming vibe of Española Way, and the many unique attractions of South Beach hotels. Time spent here is a heady mix of neon signs, palm trees, tan lines, and nonstop delights!

Wynwood

Perhaps best known for its street art in the form of the Wynwood Walls, which also hold the title as the first and only outdoor street art museum in the U.S., this eclectic neighborhood also boasts countless art galleries, indie shops, and hip bars, while rubbing elbows with the Miami Design District. And still, the water’s edge, including palm trees and a view of Biscayne Bay, is only blocks away. Enjoy the art scene, stylish restaurants and bars, and modern, funky feel of this creative neighborhood.

Things to do

There are countless things to do and see here, but to get you started, here’s a list of 15 activities that let you know you’re definitely in Miami!

• See and be seen on the legendary beaches!

• Get photographs of (and in front of) the Wynwood Walls

• Wander through Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

• Cruise past the Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive

• Marvel at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

• Enjoy Calle Ocho and restaurants in Little Havana

• Experience Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

• Go diving in Biscayne National Park

• Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art or ICA

• Take in views from South Pointe Park and Pier

• Immerse yourself in Miami's Design District 

• Enjoy Matheson Hammocks Museum Park

• Meander along Española Way

• Visit Rubell Museum

• Explore the Everglades National Park

Hotels

Miami is known for being the world capital of Art Deco architecture, showcased in its lovely South Beach hotels. But it's also an international city, fostering an active art community and thriving business district. Whether you’re on a luxury vacation or business trip, Miami has a place for you! Here are some of our current favorites.

Faena (Miami Beach)

Mandarin Oriental (Brickell)

The Standard Spa (Miami Beach)

EAST (Brickell)

Mr. C Miami (Coconut Grove)

1 Hotel (South Beach)

Soho Beach House (Miami Beach)

Get more details and more hotel ideas in our guide to the most instagrammable hotels in Miami.

Restaurants

From Cuban sandwiches to key lime pie, empanadas to coffee ice cream, Miami’s food scene is as rich and varied as the cultures that call this city home. Here’s a comprehensive list of restaurants that will give you the real flavor and vibe of Miami:

Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Design District)

The River Seafood Oyster Bar (best happy hour in Brickell) 

Casa Tua Cucina (Brickell)

Lung Yai Thai Tapas (Little Havana)

El Nuevo Siglo Supermarket (a casual cafeteria inside a supermarket in Little Havana, best homemade Cuban food & cheap eats)

Tinta y Café (Coral Gables, best Cuban sandwich) 

Mignonette (Wynwood)

Phuc Yea (MiMo District)

Mary Coin Laundry and Deli (Coral Gables, best late-night food )

Versailles Restaurant (Coral Gables, best Cuban food) 

ALL DAY (Downtown, best breakfast)

Leku Miami (Allapattah, Basque cuisine)

Hiyakawa (Wynwood)

Sushi Ericka (Miami Beach)

Hillstone (Coral Gables and Miami Beach, a Miami staple!)

El Bagel (MiMo District)

La Natural (Little River)

Uchi (Wynwood)

Le Jardinier (Design District)

Zak the Baker (Wynwood)

Sanguich De Miami (Little Havana)

Jaguar Sun (Downtown, pop-up in Little River)

Miami Juice (Miami Beach)

Bars

Miami’s nightlife is iconic, and while South Beach has traditionally held the title for the hottest clubs and bars in the city, other neighborhoods are keeping up. Here are some recommendations for where to sip, dance, and party into the night.

Lost Boy (Downtown)

Union Beer (craft beer in Little Havana)

Broken Shaker (Miami Beach)

1800 Lucky (Wynwood)

Proyecto Tulum (Wynwood)

Lagniappe (Midtown)

Sugar (Brickell)

Copper 29 (Coral Gables)

Melinda’s (Downtown)

Cantina la Veinte (Brickell, free margaritas on Wednesdays!) 

Baby Jane Cocktail House & Eatery (Brickell)

Beaker & Grey (Wynwood)

We hope these tips get you inspired to plan a visit to this incredible city. 

While you’re here be sure to book a photoshoot with one of our local Miami photographers. They will give you a photo experience like none other while sharing hidden gems and highlights of this sizzling city!