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With no shortage of coastline and miles of sandy beaches, it’s hard to narrow down the best beaches in Florida. But begin with the most famous, Miami’s South Beach, and you’ve also got one of the best for its unmatched style, people-watching, energetic urban feel and many cafes, activities and hotels. Miami also has plenty of quiet stretches of sand frequented by locals, including Haulover Beach, where some of the biggest swells come in and where you'll spot a significant amount of surfers (and nude sunbathers, too). Crandon Park Beach will appeal to families, since it has a sandbar and great activities like a roller rink and Crandon Park Gardens. For more solitude, Virginia Key Beach is less crowded but no less beautiful. Bill Baggs Cape State Park on the island of Key Biscayne appeals to everyone, though. Home to the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, this one-mile beachfront lets you do everything from canoe to fish.

To avoid throngs of tourists, book a trip to Miami between May and September. Sure, temperatures are brutally hot, but you’ll be able to score restaurant reservations more easily and relax on a beach that’s not nearly as crowded. Plus, you’re going on vacation to Miami to get a tan, aren’t you? Just don’t forget your sunscreen and airy clothing.

Many people choose to visit in the winter and spring months for the obvious reason: temperatures average in the 70s from January to April, something most people living in northern states aren’t accustomed to during that time of year. June through October is generally considered hurricane season in Miami, but temperatures and precipitation are ideal and accommodation costs are lower than that of the winter and spring months.

When sunning just won’t cut it, Miami has some fine cultural institutions that will engage your mind and inspire you. The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Science Museum are all wonderful variations of different museums you might find around the country, while the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Jewish Museum of Florida have a noticeable Miami bent.

1. True to form for a contemporary art museum, Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibits are well-known in Miami for being a bit off-kilter and thought-provoking. But MOCA’s commitment to stirring minds takes a populist approach with exhibits that involve museum-goers, such as the interactive 2008 show Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock & Roll Since 1967, which revealed the relationship between visual arts and rock ’n’ roll culture - and also came with a full instrument set that visitors were encouraged to jam with while in the museum.
2. The Miami Science Museum contains hands-on exhibits that run a spectrum of topics, from Newton’s laws to national flags to the impact of Latinos on the music industry. The outdoor wildlife center includes snakes, reptiles, turtles and even birds of prey - among them an owl, a hawk and a bald eagle. This museum is a refresher course for everything that you forgot from high school.
3. Even if you’re not mad for 17th century antiques, there’s little doubt you’ll be able to appreciate the majestic surroundings of Vizcaya. A National Historic Landmark, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once home to American industrialist James Deering. Built to look like an Italian villa, it has 34 decorated rooms (and 70 in total) with 15th- to 19th-century antique furnishings and a massive collection of original artwork. (Did we mention the property also sits directly along Biscayne Bay, earning some of the best views in the city?) Dignitaries from around the world have visited, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. Try to plan your visit around lunchtime as Vizcaya’s 1917 pipe organ serenades visitors inside the mansion from noon to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. Among the 50 acres, 10 are composed of the breathtaking botanic gardens, which include mazes and a view overlooking Biscayne Bay.
4. They say you need to know where you came from in order to know where you’re going. And whether you’re Jewish or not, The Jewish Museum of Florida gives a good glimpse of a people’s past and is an excellent educational resource. The museum developed out of a statewide grassroots project, set to educate and preserve the Florida Jewish experience - nowadays, the institution holds more than 100,000 items of interest of the Jewish faith. The core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, includes more than 500 photos and artifacts that portray the Jewish experiences, along with three films and a Timeline Wall of Jewish History.
5. The Bass Museum of Art pairs learning with entertainment, featuring activities that step outside the box, such as theater play readings, wine tastings, concerts and films - all somehow relating to art or the museum. Inside the box (and we mean this literally - the main building is a simple structure built in 1930 as a Miami Beach public library), you’ll find a permanent collection that varies from European tapestries to Japanese woodblock prints. Temporary exhibits have ranged from architectural renderings and music, and more classic media like photography, printing and painting (Picasso and Miro had works in a recent exhibit).

After a night of party hopping on South Beach, you’ll wake up hungry for some good old fashioned brunch. What you’ll get is innovative dishes, rather than the classic scrambled eggs and bacon. You can eat impeccably cooked fish at Blue Door Fish co. in Delano Hotel or playful cuisine at North One 10 and Mondrian Hotel’s Asia de Cuba. Don’t rule out Wish and its technically crafted dishes and Front Porch Café for it’s perfect outdoor brunch location.

1. The visually stunning Delano Hotel’s Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant features white-on-white furniture framed by white gauzy draperies, providing an ideal backdrop for the dramatic cuisine, which is rooted in French method but informed by Brazilian culture. The outdoor terrace, overlooking the famous hotel pool, is ideal for brunch. Now Blue Door offers an expanded version of their weekend brunch menu, which includes more à la carte dishes.
2. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on the actual front porch, cherish it with your life and settle in for the afternoon. Front Porch Café is the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch on Ocean Drive, as it comprises the porch, the sidewalk out front and the lobby of the Penguin Hotel. But, the porch is definitely preferable - so try to snag a seat there. You’ll find healthy cuisine with plenty of grains (granola pancakes), fresh fruits (French toast with bananas) and items like omelets with grilled squash, onions and peppers that will make your stomach happy.
3. Designed by quirky mastermind Todd Oldham, Wish features just a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables to complement the curvy, Art Deco bar. The bistro is more known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden, so that’s where you’ll want to sit. Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro is a native of Calabria, Italy, so the menu boasts a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes. Though the restaurant is closed for dinner through Autumn 2011, you can still eat breakfast or lunch and receive rooftop and pool service at Wish.
4. North One 10 features creative contemporary cuisine with a sense of humor - yes, that really is a stone crab “hot dog” with pomegranate ketchup - from chef-owner Dewey LoSasso. It’s a welcome find on this trafficky stretch of Biscayne Boulevard. For brunch, dishes like the North One 10 French toast with sautéed apples, mangoes and Land of Goshen maple syrup drizzled on top will help you start your day right.
5. The Morgans Group (Shore Club, Delano) heads west with the opening of Mondrian South Beach. The hotel’s restaurant, Asia de Cuba, features Latin meets Asian cuisine and is headed by restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. Imaginative dishes like Chinese five-spice scented Cuban French Toast with sugarcase rum and sweet banana caramel flambé and Thai basil pesto rubbed Scottish salmon with crispy bacon, Chinese long beans and tomato almond fricassee will inspire you before the day has even begun.

Savory dishes, ones you’ll think about for days after consuming them, are what you’ll find in South Beach, Miami’s most luxurious area brimming with restaurants, hotels, boutiques and nightclubs. After all, celebrity chefs like Scott Conant, Paula DaSilva and Daniel Boulud carved their way in Miami.

Restaurants like Azul, Blue Door Fish and Wish are stunning inside and out, seeing as lush Florida is their backdrop. Fresh seafood and Latin cuisine on these restaurants’ menus are what makes fine dining in Miami unique. There’s a wide spectrum: from authentic hole-in-the-wall Cuban food found in culturally rich Little Havana to French meets Brazilian food at the luxe Blue Door Fish with its romantic white-on-white furnishings and grandiose chandeliers.

Places like China Grill, Mediterranean restaurant Michy’s and American steakhouse Smith & Wollenskys ensure that all types of cuisines are represented in the city. Miami is rising in the ranks as one of the great culinary cities, alongside Chicago, New York and L.A., and this is nothing new.

In Miami, there’s nothing more satisfying than a day spent at the beach followed by fine dining. Of course, the restaurant you choose, depending on the type of cuisine you desire, is up to you but we’ve got some suggestions. Azul, Wish, The Capital Grille, Blue Door Fish and Michy’s all fit the bill for the most unforgettable food experiences in the city - and they all have something uniquely Miami to offer.

1. Azul, located inside the Mandarin Oriental Miami, continues to dominate the city’s fine dining scene with Todd English-trained chef Clay Conley at the helm and sommelier Cynthia Betancourt supervising the more than 700-bottle wine program. Adding his own touch to some otherwise traditional dishes, Conley serves up items like the “revisited” clam chowder, which is presented in a tiny copper pot on a plate with a strip of confit pork belly and a pile of fried Ipswich clams garnished with malt-vinegar aioli.
2. The Capital Grille continues to rule the power-broker scene downtown. Brassy appointments, massive chairs and endless walls of mahogany scream masculinity. The purely professional service, along with the perfectly cooked steaks - the 22-ounce delmonico and porterhouse-style veal chop are signatures - and succulent seafood, both raw and cooked, are the draw for dealmakers throughout South Florida.
3. The visually stunning Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. Designed by the famous Philippe Starck, you’ll find white-on-white furniture throughout, framed by white gauzy draperies. It provides an ideal backdrop for the exciting cuisine, which is derived from French method but influenced by Brazilian culture. This mix creates crave-inducing bites such as ravioli filled with taro root mousseline and white truffle oil, and pan-seared Chilean sea bass.
4. Chef-owner Michelle Bernstein created Michy’s, an orange-and-white, 60-seat, Upper East Side, shabby-chic charmer, with her husband, David Martinez, in 2006 after a charismatic stint at Azul. Here, Bernstein blends classical French training with neo-Spanish and Latin American influences. Dishes range from foie gras mousse with peach marmalade and brioche crisps and jamón-and-blue cheese croquetas with fig marmalade for appetizers to “short ribs falling off the bone” and steak frites (with both béarnaise and au poivre sauces for dipping) for the main event.
5. Wish, which was designed by famous designer Todd Oldham, features only a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables, complementing a curvy Art Deco bar. Known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden, Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro creates a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes, such as pan-seared diver scallops with squash, Brussels sprouts, pancetta and maple syrup. Also quite crafty are the desserts - try the vanilla pot de crème, topped with chopped, fresh oranges and pink peppercorns. It’s refreshing and delicious.

Skimpily dressed, taut-and-tanned locals mingle with the rich and famous inside swanky boutique hotels in Miami and Miami Beach. In this city, no hotel is too flashy or has too much flavor. Mandarin Oriental Miami is beyond posh, Four Seasons Hotel Miami represents the Four Seasons brand flawlessly, and The Setai is a celebrity destination. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach features to-die-for amenities, and Loews Miami Beach Hotel is pure art deco bliss.

