Destination of the Week: Miami Beach
Photo credit: Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.
This week, Daily Travel Source is featuring the beautiful and inspiring Miami Beach. We caught up with Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, to learn about fun Miami Beach experiences for both couples and families.
Miami Beach is one of the world's most iconic beach destinations. Why is Miami Beach an ideal destination for travelers - whether a couple looking for a romantic getaway or an active family?
Miami Beach is considered one of the world's most iconic beach destinations and has received a number of awards including recognition as the Best City Destination, North America by the World Travel Awards. The city’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and diverse attractions makes it ideal for a wide range of travelers — from couples seeking romance to families craving adventure. Couples seeking a romantic getaway can experience sunrises and sunsets along the 7-miles of beaches and indulge in luxury accommodations at world-class resorts including The Setai and iconic Fontainebleau, both featuring oceanfront views and pampering spas. Michelin-starred restaurants and intimate dining experiences abound including hidden omakase at El Secreto and the romantic Forte dei Marmi that brings authentic coastal Italian right to South Beach. Couples can explore the pastel-colored architecture of the art deco historic district and the public art collection throughout Miami Beach.
For families, endless outdoor activities include biking along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, paddleboarding in Biscayne Bay, or simply building sandcastles on the beach with the famous and colorful lifeguard stands in the background. Nearby places like Jungle Island, Miami Children’s Museum, and the Miami Seaquarium keep kids entertained and engaged and The Bass Museum routinely offers educational and immersive art experiences for children and teens to learn more about art + culture.
Couples and families can plan their ideal Miami Beach getaway with the help of our EXP Miami Beach Tours App, available for download in the App store or Google Play. The app features curated itineraries and recommendations from locals.
Speaking of active families, what are some fun experiences that families can enjoy in Miami and Miami Beach in the summer and fall?
Miami Beach offers a naturally sun-soaked playground for families all year round with experiences that blend nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. This year, families can navigate through the newly-opened 100 Years of Art Deco installation in Lummus Park in celebration of the signature style that has helped make Miami Beach world famous.
Renting bikes or surreys allow families to easily cruise the scenic path from South Beach to North Beach, taking in the sights along the way. Kayaking, paddleboards and banana boat rides are always available through the Boucher Brothers at multiple spots along the beach. In the evenings, Miami Beach often hosts free outdoor movies, concerts, or festivals at places like SoundScape Park next to the New World Center, and Lincoln Road, the famous pedestrian-only street is lined with ice cream shops, toy stores, outdoor cafes, and sometimes live street performers.
Family-friendly hotels like The Loews Miami Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort are great options to make as home base, all welcoming children with special amenities and kids clubs.
Miami is also well known for its incredible food! Are there any new restaurants and dishes that all the foodies have to try when staying in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach’s restaurant scene continues to evolve and this year is no different. A few notables include AVIV at 1 Hotel South Beach, a destination restaurant with a menu by James Beard–winning Chef Michael Solomonov. The dining experience brings Tel Aviv flair to Miami Beach with an openfire kitchen and bold Middle East meets Miami energy. The Yemenite flatbread with ultra creamy hummustehina, haloumi baklava with quince & pistachio, and charcoal grilled pompano with sea bean tzatziki are stand outs.
Chef José Andrés has returned to Miami Beach with the recent opening of Aguasal at Andaz Miami Beach, a coastal Mediterranean concept offering light-seafood flavors and breezy terrace vibes. The Mussels saganaki with feta & harissa, roasted cauliflower with tahini & pomegranate and whole snapper are must-try dishes.
For steak lovers, Donna Mare Italian Chophouse at The Cadillac Hotel opened earlier this year, serving as a Mediterranean glam chophouse experience in South Beach—with a master pasta maker in the kitchen, too! No visit is complete without an order or Lobster chitarra, a woodfired mortadella pizza with burrata & pistachio pesto, and, of course, the famous Fiorentina steak to share.
For a romantic weekend or vacation, what are some hotel options that you'd recommend for couples in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach is one of the most romantic places to escape with a partner—sunsets, ocean breezes, rooftop cocktails, and luxury accommodations make it a dream destination. Miami Beach was recently recognized as the No. 1 Honeymoon destination in the US thanks to its effortless romance, affordable accommodations and couple-friendly experiences. From ultra-luxury to stylish boutique gems, Miami Beach hotels offer something special for a romantic weekend or vacation for any couple.
The Setai, Faena Miami Beach and 1 Hotel South Beach all deliver on five-star service and design with swoon-worthy pool scenes, dining options and spas. More boutique options including Esme Hotel on Espanola Way, The Betsy on Ocean Drive and Hotel Greystone, an adults-only hotel on Collins Avenue, are also intimate and romantic options.
Miami Beach is also a shopper's delight - can you share some recommendations on how to spend an afternoon supporting both local and internationally known brands? Any favorites that you'd like to plug?!
Miami Beach is a shopper’s paradise and perfect for a stylish stay. Visitors can spend an afternoon blending world-class fashion with local flair. Whether a fan of designer labels, trendy boutiques, or locally-made art and fashion, there’s a perfect mix of global style and Miami Beach soul.
Lincoln Road is a must-visit, iconic open-air mall with palm-lined walkways, large-scale artwork and of course, a variety of shopping options including international brands like Zadig & Voltaire and AllSaints, alongside local boutiques like the Alchemist, where curated luxury fashion meets art gallery, think very high-end, edgy, and architectural and The Showroom, a shop featuring Indie and emerging designers, often with local collections.
On the weekends, you can find a pop-up market to support local jewelry makers, candle creators, and clothing brands. Head to Sunset Harbour, a waterfront neighborhood that is a local favorite for laid-back yet upscale options at boutiques like In Common With, a spot for stylish and minimalist womenswear, Frankie Miami, featuring chic, feminine fashion with coastal elegance, and Beach Boutique, where shoppers can find curated beachwear and accessories from local and European designers. Be sure to also add the iconic Webster to the shopping list, a true fashion insider’s dream with multi-floors and a museum-like collection of Balenciaga, Jacquemus, Loewe, and more on Collins Avenue.
Vacation planners can access special offers and deals by subscribing to the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority’s monthly newsletter at Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (miamibeachvca.com) and follow @experiencemiamibeach on Instagram for the latest look at how best to experience Miami Beach.
