Miami: An Insider’s Guide

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

With luxe beachfront hotels, a hip art scene, and vibrant nightlife, Miami is a hotspot for travelers who love a little glamour. The year-round sizzling sunshine makes this Florida city perfect for a long-weekend winter escape. There’s Little Havana for a taste of Cuban culture,  Wynwood for blocks of up-and-coming breweries next to funky art galleries, South Beach for sand and shopping, and so much more. Hotel snobs will feel right at home, foodies can indulge in the diverse culinary scene, and shopaholics can cash in some serious retail therapy. Whether you’re seeking a romantic city break or a fun getaway with friends, Miami delivers.

Read on for a taste of the best of Miami. For recommendations tailored to your interests and budget, reach out. I will design the best custom trips for you and your crew. 

Need to know

• Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main hub, but Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) is just a 30-minute drive away.
• Transportation: If you can, walk or rent a scooter or bike to cruise the neighborhoods like a local. Hop on the free trolleys or Metromover to explore downtown. Rideshares are available when needed.
• Best time to visit: December thru May hits the sweet spot in this tropical locale. Temperatures are great year-round,  but summer can be muggy, and early fall can be stormy. Pay attention to Miami’s event schedule, too — Art Basel in early December means great vibes paired with high prices and big crowds. 
• Ideal length of stay: Miami is made for long weekends. You can soak up a lot of vibes and sunshine in three or four days.
• Signature dishes: Stone crab (seasonal delicacies with mustard sauce), ceviche, classic Cuban sandwiches, fresh seafood, and key lime pie. Don’t miss a round of Miami’s classic tropical cocktails or mocktails.
• What to wear: It’s Miami — go glam if you can. The city is hot, so pack breezy, summery outfits, swimsuits, sun hats and chic-but-comfy footwear. Anything goes, so don’t be afraid to make a statement. 
  

Where to stay

Image courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach

Miami’s neighborhoods tell the story of its diversity. Little Havana is a must-see, where cigar shops, salsa music and hand-rolled croquetas preserve Cuban traditions. In artsy Wynwood, vibrant murals cover the streets. South Beach, with its Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive and LGBTQ+-friendly vibe, celebrates inclusivity and glamour. Downtown Miami and Brickell, the financial district, offer heaps of entertainment and hotels, too. 

Read on for some of my favorite Miami hotels. Connect with a Fora advisor for personalized recommendations for your upcoming trip.

1 Hotel South Beach: An eco-chic, stylish boutique stay with ocean-view rooms, farm-to-table dining and state-of-the-art fitness facilities near Miami’s downtown hotspots.

• Fora’s Virtuoso perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  

Esmé Miami Beach: An approachably priced boutique hideaway on Española Way. Couples and solo travelers love the cozy rooms and courtyards topped with a refreshing rooftop pool. 

• Fora’s Tablet Plus perks include a $40 hotel credit, an upgrade and late check-out whenever possible.
  

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club: Travelers can expect Four Seasons’ standard elegance and modern luxury amenities at this restored 1930s hotel in Surfside, a neighborhood known for Michelin-Starred dining and lush gardens. 

Faena Hotel Miami Beach: A design-forward retreat with an award-winning spa, Michelin-Starred dining, and an avant-garde aesthetic. A star-studded lineup of evening entertainment adds to the experience.

The Miami Beach EDITION: Think modern, cosmopolitan and romantic at this property with luxe amenities like an indoor ice rink, rooftop pool and award-winning spa.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel: This South Beach icon in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco district still shines with spacious suites, a full-service spa and six chic restaurants and lounges.

Hotel Greystone – Adults Only: An affordable (for Miami) South Beach hideaway with modern aesthetics, a rooftop pool and hyperlocal cuisine. 

The Betsy: Family-run boutique hotel on Ocean Drive with high style, rotating art exhibits, nightly live jazz and a wellness program complete with sunrise yoga, holistic spa treatments and a splashy rooftop pool.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Soak in the cosmopolitan vibes at this Asian-inspired luxury property in Brickell Key. A private beach and top-notch dining ensure a fabulous getaway.

Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club: An Art Deco-inspired hotel a stone’s throw from the Miami Beach Boardwalk and the beach itself, with oceanfront rooms with private balconies and poolside spa treatments.

History and culture

Image courtesy of Esmé Miami Beach

Miami’s history is deeply intertwined with its location as a gateway to the Americas. Once a tiny settlement along the Miami River, it took generations to blossom into the metropolis — and tourist hotspot — of today. The first significant wave of Cuban exiles arrived around 1959, sparking Miami’s modern identity as a hub for Cuban-American culture. Now, Latin, Caribbean and American influences all blend into a colorful fusion of art, music and food. 

Speaking of food, Miami’s culinary scene is thriving. Many kitchens are rooted in Cuban staples but enhanced by Peruvian ceviche, Haitian griot and fresh seafood. The city’s tropical climate offers a parade of fresh flavors, from seasonal seafood to juicy mangoes and guavas.

Miami is also a feast for the eyes. Landmarks like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are studies in historical elegance, while Miami Beach’s Art Deco architecture is an iconic depiction of 20th-century American glam and jazz. Simply put: Miami is a celebration of culture and connection — an unforgettable place for first-time visitors.

Activities

Image courtesy of the Miami Beach EDITION

Art: Stroll through Wynwood, Miami’s artsy hub with bold street murals, trendy bars and eclectic galleries. Don’t miss the iconic street art museum Wynwood Walls.

Shopping: Find high-end fashion at the Design District’s boutiques and cafés. Bal Harbour Shops also offers breezy open-air shopping.

Lounging: Vibes are chic and sophisticated at 1 Hotel South Beach’s rooftop pool, which boasts ocean views. There’s also the sandy beach south of Fifth for a quiet break from the masses. Many hotels have private beachfronts, too.

Culture: Escape the heat or rain at the Perez Art Museum, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Food: Eating your way through Miami could take months. Start off with institutions like Joe’s Stone Crab or La Sandwicherie Miami Beach followed by Michelin-Starred Korean steakhouse COTE Miami or The Surf Club. Don’t miss Carbone, an Italian-American eatery full of retro glamour.

Tours: Reserve your spot on a Miami food tour or a sunset boat cruise where you can view Miami’s stunning skyline from a new perspective.

Nightlife: Miami’s nightlife mainstays include the jazzy Faena Theater, 24/7 ultraclub E11EVEN Miami, award-winning cocktail bar Broken Shaker and celebrity-spotting hotspot LIV Fontainebleau Miami Beach. 

Nature: Longer vacations warrant visiting Everglades National Park, a sprawling wetland less than an hour away. Spot alligators on an airboat or kayak through peaceful mangroves.

Add-on destinations

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Miami is an easy drive from so many other Florida attractions. If you have a full week or more, go beyond the ‘Magic City’ to one or more of these nearby towns. Contact a Fora Advisor for a personalized list of what to do and where to stay in these add-on destinations.

Orlando (3.5 hours by car): Pair buzzy Miami with a trip to the most family-friendly city in Florida. Take your pick of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando.

Fort Lauderdale (1 hour by car): Known as the “Venice of America,” this coastal city has beautiful canals, waterfront dining and relaxed beach vibes. Don’t miss Las Olas Boulevard for boutique shopping, sidewalk cafés and fun nightlife. 

Palm Beach (2 hours by car): Refined and luxe, this island boasts pristine beaches and high-end shopping. If you can, book a room at the historic (and iconic) The Breakers resort.

Florida Keys (3.5 hours by car): Leave Miami’s glitz for a tropical paradise offering crystal-clear waters, snorkeling and laid-back island vibes. Visit Key West for quirky charm or Key Largo for postcard-perfect snorkeling.

Bahamas (45-minute flight or 2 hours by ferry): Hemingway’s beloved escape is just a high-speed ferry or plane ride away, so why not spend a few days splashing in crystal-clear water and soaking up vibrant international island culture? Don’t forget to pack your passport.