1. Without a doubt, Mandarin Oriental Miami is one of the finest hotels in the city, from the valets who remember your name to the impeccable customer service to the lobby area (a Zen den replete with dainty flowers on vases on the tables and satin pillows on the red-hued couches) that invites relaxation with its sky-high windows that look out onto the water. The rooms are also pristine, and exude a calming vibe with their Asian-inspired flair and their color palette of pear-green, light yellow and tan. Balcony rooms have picture-perfect views of Biscayne Bay and the colorful city lights at night. The view is enough to inspire you to spend the day a bamboo bed on the hotel’s private beach.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Miami really rolls out the red carpet for the kids. They get complimentary amenities upon arrival, including child-sized bathrobes, and free baby and children’s toiletries. Everything, it seems, but easy access to water. The hotel is in Miami’s downtown financial district (about a 15-minute drive from the beach), so it’s better suited for business travelers. But it compensates for its lack of beach access with a lively pool scene. The Grand Pool Terrace covers two acres on the seventh floor. Three heated pools - a main pool, shade pool and whirlpool - plus an ample supply of chaise lounges offer plenty of room in which to sunbathe. Guest rooms feature the typical Four Seasons contemporary furnishings with blond wood, and dark green granite in the bedroom and bathroom. Plus, many of the rooms provide some of the best views of Miami’s Biscayne Bay and the city
3. As one of the chicest hotels in Miami, The Setai is the place to see-and-be-seen on South Beach - that is, if you happen to see anyone at all. Because although celebrities flock to this hotel, it is designed so that rooms feel like secluded enclaves, and outside of the pool area, you just might feel as if you were on your own desert island. The Setai spreads out over two buildings and features the smaller studio suites in the refurbished Art Deco building and a modern 40-story glass tower that houses the more expansive suites and privately owned condo suites. Inside, however, it’s more Asian-inspired minimalism than Art Deco. You won’t find a color that even comes close to Miami teal or coral here; the sleek, angular furnishings ooze deep blacks, jade green and rich teak woods, right down to the hardwood floors in each room and the black granite bathtubs with matching black tiles.
4. Not only can you expect The Ritz-Carlton’s signature service here, but this hotel on South Beach offers a few little extras that make a big difference. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach features a stunning permanent multimillion-dollar art collection and the world’s only tanning butler - a person whose job is to make sure you have just the right amount of sunscreen in all the right places. The hotel itself is awe-inspiring, thanks to its storied history; the building, which sits at the foot of Lincoln Road, was restored from the original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed DiLido hotel. The guest rooms feature dark cherry-wood furniture highlighted with a pretty deep deep-blue-and-beige color scheme. Make sure you book an ocean-view room to fully experience the hotel’s location or just spend time at the elevated infinity pool, which provides a lovely vista of the Atlantic - another tiny touch that makes a monumental difference.
5. The expansive Loews Miami Beach Hotel sits amidst the sea of small Art Deco hotels that pepper South Beach. And although it’s still done up in Art Deco Style, the ornate façade and winding driveway give away the fact that it’s a newcomer to Miami Beach (its main building was erected from the ground up in 1998). When you arrive, retreat to your island getaway of a room - the mostly cream décor pops with ocean-blue armchairs and wicker chairs, while a flat-screen television and iPod docking station give you those can’t-live-without extras you won’t find out on the sand.

Views of the water paired with unforgettable food make some restaurants more ideal than others when it comes to choosing just one for date night. Of course, many of Miami’s best restaurants offer both so it can be tricky. We’ve narrowed it down to the all-around fantastic Azul, classic steakhouse Smith & Wollenskys, Wish for Art Deco-style at its finest, tasty seafood at Nemo and Blue Door Fish for French meets Brazilian flavor.

1. With Todd English-trained chef Clay Conley at the helm and sommelier Cynthia Betancourt in charge of the more than 700-bottle wine program, Azul continues its domination of the city’s fine dining scene. The gorgeous room has a rosewood floor, white marble open kitchen and fantastic views of Biscayne Bay. You simply can’t visit Miami without a taste of Azul’s fare and romantic setting.
2. Two words: Wine Week. Smith and Wollensky’s claim to fame is the one-week runs during the fall and spring when vintners from all over come in to pour their products. For a nominal fee (along with the regular bill for food), you have unlimited access to dozens of wines for tasting. Perched alongside the Government Cut shipping channel in South Pointe Park, the restaurant is one of the few places on South Beach where you can watch the water while you dine.
3. Designed by quirky mastermind Todd Oldham, Wish has just a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables inside to complement the curvy, Art Deco bar. This bistro is more known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden. Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro is a Calabria, Italy, native whose menu boasts a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes, such as pan-seared diver scallops with squash, Brussels sprouts, pancetta and maple syrup. Desserts are equally crafty - the vanilla pot de crème is topped with chopped, fresh oranges and pink peppercorns. It’s a fragrant yet zesty reminder that while you’re dining in what is tantamount to a secret garden, South Beach is just a few steps beyond the orchids.
4. Nemo is a SoFi (south of Fifth) institution as well as a continual draw for tourists. Executive chef Mike Sabin, who has a local and seasonal sensibility with an emphasis on seafood, presents such concoctions as grilled Key West octopus with gigante beans and wok lobster with eggplant in sweet chili pesto. The restaurant is exquisitely designed with warm woods and jewel tones throughout a series of small, interconnected, open-walled dining rooms, making it a cozy spot for two.
5. The visually stunning Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant’s white-on-white furniture framed by white gauzy draperies provides the ideal backdrop for the dramatic cuisine, which is rooted in French method but informed by Brazilian culture. The results are crave-inducing bites such as ravioli filled with taro root mousseline and white truffle oil and pan-seared Chilean sea bass.

Kids aren’t allowed at Miami’s renowned clubs and their presence is frowned upon at celebrity chef-headed eateries, but that doesn’t mean youngsters can’t enjoy a meal with the family in the city. And it also doesn’t mean adults have to sacrifice quality. Tuscan is luxe but serves family style portions and Big Pink is a part of the Myles Restaurant Group along with restaurants like Prime One Twelve and Nemo. Green Street Café isn’t fussy, you’ll witness a chef’s performance at Samurai and you can eat beloved gooey slices at Big Cheese Miami.

1. Rustically outfitted in brick and warm fire-and-earth tones, Tuscan feeds you family-style. Sure, some attest that it’s upscale family-style, but it’s family-style nonetheless, with overflowing platters of food making their way around the table. The Florentine 20-ounce T-bone is enough to feed a party of four with leftovers, though it is tasty enough to tempt you to try and clean your plate. Those craving an even richer treat should order the T-bone crusted with blue cheese. Other favorites include the three-mushroom risotto, gnocchi in Gorgonzola cream sauce, country-style chicken and pan-seared yellowtail snapper with baby artichokes. Tuscan always has a prix fixe, three-course menu on offer as well.
2. Big portions and big personalities serving them characterize Big Pink, a South Beach favorite for casual meals. The menu - also big, of course - touts kitchen-sink variety spanning eggs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas and homemade TV dinners complete with compartmentalized trays. Generous, group-friendly booths and a boisterous sense of goodwill make this a common meeting ground for everyone from club kids to gay couples to touring families.
3. Coconut Grove’s Green Street Café is an outdoor lounge and café where many locals eat all meals of the day. Italian and American comfort-type foods mixed with a comfortable setting make this café accessible for the whole family. Plus, you can sit outside and enjoy Miami’s lush vegetation as you eat.
4. Miami doesn’t claim to cook pizza like New York or Chicago, but Big Cheese Miami serves pies that are simple and taste great, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Large portions at a family style price is the name of the game at Big Cheese Miami. Subs, pasta, calzones and appetizers are also served; if you have a big enough group, try the party platter.
5. Samurai, one of Benihana’s chain restaurants, has become a cultural icon mostly due to the fact that the Japanese chef prepares the meal right in front of you at the table. Your kids will undoubtedly “ooh” and “ahh” when your chef lights the flame and does tricks with the food like flinging a piece of perfectly cooked shrimp into someone’s mouth. Samurai has a kids’ menu with smaller steak and rice portions like any of the other chain restaurants, but the chef’s performance is its real selling point.

South Beach isn't just one of the hottest nightlife destinations in Florida, it's one of the hottest nightlife destinations in the world. With most bars and clubs staying open until 5 a.m. or later, it truly is an all-night party scene. Playlists range from Latin disco to house and trance, meaning there's a perfect late-night spot for just about everyone.

Sex and the City fans will recognize the concept behind this cozy hot spot. An acronym for beverage, entertainment and dining (oh, how clever), B.E.D. has eschewed the usual tables, chairs and stools set up for plush king-size beds festooned with a plethora of pillows and surrounded by filmy white curtains. Make reservations for an early dinner (seating starts at 7 p.m.) and stay late for drinks, dancing and schmoozing between the sheets.

If you're jonesing to relive your former college days glory, head to a popular drinking hole, the Bar at the Clevelander Hotel. Featuring an outdoor cafe, a swimming pool and an indoor sports bar, this oft-used set for Budweiser commercials attracts both spring breakers and locals looking for a spirited, yet low-key environment. (There's often a catwalk set up over the pool in case you want to add a little strutting to your night's list of accomplishments.)

At Mango’s Tropical Café, it's all about Latin flair. This bar and eatery offers up varieties like pineapple, orange or banana brought to you by one of many dancing waitresses. Display your own dance moves to pulsing Latin rhythms in one of Mango's many rooms. The chances of avoiding the conga line are slim to none, so come ready to party.

Celeb sightings are nothing new in SoBe, but the most, including Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez, come to this see-and-be-seen hotspot to party. Housed in the former French Casino, Mansion extends two levels housing six bars, The Ivy Room, The Library, a dance floor and mezzanine. The “residence-meets-nightlife” concept is enhanced with architectural details including sweeping staircases ornate fireplaces and crystal chandeliers. If you aren't a VIP come prepared to wait in line but once you're inside you'll realize it was worth it.

On your second day, visit either Coconut Grove or Jungle Island - do both if you’re feeling adventurous. The latter is the oldest neighborhood in Miami and features some heavy, almost overwhelming vegetation. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Science Museum and The Barnacle Historic State Park are all located in the Grove, which can feel like lush Hawaii. Jungle Island is a great choice for those traveling with kids, as it’s a 22-acre interactive zoological park. Although originally founded as Parrot Jungle in 1936, this small but well-designed park is no longer just for the birds - the facility also holds 3,000 exotic animals, including hippos and even rare albino alligators. For a closer look at the fair-feathered friends, head for the open-air aviary or for the daily flamingo feedings. And if you can’t make it to the real swamp, check out the Everglades Habitat and Walk - a true replica of the Glades - which demonstrates what life there is like for wildlife, complete with alligator feeding habitats. If the gators make you or the kids nervous, head to the Hippo Slide. Set on a private beach, this plastic waterslide stands three stories tall and features a 40-degree drop. You’ll especially enjoy gliding down the slide during the Miami heat from mid-March to September. So, don’t forget your bathing suit.

For dinner, head over to Las Culebrinas Restaurant for authentic Cuban cuisine. From the chickpeas sautéed with chorizo to the pork stuffed with sweet plantains to the rabbit in garlic sauce, this local chain restaurant is an education in Miami’s cultural gastronomy. Don’t dare leave without a dish of crèma catalana, blow-torched right in front of you at the table. Each location varies in terms of décor and formality; the original spot on West Flagler is perhaps the most casual (and also where the line extends into the parking lot), while the one in Coconut Grove is all white tablecloths and valet parking (and takes reservations). So if you’re willing to trade authenticity and the local set for a guaranteed table, opt for the latter location (and call before you go).

