Lavish Miami Travel Guide 2026
In this Miami travel guide, you will uncover the most unforgettable things to do in Miami; explore the Cuban culture, soak in the sun on the famous Miami beach or dance the night away with the incredible Miami nightlife.
This travel guide will give you a quick glimpse into what you can fill you Miami itinerary with and a short overview of what to expect. If you are needing further explanation of things to do in Miami, I have provided links to other articles I have written about the area. The purpose of this Miami travel guide is to introduce you to the area and inspire you for your next trip to the United States.
There is no shortage of things to do in Miami and this Miami travel guide will try and cover them all!
Best Time to Visit Miami
- Winter (December–February): Peak season, best weather (mild, dry, sunny), ideal for beaches and festivals. Expect biggest crowds and highest prices.
- Spring (March–April): Great weather, warm days with cooler nights (still very warm though), fewer crowds than between December – February peak, plus major events like Ultra Music Festival and Miami Open.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, rainy, but great for beach deals and festivals like Spa & Restaurant Months. Hurricane season begins so bring a hair tie and jacket.
- Autumn (September–November): Hot and humid, but fewer families, lower prices, and cultural events; still within hurricane season.
Miami Accommodation
If you’re looking for really nice accommodation to share with a group of friends then I suggest checking out the Royal Stay website. Some of these rentals include pools and spacious dining areas which is perfect for larger groups.
Always double check reviews before you lock in your Miami accommodation, as we booked a rather rotten place in Miami and unfortunately I didn’t have a good enough look at the many sub-par reviews.
Miami Safety Travel Tips
- Winter and Spring are the best times to visit Miami as you avoid hurricane season
- Short term stays (less than 30 days) in Miami require strict compliance. Because of this rents can be hire or some people host ‘illegal’ short term stays. Do your own due diligence and check reviews before booking!
- Any large city has crime; don’t leave your bags unattended, always keep your phone or wallet in your front pocket an don’t go anywhere at night alone.
Miami Tours
My favourite thing to do while on holiday is to take a quick tour of the area; whether that is on my own accord or booking a short walking tour totally depends on the country and city I am in. Miami is an extremely diverse city with a mix of cultures from North America, South America, Cuba and the Bahamas. These tours will give you a good starting point of how to get the most out of your holiday with very little work.
Little Havana
Whatever you add to you Miami travel guide, you cannot pass up the opportunity to do a tour of Little Havana. Explore and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Cuba and the best Cuban food by visiting Little Havana. This neighbourhood in Miami oozes love, culture and sobering history of Cuba; take an official tour of the neighbourhood and be welcomed into viewing cigar rolling, learn about Cuban fashion and end your tour at the Famous Ball and Chain live music venue where you can have a chance to get your salsa dance moves across the floor.
Miami Catamaran Cruise
For an authentic Miami travel experience you need to get on the water. Book a boat tour and crew for the afternoon and experience the most luxurious afternoon setting sail on the Miami harbour. We had the experience of a lifetime with a catamaran cruise through Biscayne Bay; our six-hour journey took us through to a small island in the middle of the bay where boats are known to gather and party the afternoon away. Our onboard bar was fully stocked so we had no problems getting refreshments while on board or in the water.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a confident swimmer, the boat has floaties and pool noodles aboard to help assist you while relaxing in the warm Miami water.
Wynwood Walls
Take yourself on a self-guided art tour at Wynwood Walls, an open air art installation in the Miami suburb of Wynwood. Founded in 2009, this area was once a derelict group of buildings which overtime became the go-to location for unofficial street art, slowly transforming into the crowd pleasing art installation we see today. The Wynwood Street art includes various art installations from a large range of up and coming and famous artists; from Giant ice cream sculptures to paintings on canvas to large wall installations. A walk around the Wynwood Street art will easily keep you busy for half a day or more.
Miami Nightlife Guide – The Best Clubs in Miami
From Miami rooftop bars to a Speak Easy through an unassuming doorway. This Miami nightlife guide will give you a good introduction into what to expect and where to find the best clubs in Miami.
Brickell City Centre Bars
The Brickell City Centre is a multi-story urban complex incorporating a luxury shopping mall, office towers and divine restaurants and bars. The Brickell City Centre is where you can begin your night at a classy establishment for dinner and drinks before heading onto the Best Clubs in Miami. Pick from your choice of sports bar serving hearty meals or restaurants like Pubbelly Sushi and Sugar serving international dishes. There is something for everyone at Brickell City Centre.
Rosa Sky Rooftop Bar
One of the best Miami rooftop bars is Rosa Sky, sitting on the 22nd floor of the AC & Element Hotel. Rosa Sky rooftop bar is where you can have the ultimate Miami nightlife experience. Overlooking the Miami river and out towards Miami Beach, the city below sparkles with bustling city life while Rosa Sky is blasting the newest music, bottles of champagne are served with sparklers, and the bathrooms are stocked with deodorant and perfume. Book out a booth to guarantee a city or riverside view or simply occupy the dance floor until you can no longer stand.
Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery
Forgive me for not remembering more than the dim lights, cigar smoke and and great cocktails at Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery. We ended one of our nights in Miami with some lavish cocktails at Swizzle, the bar has an intimate and sophisticated setting amongst the crazy party bars of Miami Beach. With a selection of more than 150 different rums to choose from, you can explore your taste buds delight for the dark liquor. Seating 24 people inside the bar, and a further 60 spread amongst the neighbouring lounge and outdoor patio you have a choice to sit amongst the photo wall and murals inside, or outdoors by the pool and warm Miami air.
Best Miami Beaches
Miami is famous for its beaches and water based activities. If someone asked you to picture Miami, even if you have never been to the United States, you will instantly think of jet skis, boat parties, small bikinis, and rollerblade because that is what movies and TV has fed to us over the years of what Miami what looks like. And guess what? The movies are right! If you visit Miami you will be bombarded with a party culture that spills from the city sidewalks and into the ocean. If you haven’t already, add one or more of these beaches to your Miami itinerary.
Miami Beach – South Beach
South Beach, also known as the main Miami beach is well known for its bright white sand, vibrant art deco backdrop and a great rest spot for entertaining people watching. The vibrant culture in Miami beach will have you believing your living your movie career lifestyle.
South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is at the southern tip of Miami beach, this is a more scenic spot favoured for its quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. Take a walk or sit down for a quiet coffee for a short break during your hectic Miami vacation.
North Beach
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly beach in Miami then head to North Beach. This is where you will find quiet green spaces among a more residential area.
Matheson Hammock Park Beach
If you don’t like swimming in the ocean or generally have a weird dislike for sand, you can go to the Matheson Hammock Park Beach. This man made lagoon has areas of beach and greenery to suit everyone who visits. This calm, beach-style pool with shallow waters has scenic views of Biscayne Bay where you can watch the party boats roll in after an afternoon of partying in the bay.
More Miami Beaches
Miami is surrounded with a variety of different beaches suited for everyones needs. The following beaches in Miami are a great alternative if the others are busy or don’t suit where you may be staying:
- Mid-beach
- Haulover beach
- Crandon Park beach (Key Biscayne)
- Bill Baggs Cape Floride State Park
- Surfside beach
- Sunn Isles beach
- Historic Virginia Key beach park
The Best Miami Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to feed to whole family, or the best Cuban food in Miami; this Miami travel guide will have an option for even the pickiest of eaters. Choose your pick from an array of choice at Brickell City Centre, or take a walk down the main street in Miami beach to browse the range of restuarants in Miami.
Marabu, Brickell City Centre
If you’re looking for authentic Cuban food in Miami then look no further than Marabu restaurant. Located in the Brickell City Centre, Marabu brings Cuban dishes to the heart of Miami, with a menu ranging from large plates of meats, rice, vegetables and seafood. Centre of the restaurant you will find the lavish Havana-inspired bar, serving a range of traditional Cuban cocktails with a contemporary twist.
Call Me Gaby, Miami Beach
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami you will want to visit Call Me Gaby in Miami Beach. Featuring a romantic al-fresco dining setting, Call Me Gaby is perfect for any celebration or an excuse just to eat exquisite Italian food in Miami.
Free Things to do in Miami
We all know travelling isn’t the most affordable thing to do in the world, and majority of travelers love to experience the different cultures and religions that inhabit this amazing planet we call home. So, a Miami travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the amazing free things to do in Miami.
Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is where you can explore modern, innovative art by popular, emerging and yet underrecognized artists. The Miami Art Museum offers free entry, all you need to do is reserve your ticket online first, this ensures guests are evenly spread out throughout the day.
People watch
The title of this free activity in Miami sounds bland and boring, but it can be one of the most interesting things you do all day. Have you ever sat in a foreign city and simply watched the world go by? Holidays can be hectic and we can be so busy trying to fit in as many incredible experiences as possible that we forget to slow down and take in what is really around us. Head to Miami beach or Little Havana, grab a drink and watch human interaction, watch the birds and listen to your surroundings, take a moment to breath and appreciate the fact you are able to travel and be ‘free’, because so many people aren’t.
More Experiences for your Miami Travel Guide
Miami is full of wonderful experiences but of course I haven’t been able to experience them all. The following list of things to do in Miami are worth adding to your Miami travel guide, but be sure to check reviews and do your own research beforehand as I am not lucky enough to share in my own personal experiences!
- Everglades National Park
- Bahamas Day Trip
- Paradox Museum
