FROM Art Deco architecture and superstar football to incredible Cuban sandwiches and sizzling nightlife, Miami packs a serious punch for a short stay.
For Brits, it’s often combined with cruises from the Florida city’s port, making it the perfect start or end to a Caribbean cruise this winter.
Explore Miami’s Cuban influence Credit: David Cameron
Cuban sandwich stuffed with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocin Credit: Supplied
The weather remains gorgeous throughout our colder months, with temperatures still in the mid to high 20s.
For first-timers, a stay on Miami Beach puts you right at the centre of the very best of this captivating city.
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ARE THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? It’s America — so no, the car remains king. But that’s not to say there aren’t walkable districts.
South Beach and Mid Beach excel with their paved Beachwalk and pedestrianised Lincoln Road is a shoppers’ paradise with all the popular brands and a host of cafes and restaurants offering al fresco dining.
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In trendy Wynwood you can easily explore on foot to take in street art, galleries, boutiques and a buzzing nightlife scene.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? Learn all about the huge Cuban influence on Miami on a food and drink tour of Little Havana with Miami Culinary Tours.
Over two and a half hours, you’ll stroll the streets learning how Cuban exiles transformed the city’s flavours and culture.
Among my favourites were the Cuban sandwich stuffed with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, washed down with a perfect mojito and the crispy beef empanadas from El Pub.
Another must is a stroll along South Beach’s Ocean Drive to admire the gorgeous Art Deco buildings Credit: Getty
The Jattvibe’s Lisa Minot on Miami Beach Credit: Supplied
But the tour also features stops at a traditional Cuban cigar shop and Domino Park to watch the locals play fast-paced games.
Another must is a stroll along South Beach’s Ocean Drive to admire the gorgeous Art Deco buildings — book a guided walk through getyourguide.com to bring the history to life.
And football fans won’t want to miss a match at Nu Stadium — home to Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham and famous for signing Lionel Messi.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Award- winning Austin chef Tyson Cole brings his very modern take on Japanese cuisine to Miami with not one but two restaurants, each offering a vast variety of unusual sushi, sashimi and nigiri paired with quirky flavours from citrus to smoke.
Uchi in Wynwood leans into the citrus while sister restaurant Uchiko is all about char and open-flame cooking. The vast menus can be a bit overwhelming but the brilliant staff will guide you and the quality is outstanding. Visit during the daily Happy Hours to enjoy it for a fraction of the price.
I FANCY A DRINK: Of course, for the in-crowd and those with deep pockets, there are plenty of stunning cocktail joints and seriously cool hotel bars on South Beach — including MILA just off Lincoln Road and the Matador Bar at the Miami Beach Edition.
But for those of us with smaller bank balances, taking advantage of happy hours is a great way to save. Sweet Liberty in Collins Park in Mid Beach has a popular happy hour from 4pm to 7pm with cocktails from £7.40 and craft beers from £4.50. Cafe La Trova in Little Havana sees waiters formally serving up Cuban daiquiris and mojitos.
Or head to Veza Sur Brewing Co. & Cerveceria La Tropical in Wynwood for an outdoor beer garden with pints from £5.20.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For all the benefits of South Beach without the crowds, stay at gorgeous Art Deco gem, The Palms Hotel and Spa.
Just ten minutes by car from Ocean Drive and Wynwood, the hotel’s lush gardens feature a pool and tiki bar plus plenty of loungers.
You can stroll onto the stunning white sands where even more loungers and shades await.
The hotel has a great focus on sustainability — you can pick up a bucket on the beach to help tidy up and be rewarded with a free gelato.
The light and airy rooms have an understated, tropical vibe and the ocean views are stunning.
GO: MIAMI
