"Miami rewards those who know where to look — and punishes those who don't."
Miami is a city of layers. The obvious Miami — South Beach, Ocean Drive, the Art Deco hotels — is real and worth experiencing. But the city's most interesting dining, art, and culture happens elsewhere: in Wynwood's gallery district, in Brickell's restaurant scene, in the quiet streets of Coconut Grove, and on the barrier island of Key Biscayne, where the city's finest beach resort sits in near-total seclusion.
The best time to visit is November through April, when the humidity drops and the temperature settles into the low 80s. December brings Art Basel — the most glamorous week in American art — and the city fills with collectors, artists, and the international creative class. The restaurant scene peaks in winter, when the snowbirds arrive and the best tables are hardest to get.
"Key Biscayne — Miami luxury without the South Beach noise. The city's best-kept secret."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
South Beach Art Deco District
The largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world — 800 buildings from the 1920s and 30s, painted in pastel pinks, yellows, and blues along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Walk it in the morning before the heat arrives, then return at night when the neon signs illuminate the facades.
Wynwood Walls
A former warehouse district transformed into the world's largest open-air street art museum. The murals change regularly, and the galleries, restaurants, and bars that have grown up around them make Wynwood one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city.
Key Biscayne
A quiet barrier island 15 minutes from downtown Miami — home to the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, the best beach access in the Miami area, and a pace of life that feels entirely removed from South Beach's intensity. The best-kept secret in Miami.
Dining in Brickell
Miami's financial district has become its most exciting dining neighbourhood. The concentration of world-class restaurants — from Peruvian to Japanese to modern American — rivals any neighbourhood in the country.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Every December, Miami hosts the American edition of Art Basel — the world's most important contemporary art fair. The main fair at the Convention Center is complemented by dozens of satellite fairs, gallery openings, and parties across the city. The most glamorous week in American art.
Sunset at Bayside
Watching the sun set over Biscayne Bay from a waterfront restaurant or bar — with the Miami skyline behind you and the water turning gold — is one of the city's great pleasures. The Mandarin Oriental's terrace is the finest vantage point.
Where to Stay
The Setai
Ultra-LuxuryThe finest hotel on South Beach — three oceanfront pools, Asian-inspired design, and service that sets the standard for Miami luxury. The beach club is exceptional.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Design IconAlan Faena's extraordinary hotel — gold mammoth skeleton, crimson velvet, and a theatrical excess that is uniquely Miami. The most visually arresting hotel in the city.
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
Beachfront ResortMiami luxury without the South Beach noise. Pristine Atlantic beachfront, impeccable service, and the best cabanas in Florida. Our top recommendation for families and couples seeking genuine relaxation.
The Verdict
America's most glamorous city — explore beyond South Beach and you'll find one of the country's most rewarding destinations.