Make the most of Miami this summer
With so much to do and so little time, we’ve enlisted the experts to help you make the most of a flying visit to Miami
Miami is the ideal getaway for sun-starved Londoners, and once you’re there you’ll naturally want to make the most of your visit, so we’ve called upon a few stateside experts to help assemble the ultimate tick-list for a short summer break in Miami. There’s Time Out Miami Editor Virginia Gil’s tips for outdoor fun; fashion entrepreneur Julia Ford-Carther’s guide to the best spending spots; and gallery owner Danelle Pino’s pick of Miami’s best arty action. So stock up on sunblock and get ready to swap the South Bank for South Beach.
So if you wanna go? Head to British Airways, where prices start at £549pp for flights and five nights in a hotel.
Palm Court
Window shopping at its finest. Pop in and out of designer shops – including some of the biggest, most over-the-top stores you’ve seen from brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior – and admire the incredible architecture and artwork on display outdoors.
David T. Kennedy Park
No matter the time of day, this waterfront park is packed with runners, cyclists, families and dogs. Don’t miss A.C.'s Icees truck, a Coconut Grove staple that’s been serving up frozen lemonades since 1978.
Sunset Harbour
Rent a paddleboard, navigate past the yachts and down narrow waterways surrounding Sunset Islands or out into the bay near the Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Either direction will reveal beautiful manses and stunning vistas most people on land don’t get to see often.
1416 18th St
Stiltsville boat tour
There are plenty of trad boat tours to check out in Miami, but those in search of something a little bit different should book up this cruise through a community of wooden stilt houses in Biscayne Bay, which reveals a bygone era in Miami real estate.
Brunch at La Mar
Miami has plenty of options for outdoor brunching, with something for every budget and occasion. To make the most of your visit, though, it’s worth dropping some cash and heading to fancy waterfront restaurant La Mar by Gaston Acurio.
Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park
Miami may not be famed for its mountains, but this hand-built course provides just as many thrills as the real thing. Trails vary in difficulty, with the toughest featuring exposed rock and plenty of hairpin turns.
Arthur Lamb Jr Rd, (786-224-4777)
Miami Beach Boardwalk
Each section of this waterfront promenade has something different to offer. Below 46th Street you’ll find walkways populated with skaters and cyclists. Once you get to Ocean Drive (between fifth and 12th streets), it expands to a wide road flanked by grass and sand, where you’re likely to see groups playing volleyball and local vendors selling their wares.
Schnebly Redland's Winery
Miami’s subtropical climate is perfect for producing fruit-based wines, like the mango and passion fruit varieties you’ll find here. Beer drinkers are in luck, too – there’s also a brewery serving up equally interesting-tasting beers, including a popular coconut brew.
30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead
Pawnbroker at The Langford
Whatever the weather’s doing, the best place to drink in Miami is up on the roof. Head downtown to Pawnbroker at the Langford Hotel – the place to visit for old-timey cocktails in a cosy setting.
121 SE 1st St
Grove Bay Grill
This waterfront shack may not be around for long (neighbouring developments are threatening its existence) so take advantage of its cheap and incredibly fresh seafood dishes and craft beers while you still can (the fish tacos, stuffed with flaky chunks, are phenomenal).
3381 Pan American Dr, 305-285-1366
The Webster
A legend that makes every Miami shopping list, this high-end fashion destination boasts three stories of designer duds. Owner Laure Heriard Dubreuil curates the edited selection, featuring the crème de la crème of European and American labels.
Paradigm Kitchen
This virtuous spot marries soul-food satisfaction with clean-eating ingredients for an experience so healthfully enriching, you won't want to leave. For a sweet finish to your meal, don’t miss the Stoner’s Delight – a tasty vegan dessert that’s also gluten-free.
Miami Flea
If you’re in town on the third Sunday of the month, pay a visit to the Miami Flea in the Arts + Entertainment District. Peruse artisan crafts, jewellery, vintage finds and creative wares while enjoying live music and sipping local brews.
