A Chic Miami Travel Guide: Culture, Dining & the Best of Miami Beach
For your next stylish escape to Miami, here's where to stay, eat & explore
Sometimes the rhythm of Miami Beach calls with a strong draw toward salt air and a sultry ambiance. From Austin, it’s a quick, easy flight, yet this part of Florida feels transportive, like an international escape within the U.S. More than a change of scenery, Miami offers a change of tempo.
There’s a particular electricity, a fusion of Caribbean and Latin American influences, found in everything from food to fashion, art, architecture and interior design. With cinematic sunsets, salsa music playing through the night and mojitos flowing, Miami is full of global glamour and energy.
Where to Stay in Miami?
Mid-Beach at Andaz Miami Beach
While South Beach may be the area’s night-owl epicenter, Mid-Beach is a rather ideal spot to settle in for a more relaxed getaway. This area feels serene and sophisticated, yet close enough to the thriving nightlife scene.
Along a tranquil stretch of Collins Avenue spanning two city blocks in Mid-Beach, Andaz Miami Beach offers a refined vibe. Steps from the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel mixes Miami’s Art Deco architecture with contemporary style, with interiors in a palette of sea foam and sand.
The first Andaz to debut in Florida, this hotel was originally built in the 1940s as the 18-story Lord Tarleton Hotel, once Miami Beach’s first skyscraper. After an 18-month renovation led by EoA Group in 2024, guest rooms were modernized, suites expanded and event spaces upgraded. The 287 guest rooms and 64 suites are now designed to dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. Many rooms open onto private balconies with beautiful views of the Atlantic and Miami’s cotton candy skies.
Of course, dining is integral to any hotel experience. Aguasal, from the José Andrés Group, draws on Mediterranean and Latin coastal traditions with plentiful seafood dishes. At Bar Centro, the space shifts throughout the day, starting as a coffee cafe offering espresso and pastries and transforming into a cocktail lounge after dusk. The pool bar ensures that a cold glass of rosé or a margarita is never far from reach.
Two heated pools anchor the hotel’s backyard, framed by coral-hued daybeds and shaded cabanas for afternoons in the sun. The hotel’s beachfront offers complimentary umbrellas, lounge chairs and food and beverage services so that you can order a fresh, cold coconut delivered beachside. On the fourth-floor terrace, the Ondara Spa provides restorative amenities with advanced skincare treatments and therapies that reflect Miami’s cutting-edge wellness culture.
The Andaz strikes a sweet balance of chic yet unpretentious. The hotel feels pleasantly removed from South Beach’s neon bling, with a softer space and a less crowded shoreline. Still, you’re in stylish company nearby with the theatrical Faena Miami Beach, the storied Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the ultra-hip The Miami Beach EDITION and the eco-luxury 1 Hotel South Beach all within walking distance, granting ample opportunity to wander for dinner, cocktails or entertainment before retreating to your quieter stretch of sand.
Where to Eat & Drink in Miami?
While Miami has a wide variety of dining options, these are some standout spots: a mix of glam dinners, breezy waterfront lunches and cultural staples.
MATADOR ROOM: Located inside The Miami Beach EDITION, this restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten showcases contemporary Latin and Caribbean flavors in an elegant, trendy setting. The avocado pizza is a must.
Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard: This waterfront spot at The Standard Hotel offers breezy, casual meals with a bay view. Fresh seafood and salads, frosé and laid-back vibes are ideal for lunch or sunset drinks.
Faena Miami Beach: Even if you’re not staying at Faena, this hotel’s restaurants are worth a visit. At this iconic Miami hotspot, you can enjoy a range of exceptional dining experiences — from Los Fuegos’ wood-fired fare by Francis Mallmann to Pao by Paul Qui, where contemporary Asian-fusion plates shine, plus intimate omakase options and several lively bars, all wrapped in theatrical décor.
La Sandwicherie: A true South Beach institution, La Sandwicherie is the perfect stop for a laid-back yet unforgettable bite. Whether you’re tasting a crisp baguette loaded with fresh ingredients or a buttery croissant, it’s a casual can’t-miss in Miami.
Sunny’s: A short drive off of Miami Beach in Little River, Sunny’s has quickly become Miami’s destination for elevated dining featuring steaks, handmade pastas and inventive cocktails. It’s a lively nightly dinner party with a stunning atmosphere.
What To Do Beyond the Beach?
Miami is as rich in culture as it is in sunshine. Here are several must-do stops to round out your itinerary.
Little Havana: Step into the heart of Miami’s Cuban-American culture on Calle Ocho. Enjoy cafecitos, hand-rolled cigars, bright street murals, live music, domino games in local parks and authentic Latin bites and beats. Be sure to check out the entertainment lineup at Ball & Chain.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: Located on Biscayne Bay, this historic estate and formal gardens date back to 1916. At the Vizcaya, you can wander the Italian Renaissance–inspired villa and 10 acres of carefully designed gardens, an oasis of history and beauty that feels worlds away.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): For contemporary art lovers, PAMM brings thoughtful modern works from the Americas, Europe and Africa, housed in a fabulous Herzog and de Meuron–designed building. PAMM includes nearly 3,000 works of art, with eight galleries spread throughout the building. It provides a great way to cool off with culture.
South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District: No visit to Miami is complete without spending time among the pastel façades of South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. You can explore at your own pace on a self-guided stroll along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, where porthole windows and geometric details evoke the glamour of the 1930s. Guided walking tours led by local historians and preservationists offer insight into the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
Wynwood Walls: A must-see for art lovers, Wynwood Walls transformed a former warehouse district into one of the world’s most famous open-air street art museums. Massive murals by internationally renowned artists cover entire buildings in bold color and social commentary. The surrounding Wynwood neighborhood is filled with galleries, breweries, boutiques and casual eateries.
Whether you are lounging with a water view or immersing in the Latin rhythms of Little Havana and Miami’s booming art scene, this mix of beach luxury and cultural exploration makes for an unforgettable trip. For more ideas, visit www.miamiandbeaches.com.
RELATED: San Diego Travel Guide for Design Enthusiasts: Stylish Spots & Hidden Gems