Miami, what to see and when to go

A white Ferrari glides along the palm-lined waterfront as the sun sets into the ocean, night begins to hum, and the neon lights of Ocean Drive illuminate the sign welcoming you to Miami, Bienvenido a Miami.

Large sandy beaches kissed by the sun all year round, a cosmopolitan population, an eclectic mix of stunning art and architecture, outdoor activities, world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, Miami has entered the collective imagination as a magical city rich in fun and things to do amidst vibrant neighborhoods, colorful streets, boat rides, museums, and an exuberant nightlife that makes it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

Any time of year can be a good time to travel to Miami.

Its peak season is considered to be winter, with less oppressive temperatures compared to summer and higher rates.

The summer is less popular due to the extreme heat and humidity and the risk of hurricanes, while spring is one of the most popular times coinciding with the seasonal vacations of Americans, so-called Spring Break, which fills the beaches and venues across the city.

To avoid the crowds, it's better to choose the quieter months of November or December between late fall and the beginning of winter, after the hurricane season has ended, with fewer tourists and rather mild weather.

Famous mainly for its weather and incredible beaches, the city of Miami also offers many areas and districts of great interest and a wide range of neighborhoods where visitors are encouraged to explore the cultural roots that make Miami an incredible melting pot of cultures and activities.

The tour of the city's areas starts from Miami Beach, the trendiest and most touristic part of the city. Miami Beach refers to the vast area on the strip of land that extends between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, opposite Downtown Miami and the entire area of North Miami.

The Miami Beach area is famous for water sports in crystal-clear waters and comes alive after sunset when nightclubs and live music provide fun for everyone.

Miami Beach is divided into South Beach, Central Beach, and North Beach; however, for tourism convenience, Miami Beach generally refers to South Beach.

South Beach is a highly popular neighborhood, an upscale area dotted with palm trees, hotels, museums, and elegant Art Deco buildings: the namesake district (Art Deco Historic District) is located along the Ocean Drive promenade and on the parallel Collins Avenue, which emerged in the 1920s and 30s. Miami Beach's Art Deco was inspired by European trends and brought vibrant new colors and unique designs to the city.

To discover the Caribbean heritage and international flavor of Miami, areas like Little Havana, the center of the vibrant local Cuban community, preserve all the authentic flavors and colors of the homeland, from cuisine, music, cigars, to traditional celebrations such as Carnival Miami, which takes place annually on the streets of Calle Ocho on Southwest Eighth Street.

The same is true for Little Haiti, which presents an authentic taste of Haiti alongside trendy new activities, and West Coconut Grove, to find the flavors of the Bahamas, while Historic Overtown preserves African American roots and Miccosukee in South Dade represents the Native American community.

Beaches are the most popular destination in Miami thanks to long sandy strips that stretch from Homestead to Sunny Isles Beach, ideal for both quiet days on secluded bays within a park and for being at the center of lively social days with warm turquoise waters, soft sand, and every kind of service.

The tour of the most beautiful beaches begins at Miami Beach along the wide white sand coastline, the iconic colorful lifeguard huts, crystal-clear water, and the lively boardwalk of Lummus Park lined with palm trees and the façades of historic hotels, with vintage cars strategically parked in front to recreate the right atmosphere.

South Beach, at the southern tip of Miami Beach, is a wide stretch of white sand dotted with colorful lifeguard stands and bordered by the iconic skyline of Ocean Drive with Art Deco architecture, outdoor restaurants, and boutique hotels.

Further north, the quieter beaches of Mid-Beach and North Beach have a more subdued atmosphere, with plenty of space bordered by dunes.

A short distance from downtown Miami, Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida Beach Park, and the historic Virginia Key Beach Park have calm, shallow waters and are popular among families, as is Matheson Hammock Park Beach in Coral Gables, an artificial atoll-shaped beach crowned by palm trees and surrounded by mangroves and tropical plants, perfect for families and those looking for some relaxation.

Away from Miami's skyscrapers, there are the wild beaches and tropical paradises of Key Biscayne, a small island south of South Beach, and further north the pristine beach of Surfside stretching one kilometer and the upscale Bal Harbour. Haulover Beach is the oldest officially recognized nude beach in Florida, while Sunny Isles Beach, the northernmost beach in Miami, is famous for its Newport Fishing Pier.

The vast open spaces and wild nature of Miami offer the chance to explore the area from a different perspective with a range of exciting opportunities, both on land and in water, starting with mini cruises and tours in the Everglades National Park or in Biscayne Bay within Biscayne National Park and the Florida Reef, the only living coral reef in the United States and one of the largest in the world.

To discover Miami's fantastic nature with excursions, scenic routes, and guided tours, there are also the Big Cypress National Preserve, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden where one can walk among rare palms, aromatic fruits, and flowering trees, while the Miami Zoo and the Seaquarium host over 3,000 animals and offer exhibitions and educational fun presentations on marine life.

In addition to its fashionable and beachy reputation, Miami is also known as the home of fascinating museums like The Bass Museum of Art and The Wolfsonian in Miami Beach.

Miami's Museum Park is a vast green plaza with panoramic views of the bay where two of the city's newest and most exciting museums are located: the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science.

The Perez or PAMM features nearly 20,000 square feet of artistic wonders, including experiential art, while the Frost Museum spans six floors of interactive exhibit areas, including the Frost Planetarium and the Gulf Stream Aquarium.

History and architecture enthusiasts can head to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a romantic Italian villa overlooking Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, while the Wynwood Arts District is the perfect place to explore the fascinating world of street art.