The ultimate travel guide to Miami Beach
With world-renowned galleries and famous nightlife scenes, Miami is a vibrant destination and one you’ll crave to return to long after you’ve left. While there’s an abundance of entertainment, Miami is so much more than a place to play! From accommodations to adventures and new experiences, in this resource, we’re sharing all the exciting spots in-the-know travelers should consider, as they plan their itinerary to culturally rich and diverse Miami Beach!
We’re covering (in no particular order) our personally curated recommendations to:
The best hotels in Miami, FL
Where to eat in Miami, Florida
Cafes in Miami Beach
What to do on a vacation in Miami
How to travel sustainably while in Miami, FL
After you’ve explored this travel guide, feel free to leave any questions below. We’ll do our best to provide you with answers, so you can get the most out of your Miami Beach vacation! Locals — what’s one must-do in your city? Leave your suggestions in the comments!
Where to stay in Miami
KAYAK MIAMI BEACH
Is Miami calling your name? Kayak MB is Kayak’s first-ever stay experience. Located in the heart of vibrant Miami Beach, this historic Art Deco landmark has been reimagined into a 52 room boutique hotel, within walking distance to the beach.First impressions matter, and this is certainly an area where Kayak MB has excelled. Entering the hotel, right away you’re greeted by a pleasant aroma, a signature scent identical to that of art-forward hospitality management brand Life House (of whom they’ve partnered with). Impeccably-designed, chic, boho-inspired furniture creates an effortless atmosphere, and an indoor-jungle of lush tropical plants contributes to a relaxing ambience.
*Update 2024: While staying at Lifehouse South of Fifth, we learned that Kayak MB has since closed.
THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION
For the design-driven, a luxurious stay at The Miami Beach EDITION is a must. An ideal escape, the 294 spacious rooms and 28 private bungalows are decorated with soft, neutral colors, large windows boasting city or ocean views, and marble bathrooms with rainforest showers. In addition, it’s home to Matador Room — their signature restaurant, by Michelin-Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten — two ocean-facing pools, a wellness spa, nightclub, and even a bowling alley.
LIFE HOUSE LITTLE HAVANA
Life House offers locally-rooted accommodations with narrative and substance. Holding onto the philosophy that travel rooted in community leads to a more fulfilling life, their Little Havana location is charming and full of character. Away from the most tourist-heavy parts of Miami, immerse yourself in local culture and experience a more authentic and intimate atmosphere. Guest rooms feel authentically cuban, with dark woods, woven natural rugs, and aged brass details. Afro-Cuban ceramics, exotic Caribbean plants, and unique artwork collected during tropical expeditions fill the rooms. Le Labo bath amenities are found in the bathrooms. Take in the ambience of the lush rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant, Terras, which is the perfect spot to relax at the end of a busy stay exploring nearby.
LIFEHOUSE SOUTH OF FIFTH
South of Fifth is a perfect escape. If there was ever a style that perfectly encapsulated the slow-living, beachy lifestyle that feels like home no matter where you are, this is it. A light and airy coastal retreat, the little details really stand out here (like whitewashed wood walls and ceilings. Life House’s small collection of hotels, both in Miami and beyond, are all rooted in local narrative — a philosophy these two storytellers can easily get behind.
GREYSTONE HOTEL
Greystone Hotel is a historic 1930’s hotel located in Southbeach. Combining Miami’s authentic Art Deco with a bohemian beach aesthetic, they bring adult guests (21+) a tranquil retreat with 91 boutique rooms. With several on-site dining options, you can conveniently order room service via the tablets available in each room. KOBO offers Japanese-style sandwiches, while Sérêvène fuses French and Japanese cuisine. Boasting amazing skyline views, take in the sunset on the rooftop pool, then end your evening at Golden Gator, their discreet underground champagne lounge.