1440 N Miami Ave, Miami
Nomad Tribe
Do good and look good by shopping socially conscious brands at this fair-trade and ethical fashion marketplace in Wynwood. You can browse by department – men's or women's – or by cause: everything from women's empowerment to local charity.
2301 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, 305-364-5193
Dr. Smood
Fill up on mood-boosting juices, raw salads and healthy snacks at this welcoming and uber-chic Danish import that attracts stylish passers-by. Don’t skip a cup of their signature white coffee blend made with Hawaj, a delicious Yemenite spice.
2230 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, 786-334-4420
Market
For basics that are anything but, stop by Market in Sunset Harbour where classic takes on current trends offer a step up from minimalism. From holey tees to buttery-soft sweatshirts, you’ll find wardrobe staples for less than $100.
Capretto Shoes
Swing by this independently owned accessories boutique in South Miami and stock up on stacked Sergio Rossi heels, Lanvin pumps and plenty of handbags to match. The assortment is always current and the space is comfy and inviting.
VASE
If you're into the unexpected and up-and-coming, follow this mobile boutique on Instagram to see where they're popping up next. Co-owners Elisa Sain and Valerie Armas stock their pimped out ride with a mix of local designers and proprietary items, like their retro-inspired, light-up sneakers.
Eberjey
The place to go for all things underwear, Eberjey, which means ‘joy’, carries supremely soft lingerie and lacy sleepwear that’s as comfortable as it is gorgeous.
1905 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach 305-763-8839
Parlor Miami
Following a successful pop-up boutique last spring, this Manhattan-based shop now has a local showroom where true fashion insiders can shop contemporary women’s clothing from designers like Norma Kamali, WHIT and Timo Weiland.
7338 NW Miami Ct, #1 305-215-5863
Pérez Art Museum Miami
PAMM is dedicated to showcasing a variety of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art. The grounds and architecture are enhanced by lush hanging gardens and a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay.
Little Havana
To experience Miami's multicultural community and Cuban heritage, visit Little Havana. This barrio has plenty of live music, art galleries, delicious Cuban food (check out El Pub for a Cuban sandwich, 1548 SW 8th St, 305-642-9942) and hand-rolled cigars.
Calle Ocho between 12th and 17th Aves
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
For a relaxing but stimulating evening, check out one of the 500 events held annually at this renowned theater – from Broadway productions to riveting musical performances to world-class operas.
The Miami Design District
Spend some time getting to know the Miami Design District, a lively hub for interior design, architecture, fashion and dining. Neighbourhood mainstay Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (130 NE 40th St, michaelsgenuine.com) serves a delicious brunch, which you can enjoy outdoors in the courtyard.
Between NE 38th and 44th Sts and North Miami Ave and NE Second Ave
de la Cruz Collection
This collective gives people a chance to view an exceptional, private, contemporary art collection that’s been 25 years in the making. Yearly exhibitions focus on art history, educational lectures and works by local artists.
The Wynwood Arts District
One of the coolest places to visit in the whole country – let alone Miami – is the Wynwood Arts District. Weave in and out of streets checking out the variety of murals that decorate almost every structure, then stop by the many galleries for a bird's-eye view of eclectic artworks.
Wood Tavern
A no-frills watering hole in the heart of Wynwood. It has a laid back vibe that’s welcoming to all types of people, especially artists, who congregate here to drink craft beer and listen to hipster-pleasing tunes.
Barton G the Restaurant
This West Avenue restaurant is famed for its friendly service and quirky ambiance. Though the chef is clearly serious about his craft, presentation is lighthearted and the general vibe decidedly fun-forward.
Bakehouse Art Complex
Here, more than 60 artists work side by side in individual studios creating, learning and supporting each other. Art enthusiasts and collectors are always welcome to pop in and browse.
561 NW 32nd S
The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA Miami)
ICA Miami promotes local and international contemporary art, including innovative and experimental pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, admission is always free!
4040 NE 2nd Ave, 305-901-5272