When it comes to what to see in Miami, many people think of only two things: sand and the sea. But there’s a lot more to offer in this sunny southern city than beaches and swimming. With oodles of history, culture, arts and fashion around town, you’ll be spending more time off the sand than you might think. Stroll the Art Deco district and learn how this magic city developed such a unique architectural style. Escape the midday sun and visit the Miami Art Museum to see a fine collection of contemporary works by local artists. Or head back in time to St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, an ancient Spanish monastery dating back to the 12th century.

And if you’re looking to learn about the disctin Cuban culture that thrives here, just south of downtown to Southwest Eighth Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” where you’ll find the epicenter of Cuban exile culture in Miami. This area is known as Little Havana. A flood of islanders seeking refuge from ruler Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled here, painting it in tropical colors and opening cafés and nightclubs. Over time, many of the original inhabitants have moved out of the neighborhood to be replaced by later waves of Latin immigrants. But Little Havana is still a lively nightlife destination for authentic Cuban food, music, hand-rolled cigars and intense games of dominoes. Whatever your interest or curiosity, you’re sure to find something to quell it.

If you’re heading to Miami, you should pack with you all the obvious necessities. But don’t forget, Miami’s nightlifte scene is loud an colorful, and you’ll want to fit in. This is a place to see-and-be-seen; so pack those outfits you’re otherwise too shy to wear, because in Miami, practically anything goes.

1. The first item on your list should be a swimsuit because you’re in sunny Miami. Enough said. No really, you absolutely have to spend time at the beach while here so a swimsuite is vital. Actually, you’ll want to pack a few-you’ll be in and out of pools and beaches the whole time, and you’ll want to slip on a dry suit rather than try to fit that wet one (that’s possibly covered with sand) back on.

2. Books or an E-reader and proper sunscreen are also necessary for spending time at any one of Miami’s fabulous beaches or swanky pools. We’re serious - the sun can be ferociously hot, so don’t go out without some sunscreen. You don’t want to spend the rest of your trip fried and lathering on aloe at all hours of the night. And while there’s plenty to look at on the beach, the beach is the perfect spot to catch up on your reading.

3. A bathing suit cover-up will come in handy, as well as sandals and light, airy clothing. You’ll want to walk around the beach and pick up some snacks or take a break from the sun, so a cover-up and some sandals will allow you to just that without having to be fully dressed.

4. Depending on the type of trip you desire, you’ll either be subjected to scorching temperatures in the summer or manageable 70-degree temperatures in the winter, spring and fall. You’ll need a light jacket for when restaurants crank up the air conditioning, but the majority of the contents of your suitcase should reflect a true beach vacation. If you tend to get cold often though, bring that jacket or pack layers.

5. Going out clothes should find their way into your suitcase too, as Miami nightlife is internationally renowned. You can’t hit up the clubs wearing your typical everyday wear. You have to spice it up a bit, especially here in Miami where most women don bright colors, low-cut necklines and short hemlines. The guys will want to compete and be dressed to impress. Bring your finest and most fun cocktail-outing clothes and don’t be shy, wear that outfit you usually wouldn’t when you’re at home.

Start your day at Front Porch Café, which is the go-to place for breakfast and lunch on Ocean Drive. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on the actual front porch, cherish it with your life and settle in for the afternoon. The restaurant comprises the porch, the sidewalk out front and the lobby of the Penguin Hotel, but the porch is definitely preferable. The healthy cuisine with lots of grains (granola pancakes), fresh fruits (French toast with bananas) and items such as omelets with grilled squash, onions and peppers, will leave you feeling satisfied.

Next, head to South Beach for early afternoon sunning and swimming. Feeling refreshed and wearing your beach cover-up like a true Miami resident, hit the South Beach shops for some late afternoon shopping. You might spot a celebrity or two on Lincoln Road, which teems at all hours with a mish-mash of nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants and an eclectic collection of boutiques. You’ll find everything from Books & Books and Fly Boutique to Victoria’s Secret and French Connection on Lincoln Road, which was originally founded by millionaire developer Carl Fisher. He envisioned Lincoln Road as Miami Beach’s equivalent to New York City’s Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive.

Around dinnertime with several shopping bags in hand, make your way to steakhouse Prime One Twelve located in the historic Browns Hotel, originally built in 1915 and one of the oldest renovated properties on Miami Beach. Chef-driven steakhouses have since erupted but they’re still chasing the popularity that this one, with its original house-like structure, bricked columns, Dade County pine accents mosaics and broken tile floors, garnered with celebrities and regular folks alike. After you devour an eight-ounce filet mignon and a French onion shop with brandy and aged Gruyère, you’ll want to relocate for more drinks.

Unwind at Skybar at Shore Club by taking in its tropical outdoor atmosphere while you sip their specialty cocktails under the stars. Or, if you’re feeling more playful, dance the night away at famous Nikki Beach, a self-proclaimed party playground for celebrities, jetsetters and you - if you’re able to keep up.

In the heart of South Beach sits the renowned Lincoln Road, which teems at all hours with a mish-mash of nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants and an eclectic collection of boutiques (in this roundup alone, Books & Books, Fly Boutique and more are on this strip) blended with well-known retail shops, such as Victoria’s Secret and French Connection and boutiques such as Base, carrying designer threads from Lorick, Rag & Bone, Rogan, Fred Perry and Helmut Lang.

Lincoln Road was originally founded by millionaire developer Carl Fisher, who envisioned the street as Miami Beach’s equivalent to New York City’s Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive. In the 1960s, the architect Morris Lapidus took it a step further by transforming the two-way driving road into a pedestrian-only byway, stating that, “a car never bought anything.” Lincoln Road attracts tourists from around the world and also remains a hot spot for the local Miami and Miami Beach residents. Since it’s technically an outside mall, pack the sunscreen, bottled water and sunglasses.

The lively, open-air atmosphere of Bayside Market is another shopper’s paradise for locals and visitors alike. Most folks come for the name-brand stores (ranging from Sunglass Hut to Brookstone to Guess) and local boutique and kiosks, but many stay for the live-band performances, which take place daily. It’s for this very reason that this place often resembles a zoo at all times of the day, but especially between noon and 5 p.m., when the sun is up, the bands are hot and tempers are short - the perfect recipe for sultry, on-the-spot dancing.

You won’t just find stunning Art Deco structural design in Miami’s design district. Boutiques in the area such as Emeshel and Nazly Villamizar Designs mirror the area’s commitment to art. Webster, a 20,000-square-foot haven of runway pieces and labels such as Martin Margiela, Proenza Schouler and Miu Miu, is a good indication of what kinds of top-tier designer brands you’ll find in South Beach. Bal Harbour, Merrick Park, Adventura Mall and Shops on Miracle Mile are all go-to spots to shell out cash as well and they house more conventional shops. There is something for every kind of shopper in Miami, so bring your wallet.

Miami, though known as an international party city, has a lot to offer in the way of kids. What could be more enticing than south Floridian animals and the Everglades? Miami Metrozoo, Parrot Jungle and Seaquarium are all located in Miami, and are must-see destinations for kids and animal lovers alike. Check out Miami Children’s Museum and Miami Museum of Science for excellent interactive exhibits.

1. After a long-overdue expansion, most of the exhibits at Metrozoo are now surrounded by moats instead of high fences, so you have a clear view of the animals. The grounds are expansive and you and your kids can stroll through nearly 300 acres of park, much of it paved with sidewalks that make it easy to push a stroller (you can rent special animal strollers at the gate). Nearly 800 animals live in the park, including rare white Bengal tigers in an exhibit that features a replica of an ancient Cambodian temple. There’s a children’s petting zoo and an observation deck that overlooks the African Lobe.
2. Newly relocated to Watson Island in Biscayne Bay, Parrot Jungle populates its 18.6-acre spread with 3,000 exotic animals, including orangutans, reptiles and birds. The park’s highlight, a 20-minute winged wonders show, presents scores of parrots, cockatoos and macaws trained to astonish by roller skating, among other antics. Make sure to check out the rare albino alligator.
3. Miami Children’s Museum has come a long way from 1985 when it was a 2,000- square-feet museum located in a shopping mall in West Kendall. Today, the 56,500-square-foot facility offers 14 galleries, a parent and teacher resource center, 200-seat auditorium and the list goes on and on. Dedicated to all things kids, this educational institution has a handful of awe-inspiring permanent exhibits such as the castle of dreams where kids can climb through sandcastles and learn about sand from all over the world.
4. Ever since the 1960s, when the television show Flipper was filmed here, the Miami Seaquarium has been one of the city’s top tourist draws. Located on the Biscayne Bay shore, Miami Seaquarium presents crowd-pleasing dolphin and killer whale shows daily, while sea lions perform under a geodesic dome built by architectural whiz Buckminster Fuller. You’ll also find sharks, tropical fish, crocodiles and manatees featured in exhibits.
5. From interactive exhibits to displays on south Florida’s earliest human residents, the Miami Museum of Science brings history, ecology and scientific research to life. The museum’s newest feature, created in cooperation with the Smithsonian, offers an adventurous approach to history and includes never-before-seen artifacts. As your family moves through the 3,200-square-foot exhibit, they join an expedition, retracing archaeologists’ steps as they journeyed through jungles and unearthed Mayan ruins throughout the Americas.

Miami is known for Cuban culture, Art Deco buildings and glamorous South Beach. Lucky for you, it won’t set you back to immerse yourself in some of the city’s hottest destinations. Little Havana, the Art Deco District and South Beach are all worth perusing, whether you eat lunch, buy souvenirs or just window-shop. The beaches in Miami are gorgeous and free, and ArtCenter South Florida will expose you to some of Miami’s experimental art.

1. South Beach was spared from demolition through the efforts of citizens and local designers, who began repainting and restoring Art Deco buildings from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s using bright pastel colors. Subsequent redevelopment of the area transformed the structures into eclectic boutiques, galleries, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants specializing in alfresco dining overlooking the ocean. Perhaps the most talked about destination, perusing South Beach is a uniquely Miami experience.
2. Just south of downtown, Southwest Eighth Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” is the epicenter of Cuban exile culture in Miami. A flood of islanders seeking refuge from ruler Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled in what’s known as Little Havana, painting it in tropical colors and opening cafes and nightclubs. Although many of the original inhabitants have moved out of the neighborhood to be replaced by later waves of Latin immigrants, Little Havana is a lively nightlife destination for authentic Cuban food, music, hand-rolled cigars and intense games of dominoes. .
3. A designated national historic district, Miami’s Art Deco Distrct, streamlining moderne and Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture, is the most unique in the nation. Former Art Deco apartment buildings, ballrooms and warehouses have been restored to pastel-and-neon luminosity and sometimes serve as canvases for murals, trompe l’oeil images and elaborate graffiti created by local artists.
4. You simply can’t visit Miami without spending time at one of its famed sandy beaches. Depending on your Miami agenda, you can set up your towel anywhere, from the quintessential South Beach to the “clothing optional” Haulover Beach. Boating, swimming and exercising are only some of the activities you can enjoy while at the beach. But be sure to wear sunscreen, as the Miami sun can be scorching hot.
5. Despite being on the corner of Lincoln Road and Eighth Street wedged between clothing boutiques, trendy restaurants and high-fashion modeling agencies, ArtCenter South Florida is as low-key as art gets. This non-profit is free and open to the public, and is always experimenting with new works by lesser-known artists such as painter Jenny Brillhart and mixed media artist Luis Garcia-Nerey so don’t be deterred by outward appearances. Inside, you’ll get a taste of the rawness the ArtCenter goes for - high ceilings with exposed rods and air ducts, and rooms partitioned by white walls that don’t reach the top.