Best places to eat in Miami Beach
LAS OLAS
If you want to eat where the locals eat, a visit to Las Olas is a must. A hole-in-the-wall, don’t be put off by the wobbly tables or cafeteria-style setting inside of this bodega. Most customers line up outside la ventanita (little walk-up windows abundant throughout the city) and order to-go. Known to have the best Cafe Con Leche in the area, it isn’t poured from a pot, but made for you. Much like your favorite independent coffee shops, there will be a small wait, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. While we came for breakfast, we hear the Cuban sandwiches are a must-try!
SANGUICH DE MIAMI
If there’s one must-have item to order during your Miami food tour, it’s a Cuban sandwich, but in an area where they’re a dime a dozen, it may be hard to know where it’s worth your while. Sanguich De Miami, located on Little Havana’s most popular street, has the best you can get! While seating is limited, don’t let that deter you. This small business is an absolute gem with the friendliest staff. From the delicious bread, to the house-made mustard, to the pork which is cured in-house, everything is freshly made!
CASA TUA
One for the senses, you won’t find a more romantic setting than Casa Tua. An iconic culinary destination, this flagship location is an absolute must for couples seeking a memorable, a one-of-a-kind experience. In the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, weave your way through the lush tropical foliage and lantern-lit trees to dine al-fresco under the glow of the moon. Organic, ethically-sourced ingredients are paired with an extensive wine list.
TAQUIZA TACOS
Just a block away from the ocean, take a break from the beach and stop into Taquiza Tacos to refuel. Quick service and very friendly staff make this a must-try! Crafting authentic tacos and street fare, this affordable, traditional Mexican taquería is said to have some of the best tacos in Miami, hands down! Their signature blue masa is stone-ground, and hand-pressed into homemade tortillas and totopos. Totopos come out warm, pillowy, and crunchy, covered with flaky sea salt and served with salsa and guacamole. For tacos, we recommend the Al Pastor (slow-cooked pork shoulder with achiote, guajillo chiles, sour orange topped with a charred pineapple) and Barbacoa (braised beef cooked with cumin, chiles and negra modelo). Wash it down with a Mexican Sprite or Coke, which we all know is superior to the domestic varieties. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
OLD’S HAVANA CUBAN BAR AND COCINA
Located on the famed Calle Ocho, Old’s Havana may look small from the exterior, but step inside and walk through to the back and you’ll find an expansive terrace to enjoy your meal al-fresco. During the day, find solace from the sun underneath the shade of sailcloth canopies, in the evenings, twinkle lights create a romantic atmosphere. Palm trees and tropical plants are abundant, and plant-covered wood fencing separates you from the buzz of the surrounding streets. Order a raspberry mojito, complete with a raw sugarcane stalk. The ropa-veja is also a must!
PATAGONIA NAUHEN
There are two types of empanadas prevalent in Miami — Cuban-style, which is a fried half-moon shaped pastry, and Argentenian-style which is baked and come in various shapes and sizes. We sampled both while in Miami, and while both were delicious, for us there was a clear winner! Visit Patagonia Nauhen in Key Biscayne (just ten minutes outside of Miami) for gourmet chorizo empanadas that are buttery, flakey, and full of flavor. This location is just minutes away from several beaches and parks, where you can enjoy your treat under the shade of the palms.
RICKY BAKERY
Stop into Ricky Bakery for an afternoon pick-me-up in the form of a delightful cortadito or any of the numerous sweets behind the glass case.
ISLAS CANARIAS
Islas Canarias, just happens to be home to what is arguably the best croquetas in Miami! A Cuban staple, these breadcrumb-covered logs of ham are often enjoyed for breakfast, snack, tapas, or a quick bite on-the-go.
AZUCAR ICE CREAM COMPANY
Located in the heart of Little Havana, Azucar Ice Cream Co is not your typical ice cream shop. Offering creamy artisanal ice creams inspired by Cuban desserts, they use quality ingredients that support local farmers and small businesses. On their menu, you’ll find signature flavors such as café con leche (cuban coffee & oreo), mantecado (cuban vanilla), platano maduro (sweet plantain), and, of course, abuela maria (vanilla, guava, cream cheese, galleta maria).
