Why Go to Miami
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Miami is a vibrant blend of cultures, art, food and ocean, and it's hard to believe that a little over a century ago much of it was swampland. Developers transformed it into one of the most popular destinations and most striking skylines in the country, with South Beach on one side and the Everglades on the other. Walk its streets and you'll hear Spanish and Caribbean music and see influences from across Latin America.
Miami's neighborhoods each have their own flavor. In Little Havana, sip Cuban coffee, watch locals play dominoes and enjoy live music along Calle Ocho. Wynwood is an open-air gallery of colorful street art, and the Design District is filled with luxury shops and contemporary art. Over the bridge, Miami Beach is famous for its pastel Art Deco buildings, glamorous nightlife and white-sand beaches. See the city from the water on a boat tour past the skyline and celebrity homes, and take a day trip to the Everglades for an airboat ride among alligators.
Miami is also known as the Cruise Capital of the World. I'll plan a beach stay, a pre- or post-cruise hotel and transfers to the port.
BEST FOR
Art lovers, foodies, nightlife seekers and coastal city travelers
BEST MONTHS
December to April
EXPLORE
Downtown and Brickell form the urban core; Wynwood is known for street art; Little Havana centers on Calle Ocho, while Coconut Grove has leafy waterfront streets.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Miami
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Art Deco glamour, Latin rhythms and turquoise beaches in the Magic City.
Urban & Culture
Nightlife
Art Deco
Luxury
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Grab a cafecito from a ventanita (walk-up window) in Little Havana, then watch the dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park. It's the real taste of Miami.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit in the morning for the best light in the gardens and fewer crowds.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
A stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay, surrounded by formal gardens, fountains and sculptures.
Explore the surrounding blocks too; some of the best murals are outside the walls.
Wynwood Walls
An outdoor museum of colorful murals by artists from around the world, the heart of Wynwood's famous street art scene.
Relax on the terrace overlooking the bay after exploring the galleries.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
A modern and contemporary art museum on Biscayne Bay, with hanging gardens and stunning waterfront views.
Take a guided food tour to taste your way through the neighborhood.
Little Havana
The heart of Miami's Cuban community, where Calle Ocho is lined with cafés, cigar shops and live music.
Take a boat tour from here to see the mansions of Star Island.
Bayside Marketplace
A waterfront shopping and dining complex with live music, harbor views and boat tours.
An iconic resort on Miami Beach with pools, nightlife, a spa and celebrity-chef dining.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Mid-Beach
Beach · Family
A luxurious Art Deco hotel on South Beach with three pools and impeccable service.
The Setai Miami Beach
South Beach
Beach
A stylish hotel in Brickell with a rooftop bar and modern design.
EAST Miami
Brickell
City
A full-service hotel in downtown Miami with bay views and easy access to the waterfront.
InterContinental Miami
Downtown / Bayfront
City
A historic landmark in Coral Gables with a famous pool, golf course and spa.
The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables
City
A glamorous oceanfront hotel with a theatrical design, a spa and celebrated dining.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Mid-Beach
Beach
An eco-luxe beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool and a relaxed, nature-inspired design.
1 Hotel South Beach
South Beach
Beach
A downtown hotel with a big pool deck overlooking Biscayne Bay, steps from the Riverwalk.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Downtown / Brickell
City
A gracious, art-filled boutique hotel on Ocean Drive with a rooftop pool.
The Betsy – South Beach
South Beach / Ocean Drive
Boutique · Beach
A family-friendly oceanfront hotel with a big pool and easy access to Lincoln Road.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
South Beach
Family · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Miami
High 82°F · Low 68°F · Rain 3.3 in
Cooler, drier weather arrives as the busy winter season begins.
The best time to visit Miami is December through April, when the weather is warm and dry. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June through November. Late spring and fall offer lower rates and fewer crowds.
Best Times to Visit Miami
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Miami's food scene reflects its Latin and Caribbean soul, with Cuban sandwiches, ceviche, stone crabs and some of the best Latin food in the country.
- Little Havana: Try authentic Cuban food at family-run restaurants and ventanitas.
- Waterfront dining: Enjoy fresh seafood with bay views in Coconut Grove and Miami Beach.
- Must-try: Cuban sandwiches, croquetas, stone crabs, key lime pie and a cafecito.
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Walking & Biking
South Beach and downtown are walkable, and Citi Bike stations are found throughout the city.
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Rental Cars
A car is useful for exploring Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and day trips to the Everglades or Keys.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are the easiest way to get around, especially between Miami Beach and the mainland.
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Brightline Train
Brightline high-speed trains connect downtown Miami with Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
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Metrorail & Metromover
Metrorail connects the airport with downtown and Brickell, and the free Metromover loops around downtown.
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Flying In
Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 20 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes from Miami Beach. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) is another option, about 45 minutes north.
Most visitors fly into Miami International and take a taxi or rideshare to their hotel. The free Metromover loops around downtown, and Brightline trains connect to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. A car is helpful for exploring the wider area and day trips.
Getting Around Miami
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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