There’s no shortage of breath-taking beaches near Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. Steady year-round breezes from almost every direction make Kailua Beach Park Oahu’s wind - and kite - surfing capital. Windsurfers, kiteboaders and kayakers share the waters with snorkelers and swimmers. The nearby town of Lanikai is known for its expensive real estate and the creamy slip of sand that you reach through the public access pathways along Mokulua Drive. Head to Lanikai Beach Park for swimming, boating, snorkeling and sunbathing, or simply to catch a picture-perfect Hawaiian sunrise. Of course, the most famous of Oahu’s sandy shores is Waikiki Beach. Though a consistent tourist trap, this beach does provide great water for swimming, surfing and canoe rides. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area, which is ideal for those who want to learn to surf for the first time (and are less than eager to biff in front of a gaggle of gawking spectators).

The beaches of Los Angeles County offer California dreamers plenty of surf, sand and people watching. In fact, Los Angeles County is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, including Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and star-studded Malibu. For the ultimate people watching, head to Venice Beach, where the cast of characters that frequent the famous beach grows quirkier every day, even by L.A. standards. In some ways, Venice Beach hasn’t changed a bit since 1970s - unless you notice the new, eco-chic hotels and luxe condos going up next to the stores selling off-beat t-shirts. You’ll still find the usual fortune-tellers, flame-eaters and muscle heads that have made this beach one of the most popular in Los Angeles County. Surfers haunt Manhattan Beach, especially in the winter months when the waves are at their highest. Manhattan Beach also draws volleyball players from all over the Los Angeles area. Get in the game or just kick back and watch. In Malibu, the scene is movie stars, white sand and some lively spots for sushi or oysters on the half shell after you’ve soaked up that famous California sunshine.

A trip to Miami Beach is not complete without a jaunt to the cit’s most famous sandy parcel, South Beach (sometimes called SoBe). Here you'll find the ultimate people-watching perch. And it’s not just fellow travelers and lithe locals you’ll see prowling the sands. SoBe is one of the most popular meccas for fashion shoots, so be on the lookout for leggy glamazons heating up the beach in skimpy suits. When you’ve tired of ogling, stretch those legs with one of Miami Beach’s many aquatic adventures like sailing, snorkeling and jet skiing.

Manhattan has every quality that makes a city a city and then some - sheer density, tall buildings, gaggles of people and businesses. Which is why New Yorkers need a respite every now and then, and nothing quite satisfies like retreating to The Hamptons for its sandy shores. Main Beach in East Hampton, in particular, is regarded as one of Long Island’s most serene, scenic beaches, and it’s just a few hours east of the city. Cape Cod is to Boston what The Hamptons are to New York City in that they serve as great beach vacations.

Cape Cod National Seashore Beach is located, well, in the heart of the national seashore. Great for swimming and regularly named one of the best beaches in the country, Cape Cod National Seashore Beach borrows some of Boston’s rich colonial history, as it’s where The Mayflower landed in 1620 after 65 days at sea.

There’s no shortage of breath-taking beaches near Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. Steady year-round breezes from almost every direction make Kailua Beach Park Oahu’s wind - and kite - surfing capital. Windsurfers, kiteboaders and kayakers share the waters with snorkelers and swimmers. The nearby town of Lanikai is known for its expensive real estate and the creamy slip of sand that you reach through the public access pathways along Mokulua Drive. Head to Lanikai Beach Park for swimming, boating, snorkeling and sunbathing, or simply to catch a picture-perfect Hawaiian sunrise. Of course, the most famous of Oahu’s sandy shores is Waikiki Beach. Though a consistent tourist trap, this beach does provide great water for swimming, surfing and canoe rides. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area, which is ideal for those who want to learn to surf for the first time (and are less than eager to biff in front of a gaggle of gawking spectators).

The beaches of Los Angeles County offer California dreamers plenty of surf, sand and people watching. In fact, Los Angeles County is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, including Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and star-studded Malibu. For the ultimate people watching, head to Venice Beach, where the cast of characters that frequent the famous beach grows quirkier every day, even by L.A. standards. In some ways, Venice Beach hasn’t changed a bit since 1970s - unless you notice the new, eco-chic hotels and luxe condos going up next to the stores selling off-beat t-shirts. You’ll still find the usual fortune-tellers, flame-eaters and muscle heads that have made this beach one of the most popular in Los Angeles County. Surfers haunt Manhattan Beach, especially in the winter months when the waves are at their highest. Manhattan Beach also draws volleyball players from all over the Los Angeles area. Get in the game or just kick back and watch. In Malibu, the scene is movie stars, white sand and some lively spots for sushi or oysters on the half shell after you’ve soaked up that famous California sunshine.

A trip to Miami Beach is not complete without a jaunt to the cit’s most famous sandy parcel, South Beach (sometimes called SoBe). Here you'll find the ultimate people-watching perch. And it’s not just fellow travelers and lithe locals you’ll see prowling the sands. SoBe is one of the most popular meccas for fashion shoots, so be on the lookout for leggy glamazons heating up the beach in skimpy suits. When you’ve tired of ogling, stretch those legs with one of Miami Beach’s many aquatic adventures like sailing, snorkeling and jet skiing.

Manhattan has every quality that makes a city a city and then some - sheer density, tall buildings, gaggles of people and businesses. Which is why New Yorkers need a respite every now and then, and nothing quite satisfies like retreating to The Hamptons for its sandy shores. Main Beach in East Hampton, in particular, is regarded as one of Long Island’s most serene, scenic beaches, and it’s just a few hours east of the city. Cape Cod is to Boston what The Hamptons are to New York City in that they serve as great beach vacations.

Cape Cod National Seashore Beach is located, well, in the heart of the national seashore. Great for swimming and regularly named one of the best beaches in the country, Cape Cod National Seashore Beach borrows some of Boston’s rich colonial history, as it’s where The Mayflower landed in 1620 after 65 days at sea.

With no shortage of coastline and miles of sandy beaches, it’s hard to narrow down the best beaches in Florida. But begin with the most famous, Miami’s South Beach, and you’ve also got one of the best for its unmatched style, people-watching, energetic urban feel and many cafes, activities and hotels. Miami also has plenty of quiet stretches of sand frequented by locals, including Haulover Beach, where some of the biggest swells come in and where you'll spot a significant amount of surfers (and nude sunbathers, too). Crandon Park Beach will appeal to families, since it has a sandbar and great activities like a roller rink and Crandon Park Gardens. For more solitude, Virginia Key Beach is less crowded but no less beautiful. Bill Baggs Cape State Park on the island of Key Biscayne appeals to everyone, though. Home to the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, this one-mile beachfront lets you do everything from canoe to fish.

There’s no shortage of breath-taking beaches near Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. Steady year-round breezes from almost every direction make Kailua Beach Park Oahu’s wind - and kite - surfing capital. Windsurfers, kiteboaders and kayakers share the waters with snorkelers and swimmers. The nearby town of Lanikai is known for its expensive real estate and the creamy slip of sand that you reach through the public access pathways along Mokulua Drive. Head to Lanikai Beach Park for swimming, boating, snorkeling and sunbathing, or simply to catch a picture-perfect Hawaiian sunrise. Of course, the most famous of Oahu’s sandy shores is Waikiki Beach. Though a consistent tourist trap, this beach does provide great water for swimming, surfing and canoe rides. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area, which is ideal for those who want to learn to surf for the first time (and are less than eager to biff in front of a gaggle of gawking spectators).

The beaches of Los Angeles County offer California dreamers plenty of surf, sand and people watching. In fact, Los Angeles County is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, including Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and star-studded Malibu. For the ultimate people watching, head to Venice Beach, where the cast of characters that frequent the famous beach grows quirkier every day, even by L.A. standards. In some ways, Venice Beach hasn’t changed a bit since 1970s - unless you notice the new, eco-chic hotels and luxe condos going up next to the stores selling off-beat t-shirts. You’ll still find the usual fortune-tellers, flame-eaters and muscle heads that have made this beach one of the most popular in Los Angeles County. Surfers haunt Manhattan Beach, especially in the winter months when the waves are at their highest. Manhattan Beach also draws volleyball players from all over the Los Angeles area. Get in the game or just kick back and watch. In Malibu, the scene is movie stars, white sand and some lively spots for sushi or oysters on the half shell after you’ve soaked up that famous California sunshine.

A trip to Miami Beach is not complete without a jaunt to the cit’s most famous sandy parcel, South Beach (sometimes called SoBe). Here you'll find the ultimate people-watching perch. And it’s not just fellow travelers and lithe locals you’ll see prowling the sands. SoBe is one of the most popular meccas for fashion shoots, so be on the lookout for leggy glamazons heating up the beach in skimpy suits. When you’ve tired of ogling, stretch those legs with one of Miami Beach’s many aquatic adventures like sailing, snorkeling and jet skiing.

Manhattan has every quality that makes a city a city and then some - sheer density, tall buildings, gaggles of people and businesses. Which is why New Yorkers need a respite every now and then, and nothing quite satisfies like retreating to The Hamptons for its sandy shores. Main Beach in East Hampton, in particular, is regarded as one of Long Island’s most serene, scenic beaches, and it’s just a few hours east of the city. Cape Cod is to Boston what The Hamptons are to New York City in that they serve as great beach vacations.

Cape Cod National Seashore Beach is located, well, in the heart of the national seashore. Great for swimming and regularly named one of the best beaches in the country, Cape Cod National Seashore Beach borrows some of Boston’s rich colonial history, as it’s where The Mayflower landed in 1620 after 65 days at sea.

Savory dishes, ones you’ll think about for days after consuming them, are what you’ll find in South Beach, Miami’s most luxurious area brimming with restaurants, hotels, boutiques and nightclubs. After all, celebrity chefs like Scott Conant, Paula DaSilva and Daniel Boulud carved their way in Miami.

