Miami is unlike any other American city — a subtropical metropolis where Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US converge in a swirl of colour, music, food, and Art Deco architecture. Year-round warm weather, extraordinary beaches, and a world-class arts scene make it one of North America's most compelling destinations.
South Beach and Art Deco
South Beach (SoBe) is Miami's most iconic neighbourhood — the Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue contains over 800 buildings from the 1920s–40s, the largest such concentration in the world. The Wolfsonian Museum tells the story of design and propaganda through the period's objects. Lummus Park beach runs alongside Ocean Drive — the most photographed stretch of beach in America. The Bass Museum of Art has an impressive permanent collection in a renovated Art Deco building.
Expert Tips
- ✓Ocean Drive is best walked at sunset when the pastel buildings glow
- ✓Rent a bike from Citi Bike to explore the full Art Deco district and South Beach
- ✓Morning on South Beach (7–9am) is completely different from afternoon — quiet, local, beautiful
Wynwood and the Art Scene
Wynwood is one of America's most remarkable neighbourhood transformations — a former warehouse district now covered in world-class murals and home to galleries, design studios, and excellent restaurants. The Wynwood Walls outdoor gallery is the heart of the neighbourhood. Art Basel Miami Beach every December is one of the world's most important art fairs — but Wynwood is worth visiting any time of year. The Design District north of Wynwood has luxury boutiques and excellent contemporary galleries.
Expert Tips
- ✓Wynwood is most active Thursday–Saturday evenings
- ✓The Wynwood Walls museum charges entry — the surrounding streets are free
- ✓R House on NW 2nd Ave is the best brunch spot in Wynwood
Little Havana and Beyond
Little Havana on Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is a living piece of Cuban culture — domino players in Máximo Gómez Park, hand-rolled cigars, Cuban coffee at ventanitas, and live salsa music. The Everglades National Park is 90 minutes from Miami — one of the world's great wilderness areas and home to alligators, manatees, and rare birds. An airboat ride through sawgrass prairies is unforgettable.
Expert Tips
- ✓Calle Ocho Festival in March is one of the world's largest street festivals
- ✓Versailles restaurant on Calle Ocho is Miami's most famous Cuban restaurant
- ✓Everglades airboat tours from Everglades City are better than the more touristy Tamiami Trail operators
