Miami has long been adored by sun-seeking holidaymakers, and enjoys a reputation for sunshine and beautiful beaches. There’s more to this popular destination than meets the eye, though; an affluent and gleaming city with a fascinating and sometimes checkered past, Miami is rich in cultural capital and famed for its art, architecture, and multicultural style.
Miami Architecture
A list about the beauty of Miami has to start here. Much has been written about the art deco district, and it’s hard not to wax lyrical about the chic moderne styling of the architecture there. Built between the 1920s and 1940s, the art deco district was saved from near-total disrepair and is now sympathetically restored to movie-set perfection. Look out for the almost-nautical ‘Jerry’s Famous Deli’, the sumptuous symmetry of the McAlpin, or Delano South Beach Hotel, whose 1994 renovation was designed by Philippe Starck.
Miami benefits from its links with Latin America and showcases Spanish and traditionally influenced buildings. The Freedom Tower, with its classic old-Spain design, once served to receive Cuban refugees and now houses art exhibitions curated by Miami Dade College, as well as the historic New World Mural.
Modern Miami architecture proudly draws on the best of its heritage and over the last few decades developers have filled the city with clean, bright white shapes reflecting natural sunlight, sharp lines and big ideas. The Miami skyline is getting higher and higher, and the expectations of the visitors follow suit.
Art Galleries and Museums in Miami
It’s hard to go anywhere in Miami without finding art in some form, and it’s home to a number of galleries, large and small. The Bass Museum of Art in South Beach is the grandfather of the Miami art scene, showcasing the best there is from classical to contemporary names. Just the building is worth a look, a solid art deco form with bas-relief friezes celebrating the history of the area.
The Wynwood Arts District is home to lots of smaller independent art galleries, drawing everyone from big names to emerging talent. While much is housed in traditional galleries, what makes Wynwood unique is that the galleries themselves are also the art that is alongside a variety of miami local businesses. Classic murals and cutting-edge graffiti cover the district and the dedicated Wynwood Walls display the best in street art.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers a more traditional and tranquil environment, with over 70 rooms dedicated to Old World decorative arts, and meandering walks through formal gardens. The building is a testament to classical Italianate style and rightfully deserves its place as one of the most important historical buildings in America.
If local history is your thing, you’ll find the HistoryMiami museum fascinating, it tells the story of the area through a collection of art and artefacts, preserving and celebrating Miami’s cultural heritage.
Boutiques – to browse, to buy?
Miami is well-known among those who love to shop, with the greater Miami area housing malls ranging from the very top-end of design chic right through to bargain-grabbing at the outlets. For those wanting to stay central, Miami’s many outdoor shopping areas are the places to browse among highly desirable labels, tiny independent boutiques, and a handful of knowingly kitsch vintage stores.
It’s hard to stay away from the beautiful Art Deco District, so the Lincoln Road shopping area is a must. Not just shopping, it houses ArtCenter/South Florida, a hub of artistic and cultural community. Theatre buffs can find music and drama at the stunning Colony Theatre. Aside from that, you have a world-class boutique shopping experience, amid elegant bars and cafes.
Miami Food
Wherever you go in Miami, whether for the art, the shopping, or the general ambiance, you will find dining options to suit even the most picky person. Multicultural Miami is at its best when it comes to cuisine, with food from any locality you can name, and probably some you can’t. Miami is in an area abundant with fruit and locally grown organic vegetables, and restaurants in the area are increasingly turning to a farm-to-table ethos for fresh taste, supporting local business, and reducing their carbon footprint. You can expect the best in fresh local produce at modern, informal settings that explicitly buy locally, like the divine Alter in Wynwood District. And with all that ocean around you, fish and seafood feature heavily in local delicacies. Buy fish caught fresh by local fishermen at dedicated markets like Casablanca Fish Market, or eat at renowned seafood venues like Joe’s Stone Crab or Prime Fish on Miami Beach.
Travelling with Children?
The beaches and parks are always a hit, the city is among the best in the US for just walking around in, and the weather is consistent and gorgeous, so get out there! There are loads of things to do with children in Miami, and one of our favourites is the Miami Children’s Museum, a huge space dedicated simply to the education and entertainment of children (of all ages – just watch the grandparents get among it). With interactive science, crafts, and areas for open-ended play, plus karaoke, dinosaurs, and all the things children love. It’s not cheap, but you can expect to spend most of the day there, and remember it forever.
Bars and Beats – The Music of Miami
Miami’s close links to Latin America feature heavily in the traditional music and dance to be found in bars, venues, or just in passionate, informal performances around the city. And Miami has a thriving modern music scene too, and you can find music of any genre being played in venues of any size. Try some jazz in an intimate Downtown setting like Le Chat Noir, or join the crowds at the American Airlines Arena for the biggest and best stars. You can even see a live band perform inside a giant pineapple at the Ball and Chain in Little Havana, or enjoy Miami’s renowned DJ venues and hit the floor for some EDM at the Electric Pickle.
All this is just the tip of the iceberg in one of the most culturally complex and beautiful cities in the world. Miami is a city that rewards visitors who take to the streets and explore. Wander through Lummus Park, hire a bike or bring your rollerblades, Miami is made to be discovered.