Restaurants like Azul, Blue Door Fish and Wish are stunning inside and out, seeing as lush Florida is their backdrop. Fresh seafood and Latin cuisine on these restaurants’ menus are what makes fine dining in Miami unique. There’s a wide spectrum: from authentic hole-in-the-wall Cuban food found in culturally rich Little Havana to French meets Brazilian food at the luxe Blue Door Fish with its romantic white-on-white furnishings and grandiose chandeliers.

Places like China Grill, Mediterranean restaurant Michy’s and American steakhouse Smith & Wollenskys ensure that all types of cuisines are represented in the city. Miami is rising in the ranks as one of the great culinary cities, alongside Chicago, New York and L.A., and this is nothing new.

In Miami, there’s nothing more satisfying than a day spent at the beach followed by fine dining. Of course, the restaurant you choose, depending on the type of cuisine you desire, is up to you but we’ve got some suggestions. Azul, Wish, The Capital Grille, Blue Door Fish and Michy’s all fit the bill for the most unforgettable food experiences in the city - and they all have something uniquely Miami to offer.

1. Azul, located inside the Mandarin Oriental Miami, continues to dominate the city’s fine dining scene with Todd English-trained chef Clay Conley at the helm and sommelier Cynthia Betancourt supervising the more than 700-bottle wine program. Adding his own touch to some otherwise traditional dishes, Conley serves up items like the “revisited” clam chowder, which is presented in a tiny copper pot on a plate with a strip of confit pork belly and a pile of fried Ipswich clams garnished with malt-vinegar aioli.
2. The Capital Grille continues to rule the power-broker scene downtown. Brassy appointments, massive chairs and endless walls of mahogany scream masculinity. The purely professional service, along with the perfectly cooked steaks - the 22-ounce delmonico and porterhouse-style veal chop are signatures - and succulent seafood, both raw and cooked, are the draw for dealmakers throughout South Florida.
3. The visually stunning Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. Designed by the famous Philippe Starck, you’ll find white-on-white furniture throughout, framed by white gauzy draperies. It provides an ideal backdrop for the exciting cuisine, which is derived from French method but influenced by Brazilian culture. This mix creates crave-inducing bites such as ravioli filled with taro root mousseline and white truffle oil, and pan-seared Chilean sea bass.
4. Chef-owner Michelle Bernstein created Michy’s, an orange-and-white, 60-seat, Upper East Side, shabby-chic charmer, with her husband, David Martinez, in 2006 after a charismatic stint at Azul. Here, Bernstein blends classical French training with neo-Spanish and Latin American influences. Dishes range from foie gras mousse with peach marmalade and brioche crisps and jamón-and-blue cheese croquetas with fig marmalade for appetizers to “short ribs falling off the bone” and steak frites (with both béarnaise and au poivre sauces for dipping) for the main event.
5. Wish, which was designed by famous designer Todd Oldham, features only a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables, complementing a curvy Art Deco bar. Known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden, Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro creates a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes, such as pan-seared diver scallops with squash, Brussels sprouts, pancetta and maple syrup. Also quite crafty are the desserts - try the vanilla pot de crème, topped with chopped, fresh oranges and pink peppercorns. It’s refreshing and delicious.

Views of the water paired with unforgettable food make some restaurants more ideal than others when it comes to choosing just one for date night. Of course, many of Miami’s best restaurants offer both so it can be tricky. We’ve narrowed it down to the all-around fantastic Azul, classic steakhouse Smith & Wollenskys, Wish for Art Deco-style at its finest, tasty seafood at Nemo and Blue Door Fish for French meets Brazilian flavor.

1. With Todd English-trained chef Clay Conley at the helm and sommelier Cynthia Betancourt in charge of the more than 700-bottle wine program, Azul continues its domination of the city’s fine dining scene. The gorgeous room has a rosewood floor, white marble open kitchen and fantastic views of Biscayne Bay. You simply can’t visit Miami without a taste of Azul’s fare and romantic setting.
2. Two words: Wine Week. Smith and Wollensky’s claim to fame is the one-week runs during the fall and spring when vintners from all over come in to pour their products. For a nominal fee (along with the regular bill for food), you have unlimited access to dozens of wines for tasting. Perched alongside the Government Cut shipping channel in South Pointe Park, the restaurant is one of the few places on South Beach where you can watch the water while you dine.
3. Designed by quirky mastermind Todd Oldham, Wish has just a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables inside to complement the curvy, Art Deco bar. This bistro is more known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden. Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro is a Calabria, Italy, native whose menu boasts a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes, such as pan-seared diver scallops with squash, Brussels sprouts, pancetta and maple syrup. Desserts are equally crafty - the vanilla pot de crème is topped with chopped, fresh oranges and pink peppercorns. It’s a fragrant yet zesty reminder that while you’re dining in what is tantamount to a secret garden, South Beach is just a few steps beyond the orchids.
4. Nemo is a SoFi (south of Fifth) institution as well as a continual draw for tourists. Executive chef Mike Sabin, who has a local and seasonal sensibility with an emphasis on seafood, presents such concoctions as grilled Key West octopus with gigante beans and wok lobster with eggplant in sweet chili pesto. The restaurant is exquisitely designed with warm woods and jewel tones throughout a series of small, interconnected, open-walled dining rooms, making it a cozy spot for two.
5. The visually stunning Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant’s white-on-white furniture framed by white gauzy draperies provides the ideal backdrop for the dramatic cuisine, which is rooted in French method but informed by Brazilian culture. The results are crave-inducing bites such as ravioli filled with taro root mousseline and white truffle oil and pan-seared Chilean sea bass.

After a night of party hopping on South Beach, you’ll wake up hungry for some good old fashioned brunch. What you’ll get is innovative dishes, rather than the classic scrambled eggs and bacon. You can eat impeccably cooked fish at Blue Door Fish co. in Delano Hotel or playful cuisine at North One 10 and Mondrian Hotel’s Asia de Cuba. Don’t rule out Wish and its technically crafted dishes and Front Porch Café for it’s perfect outdoor brunch location.

1. The visually stunning Delano Hotel’s Blue Door Fish is a collaboration between renowned chef Claude Troisgros and China Grill Management restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant features white-on-white furniture framed by white gauzy draperies, providing an ideal backdrop for the dramatic cuisine, which is rooted in French method but informed by Brazilian culture. The outdoor terrace, overlooking the famous hotel pool, is ideal for brunch. Now Blue Door offers an expanded version of their weekend brunch menu, which includes more à la carte dishes.
2. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on the actual front porch, cherish it with your life and settle in for the afternoon. Front Porch Café is the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch on Ocean Drive, as it comprises the porch, the sidewalk out front and the lobby of the Penguin Hotel. But, the porch is definitely preferable - so try to snag a seat there. You’ll find healthy cuisine with plenty of grains (granola pancakes), fresh fruits (French toast with bananas) and items like omelets with grilled squash, onions and peppers that will make your stomach happy.
3. Designed by quirky mastermind Todd Oldham, Wish features just a few striped booths and skinny bistro tables to complement the curvy, Art Deco bar. The bistro is more known for its assortment of outdoor tables in the umbrella-shaded garden, so that’s where you’ll want to sit. Wish’s star chef Marco Ferraro is a native of Calabria, Italy, so the menu boasts a multitude of technically proficient and ingredient-intense dishes. Though the restaurant is closed for dinner through Autumn 2011, you can still eat breakfast or lunch and receive rooftop and pool service at Wish.
4. North One 10 features creative contemporary cuisine with a sense of humor - yes, that really is a stone crab “hot dog” with pomegranate ketchup - from chef-owner Dewey LoSasso. It’s a welcome find on this trafficky stretch of Biscayne Boulevard. For brunch, dishes like the North One 10 French toast with sautéed apples, mangoes and Land of Goshen maple syrup drizzled on top will help you start your day right.
5. The Morgans Group (Shore Club, Delano) heads west with the opening of Mondrian South Beach. The hotel’s restaurant, Asia de Cuba, features Latin meets Asian cuisine and is headed by restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow. Imaginative dishes like Chinese five-spice scented Cuban French Toast with sugarcase rum and sweet banana caramel flambé and Thai basil pesto rubbed Scottish salmon with crispy bacon, Chinese long beans and tomato almond fricassee will inspire you before the day has even begun.

Kids aren’t allowed at Miami’s renowned clubs and their presence is frowned upon at celebrity chef-headed eateries, but that doesn’t mean youngsters can’t enjoy a meal with the family in the city. And it also doesn’t mean adults have to sacrifice quality. Tuscan is luxe but serves family style portions and Big Pink is a part of the Myles Restaurant Group along with restaurants like Prime One Twelve and Nemo. Green Street Café isn’t fussy, you’ll witness a chef’s performance at Samurai and you can eat beloved gooey slices at Big Cheese Miami.

1. Rustically outfitted in brick and warm fire-and-earth tones, Tuscan feeds you family-style. Sure, some attest that it’s upscale family-style, but it’s family-style nonetheless, with overflowing platters of food making their way around the table. The Florentine 20-ounce T-bone is enough to feed a party of four with leftovers, though it is tasty enough to tempt you to try and clean your plate. Those craving an even richer treat should order the T-bone crusted with blue cheese. Other favorites include the three-mushroom risotto, gnocchi in Gorgonzola cream sauce, country-style chicken and pan-seared yellowtail snapper with baby artichokes. Tuscan always has a prix fixe, three-course menu on offer as well.
2. Big portions and big personalities serving them characterize Big Pink, a South Beach favorite for casual meals. The menu - also big, of course - touts kitchen-sink variety spanning eggs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas and homemade TV dinners complete with compartmentalized trays. Generous, group-friendly booths and a boisterous sense of goodwill make this a common meeting ground for everyone from club kids to gay couples to touring families.
3. Coconut Grove’s Green Street Café is an outdoor lounge and café where many locals eat all meals of the day. Italian and American comfort-type foods mixed with a comfortable setting make this café accessible for the whole family. Plus, you can sit outside and enjoy Miami’s lush vegetation as you eat.
4. Miami doesn’t claim to cook pizza like New York or Chicago, but Big Cheese Miami serves pies that are simple and taste great, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Large portions at a family style price is the name of the game at Big Cheese Miami. Subs, pasta, calzones and appetizers are also served; if you have a big enough group, try the party platter.
5. Samurai, one of Benihana’s chain restaurants, has become a cultural icon mostly due to the fact that the Japanese chef prepares the meal right in front of you at the table. Your kids will undoubtedly “ooh” and “ahh” when your chef lights the flame and does tricks with the food like flinging a piece of perfectly cooked shrimp into someone’s mouth. Samurai has a kids’ menu with smaller steak and rice portions like any of the other chain restaurants, but the chef’s performance is its real selling point.

Skimpily dressed, taut-and-tanned locals mingle with the rich and famous inside swanky boutique hotels in Miami and Miami Beach. In this city, no hotel is too flashy or has too much flavor. Mandarin Oriental Miami is beyond posh, Four Seasons Hotel Miami represents the Four Seasons brand flawlessly, and The Setai is a celebrity destination. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach features to-die-for amenities, and Loews Miami Beach Hotel is pure art deco bliss.

