The beaches
South Beach is the postcard — turquoise water, art-deco lifeguard towers and the buzz of Ocean Drive — but far from the only one. Head north to quieter Mid-Beach and Surfside for space, or over to Key Biscayne for calmer water and a family feel.
Boat charters and day trips
Seeing Miami from the water is half the point. Charter a boat for the day around Biscayne Bay and the celebrity islands, take a sunset cruise, or run down to the sandbars where locals anchor up at the weekend. No licence needed with a captain.
Food tours and where to eat
Miami eats brilliantly. Little Havana for Cuban food and cafecito, Wynwood and the Design District for modern spots, Coral Gables for fine dining. A guided food tour of Little Havana or Wynwood is a great first-day orientation to the food and the neighbourhoods.
Art and museums
Wynwood's open-air murals are world-famous and free to wander, the Pérez Art Museum and the ICA anchor the serious collections, and the whole city becomes a gallery each December for Art Basel. The Design District pairs architecture, public art and high-end shopping.
Nightlife
Miami's nightlife runs from rooftop bars and beach clubs in South Beach to the warehouses of Wynwood and the Latin dance floors of Little Havana. It starts late and runs later; a private car home is the sensible way to end the night.
Day trips from Miami
The Everglades are an hour west for airboats and alligators, the Florida Keys stretch south toward Key West for a classic road trip, and Fort Lauderdale's beaches and canals sit just to the north. Any of them makes an easy day out with a hire car or a private driver.
Where to stay nearby
Our Miami homes and condos put you near South Beach, Brickell and Wynwood with far more space than a hotel room. Browse Miami rentals and add an airport transfer to the same booking.