Where Art Deco meets ocean breeze, and every sunset feels like it belongs in a music video 🌴 Miami holidays offer something for everyone - delicious cuisine, toasty temperatures, huge sandy stretches and plenty to do.

Destination highlights

• 🏖️ Over 20 miles of Atlantic coastline – from party beaches to peaceful coves

• 🎨 World-class art scene – Wynwood Walls, Pérez Art Museum and Art Deco galore

• 🌴 Year-round sunshine – average temps rarely dip below 20°C, even in winter

• 🎺 Latin culture on every corner – salsa, Cuban coffee and Little Havana vibes

What are the best beaches in Miami?

Beach holidays in Miami offer something for everyone, from sun-worshipper to adrenaline-junkie, with over 20 miles of Atlantic coast to explore. Take a look at these top beaches in Miami:

• South Beach – the most famous hotspot in Miami - a white-sand paradise bordered by Ocean Drive, which is a hub for restaurants and bars

• Mid Beach and North Beach – for a low-key vibe and a quieter beach spot, these sands are more secluded and away from the main bustle

• Haulover Beach – feel free at Florida’s oldest nudist beach, also a prime spot for swimming

• Bill Baggs Cape Florida Beach – popular with families, this beach is renowned for its shallow waters and calm vibe

• Matheson Hammock Park Beach – a favourite for those travelling with young children, this beach offers a manmade pool

• Hobie Island Beach Park – a welcoming beach spot for your four-legged friend

What are the top hotels in Miami?

Whether you’re planning a relaxing couples break or getting the kids together for a family holiday to Miami, there's bound to be a perfect hotel for you. Here are a few noteworthy choices:

• Pestana South Beach Art Deco Hotel - this beachfront hotel is an idyllic pitstop with its gorgeous facilities and location.

• Delano - a five-star hotel for a five-star trip. This hotel offers everything you need for a taste of relaxation and luxury.

• Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel - this beachfront accommodation puts relaxation first with its laidback vibe.

• Riu Plaza Miami Beach - set on the iconic Miami Beach, this hotel is where paradise is found, featuring top-notch facilities.

• 1 Hotel South Beach - if you fancy a five-star holiday with non-stop entertainment and facilities for all ages, then this is the hotel for you.

• The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach - this landmark hotel has been restored and modernised, wowing every guest who stays there.

• W South Beach - experience the high life in this hotel with its amazing Miami Beach location and a wide range of facilities.

Getting around Miami

Getting around Miami is a doddle, whether you're hopping on the Metrorail, the Metromover (a free, air-conditioned sky train – yes, free!), or using the trolley system to zip between neighbourhoods. South Beach and Downtown Miami are both walkable if you're not in a rush. Uber and Lyft are everywhere, so you'll never be stranded after a night out. Hiring a car is a great shout if you're planning day trips to the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale or the Florida Keys (see our day trips section below). Miami International Airport (MIA) is close by, with easy connections to most areas, making your arrival and departure a breeze.

Things to do for families in Miami

Miami is more than just a beach destination; it's also a whopper of a city break for families. Miami Zoo is a proper good day out, with over 3,000 animals roaming cage-free enclosures—it's a step up from your typical zoo experience. Then there’s the Miami Children’s Museum, which has loads of interactive exhibits for the kiddos, keeping them entertained and learning at the same time. For a more splash-tastic time, take the family to Venetian Pool, a historic swimming pool that’s perfect for cooling off in style. And of course, the many family-friendly beaches, like Crandon Park Beach, offer calm waters and picnic areas, so the whole fam can kick back and enjoy a day by the sea.

Things to do for couples in Miami

Miami’s got the romance factor dialled up to a 10/10. Start with a sunset boat cruise around Biscayne Bay to see the city skyline light up while the sun dips below the horizon—it’s pure magic. For something a bit more boujee, take your partner to The Standard Spa for a top-tier couple’s spa day. You’ll leave feeling proper pampered and relaxed. Art-loving couples can wander through the Perez Art Museum, taking in the modern art and lush views of the bay. And if you're feeling fancy, hit up South Beach at night for a candlelit dinner at one of the swanky oceanfront restaurants—nothing says romance like good food, wine, and sea breezes.

Things to do for groups in Miami

Whether you’re hitting Miami for a jolly with your mates or a big celebration, there’s plenty to keep the squad entertained. Wynwood Walls is an edgy outdoor street art museum that's perfect for a chilled day out with some banging photo ops. For the nightlife crew, Miami’s club scene is absolutely popping off. E11EVEN and LIV are two of the most iconic clubs where you can dance the night away in proper Miami style. During the day, you can rent a party boat and take your group out to Nixon Sandbar, where locals and tourists park up their boats, blast tunes, and enjoy the sunshine. And, if your crew loves sports, catch a Miami Heat basketball game or head to LoanDepot Park for a Miami Marlins baseball match—it’s a proper good laugh, even if you're not a sports buff.

Things to do for foodies in Miami

Calling all foodies—Miami is an absolute paradise for your tastebuds. Start in Little Havana, where you can munch on authentic Cuban food, like a banging Cuban sandwich from Versailles, an iconic local spot. For seafood lovers, a visit to Joe’s Stone Crab is a must—it’s been serving up delish seafood since 1913, and their stone crab claws are next-level. Fancy a top-tier brunch? Hit up The Bazaar by José Andrés, where modern Latin cuisine gets a playful twist (and yes, it’s as boujee as it sounds). If street food is more your vibe, explore the Miami Food Trucks scene, where you’ll find everything from tacos to gourmet burgers. And don't forget a Fanta Lemon to wash it all down—a proper refreshing finish to your Miami foodie adventure!