1. Without a doubt, Mandarin Oriental Miami is one of the finest hotels in the city, from the valets who remember your name to the impeccable customer service to the lobby area (a Zen den replete with dainty flowers on vases on the tables and satin pillows on the red-hued couches) that invites relaxation with its sky-high windows that look out onto the water. The rooms are also pristine, and exude a calming vibe with their Asian-inspired flair and their color palette of pear-green, light yellow and tan. Balcony rooms have picture-perfect views of Biscayne Bay and the colorful city lights at night. The view is enough to inspire you to spend the day a bamboo bed on the hotel’s private beach.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Miami really rolls out the red carpet for the kids. They get complimentary amenities upon arrival, including child-sized bathrobes, and free baby and children’s toiletries. Everything, it seems, but easy access to water. The hotel is in Miami’s downtown financial district (about a 15-minute drive from the beach), so it’s better suited for business travelers. But it compensates for its lack of beach access with a lively pool scene. The Grand Pool Terrace covers two acres on the seventh floor. Three heated pools - a main pool, shade pool and whirlpool - plus an ample supply of chaise lounges offer plenty of room in which to sunbathe. Guest rooms feature the typical Four Seasons contemporary furnishings with blond wood, and dark green granite in the bedroom and bathroom. Plus, many of the rooms provide some of the best views of Miami’s Biscayne Bay and the city
3. As one of the chicest hotels in Miami, The Setai is the place to see-and-be-seen on South Beach - that is, if you happen to see anyone at all. Because although celebrities flock to this hotel, it is designed so that rooms feel like secluded enclaves, and outside of the pool area, you just might feel as if you were on your own desert island. The Setai spreads out over two buildings and features the smaller studio suites in the refurbished Art Deco building and a modern 40-story glass tower that houses the more expansive suites and privately owned condo suites. Inside, however, it’s more Asian-inspired minimalism than Art Deco. You won’t find a color that even comes close to Miami teal or coral here; the sleek, angular furnishings ooze deep blacks, jade green and rich teak woods, right down to the hardwood floors in each room and the black granite bathtubs with matching black tiles.
4. Not only can you expect The Ritz-Carlton’s signature service here, but this hotel on South Beach offers a few little extras that make a big difference. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach features a stunning permanent multimillion-dollar art collection and the world’s only tanning butler - a person whose job is to make sure you have just the right amount of sunscreen in all the right places. The hotel itself is awe-inspiring, thanks to its storied history; the building, which sits at the foot of Lincoln Road, was restored from the original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed DiLido hotel. The guest rooms feature dark cherry-wood furniture highlighted with a pretty deep deep-blue-and-beige color scheme. Make sure you book an ocean-view room to fully experience the hotel’s location or just spend time at the elevated infinity pool, which provides a lovely vista of the Atlantic - another tiny touch that makes a monumental difference.
5. The expansive Loews Miami Beach Hotel sits amidst the sea of small Art Deco hotels that pepper South Beach. And although it’s still done up in Art Deco Style, the ornate façade and winding driveway give away the fact that it’s a newcomer to Miami Beach (its main building was erected from the ground up in 1998). When you arrive, retreat to your island getaway of a room - the mostly cream décor pops with ocean-blue armchairs and wicker chairs, while a flat-screen television and iPod docking station give you those can’t-live-without extras you won’t find out on the sand.

Many were skeptical when the Panthers came to Florida in the 1990s, but they were silenced when the Panthers advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996, losing to the Colorado Avalanche. Still, the hockey team and the game have caught on with local fans, and the Panthers are usually competitive in the challenging Eastern Conference. BankAtlantic Center is the teams’ home, and they are considered the southernmost team in the NFL.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, are one of the National Football League’s most celebrated franchises and were coached for many years by Don Shula, who owns the NFL mark for most coaching victories in a career. The 1973 Dolphins team is still the only one in NFL history to go through an entire NFL season and playoffs defeated, behind players like Larry Czonka and Bob Griese. The team shares Sun Life Stadium with the Florida Marlins and regularly draws sizeable crowds to all home games.

Since entering the NBA as an expansion team with the Charlotte Hornets in 1988, the Miami Heat has become one of the most popular professional basketball teams and the winner of the 2007 national championship. In 2010, The Heat signed Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, who were all asked to play in the All-Star game, which marked the first time in Heat history that three players were given that opportunity. The dynamic trio led The Heat to the playoffs, where they ultimately lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the final round. Their home, American Airlines Arena, is located near Bayside Marketplace, a great place to spend some time before or after the game.

Though Miami isn’t especially known for churning out musical talent, there are plenty of venues in the city that reflect its personal style, where you can see local acts and big name musicians. Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road prides itself on being unchanged since opening in the early 1900s. It’s gone from being a gambling den and a gay bar to the charming music venue it is today. You can catch live music seven nights a week at this old standby. Most of the acts that are booked are fresh local talent, so be prepared to be exposed to something new.

Cameo, an international nightclub, boasts some world-class DJs and an incredible multi-storied building designed for busting a move all night long. Fiery Mango’s Tropical Café is the quintessential Miami entertainment venue, hosting exotic performances, samba shows and local bands, oozing with Latin flavor, from the employee costumes to the loud decorations. Then there’s Bongo’s Cuban Café, owned by Gloria Estefan, a Havana-inspired restaurant and club located in American Airlines Arena. But for bigger acts such as Janet Jackson, check out The Fillmore at The Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach.

South Beach isn't just one of the hottest nightlife destinations in Florida, it's one of the hottest nightlife destinations in the world. With most bars and clubs staying open until 5 a.m. or later, it truly is an all-night party scene. Playlists range from Latin disco to house and trance, meaning there's a perfect late-night spot for just about everyone.

Sex and the City fans will recognize the concept behind this cozy hot spot. An acronym for beverage, entertainment and dining (oh, how clever), B.E.D. has eschewed the usual tables, chairs and stools set up for plush king-size beds festooned with a plethora of pillows and surrounded by filmy white curtains. Make reservations for an early dinner (seating starts at 7 p.m.) and stay late for drinks, dancing and schmoozing between the sheets.

If you're jonesing to relive your former college days glory, head to a popular drinking hole, the Bar at the Clevelander Hotel. Featuring an outdoor cafe, a swimming pool and an indoor sports bar, this oft-used set for Budweiser commercials attracts both spring breakers and locals looking for a spirited, yet low-key environment. (There's often a catwalk set up over the pool in case you want to add a little strutting to your night's list of accomplishments.)

At Mango’s Tropical Café, it's all about Latin flair. This bar and eatery offers up varieties like pineapple, orange or banana brought to you by one of many dancing waitresses. Display your own dance moves to pulsing Latin rhythms in one of Mango's many rooms. The chances of avoiding the conga line are slim to none, so come ready to party.

Celeb sightings are nothing new in SoBe, but the most, including Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez, come to this see-and-be-seen hotspot to party. Housed in the former French Casino, Mansion extends two levels housing six bars, The Ivy Room, The Library, a dance floor and mezzanine. The “residence-meets-nightlife” concept is enhanced with architectural details including sweeping staircases ornate fireplaces and crystal chandeliers. If you aren't a VIP come prepared to wait in line but once you're inside you'll realize it was worth it.

If you’re heading to Miami, you should pack with you all the obvious necessities. But don’t forget, Miami’s nightlifte scene is loud an colorful, and you’ll want to fit in. This is a place to see-and-be-seen; so pack those outfits you’re otherwise too shy to wear, because in Miami, practically anything goes.

1. The first item on your list should be a swimsuit because you’re in sunny Miami. Enough said. No really, you absolutely have to spend time at the beach while here so a swimsuite is vital. Actually, you’ll want to pack a few-you’ll be in and out of pools and beaches the whole time, and you’ll want to slip on a dry suit rather than try to fit that wet one (that’s possibly covered with sand) back on.

2. Books or an E-reader and proper sunscreen are also necessary for spending time at any one of Miami’s fabulous beaches or swanky pools. We’re serious - the sun can be ferociously hot, so don’t go out without some sunscreen. You don’t want to spend the rest of your trip fried and lathering on aloe at all hours of the night. And while there’s plenty to look at on the beach, the beach is the perfect spot to catch up on your reading.

3. A bathing suit cover-up will come in handy, as well as sandals and light, airy clothing. You’ll want to walk around the beach and pick up some snacks or take a break from the sun, so a cover-up and some sandals will allow you to just that without having to be fully dressed.

4. Depending on the type of trip you desire, you’ll either be subjected to scorching temperatures in the summer or manageable 70-degree temperatures in the winter, spring and fall. You’ll need a light jacket for when restaurants crank up the air conditioning, but the majority of the contents of your suitcase should reflect a true beach vacation. If you tend to get cold often though, bring that jacket or pack layers.

5. Going out clothes should find their way into your suitcase too, as Miami nightlife is internationally renowned. You can’t hit up the clubs wearing your typical everyday wear. You have to spice it up a bit, especially here in Miami where most women don bright colors, low-cut necklines and short hemlines. The guys will want to compete and be dressed to impress. Bring your finest and most fun cocktail-outing clothes and don’t be shy, wear that outfit you usually wouldn’t when you’re at home.

Start your day at Front Porch Café, which is the go-to place for breakfast and lunch on Ocean Drive. If you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on the actual front porch, cherish it with your life and settle in for the afternoon. The restaurant comprises the porch, the sidewalk out front and the lobby of the Penguin Hotel, but the porch is definitely preferable. The healthy cuisine with lots of grains (granola pancakes), fresh fruits (French toast with bananas) and items such as omelets with grilled squash, onions and peppers, will leave you feeling satisfied.

Next, head to South Beach for early afternoon sunning and swimming. Feeling refreshed and wearing your beach cover-up like a true Miami resident, hit the South Beach shops for some late afternoon shopping. You might spot a celebrity or two on Lincoln Road, which teems at all hours with a mish-mash of nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants and an eclectic collection of boutiques. You’ll find everything from Books & Books and Fly Boutique to Victoria’s Secret and French Connection on Lincoln Road, which was originally founded by millionaire developer Carl Fisher. He envisioned Lincoln Road as Miami Beach’s equivalent to New York City’s Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive.

Around dinnertime with several shopping bags in hand, make your way to steakhouse Prime One Twelve located in the historic Browns Hotel, originally built in 1915 and one of the oldest renovated properties on Miami Beach. Chef-driven steakhouses have since erupted but they’re still chasing the popularity that this one, with its original house-like structure, bricked columns, Dade County pine accents mosaics and broken tile floors, garnered with celebrities and regular folks alike. After you devour an eight-ounce filet mignon and a French onion shop with brandy and aged Gruyère, you’ll want to relocate for more drinks.

