Miami Travel Guide Intro

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Title: Your Complete Guide to Miami Hotels & Happenings
Description: Known as “Vice City” or “Magic City,” Miami feels so far removed from the rest of the country that sometimes people refer to it as the “Capital of Latin America.” Surrounded by water on all sides (even under the ground), Miami is vast and has so much more to offer than just the beach. With some of the best cuisine, art museums, galleries, festivals and events (like the Miami Film Festival, the Miami Book Fair, and Art Basel — which all draw big names and even bigger crowds), it’s no wonder tourists flock to the area in droves no matter the season. Almost always warm, this city (like Vegas and New York) never sleeps. Come well rested, well dressed, and hungry for adventure. You never know what you’ll find in the 305 (outside of the city’s tropical monsoon climate, which stays consistent), but we have some great suggestions to get you started, including our favorite IHG hotels, restaurants, cocktail bars, cultural programming, and lots of outdoor activities.
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Whether you’re staying downtown, in South Beach, Brickell, or by the airport, there’s an IHG hotel to suit your fancy and your travel needs. With three Kimptons to choose from in South Beach, you’re not short on hotel options and they all have something special and unique to offer.

While Kimpton Angler’s South Beach is not directly on the sand, it is just one block from Ocean Drive, with roomy suites, balconies, and a lovely rooftop pool. We like that it’s a little removed from the action but still walking distance to key attractions. Seawell Fish N' Oyster is the highly-rated on-site restaurant that features daily specials, a brunch happy hour, and more.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach is in Sunset Harbour, a super walkable neighborhood that feels more casual and authentically local. Close to Biscayne Bay and Lincoln Road, this hotel is perfectly tucked away and has a gorgeous rooftop pool with panoramic skyline views, a fitness center, and loaner bikes hotel guests can use to explore the area. Though the restaurant doesn’t currently have a dining concept, there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants nearby.

Then there’s the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which is in South Beach’s historic Art Deco District. The oceanfront property offers beach yoga and splash pong by the palm frond shaded pool, has newly-renovated and private cabanas available for day rentals, and has two restaurants on-site: the Social Club (right off the lobby) and High Tide Beach Bar & Grill (by the pool and just steps from the boardwalk).

Elevate your Miami experience in the heart of the city at InterContinental Miami Downtown, where sleek, contemporary design meets world-class hospitality. For multiple decades, this waterfront hotel has welcomed both business and leisure travelers thanks to its stunning skyline views and convenient location on Biscayne Bay, close to the Port of Miami. This is the perfect place to stay before or after a weekend cruise departing from the city. Amenities include mySpa, a facility with 10 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, a couples suite, and manicure and pedicure pods. There’s also a 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness studio here, and an outdoor pool featuring brand-new ocean-view poolside cabanas. Dine at the Latin-inspired Toro Toro or grab a drink by the pool at Bluewater. You’ll find Ole Restaurant on the lobby level, in addition to a Starbucks. Freddy's Speakeasy, which was voted Miami’s Best Hotel Bar in 2023 by Miami New Times, is tucked away on the hotel’s second floor. Make a reservation (there are only 12 guests allowed in at a time) and prepare to be wowed by the 1920’s cocktails and ambiance once you find the door and are granted entry to the dark and moody bar.

Near the Port of Miami and just 20 minutes from the airport, Hotel Indigo® Miami Brickell is chic, modern, and unique. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Brickell, Miami's walkable financial district. You can also get around the area by riding the free Metromover or trolley to places like Bayside Marketplace, Kaseya Center (where the Miami Heat basketball team plays), and Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. At the hotel, enjoy the outdoor pool and the 24-hour fitness center. You can also lounge on the patio with a book or dine at the hotel’s first floor restaurant, Mosaico Kitchen + Bar, which features international bites like empanadas, ceviche, seafood, and seasonal cocktails.

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Spend a day exploring South Beach and the Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. Relax on Miami’s soft, white sand and soak up the sun, or take a stroll along Ocean Drive and admire the pastel-colored architecture. You may also choose to rent a bike and pedal up and down the Miami Beach Boardwalk, a scenic oceanfront pathway.

Escape the city and enjoy a peaceful stroll through lush gardens and tropical landscapes at Miami Beach Botanical Garden and/or the 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Or head to Vizcaya. Once the estate of a millionaire, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a Great Gatsby-style historic home that’s over a hundred years old. Wander through the stunning gardens and tour the villa overlooking Biscayne Bay—don’t miss the glass-encased courtyard or the gift shop/cafe.

