Miami

Florida's vibrant largest metropolitan area known for its Art Deco architecture, diverse culture, and thriving nightlife along South Beach. The city is a major gateway for Caribbean travel and offers world-class museums, dining, and water sports.

Things to do

• Art Deco Historic District Walking Tour — Explore the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture in South Beach, featuring pastel-colored buildings from the 1920s-40s with guided or self-guided tours.
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — Tour this Italian Renaissance-style mansion built in 1916 with opulent rooms, formal gardens, and waterfront views on Biscayne Bay.
• Wynwood Walls Street Art — Wander through the Wynwood Arts District to see colorful large-scale murals and street art covering warehouse walls, galleries, and studios.
• South Beach Swimming & People-Watching — Enjoy the pristine sandy beach, warm Atlantic waters, and vibrant beachfront scene with bars, restaurants, and an energetic atmosphere.
• Pérez Art Museum Miami — Visit this contemporary art museum featuring modern works, rotating exhibitions, and stunning views of Biscayne Bay from its waterfront location.
• Little Havana Walking Tour — Stroll through this vibrant Cuban neighborhood to experience Cuban culture, cigar shops, domino parks, and authentic street food vendors.

Food to try

• Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) — A pressed sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, originating from Little Havana.
• Fresh Stone Crab Claws — A Miami delicacy served chilled with mustard sauce, available seasonally from October to May at waterfront restaurants.
• Ceviche — Fresh raw fish or seafood cured in citrus juices with onions, cilantro, and peppers, reflecting Miami's strong Caribbean and Latin American influences.
• Ropa Vieja — Slow-cooked shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, a classic Cuban comfort dish found throughout Miami's Cuban restaurants.
• Ajiaco Criollo — A traditional Cuban stew with meat, root vegetables, corn, and plantains served in a rich broth, warming and filling.

Local customs & good to know

• Spanish is Widely Spoken — English and Spanish are both commonly used, especially in Little Havana and downtown areas, so learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful and appreciated.
• Hurricane Season Awareness — Miami's hurricane season runs June through November, so check weather forecasts and travel insurance, with September typically being the peak risk month.
• Dress Code for Nightlife — South Beach clubs and upscale restaurants enforce strict dress codes—avoid athletic wear, and opt for smart casual or dressier attire after sunset.
• Heat and Sun Protection Essential — Miami's intense tropical sun and high humidity require sunscreen, light breathable clothing, and plenty of hydration year-round.