Unwind at Skybar at Shore Club by taking in its tropical outdoor atmosphere while you sip their specialty cocktails under the stars. Or, if you’re feeling more playful, dance the night away at famous Nikki Beach, a self-proclaimed party playground for celebrities, jetsetters and you - if you’re able to keep up.

When sunning just won’t cut it, Miami has some fine cultural institutions that will engage your mind and inspire you. The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Science Museum are all wonderful variations of different museums you might find around the country, while the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Jewish Museum of Florida have a noticeable Miami bent.

1. True to form for a contemporary art museum, Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibits are well-known in Miami for being a bit off-kilter and thought-provoking. But MOCA’s commitment to stirring minds takes a populist approach with exhibits that involve museum-goers, such as the interactive 2008 show Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock & Roll Since 1967, which revealed the relationship between visual arts and rock ’n’ roll culture - and also came with a full instrument set that visitors were encouraged to jam with while in the museum.
2. The Miami Science Museum contains hands-on exhibits that run a spectrum of topics, from Newton’s laws to national flags to the impact of Latinos on the music industry. The outdoor wildlife center includes snakes, reptiles, turtles and even birds of prey - among them an owl, a hawk and a bald eagle. This museum is a refresher course for everything that you forgot from high school.
3. Even if you’re not mad for 17th century antiques, there’s little doubt you’ll be able to appreciate the majestic surroundings of Vizcaya. A National Historic Landmark, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once home to American industrialist James Deering. Built to look like an Italian villa, it has 34 decorated rooms (and 70 in total) with 15th- to 19th-century antique furnishings and a massive collection of original artwork. (Did we mention the property also sits directly along Biscayne Bay, earning some of the best views in the city?) Dignitaries from around the world have visited, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. Try to plan your visit around lunchtime as Vizcaya’s 1917 pipe organ serenades visitors inside the mansion from noon to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. Among the 50 acres, 10 are composed of the breathtaking botanic gardens, which include mazes and a view overlooking Biscayne Bay.
4. They say you need to know where you came from in order to know where you’re going. And whether you’re Jewish or not, The Jewish Museum of Florida gives a good glimpse of a people’s past and is an excellent educational resource. The museum developed out of a statewide grassroots project, set to educate and preserve the Florida Jewish experience - nowadays, the institution holds more than 100,000 items of interest of the Jewish faith. The core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, includes more than 500 photos and artifacts that portray the Jewish experiences, along with three films and a Timeline Wall of Jewish History.
5. The Bass Museum of Art pairs learning with entertainment, featuring activities that step outside the box, such as theater play readings, wine tastings, concerts and films - all somehow relating to art or the museum. Inside the box (and we mean this literally - the main building is a simple structure built in 1930 as a Miami Beach public library), you’ll find a permanent collection that varies from European tapestries to Japanese woodblock prints. Temporary exhibits have ranged from architectural renderings and music, and more classic media like photography, printing and painting (Picasso and Miro had works in a recent exhibit).

On your second day, visit either Coconut Grove or Jungle Island - do both if you’re feeling adventurous. The latter is the oldest neighborhood in Miami and features some heavy, almost overwhelming vegetation. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Science Museum and The Barnacle Historic State Park are all located in the Grove, which can feel like lush Hawaii. Jungle Island is a great choice for those traveling with kids, as it’s a 22-acre interactive zoological park. Although originally founded as Parrot Jungle in 1936, this small but well-designed park is no longer just for the birds - the facility also holds 3,000 exotic animals, including hippos and even rare albino alligators. For a closer look at the fair-feathered friends, head for the open-air aviary or for the daily flamingo feedings. And if you can’t make it to the real swamp, check out the Everglades Habitat and Walk - a true replica of the Glades - which demonstrates what life there is like for wildlife, complete with alligator feeding habitats. If the gators make you or the kids nervous, head to the Hippo Slide. Set on a private beach, this plastic waterslide stands three stories tall and features a 40-degree drop. You’ll especially enjoy gliding down the slide during the Miami heat from mid-March to September. So, don’t forget your bathing suit.

For dinner, head over to Las Culebrinas Restaurant for authentic Cuban cuisine. From the chickpeas sautéed with chorizo to the pork stuffed with sweet plantains to the rabbit in garlic sauce, this local chain restaurant is an education in Miami’s cultural gastronomy. Don’t dare leave without a dish of crèma catalana, blow-torched right in front of you at the table. Each location varies in terms of décor and formality; the original spot on West Flagler is perhaps the most casual (and also where the line extends into the parking lot), while the one in Coconut Grove is all white tablecloths and valet parking (and takes reservations). So if you’re willing to trade authenticity and the local set for a guaranteed table, opt for the latter location (and call before you go).

When it comes to what to see in Miami, many people think of only two things: sand and the sea. But there’s a lot more to offer in this sunny southern city than beaches and swimming. With oodles of history, culture, arts and fashion around town, you’ll be spending more time off the sand than you might think. Stroll the Art Deco district and learn how this magic city developed such a unique architectural style. Escape the midday sun and visit the Miami Art Museum to see a fine collection of contemporary works by local artists. Or head back in time to St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, an ancient Spanish monastery dating back to the 12th century.

And if you’re looking to learn about the disctin Cuban culture that thrives here, just south of downtown to Southwest Eighth Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” where you’ll find the epicenter of Cuban exile culture in Miami. This area is known as Little Havana. A flood of islanders seeking refuge from ruler Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled here, painting it in tropical colors and opening cafés and nightclubs. Over time, many of the original inhabitants have moved out of the neighborhood to be replaced by later waves of Latin immigrants. But Little Havana is still a lively nightlife destination for authentic Cuban food, music, hand-rolled cigars and intense games of dominoes. Whatever your interest or curiosity, you’re sure to find something to quell it.

Let’s face it: Miami’s Art Deco flair and rich Latin American culture is sexy. So when you go to Miami with your loved one, we’re positive you’ll find some romantic places that reflect the city’s overall appeal. Get tickets to the Miami City Ballet or go to one of Miami Art Museum’s swanky Thursday night cocktail hours. Azul is one of the city’s best restaurants and offers great views. Then there’s the World Erotic Art Museum and the beaches themselves, which both seem pretty self-explanatory.

1. With Todd English-trained chef Clay Conley at the helm and sommelier Cynthia Betancourt in charge of the more than 700-bottle wine program, Azul continues its domination of the city’s fine dining scene, and its views make it one of the most romantic eateries in the city. Conley adds his own touch with dishes such as “revisited” clam chowder, which is presented in a tiny copper pot on a plate with a strip of confit pork belly and a pile of fried Ipswich clams garnished with malt-vinegar aioli. The gorgeous room has a rosewood floor, white marble open kitchen and fantastic views of Biscayne Bay.
2. It’s hard to think of ballet in Miami without Miami City Ballet coming to mind first. The company held its debut season in 1986 and has since grown to be one of the largest in the U.S., currently comprised of 55 dancers from all over the world. The company performs its repertory series throughout various South Florida cities, but in their hometown, they perform their full season and an annual production of The Nutcracker at Ziff. The theater - part of the Arsht Center, which opened in 2006-is the second-largest performing arts center in the U.S., after the Lincoln Center in New York City. Though the facility isn’t terribly intimate, ballet as an art form certainly is.
3. Sure, the art collections are impressive. But what really sets Miami Art Museum apart from other museums in South Florida is JAM at MAM, an event held the third Thursday of every month, where you can enjoy art with a twist: cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, DJs and live music - as well as extended museum hours. It’s a hit with young professionals and art aficionados, as they get to add a little mingling to their art appreciation.
4. Take a break from the shops and restaurants on South Beach, and hit up the World Erotic Art Museum, which - yes, you guessed it - showcases the largest collection of erotic art in the world. In an over 12,000-square-feet facility, the museum features exhibits such as Rembrandt’s erotic series and surrealist painter Normon Olson’s Nudes: erotics, poetic and patterned. A trip to this tasteful art museum might be followed up with a swift return back to your swanky South Beach hotel - if you catch our drift.
5. Soak up some rays at one of Miami’s hottest beaches. South Beach and Miami Beach are the city’s most popular, but there are almost a dozen to choose from. Open seven days a week and located at Miami Beach Marina is American Watersports, a convenient place to rent jet skis next to Miami Beach. Memberships and guided jet ski tours are offered as well, where you’ll hold onto your significant other’s waist and jump over crashing waves.

To avoid throngs of tourists, book a trip to Miami between May and September. Sure, temperatures are brutally hot, but you’ll be able to score restaurant reservations more easily and relax on a beach that’s not nearly as crowded. Plus, you’re going on vacation to Miami to get a tan, aren’t you? Just don’t forget your sunscreen and airy clothing.

Many people choose to visit in the winter and spring months for the obvious reason: temperatures average in the 70s from January to April, something most people living in northern states aren’t accustomed to during that time of year. June through October is generally considered hurricane season in Miami, but temperatures and precipitation are ideal and accommodation costs are lower than that of the winter and spring months.

Miami is known for Cuban culture, Art Deco buildings and glamorous South Beach. Lucky for you, it won’t set you back to immerse yourself in some of the city’s hottest destinations. Little Havana, the Art Deco District and South Beach are all worth perusing, whether you eat lunch, buy souvenirs or just window-shop. The beaches in Miami are gorgeous and free, and ArtCenter South Florida will expose you to some of Miami’s experimental art.

1. South Beach was spared from demolition through the efforts of citizens and local designers, who began repainting and restoring Art Deco buildings from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s using bright pastel colors. Subsequent redevelopment of the area transformed the structures into eclectic boutiques, galleries, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants specializing in alfresco dining overlooking the ocean. Perhaps the most talked about destination, perusing South Beach is a uniquely Miami experience.
2. Just south of downtown, Southwest Eighth Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” is the epicenter of Cuban exile culture in Miami. A flood of islanders seeking refuge from ruler Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled in what’s known as Little Havana, painting it in tropical colors and opening cafes and nightclubs. Although many of the original inhabitants have moved out of the neighborhood to be replaced by later waves of Latin immigrants, Little Havana is a lively nightlife destination for authentic Cuban food, music, hand-rolled cigars and intense games of dominoes. .
3. A designated national historic district, Miami’s Art Deco Distrct, streamlining moderne and Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture, is the most unique in the nation. Former Art Deco apartment buildings, ballrooms and warehouses have been restored to pastel-and-neon luminosity and sometimes serve as canvases for murals, trompe l’oeil images and elaborate graffiti created by local artists.
4. You simply can’t visit Miami without spending time at one of its famed sandy beaches. Depending on your Miami agenda, you can set up your towel anywhere, from the quintessential South Beach to the “clothing optional” Haulover Beach. Boating, swimming and exercising are only some of the activities you can enjoy while at the beach. But be sure to wear sunscreen, as the Miami sun can be scorching hot.
5. Despite being on the corner of Lincoln Road and Eighth Street wedged between clothing boutiques, trendy restaurants and high-fashion modeling agencies, ArtCenter South Florida is as low-key as art gets. This non-profit is free and open to the public, and is always experimenting with new works by lesser-known artists such as painter Jenny Brillhart and mixed media artist Luis Garcia-Nerey so don’t be deterred by outward appearances. Inside, you’ll get a taste of the rawness the ArtCenter goes for - high ceilings with exposed rods and air ducts, and rooms partitioned by white walls that don’t reach the top.