The best things to do in Miami Beach
ANCIENT SPANISH MONASTERY
Built in Northern Spain starting in 1133 AD and ending in 1141 AD, this 12th century Ancient Spanish Monastery has a rich history. In 1925, after being sold, it was “dismantled stone by stone”, and reassembled in the US. The museum, beautiful architecture, and grounds are a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and worth a contemplative walk around. This is an active church with Sunday service, and just as with any religious ground, remember to be respectful while you’re visiting.
ART DECO HISTORIC DISTRICT
Art Deco. It’s a word seen a few times already throughout this travel guide, and for good reason. Miami’s Art Deco Historic District is home to one of the nations largest collections of architecture in this style, with over 800 buildings in one square mile. To better understand it’s cultural importance to Miami Beach, be sure to visit the Art Deco Museum while you’re here. For a closer look at some of these establishments, self-guided walking tours are also available.
VENETIAN POOL
A previously abandoned coral rock quarry, Venetian Pool opened in 1923 and has since been visited by hundreds of thousands of travelers. Located in the City of Coral Gables, an underground aquifer feeds this 820,000 gallon pool with spring water. Further enhancing this experience are cave-like grottos and two waterfalls. For environmentalists like ourselves who might have concerns about frequent refilling, you’ll appreciate knowing that since 1998 the freshwater is drained back into the aquifer and naturally filtered, recycling these resources so as not to cause depletion.
CORAL CASTLE
We first heard about Coral Castle on one of our favorite podcasts, Astonishing Legends. A little less than 30 miles south of Miami, a heartbroken Edward Leedskalnin — who stood just over 5 feet tall, and weighed only 100 lbs — built Coral Castle (aka: Rock Gate Park) over the course of 28 years, under the secret of the night, as a tribute to his true love Agnes Scuffs. Perhaps it’s most impressive feature? A 9 ton solid stone door that was able to swivel with a simple touch of the finger. “I know how the Pyramids were built”, he’d say, and that may well be true. To this day, it’s unknown how this feat was done, but some say he had supernatural powers.
SOUTH BEACH
Quintessentially Miami, all along South Beach are Iconic Art Deco lifeguard towers. Uniquely-designed and vibrantly-colored, they easily stand out against the irresistible white sand and turquoise water. Take a dip in the ocean to cool off from the hot sun, or lay out a blanket and finally start a book that’s been in your TBR stack. South Beach is a great spot to spend a few hours relaxing or people watching. Tip: don’t forget to apply sunscreen! The Florida sun is no joke, and just 30 minutes on the beach can leave you cooked.
LITTLE HAVANA
Cuban culture is strongly intertwined with Miami lifestyle, and while you’ll find influences throughout the city, Little Havana has an energy all its own. In this Latin neighborhood is Calle Ocho, 8th St. It’s Little Havana’s most well-known street, and is made up of countless restaurants, cafes, and ventanitas. Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) happen on the third Friday of each month, when thousands of visitors congregate in the city to celebrate the arts, music, and dance. If you can’t make it during this festival, take a walking tour for a deeper dive into the history, art, food, and politics of this area.
MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
Known for it’s sleek buildings, upscale stores, art museums and galleries, Miami Design District is a creative neighborhood and epicenter merging dining, design, fashion, art, and architecture. Spend some time window shopping or head to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Only about ten minutes away is Wynwood Walls — a free-to-enter outdoor museum showcasing iconic international street art.
SOUTH POINTE PARK AND PIER
Located at the southern point of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park and Pier is a 17 acre park with a 20 ft wide walking path along the shoreline, beautiful panoramic views, and a 450 ft pier. Take a stroll during sunset, or watch the cruise ships and yachts go by while you enjoy a picnic dinner. A great place to visit for a peaceful and relaxing evening.
VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
A Gilded-Age estate, the Vizcaya mansion was built by James Deering in 1914 and sits among a historic 50 acre estate, complete with 10 acres of European-inspired formal gardens and a mangrove shoreline. Purchase tickets online in advance.