Wynwood Walls is quick and free to visit, and there’s plenty to do in the area including eating, shopping, drinking, and gallery hopping. Explore the famous outdoor street art museum showcasing vibrant murals by renowned artists. The best way to experience it is on foot.

If the weather is mild, take an airboat tour through the Everglades to spot alligators and other wildlife at Everglades National Park. Or take a trip to Key Biscayne, where you can relax on the beaches, go snorkeling, and visit the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Key Biscayne’s beaches tend to be less crowded than South Beach and there’s even a dog-friendly beach there.

Explore coral reefs, mangrove forests, and scenic islands by boat or kayak at Biscayne National Park or Oleta River State Park.

Spend a day at the museums downtown like Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, near the Port of Miami. Some other wonderful museums in the city include the Haitian Heritage Museum, the HistoryMiami Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, and the Bass.

If shopping is one of the reasons for your trip, head to The Shops at Merrick Park, Lincoln Road, or Aventura Mall.

Trip Extras

Are you an IHG One Rewards member? Book tours, activities, and things to do in Miami and earn points toward future travels. Some fun ones include a private boat tour with a captain, a walking food tour of Little Havana, and a kayak or stand up paddleboard island and wildlife tour.

Take a Day Trip from Miami

Planning to visit Fort Lauderdale during your Miami trip? You can drive or take the Brightline from Miami to the “Venice of America” and experience all the beach town has to offer. Read our complete guide to Fort Lauderdale for insider tips on things to do, where to stay, top restaurants, and more!

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It’s common knowledge that if you’re into diverse cuisines, you’re coming to Miami for the Cuban food. Puerto Sagua is a laid-back spot walking distance from the sand, which has been serving Cuban sandwiches and shakes since the 1960s. For a more upscale Cuban experience, Cafe La Trova in Little Havana is a go-to for live music, cocktails, and classic Cuban dishes like skirt steak, picadillo, and crunchy mojo-marinated pork from renowned chefs.

Ball & Chain is an iconic Little Havana nightclub offering live jazz and Latin music. Their outdoor stage is built into a larger-than-life pineapple, and sometimes they host karaoke, as well. The food menu is Cuban-fusion.

Famous for its fresh seafood and classic stone crab claws, Joe's Stone Crab has been operating in some capacity for over 100 years. The restaurant is open daily for takeaway as well as dinner, and the bar is open every day, as well. Check the restaurant’s website for lunch hours.

A cozy, New Orleans-style wine bar, Lagniappe has a vast selection of wines on the menu, plus build-your-own charcuterie and cheese plates. The bar and venue is known for hosting live jazz.

Grab a cocktail at the award-winning Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, which serves expertly crafted cocktails in a retro-chic space, in addition to late-night eats like tater tots and crudités with goddess dressing.

Are you a wine connoisseur? Niu Wine in downtown Miami has no menu, but if you tell the servers what you like, they’ll bring you a couple things to try before you commit to a glass or a bottle. For fun cocktails and good vibes, Jaguar Sun, Dante's HiFi, and Gramps Key Biscayne are all solid options. Or go all out with dinner and a show featuring live music and salsa dancing at Mango's Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive in South Beach.

Description: The best way to get around Miami is by car. Rentals are available at the airport and around town. The Metrorail offers affordable public transportation around the city, if you are staying in or around downtown. The 25-mile elevated transportation system will get you to and from the airport, and also to neighborhoods like Brickell, Coconut Grove, and South Miami. Rideshare is a popular option for getting around Miami, especially late at night. You can also walk or bike, of course, around the city’s more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Rent a bike to explore the beachfront on two wheels. Many areas of Miami, such as South Beach and Wynwood, are perfect for exploring on foot.

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Weather, Languages, Tipping & More

Miami has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild(er) winters. Pack light, breathable clothing and don't forget your sunscreen.

English is widely spoken in Miami, but you'll also hear several dialects of Spanish and other languages like Haitian Creole due to the city’s diverse population.

Tipping is customary in Miami, like the rest of the U.S. But always triple check your bill before adding a tip because, in places like South Beach, a gratuity of at least 18% is normally added to your check up front.

Respect local rules and regulations when visiting the beach, such as no glass containers or alcohol, and don’t forget to clean up after yourself.