The glamour, the excitement, the international flair - Miami is a new-world city, located in southeast Florida between the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its diverse culture and ethnicities, Miami is a gateway to Latin America and more than 9.5 million visitors come here each year. To really get a taste of Miami culture, spend time in both South Beach and Little Havana. Parrot Jungle, Seaquarium and Everglades National Park will expose you to the kinds of wildlife in Florida, and Vicazya Museum and Gardens is as much of a history lesson as it is beautiful.

1. South Beach was spared from demolition through the efforts of citizens and local designers, who began repainting and restoring Art Deco buildings from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s using bright pastel colors. Subsequent redevelopment of the area transformed the structures into electric boutiques, galleries, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants specializing in alfresco dining overlooking the ocean.
2. Newly relocated to Watson Island in Biscayne Bay, Parrot Jungle populates its 18.6-acre spread with 3,000 exotic animals, including orangutans, reptiles and birds. The park’s highlight, a 20-minute winged wonders show, present scores of parrots, cockatoos and macaws trained to astonish by roller skating, among other antics. Make sure to check out the rare albino alligator. If you’re able to visit one of Florida’s oldest coastal towns, Dunedin, check out Everglades National Park - the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. The Everglades are easily reached from cities along Florida’s east coast, and they’re a uniquely Floridian experience. Alligators, snakes, bobcats and different kinds of fish, among other animals, call this huge, water-sodden wetland full of saw grass and cabbage palm their home.
3. Ever since the 1960s, when the television show Flipper was filmed here, the Miami Seaquarium has been one of the city’s top tourist draws. Located on 38 acres of Biscayne Bay shore, Miami Seaquarium presents crowd-pleasing dolphin and killer whale shows throughout the day, while sea lions perform under a geodesic dome built by architectural whiz Buckminster Fuller. Additional exhibits feature sharks, tropical fish, crocodiles and manatees, an endangered species the park actively rescues and rehabilitates.
4. Just south of downtown, Southwest Eighth Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” is the epicenter of Cuban exile culture in Miami. A flood of islanders seeking refuge from ruler Fidel Castro in the 1960s settled in this modest neighborhood known as Little Havana, painting it in tropical colors and opening cafés and nightclubs. Although many of the original inhabitants have moved out of the neighborhood to be replaced by later waves of Latin immigrants, Little Havana is a lively nightlife destination for authentic Cuban food, music, hand-rolled cigars and intense games of dominoes.
5. In 1914, retired International Harvester magnate James Deering employed 1,000 workers (10 percent of Miami’s population at the time) to construct his winter home, modeled after Italian renaissance architecture of the 16th century. Deering died in 1925, and in 1952 the county acquired and began restoring his deteriorating dream home and its surrounding gardens, now a National Historic Landmark called Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Inside the villa, 34 rooms showcase furniture and decorative art from the 15th through the 19th centuries. The multi-terraced gardens are similarly lavish, with decorative urns, cascades, reflecting pools and a maze.

In the heart of South Beach sits the renowned Lincoln Road, which teems at all hours with a mish-mash of nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants and an eclectic collection of boutiques (in this roundup alone, Books & Books, Fly Boutique and more are on this strip) blended with well-known retail shops, such as Victoria’s Secret and French Connection and boutiques such as Base, carrying designer threads from Lorick, Rag & Bone, Rogan, Fred Perry and Helmut Lang.

Lincoln Road was originally founded by millionaire developer Carl Fisher, who envisioned the street as Miami Beach’s equivalent to New York City’s Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive. In the 1960s, the architect Morris Lapidus took it a step further by transforming the two-way driving road into a pedestrian-only byway, stating that, “a car never bought anything.” Lincoln Road attracts tourists from around the world and also remains a hot spot for the local Miami and Miami Beach residents. Since it’s technically an outside mall, pack the sunscreen, bottled water and sunglasses.

The lively, open-air atmosphere of Bayside Market is another shopper’s paradise for locals and visitors alike. Most folks come for the name-brand stores (ranging from Sunglass Hut to Brookstone to Guess) and local boutique and kiosks, but many stay for the live-band performances, which take place daily. It’s for this very reason that this place often resembles a zoo at all times of the day, but especially between noon and 5 p.m., when the sun is up, the bands are hot and tempers are short - the perfect recipe for sultry, on-the-spot dancing.

You won’t just find stunning Art Deco structural design in Miami’s design district. Boutiques in the area such as Emeshel and Nazly Villamizar Designs mirror the area’s commitment to art. Webster, a 20,000-square-foot haven of runway pieces and labels such as Martin Margiela, Proenza Schouler and Miu Miu, is a good indication of what kinds of top-tier designer brands you’ll find in South Beach. Bal Harbour, Merrick Park, Adventura Mall and Shops on Miracle Mile are all go-to spots to shell out cash as well and they house more conventional shops. There is something for every kind of shopper in Miami, so bring your wallet.

Miami, though known as an international party city, has a lot to offer in the way of kids. What could be more enticing than south Floridian animals and the Everglades? Miami Metrozoo, Parrot Jungle and Seaquarium are all located in Miami, and are must-see destinations for kids and animal lovers alike. Check out Miami Children’s Museum and Miami Museum of Science for excellent interactive exhibits.

1. After a long-overdue expansion, most of the exhibits at Metrozoo are now surrounded by moats instead of high fences, so you have a clear view of the animals. The grounds are expansive and you and your kids can stroll through nearly 300 acres of park, much of it paved with sidewalks that make it easy to push a stroller (you can rent special animal strollers at the gate). Nearly 800 animals live in the park, including rare white Bengal tigers in an exhibit that features a replica of an ancient Cambodian temple. There’s a children’s petting zoo and an observation deck that overlooks the African Lobe.
2. Newly relocated to Watson Island in Biscayne Bay, Parrot Jungle populates its 18.6-acre spread with 3,000 exotic animals, including orangutans, reptiles and birds. The park’s highlight, a 20-minute winged wonders show, presents scores of parrots, cockatoos and macaws trained to astonish by roller skating, among other antics. Make sure to check out the rare albino alligator.
3. Miami Children’s Museum has come a long way from 1985 when it was a 2,000- square-feet museum located in a shopping mall in West Kendall. Today, the 56,500-square-foot facility offers 14 galleries, a parent and teacher resource center, 200-seat auditorium and the list goes on and on. Dedicated to all things kids, this educational institution has a handful of awe-inspiring permanent exhibits such as the castle of dreams where kids can climb through sandcastles and learn about sand from all over the world.
4. Ever since the 1960s, when the television show Flipper was filmed here, the Miami Seaquarium has been one of the city’s top tourist draws. Located on the Biscayne Bay shore, Miami Seaquarium presents crowd-pleasing dolphin and killer whale shows daily, while sea lions perform under a geodesic dome built by architectural whiz Buckminster Fuller. You’ll also find sharks, tropical fish, crocodiles and manatees featured in exhibits.
5. From interactive exhibits to displays on south Florida’s earliest human residents, the Miami Museum of Science brings history, ecology and scientific research to life. The museum’s newest feature, created in cooperation with the Smithsonian, offers an adventurous approach to history and includes never-before-seen artifacts. As your family moves through the 3,200-square-foot exhibit, they join an expedition, retracing archaeologists’ steps as they journeyed through jungles and unearthed Mayan ruins throughout the Americas.

To avoid throngs of tourists, book a trip to Miami between May and September. Sure, temperatures are brutally hot, but you’ll be able to score restaurant reservations more easily and relax on a beach that’s not nearly as crowded. Plus, you’re going on vacation to Miami to get a tan, aren’t you? Just don’t forget your sunscreen and airy clothing.

Many people choose to visit in the winter and spring months for the obvious reason: temperatures average in the 70s from January to April, something most people living in northern states aren’t accustomed to during that time of year. June through October is generally considered hurricane season in Miami, but temperatures and precipitation are ideal and accommodation costs are lower than that of the winter and spring months.

When sunning just won’t cut it, Miami has some fine cultural institutions that will engage your mind and inspire you. The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Science Museum are all wonderful variations of different museums you might find around the country, while the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Jewish Museum of Florida have a noticeable Miami bent.

1. True to form for a contemporary art museum, Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibits are well-known in Miami for being a bit off-kilter and thought-provoking. But MOCA’s commitment to stirring minds takes a populist approach with exhibits that involve museum-goers, such as the interactive 2008 show Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock & Roll Since 1967, which revealed the relationship between visual arts and rock ’n’ roll culture - and also came with a full instrument set that visitors were encouraged to jam with while in the museum.
2. The Miami Science Museum contains hands-on exhibits that run a spectrum of topics, from Newton’s laws to national flags to the impact of Latinos on the music industry. The outdoor wildlife center includes snakes, reptiles, turtles and even birds of prey - among them an owl, a hawk and a bald eagle. This museum is a refresher course for everything that you forgot from high school.
3. Even if you’re not mad for 17th century antiques, there’s little doubt you’ll be able to appreciate the majestic surroundings of Vizcaya. A National Historic Landmark, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once home to American industrialist James Deering. Built to look like an Italian villa, it has 34 decorated rooms (and 70 in total) with 15th- to 19th-century antique furnishings and a massive collection of original artwork. (Did we mention the property also sits directly along Biscayne Bay, earning some of the best views in the city?) Dignitaries from around the world have visited, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan and King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. Try to plan your visit around lunchtime as Vizcaya’s 1917 pipe organ serenades visitors inside the mansion from noon to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. Among the 50 acres, 10 are composed of the breathtaking botanic gardens, which include mazes and a view overlooking Biscayne Bay.
4. They say you need to know where you came from in order to know where you’re going. And whether you’re Jewish or not, The Jewish Museum of Florida gives a good glimpse of a people’s past and is an excellent educational resource. The museum developed out of a statewide grassroots project, set to educate and preserve the Florida Jewish experience - nowadays, the institution holds more than 100,000 items of interest of the Jewish faith. The core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, includes more than 500 photos and artifacts that portray the Jewish experiences, along with three films and a Timeline Wall of Jewish History.
5. The Bass Museum of Art pairs learning with entertainment, featuring activities that step outside the box, such as theater play readings, wine tastings, concerts and films - all somehow relating to art or the museum. Inside the box (and we mean this literally - the main building is a simple structure built in 1930 as a Miami Beach public library), you’ll find a permanent collection that varies from European tapestries to Japanese woodblock prints. Temporary exhibits have ranged from architectural renderings and music, and more classic media like photography, printing and painting (Picasso and Miro had works in a recent exhibit).