If there’s one place I always toy with moving to, it’s Miami Beach. I love pretty much everything about it – the food, the culture, and the general vibrancy of it all.
Read on to discover all of my favourite places in Miami Beach.
Things to Know Before Visiting
How to Get to Miami Beach
There are two major airports with flights into the Miami area, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
If you have a choice, I would always opt to fly into MIA. From there, they have a super convenient airport express bus that runs the entire length of Miami Beach. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a long and expensive rideshare from Fort Lauderdale.
Getting Around Miami Beach
Miami Beach is notoriously congested, so you’re better off without a car rental unless you absolutly need it.
Much of Miami Beach is easily walkable, and there are tons of convenient Citibike stations for longer distances.
For mainly north-south travel, Miami Beach also has a free trolley that is super convenient to catch. And, if you’re in a time crunch or wearing heels, rideshares are always abundant around Miami Beach.
Best Time to Visit Miami Beach
Late autumn through early spring are the best times to visit Miami Beach. While it is true that Miami Beach is cheaper during the summer, you’ll find that it is also dreadfully hot and lacks much of the vibrancy you’d find during the winter months.
How Much Time To Spend in Miami Beach
A weekend is a perfect amount of time for exploring Miami Beach. If it’s your first time visiting or you just have two or three days, you’ll be able to fill them all without ever feeling bored.
After soaking up Miami Beach for a couple of days, you’ll likely be more than ready to explore the greater Miami area though!
Neighbourhoods in Miami Beach
North Beach | If someone tells you that they live in Miami Beach, they probably live in this area.
Mid Beach | Up and coming neighbourhood that’s home to a good mix of trendy and upscale spots, like Faena and Soho Beach House.
South Beach | Main tourist hot spot with lots of brightly coloured sportscars rented by the hour. There are a few iconic places to visit, but in general I try to avoid this area.
South of Fifth | More relaxed, upscale neighborhood with a lot of health & wellness spots and a lot of historic lower rise buildings.
Where to Stay in Miami Beach
Life House South of Fifth
A charming and intimate escape in the trendy South of Fifth neighbourhood of Miami. The boutique hotel’s thoughtfully designed spaces and personalized service create a cozy atmosphere, while its location allows guests to enjoy a quieter side of the beach.
Neighbourhood: South of Fifth
Best For: Yoga Girlies
Read more about my stay at Life House South of Fifth.
Esme Miami Beach
Hidden gem tucked down Espanola Way, seemingly miles away from the usual hustle and bustle of South Beach. The bohemian-luxe vibes here are uniquely charming, reminiscent of a kind of Latin version of Montmartre that I just adore.
Neighbourhood: South Beach
Best For: Young Couples
Goodtime Hotel
A vibrant and visually stunning retreat that blends art deco aesthetics with modern luxury. Boasting playful pastel hues and whimsical design elements, the hotel offers a unique and immersive experience, featuring stylish accommodations, lively communal spaces, and a rooftop pool deck with great views of Miami Beach.
Neighbourhood: South Beach
Best For: Girls Trips
Faena
A stay at Faena is a journey into avant-garde opulence, where theatrical design meets unparalleled luxury. The hotel’s iconic red beach loungers punctuate the long stretch of white sand on one of the best stretches of beach in town, available exclusively to hotel guests.
Neighbourhood: Mid Beach
Best For: Glamourous Types
Soho Beach House
Staying here is a luxurious and exclusive experience, where vintage glamour meets modern sophistication. The private beach club atmosphere, stylishly curated interiors, and top-notch amenities create an intimate retreat for members and guests.
Neighbourhood: Mid Beach
Best For: Members & Their Friends
Where to Eat in Miami Beach
Cafes
Under the Mango Tree | A longstanding haven for health conscious foodies, especially known for their acai bowls and butter toasts.
News Café | Come here for some y2k nostalgia vibes and excellent early morning people watching.
A la Folie | Parisian style bistro with pretty sidewalk seating on Espanola Way.
Casual Spots
Hoja Taqueria | Trendy but affordable spot with truly some of the best tacos and huevos rancheros in town.
Alton Food Hall | A foodie paradise with an eclectic mix of vendors serving global cuisines.
Primo Market & Café | Little deli tucked off the main road that I love to stop at for a quick bite on a beach day.
PLANTA | Stylish little vegan spot renowned for their plant-based sushi rolls.
