Welcome to Miami, bienvenido a Miami!
I love Miami Beach. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth!
It’s the perfect destination for those looking for beautiful beaches, colorful buildings and palm trees with a Latin touch.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know for the ultimate Miami Beach experience!
*DISCLOSURE: this article has been written in partnership with Miami Beach.
How to get to Miami Beach
Getting to Miami Beach is quite easy: it’s just a 30 minutes drive from Miami international airport.
Once in Miami Beach, I recommend using taxis or ride share apps to move around – however, you’ll be able to discover the area just walking or biking around!
Fun things to do in Miami Beach
Even though Miami Beach can look small on the map, it has plenty of things to offer.
This is not just a beach destination. You’ll enjoy the Art Deco architecture, lush nature at the parks, amazing restaurants, museums and other fun things to do in Miami Beach.
These are the things you shouldn’t miss in Miami Beach!
Walk along Ocean Drive
One of the best activities in Miami Beach is walking along Ocean Drive – it’s the best way to get a sense of the city and the general vibe, which is really cool also at night with all the neon lights.
Visit the Historic Art Deco District
I absolutely loved the Art Deco District in Miami Beach. It makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled to a different era!
This district is home to over 800 buildings in Art Deco architectural style from the 1920s and 1930s. Many of these buildings have been preserved and restored, many have become hotels and restaurants and you can take a walking tour to learn more about its history.
The architecture in this area is world famous for a reason. You’ll be impressed by all the buildings in pastel colors and the Art Deco details, combined with the colorful classic cars parked in Ocean Drive.
Find art in public spaces
Many public art installations can be found throughout Miami Beach. These public artworks include murals, sculptures, and installations that are located in parks, along sidewalks, and in public plazas.
Some of my favorite installations:
- Sonic Dreamscapes: a sound and video projection in Soundscape Park.
- Morris Lapidus: a porcelain tile covering 6,000 square feet created by Sarah Morris at the exterior wall of Miami Convention Center.
- About Sand: a vibrant and colorful installation by Franz Ackermann.
- Mermaid: A steel sculpture of a mermaid by the iconic Roy Lichtenstein.
- Obstinate lighthouse and Eloquent South Pointe Park pier gate: an iconic installation in the shape of a lighthouse and the gate to South Pointe pier, by Tobias Rehberger.
Tip: download the Miami Beach app to find all these places on the map!
Enjoy a day at South Beach
South Beach is a beautiful beach
Rent a lounger and an umbrella and enjoy the day chilling at the beautiful South Beach or choose any of the water activities available, such as jets or boat tours.
Tip: Check with your hotel since many provide beach loungers and towels.
Visit the Botanical Garden
Located right next to the Convention Center, the Miami Botanical Garden is one of the best free places to visit in Miami Beach.
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush garden filled with 100 palm species, orchids and native plants. There’s no better way to enjoy a tropical escape in the heart of Miami Beach!
Here you will find beautiful orchids and a Japanese Garden with a koi pond. They also offer yoga classes and organize cultural events and workshops all year round.
Española Way
Take a trip back in time at Española Way, a charming street located in the heart of South Beach. This cobblestone street is known for its colorful buildings, unique architecture and lively atmosphere, full of outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Fun fact: Española Way was originally built in the 1920s by the architect Robert Taylor as a shopping district!
Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is one of the most iconic and vibrant destinations in Miami Beach. This pedestrian promenade goes along ten blocks and is home to many colorful installations and shops, bars and restaurants.
Lincoln Road has something for everyone. There’s always something to see and do on this bustling street.
Soundscape Park
Located in the heart of Miami Beach and a block away from Lincoln road, Soundscape Park is a stunning urban park that offers visitors a unique and immersive cultural experience.
The park regularly hosts outdoor concerts, movies, and cultural events, many of which are free to the public. There’s always something exciting happening at Soundscape Park!
The Bass Museum
The Bass Museum is a must-see museum in Miami Beach.
Located in a historic building, this museum features international pieces of art throughout its galleries.
Have you ever seen the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas? The Bass features the 8th Magic Mountain in the Art Outside exhibition – make sure to check it out!
Artechouse Miami
Artechouse Miami is one of the coolest exhibitions in Miami Beach.
This is not a typical museum. It’s an immersive art experience that combines technology with beautiful art installations. It’s the perfect spot to take Instagram photos!
I really enjoy this type of museums. It reminded me to Teamlab exhibitions in Tokyo and the MoCo museum in Amsterdam, so I had to check Artechouse in Miami and believe me – I wasn’t disappointed.
Inside, you’ll find a series of rooms that are completely transformed by the interactive art installations. The colors, lights, and sounds all come together to create an otherworldly atmosphere that will transport you to another dimension.
You can find this exhibition also in NYC.
Allura Cabaret at Faena Theater
For a night of unforgettable entertainment and glamour in Miami, head to the Faena Theater and experience the Allura Cabaret.
This venue is located in the heart of Miami Beach and offers a one-of-a-kind immersive entertainment experience that combines music, dance, and acrobatics.
And the experience doesn’t stop there. The Allura Cabaret also offers amazing cocktails, as well as a menu of gourmet bites and sweet treats.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy an unforgettable night out in Miami.
Enjoy the sunset at South Pointe
While in Miami Beach, do not miss the sunset from South Pointe Park. This park is the southernmost point in Miami Beach and it’s especially magical at sunset, featuring a panoramic view of the skyline, a scenic pier and jetty.
Where to stay in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is home to many luxury and boutique hotels for you to choose as a base for your trip.
This is our selection of recommended hotels in Miami Beach.
Nautilus by Arlo
Nautilus by Arlo is a trendy and chic hotel in Miami Beach.
One of the best features of Nautilus by Arlo is its prime location right on the beach. Besides, Nautilus by Arlo also has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and a gorgeous garden with comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade.
Recommended bars & restaurants in Miami Beach
Miami Beach offers such a diverse culinary scene, it can be overwhelming to decide where to dine. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, international cuisine, or classic American dishes, Miami Beach has it all.
Find below our recommended foodie spots in Miami Beach!
Orange Blossom
Orange blossom offers healthy and fresh organic products with a top-notch service.
This restaurant is divided in 2 areas: a 1950’s inspired dining area and the Jungle exterior garden. A must-visit in Miami Beach!
Komma
Looking for a trendy spot to enjoy delicious food in Miami Beach? Look no further than Komma! This stylish Mediterranean restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a menu full of beautiful flavors.
Besides, Komma is known for the high quality entertainment they offer: the night we visited there was live music and a fire dance show.
And don’t forget to order cocktails – the presentation will leave you speechless!
Time Out Market
If you’re looking for a casual and fun dining experience just steps away from the beach, head to Time Out market.
Time Out has something for everyone, from burgers and pizzas to sushi and tacos, featuring an extensive selection of beers and cocktails, too. It’s the perfect lunch spot!
The Martini Bar at National Hotel
There’s a new Martini Bar you need to check out at National Hotel.
Offering amazing cocktails and wines, this is the perfect spot for sundowners!
