Welcome to Miami—Beaches

Strong drinks, sundry shops and sandy shores—live on salt time under the palms.

Will Smith said it best. “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night on the beach till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami. Bienvenidos a Miami.” You’re welcome for the earworm. “¡Ay papi!”

If you’re lookin’ for a beachy getaway with big-city vibes, well, as the song goes, there ain’t no city in the world like this. All ages, all races… and plenty of places. Whether you want to sip at the sea, party in the club, happy-hour it up in the sky at Sugar (40 floors and 360-degree views await) or get your culture on (nod to famed annual global air fair Art Basel), Miami Beaches’ll bring the heat and “keep the roof blazin’.” … Here, we curate the perfect getaway for this crazy lil sun of a beach where you could—and should—spend a few days.

DO

Lincoln Road

Touted as the No. 1 spot for people-watching in Miami Beach everywhere from social channels to the Miami Herald… you’re gonna wanna sate your inner spectator—and appetite—while you while away some hours at endless sidewalk cafes and lounges on this famed stretch designed by iconic architect Morris Lapidus. Then shop off the cals at a range of boujee boutiques and popular pop-ups. (Inside tip: The 1111 Lincoln Road is billed as the world’s most glam parking garage. Hey, when in Miami).
lincolnroadmall.com

Art Deco Historic District

Culture vultures should flock to this art destination district housing the nation’s largest concentration of art deco architecture with 800+ (!) Mediterranean Revival, modern and art deco (obv) historic buildings. While there, get schooled on the styles and heritage via a guided walking tour with the Miami Design Preservation League. miamiandbeaches.com

South Beach Party Boats

Let’s do boat stuff. You don’t think of Miami Beach without thinking of yachts. So why not hop one? South Beach Party Boats gives you plenty of watercraft party ops—from yachts to boats, and private excursions to sailing parties—not to mention a sunset sail rendezvous for you and boo—plus cliff-jumping, floating mats, snorkeling, watersports and much more. Essentially, seas the day, y’all. southbeachpartyboats.com

EAT

Bakan

Give ’em something to taco bout by immersing yourself in this true Mexican experience—a massive 6,972-square-foot indoor/outdoor resto in Wynwood boasting a modern, earthy atmosphere and a host of authentic regional dishes. For the full experience, sip a marg near the open-view kitchen where you can witness handcrafted tortilla-making and a four-tiered glass case filled with 350+ mezcals and tequilas. ¡Ay, caramba! bakanwynwood.com

Baia Beach Club 

Picture this: You’re enjoying fresh tuna tartare as the sun sets over the Miami skyline behind you. Maybe you’re sipping on a pina colada by the pool. If it’s a self-care day, odds are you’re at the spa. Lucky for you, this world-class beach club destination delivers all this and more. And each experience transports you to a different part of the world—yet you’ll feel right at home. baiabeachclubmiami.com

Beach Bar at Newport Pier

No pier pressure… but take everything you think you know about a divey pier beach bar and throw it out. This modern oasis with views for days of upscale (and tall-towered) Sunny Isles Beach is a must-stop for sips (and nips—Sushi! Steak!) on the beach. Spoiler alert: Shrimp tacos will never be good again after you feast on these perfectly plated folded pockets of seafood perfection. That lobster roll smacks too. And we’d be remiss not to mention the carefully crafted cocktails and brew selection. beachbarnewportpier.com

DRINK

Saxony Bar & Lounge

Enveloped in gilded-age glamour and offering an intimate setting to enjoy timeless cocktails, this Thursday-through-Saturday hot spot is one of Faena Hotel’s best-kept secrets. A live DJ graces the sleek and sexy speakeasy bar on the weekends, bringing the lounge to life. BTW, a rezzy is required. faena.com

Watr at the Rooftop

Beach better have my sunny? Done. Miami, myself and I is all you’ll need at this  Hotel South Beach rooftop oasis where handcrafted cocktails and delish apps pair to perfection with primo views—voted best scenic view (not to mention best late-night find (noted!) and best sushi). Pro tip: Fancy yourself a scout of the hotel while you’re there—it’s amazing. @the1rooftop

Broken Shaker

Happiness comes in waves at the Freehand Miami hotel’s tropical-cool poolside Tiki bar, what with the laid-back you-belong-here vibe and cozy mismatched seating. Grab some shareable snacks for your crew—then shake up the party with handcrafted cocktails composed of elixirs, syrups and infusions made from garden herbs and spices, produce and exotic ingredients. brokenshaker.com

STAY

The Raleigh Hotel 

Meet me at “The Raleigh” shore. High tides and good vibes roll at this iconic art deco “grand dame” of Miami Beach (spotted in films like The Birdcage, Bad Boys, and Up Close and Personal—and a happening hot spot for Hollywood celebs dating back to its early ’40s birth). Situated on lively shop- and nightclub-dotted Collins Ave., this  “world unto its own in the center of Miami Beach” is slated to reopen soon post-restoration—and will be ready to woo you. @theraleighhotel

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Your first order of business after checking into this posh South Beach hotel is snagging a Miami Vice Mule at Bar Collins—the perfect way to settle into this iconic oceanfront oasis in the heart of the vibrant Art Deco District. The area boasts a ton of other great bars and restaurants, but with poolside state-of-the-art cabanas and beach access, you may just find yourself soaking up the sun all day. Ocean air, salty hair—don’t care. loewshotels.com

The Goodtime Hotel

It’s always a good time at The Goodtime Hotel—not just a great place to stay, but a hot spot for eats, drinks and entertainment. The retro pink- and palm tree-clad pool is enough to lure you in, but throw in Mediterranean tapas at Strawberry Moon and a cocktail at the open-air bar (The Pool at Strawberry Moon is transformed into a high-energy day club every weekend!) and you’ll never want to leave. thegoodtimehotel.com