Puerto Sagua Restaurant | Historic restaurant serving Cuban staples that hasn’t changed much in decades for good reason. Grab a table outside for great people watching.
Fine Dining
The Den | Michelin-starred izakaya concept hidden inside another sushi restaurant with a set omakase each night.
Joe’s Stone Crab | Legendary seafood institution renowned for its world-famous stone crab claws and classic Floridian charm. I love getting their lobster rolls to-go for a picnic in South Pointe Park.
Smith & Wollensky | Classic steakhouse with the best sunset views in town – well worth booking ahead for a waterside table.
Matador Room | Combines modern elegance with a touch of vintage glamour and features a Caribbean-forward menu.
Cecconi’s | Romantic restaurant in a garden courtyard setting inside of Soho House. Reservations are tough, but there’s usually space at the bar.
The Best Nightlife in Miami Beach
Happy Hours
Editor Pizza | Late night happy hour on wine and beer from 9 to 11 everyday.
Joliet | Great deals on both food and drinks every night from 5 until 7.
Katsuya | Buzzy hotspot inside SLS with happy hour deals every night from 6 to 8.
Barceloneta | Cosy tapas bar with discounted sangria and cocktails from 5 to 7 on weekdays.
STK Steakhouse | Another late-night happy hour on Sunday through Thursday from 10 til close.
Bars
Medium Cool Cocktail Lounge | Old school opulence with live bossa nova on Fridays and Saturdays.
Minibar | A trendy and intimate cocktail bar, known for its inventive mixology and stylish ambiance.
Watr | Arguably the prettiest rooftop bar in Miami.
El Salón | Decadent cocktail bar with an old world feel tucked down Española Way.
Broken Shaker | Award winning cocktails served in a low key backyard garden setting.
Nightclubs
M2 | The latest nightclub in town, located in Al Capone’s old movie house, which began as a popup during music week and stuck around by popular demand.
Do Not Sit On The Furniture | A newer, less pretentious nightclub focused more on music than scene, with live sets in an intimate underground environment.
Liv | A glamorous hotspot located in the Fountainbleu Hotel with a strict dress code and table policy.
Story | Same team behind LIV, with just as much glamour and exclusivity.
If you’re a lady heading to Miami, I highly suggest downloading the Tabler App to connect with promoters.
The Best Things to Do in Miami Beach
Cycle up the Beach
One of my favourite pastimes when visiting Miami is renting a Citibike and heading up the beachwalk. It’s a perfect way of sightseeing while also getting a little bit of exercise in.
Wander Through The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
A lush tropical oasis right in the middle of the city, with three acres full of koi ponds, giant banyan trees, and more than one hundred species of palm trees. General admission is also free, making it the perfect place for a little escape.
Take An Art Deco Walking Tour
Daily walking tours hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League in the late morning every day of the week, rain or shine. In addition to the Art Deco tour, they also offer a wide range of other options, ranging from Jewish and LGBT History to Miami Modernism and Mediterranean Revival Architecture.
Explore The Bass Collection
This is my go-to spot for spending time in the afternoon to catch a break from the heat. Housed in a beautifully designed building, the museum showcases a variety of mostly contemporary artwork. The exhibitions here are also constantly revolving, so every time I visit there is something new to explore.
Go for Drag Bruch at Palace
I’d say that experiencing a drag brunch at Palace is almost considered a right of passage. With a great location overlooking the famous palm-lined Lummus Park, this is the perfect place to experience the wild energy of South Beach. Grab a mimosa, enjoy the view, and don’t forget your glitter.
Catch a Movie at Rooftop Cinema Club
For a more low-key night out in Miami, check out the schedule for the newly opened Rooftop Cinema Club. They have a cosy setup with oversized plush chairs and very pretty skyline views. I like to get there early to take advantage of their boardgames and while also catching an epic sunset.
Practice Yoga at Third Street Beach
This is one of the things I most look forward to whenever I’m visiting Miami, and is super popular with both tourists and locals alike. For decades yogis have gathered at the Third Street Beach for these donation based classes, and all you need to participate is a little beach towel. Classes run twice per day, although I’m personally partial to the sunrise sessions.
I hope this Miami Beach Guide helps you plan your next trip! Drop a comment below if you have any questions or want to share a great spot I’ve missed 🙂
