Miami is America's playground - a sun-soaked paradise where Latin culture meets beach glamour. The pastel Art Deco buildings of South Beach, the vibrant street art of Wynwood, the Cuban coffee shops of Little Havana, and the pulsating nightlife create a city like no other in the US. With year-round summer weather and a unique cultural blend, Miami feels more like a Caribbean capital than an American city.
Top Attractions
South Beach
The world-famous stretch of sand and Ocean Drive's pastel Art Deco buildings define Miami's image. By day, bronze bodies and volleyball games. By night, neon lights and supercar cruising. The Art Deco Welcome Center offers walking tours. Lummus Park's palm-lined promenade is perfect for people-watching.
Visitor Information
- Beach Access: Free public beaches
- Art Deco Tour: $30 from Welcome Center (10:30am daily)
- Best Time: Morning for swimming, evening for Ocean Drive
- Tip: Lincoln Road (pedestrian mall) has great dining
Wynwood Walls
This former warehouse district is now the world's largest outdoor street art museum. The Wynwood Walls feature murals by internationally acclaimed artists, while the surrounding streets are covered in ever-changing graffiti. Galleries, breweries, and restaurants have made this Miami's hippest neighborhood.
Little Havana
Step into Cuba without a passport. Calle Ocho (8th Street) is filled with cigar shops, domino players in Maximo Gomez Park, and the aroma of Cuban coffee. The free Ball & Chain bar hosts live salsa nightly. Visit during the massive Calle Ocho Festival in March for the world's largest block party.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa was built in 1916 as a winter residence for industrialist James Deering. The 10-acre formal gardens, 34-room main house filled with European antiques, and waterfront location make it Miami's most elegant attraction.
Key Biscayne
Just across the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne feels worlds away from South Beach's bustle. Crandon Park Beach regularly ranks among America's best. Bill Baggs State Park at the island's tip offers the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, mangrove trails, and sea turtle nesting beaches.
Everglades Day Trip
Just 45 minutes from Miami, the Everglades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and America's largest subtropical wilderness. Take an airboat tour to spot alligators, manatees, and exotic birds. Shark Valley's 15-mile loop offers cycling and tram tours with guaranteed gator sightings.
Miami Food Guide
Miami's food scene reflects its cultural diversity. Cuban cuisine dominates, but you'll also find excellent Peruvian ceviche, Haitian griot, and upscale Latin fusion. The city has become a serious food destination with world-class restaurants alongside legendary hole-in-the-wall spots.
Must-Try Dishes
Cuban Sandwich
Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Miami's signature bite. $8-14.
Try: Versailles or La Carreta
Café Cubano
Intense espresso with whipped sugar foam. Shots from ventanitas (walk-up windows) are a Miami ritual. $1-2.
Try: Versailles ventanita or any Little Havana window
Ceviche
Miami's Peruvian community serves excellent lime-cured seafood. Many styles from classic to Nikkei fusion. $12-20.
Try: CVI.CHE 105 or Ceviche House
Stone Crab Claws
Florida's prized crustacean, in season Oct-May. Served cold with mustard sauce. Market price ($40-80/lb).
Try: Joe's Stone Crab (legendary since 1913)
Ropa Vieja
Shredded beef in tomato sauce - "old clothes" is Cuba's national dish. Served with rice and plantains. $15-22.
Try: El Exquisito or Puerto Sagua
Key Lime Pie
Florida's official state pie - tart, creamy, and refreshing. On every menu for good reason. $8-12.
Try: Joe's Stone Crab or any Cuban restaurant
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Metromover: Free! Loops through downtown/Brickell
- Metrorail: $2.25 connects airport to downtown
- Uber/Lyft: Best option for most trips
- Rental Car: Essential for Everglades, Keys, or exploring beyond beach
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: $100-150 (hostels, Cuban food, beach)
- Mid-range: $250-400 (3-star hotels, restaurants, Uber)
- Luxury: $600+ (South Beach hotels, fine dining, clubs)
Best Time to Visit
- Dec-Apr: Perfect weather, dry season, peak prices
- May-Jun: Warming up, great deals before summer
- Jul-Oct: Hot, humid, hurricane season but cheapest
- Art Basel (December): World's top art fair - book months ahead
Interactive Map
Explore Miami's top attractions on the map. Click markers for details and directions.
Key Attractions on Map
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