KEY BISCAYNE
Just 15 minutes outside of Miami, you’ll hit the first of the Florida Keys, Key Biscayne. Put on your walking shoes, and climb up the 109 steps to the top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which, though now defunct, has been impeccably restored.
Miami, Florida travel tips
EMBRACE CUBAN CULTURE
As you can tell from this guide, Cuban culture is prominent in Miami. The prevalence of Latin and Caribbean cultures mean Spanish is often a first or second language for locals. If you’re not already fluent, try Rosetta Stone or a similar program to learn some of the basics — a little effort goes a long way. Not only can this come in handy while browsing menus throughout the area, but it’s a valuable life skill that expands your knowledge, and can open new worlds and conversations that you might have otherwise missed out on. Translate and memorize your restaurant order in advance, or learn a few common phrases below:
Buenos días – Good morning
Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
Buenas noches – Good night
Hola – Hello
¡Adiós! – Goodbye!
Hasta pronto – See you soon
¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú? – Fine, thank you. And you?
Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
Gracias – Thank you
Por favor – Please
De nada – You’re welcome
Una mesa para dos, por favor – A table for two, please
¿Me puede traer [la carta, una bebida]? – Can you bring me a [menu, drink]?
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?
¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
¿Puede hablar más despacio? – Can you speak slowly, please?
No entiendo — I don't understand
No sé – I don’t know
Lo siento – I’m sorry
YOUR VACATION MAY BE COSTLY
As with all tourist destinations, the time of year you’re visiting can greatly impact the cost. Especially during high season (late Fall through early Spring), you’ll be paying a premium. While there’s not exactly an off-season, you can save by traveling when it’s a little quieter. Just know that the Summer months are much more hot and humid, so plan accordingly. One hidden expense you might not be used to is automatic gratuity. While you might be used to doing it yourself, restaurants in Miami will often add an 18% gratuity to your bill. Be sure to check so you don’t double-tip.
TRAFFIC
If you can help it, stay off the road, especially during rush hour. Be aware of red-light cameras. Parking can also be tricky to find, and expensive when you do — especially in Miami Beach, where street parking runs $4/hr. If you know you’ll be spending the day in the area, compare the prices of lots or garages.
STREET HUSTLERS
In some parts of Miami Beach you’ll notice an abundance of street hustlers. We were once eating lunch outside a restaurant, when a street vendor shoved a snake in our face for a picture that we’d then have to pay for. No thank you! Vendors may also try handing out flyers or promotions for restaurants, bars, or clubs. In most cases, having to resort to this means they aren’t the best places, so maybe avoid them for a more highly recommended establishment.
SKIP THE TOURIST TRAPS
Like any other destination, Miami has its fair share of tourist traps. Some of them are worth experiencing, others aren't. While it’s certainly personal preference, we suggest doing your research to find out where quality might be lacking. For example, Ocean Drive is known for overpriced/underwhelming dining; in Little Havana there are a few popular restaurants you’ll see on almost every travel guide, but we found sub-par; and while Bayside Marketplace might sound like there’s a lot to do, you might find more memorable experiences elsewhere.
SUSTAINABLE SWAPS
One sustainable tip we always make sure to follow is to pack our reusables (water bottles, straws, cutlery, bags — you name it!). Styrofoam is banned in Miami, and could result in a fine. For the health of our planet, ditch (err, we mean recycle) the disposables.
WEAR REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN
If you live by or are traveling near the water, reef-safe sunscreen is a MUST! Whether you’re swimming in the ocean or a pool, we highly recommend making this swap, as the ingredients in mainstream sunscreen brands are highly toxic, and proven carcinogens. In fact, the FDA has banned the use of these types of sunscreens in many coastal areas due to the harm it causes to marine life. For an in-depth read and recommendations of our favorite brands, check out “The Importance of Reef Safe Sunscreen”.
