Miami is an iconic destination that every city lover should visit at least once. The beautiful beaches, stunning Art Deco, tropical latin vibes and warm weather year-round earn it the title of my favorite city in the USA. These 15 unique activities are quintessential Miami.

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#1- Cruise down Ocean Drive

Beautiful Art Deco on one side, the beach on the other and wavy palm trees in between. Ocean Drive captures the essence of Miami. The boulevard is packed with restaurants offering front row seats to the parade of glamour that is South Beach. Pick one of the breakfast deals and sip on a mimosa before crossing to the beach.

#2- Get beach-ready at Lummus Park

South Beach glamour includes shirtless workouts at Lummus Park. A paved walk-and-bike trail flanked by palm trees and the beach creates an idyllic workout zone. The only downside: in addition to the public eye, you’ll have to face the ruthless humidity.

#3- Pick your Miami beach

Miami Beach is a nine-mile long barrier island, which translates to nine miles of gorgeous coastline. It’s divided into three neighborhoods: hip South Beach, calm North Beach and Mid Beach as a mix of both. All three have one thing common: the beach is wide and stunning. Stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk and let the glistening ocean pull you in.

#4- Admire Art Deco

Miami is heaven on earth for design lovers. Not only the landmarks in South Beach, but many houses in upscale neighborhoods are built in Art Deco style. The pastel buildings in the Art Deco Historic District are true eye candy. To learn about the history behind these striking facades, join the guided Art Deco walking tour from the Miami Design Preservation League.

#5- Catch the sunset over Biscayne Bay

The Atlantic side of Miami Beach can call the beaches home, but the bay side has its own perk. The sunsets over Biscayne Bay are a sight to behold when Miami’s tropical weather cooperates. With a stylish beach club facing west, the Mondrian Hotel is SoBe’s place to be at sunset. Sip on a happy hour cocktail at the Baia Beach Club‘s Sundown Social while the sun sinks into Biscayne Bay.

#6- Take in rooftop views

As an oceanfront city with warm weather year-round, the rooftop scene in Miami is impressive. Juvia used to be my go-to spot for a chic brunch with exceptional views, but closed their iconic location on top of a Lincoln Road parking garage. They are set to reopen in 2025 at the Miami Worldcenter. Another Miami hotspot is Watr at the The 1 Rooftop, located at the 18th floor of the One Hotel South Beach. The stunning rooftop patio offers a peak into South Beach luxury for non-hotel guests.

#7- Stay in an Art Deco landmark

Many Art Deco buildings in Miami originated as hotels in the 1930s and continue to offer unique accommodation to this day. It’s not everyday that you can stay in an architectural landmark. The Cavalier Hotel is an Art Deco beauty both inside and out, with a lavish lobby bar and elegant rooms. If staying in Hotel Victor South Beach, you can take a dip in the pool overlooking Ocean Drive.

#8- Look out for the cutest lifeguard (stand)

Miami’s colorful lifeguard stands set its beaches apart. The stands can be found all over Miami Beach, from North Beach to South Beach. From the seven-mile long Miami Beach Boardwalk, you can spot the prettiest of all.

#9- Lunch in the former Versace Mansion

What better location could there exist for Gianni Versace’s Mansion than the glitz and glam of South Beach? The mansion in Mediterranean Revival-style dates back to 1930, but was bought by the fashion designer in 1992. Since his untimely murder on the front steps in 1997, the former Versace Mansion has been turned into an exclusive hotel and restaurant. The most accessible way to get up close with the iconic pool is an excellent three-course lunch, offered daily.

#10- Marvel at the Vizcaya Estate

Another imposing mansion is found across Biscayne Bay, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. The Vizcaya Estate and Gardens were designed by American industrialist James Deering in the early 20th century. Looking to escape the winters of Chicago, Deering built a stunning Gilded Age mansion in Miami. The estate and impressive gardens are now a museum open to the public.

#11- Stroll past Wynwood’s outdoor art

Wynwood district is all about art. The once neglected neighborhood was turned into a big outdoor art space, with galleries, painted murals and eclectic boutiques. High rises are nowhere to been seen in this part of Miami; instead, the streets are lined with colorful one-story warehouses.

#12- Get a taste of Cuba in Little Havana

The latin vibes are never far away in Miami, but the heart of the Cuban community is found in Little Havana. The neighborhood is not necessarily the safest, so stick to sightseeing in plain daylight. Famous Calle Ocho is packed with authentic and less authentic Cuban eateries and bars. Order a Cuban coffee from a ventanita, emblematic coffee windows found throughout Miami.

#13- Try authentic Cuban food at Versailles

Where Calle Ocho eateries vary in authenticity, Versailles Restaurant is a Cuban icon tested and approved by both locals and tourists. The restaurant always has a line, but it moves fast. Enjoy a real Cuban mojito from the patio bar while you wait. On the menu are Cuban classics such as braised oxtail and roast beef tongue, reminiscent of a time long gone in the home country. In addition to the restaurant, there is a Cuban bakery and ventanita.

#14- Capture Downtown views

Like any US city, Downtown Miami is home to most of the high-rises. For an epic view of downtown, head to the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. Their rooftop bar Area 31 puts you right in the middle of the action while sipping on a happy hour drink. To capture downtown from a distance, Key Biscayne is the place to be. The Rusty Pelican offers waterfront views of Downtown Miami, with mix-and-match mimosas during weekend brunch.

#15- Cross the bridge to Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is another barrier island off the Miami coast, just 20 minutes away from Downtown. The beaches on Key Biscayne are beautiful and popular with the locals. Crandon Beach Park has free access, which unfortunately comes with higher risk for car break-ins (speaking from own experience). For a carefree day at the beach, head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southern tip of Key Biscayne.

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