Experiences
Things to do in Miami: Art Deco, South Beach and Little Havana
Pastel Art Deco buildings in the morning sun, Cuban coffee in Little Havana and street art in Wynwood. How to experience Miami beyond the beach.
It is early morning on Ocean Drive. The light is soft, the pastel buildings look like cake decorations, and rollerbladers glide past the palms. In a couple of hours the pavement will be packed, but right now you have Miami Beach almost to yourself.
Miami is more than beaches and nightlife. The city has one of the world's largest collections of Art Deco architecture, a vibrant Cuban community and an art scene that draws people from around the globe. It is also the gateway to the Florida Keys and the Everglades.
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How to do it
Stay in South Beach for the beach and Art Deco, or in Mid-Beach for more calm.
Take a guided Art Deco walk to understand the buildings.
Use taxis or ride-hailing between neighbourhoods. A hire car is useful for day trips.
Wear plenty of sunscreen. The sun is strong all year.
What not to miss
The Art Deco Historic District: Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue with pastel buildings from the 1930s.
South Beach: the wide beach with its colourful lifeguard huts.
Little Havana: Calle Ocho with Cuban coffee, cigars and domino players in the park.
Wynwood Walls: street art on warehouse walls, with galleries and cafés around.
Vizcaya: a villa and gardens on Biscayne Bay.
A Biscayne Bay boat trip: views of the skyline and the island homes.
Art Deco
Miami Beach has hundreds of Art Deco buildings. Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash
Food and evenings
Start the day with a cafecito, a small, sweet Cuban coffee, and have a Cuban sandwich for lunch. In the evening it is seafood, Latin American cooking and rooftop bars. Miami wakes up late, so dinner at nine is perfectly normal.
Book experiences: See tours and experiences in Miami
Where to stay in Miami
South Beach puts everything within walking distance. Mid-Beach and Collins Avenue further north are quieter and often more luxurious.
The Betsy South Beach: right on Ocean Drive
The Betsy is on Ocean Drive, in the middle of the Art Deco district and steps from the beach, with two pools and a friendly bar.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Betsy - South Beach
The Setai
Calm luxury on the beach on Collins Avenue. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Setai: Asian calm in South Beach
The Setai is on Collins Avenue in South Beach, with three pools and its own beach service. A calm, exclusive choice a short walk from Lincoln Road.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Setai, Miami Beach
Faena Miami Beach: glamour in Mid-Beach
Faena is in Mid-Beach, with a theatre, several restaurants and the beach right outside. A hotel with plenty of style and gold.
Book your stay: See rooms at Faena Miami Beach
When is the best time to visit Miami?
November to April is high season, with dry, warm weather. Summer is very hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check forecasts and cancellation terms.
When should you book?
Hotels for winter and Easter: several months ahead.
Restaurants at weekends: a few days ahead.
Boat trips and Art Deco walks: a few days ahead.
Frequently asked questions about Miami
Where should I stay in Miami?
Stay in South Beach, for example at The Betsy or The Setai, for the beach and Art Deco on your doorstep. Faena in Mid-Beach is a glamorous, quieter alternative.
What is the Art Deco district in Miami?
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach has hundreds of buildings from the 1930s and 1940s, many along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
When is the best time to visit Miami?
November to April is high season with dry, pleasant weather. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
What can you do in Miami besides the beach?
Visit Little Havana, Wynwood Walls and Vizcaya, take a boat trip on Biscayne Bay, and make day trips to the Everglades or the Florida Keys.
Do you need a car in Miami?
Not for South Beach. For day trips to the Everglades and the Florida Keys, a hire car is handy.