Shopping in Miami

Miami's got retail therapy absolutely sorted, whether you're hunting for designer steals or splashing out on the real deal. From open-air malls with ocean breezes to outlet villages packed with bargains, here's where to swipe that plastic:

🛍️ Sawgrass Mills About 40 minutes north of Miami, this mega outlet mall is basically a pilgrimage for bargain hunters. Over 350 stores including Nike, Gap, Ralph Lauren and Saks Off 5th – all at discount prices. Budget an entire day (seriously).

🛍️ Bal Harbour Shops Miami's answer to Rodeo Drive. This swanky open-air mall is dripping with Chanel, Prada, Gucci and all the labels that make your bank account weep. Even if you're just window shopping, the people-watching is top tier.

🛍️ Lincoln Road Mall A mile-long pedestrianised strip in the heart of South Beach with a proper mix of high street and boutique shops. Think Zara, H&M, and loads of quirky independents. Brilliant for an evening stroll with gelato in hand.

🛍️ Design District This is where fashion meets art. Luxury flagship stores from Louis Vuitton, Dior and Fendi sit alongside galleries and public art installations. Very "I summer in the Hamptons" energy, but the window displays alone are worth the visit.

🛍️ Bayside Marketplace Right on Biscayne Bay with views of the yachts and the downtown skyline. It's more touristy than the others, but there's live music, restaurants and a decent mix of shops – plus it's walking distance from Downtown Miami.

🛍️ Aventura Mall One of the biggest malls in the US, with over 300 stores including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and an impressive food hall. A solid rainy-day backup plan.

Where to stay in Miami

Miami's a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe. Whether you're after beach-party energy or chilled-out palm-lined streets, here's the lowdown on the different parts of the city so you can decide which one's for you:

🏖️ South Beach The classic Miami experience. Art Deco buildings, white sand beaches, and Ocean Drive's buzzing bar scene on your doorstep. Perfect for couples, groups and anyone who wants to be in the thick of it. The nightlife here is legendary – think rooftop cocktails and clubs that don't get going until midnight.

🌊 Miami Beach Stretches beyond South Beach with a slightly more relaxed vibe as you head north. Mid Beach and North Beach are quieter, with wider stretches of sand and fewer crowds. Great for families or anyone wanting beach access without the South Beach chaos.

🏙️ Downtown Miami & Brickell Miami's sleek urban core. Skyscrapers, rooftop bars, world-class restaurants and a proper city buzz. Brickell in particular has a younger, professional crowd and brilliant nightlife. Ideal for city-slickers who want culture and cocktails over sand between their toes.

🌴 Coconut Grove Leafy, bohemian and a bit more laid-back. Tree-lined streets, waterfront parks, indie boutiques and al fresco dining spots. It's got village vibes despite being a stone's throw from downtown. Lovely for couples wanting something a bit more chilled.

🏛️ Coral Gables Spanish-style architecture, manicured gardens and the famous Venetian Pool. It's upmarket and residential, with excellent restaurants along Miracle Mile. A refined choice for culture lovers and those who prefer elegance over beach bars.

🎨 Wynwood Miami's arty, hipster heartland. Famous for the Wynwood Walls street art, plus craft breweries, galleries and trendy cafés. No beach, but loads of character.

🎺 Little Havana The soul of Cuban Miami. Calle Ocho is the main drag – think cigar shops, domino parks, live salsa music and some of the best Cuban food outside Havana.

🏝️ Key Biscayne A barrier island just south of Miami Beach with a proper tropical escape feel. Gorgeous beaches, nature trails and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. It's quieter and more family-friendly – ideal if you want Miami sunshine without the hustle.

✨ Sunny Isles Beach High-rise hotels on a beautiful stretch of Atlantic beach. It's north of Miami Beach with a more resort-style atmosphere – plenty of beachfront pools and a calmer pace. Good for families and those wanting a beach-focused holiday.

🛍️ Bal Harbour Upscale and exclusive, known for its designer shopping mall and pristine beaches. The hotels here tend towards the fancy end. Perfect for a luxury getaway with high-end dining and spa treatments.

Day trips from Miami

Miami's brilliant as a base for exploring southern Florida. Whether you fancy gator-spotting in the swamps, driving to paradise in the Keys, or hitting up another beach town, here's what's doable:

🐊 Everglades National Park (1 hour) No trip to Miami is complete without an airboat ride through the Everglades. This vast wetland wilderness is home to alligators, manatees and hundreds of bird species. Half-day tours are easy to book, or you can hire a car and explore at your own pace.

🌴 Key West (4 hours) The ultimate Florida road trip. Drive the Overseas Highway across 42 bridges, hopping between islands until you hit the southernmost point in the continental US. Key West itself is colourful, quirky and brilliantly laid-back – Hemingway's old haunt with sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.

🦩 Key Largo (1.5 hours) The first of the Florida Keys and a paradise for snorkellers and divers. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has underwater trails and glass-bottom boat tours. Much closer than Key West if you just want a taste of the Keys.

🏖️ Fort Lauderdale (45 minutes) Known as the "Venice of America" for its canal system, Fort Lauderdale has beautiful beaches, a revamped waterfront and excellent shopping along Las Olas Boulevard. Close enough for a beach day with a change of scenery.

🎢 Orlando (4 hours) If you've got the kids in tow (or just fancy a theme park fix), Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld are all within a half-day's drive. Some visitors combine Miami beach time with a few days of Orlando thrills.