Jan.

20

Miami City Guide

MIAMI temperatures are stellar most of year and what’s better than a lazy afternoon spent on South Beach? There’s top-notch shopping at Bal Harbour ShopsBase, The Webster, C Madeleine, and Taschen. There’s wonderful people-watching along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

Art lovers should definitely plan a visit the first week of December to attend Art Basel and Wynwood Arts District for street art inspiration. Design enthusiasts should walk the Design District between 38th and 42nd streets for inspiration from the dizzying displays of international art and design. Whether you head to MIAMI for the beaches, the arts, or nightlife at Basement Edition or LIV, the sizzling Latin flavor of the seaside city guarantees all a good time.

MUSEUMS + MONUMENTS:

Bass Museum of Art
www.bassmuseum.org

Tour this fab collection of European and Modern art.

Historic Miami Beach
Ocean Drive | Washington Avenue | Collins Avenue

Art Deco architecture is located in areas surrounding these three popular avenues. A self-guided tour is available at the Art Deco Welcome Center.

Perez Art Museum
www.pamm.org

MIAMI’S best for contemporary art.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
www.vizcayamuseum.org

James Deering’s Italian-style mansion is a must-see for design enthusiasts.

RESTAURANTS:
MIAMI is all about the scene, and even in restaurants with really good food, sometimes service is lacking, so tip accordingly.

Alter
www.altermiami.com

For casual, innovative dining in Wynwood.

Beachcraft
www.craftrestaurantsinc.com

Read my review here.

Casa Tua
www.casatualifestyle.com

This Italian is only open for dinner, but the food and service are topnotch.

Cecconi’s
www.cecconismiamibeach.com

At Soho Beach House, this Italian hotspot is always buzzing.

Cypress Tavern
www.cypresstavern.com

Unique grill and bar for American classics in Design District.

Garcia’s Seafood
www.garciasmiami.com

Delicious seafood to order. If you want to eat with the locals, this is your spot.

Hakkasan
www.hakkasan.com

Modern Asian for a fun night with friends.

Icebox Cafe
www.iceboxcafe.com

My friends and I like to hit up Icebox when we need a sugar fix. Great for brunch too.

Klima
www.klimamiami.com

For an authentic taste of Spain in Miami.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
www.michaelsgenuine.com

Near Design District, Michael’s is a great for farm-to-table comfort food.

News Cafe
www.newscafe.com

A MIAMI institution that’s open 24-hours a day.

Nobu
www.noburestaurants.com

Seriously. I have never had a bad meal at Nobu.

Prime 112
www.prime112.com

The always crowded place to see-and-be-seen for great steaks, salads and seafood.

Tamarina
www.tamarinarestaurants.com

For delicious fusion of Italian-Mediterranean fare in a chic setting.

Tap Tap
 www.taptapmiami.com

For authentic Haitian food in a vibrant setting with live music.

The Dutch
www.thedutchmiami.com

For eclectic American fare in a chic setting.

Zuma
www.zumarestaurant.com

Considered by many to be the BEST restaurant in MIAMI.

HOTELS:

1 Hotel South Beach
www.1hotels.com

Read my review here.

The Delano
www.morganshotelgroup.com

A Phillip Starck-designed hotel with all-white rooms once the Queen of South Beach. It’s no longer as popular, but it’s a convenient place to stay.

Faena Miami Beach
www.faena.com

Read my review here.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach
www.fontainebleau.com

Self-contained with comfortable rooms, good restaurants, fabulous pools, beach access and a sizzling nightlife.

Mandarin Oriental
www.mandarinoriental.com

Asian serenity at its best. One of MIAMI’S best.

The Miami Beach Edition
www.editionhotels.com

The current favorite of the fashion-set.

The Setai
www.thesetai.com

The Asian interiors are spectacular and suites are like mini-apartments. All the Zen-like decadence comes at a price, so its the perfect stay for a special occasion splurge.

City Guides, Travel 2 Comments


2 Responses to “Miami City Guide”

  1. 1
    Sherry says:
    February 6, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    The Miami scene is so nice!

  2. 2
    Trey says:
    March 14, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    I’m glad you left the Hotel Victor off because they’ve been slipping the past couple of years. I agree wholeheartedly with your food selections. I think my wife and I have been to half of them. Very nice post.