City-loving couples who want to lounge on the beach all day and show off their tans at a trendy restaurant or nightclub at night will love Miami Beach. This hot Florida destination offers miles of sandy beaches bordered by colorful Art Deco architecture and lots of cultural flavor. From salsa and meringue rhythms to Cuban cuisine and world-class shopping, you’ll find it all in Miami.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Flight time: 3 hours from NYC, 8 hours from LA
Getting around: Car, taxi, bus
When to Go: Miami at its best
Best weather: The average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, but it can reach 90 and above from May to October.
Best prices: Late spring to early fall
Why Go
Boutique Hotels: The Delano, Sagamore, National. If you’re not already staying at one of these boutique hotels, you’ll definitely want to make time for a visit. All along Miami Beach, hip accommodations entice travelers with their ultra-modern aesthetics, lounge-y feel, and infinity-edge pools. Whether you start your night here or end it, make time pop into any one of these establishments for a delicious martini in their lobby lounge, then sit back and let the people watching begin.
Beaches: Make sure you pack sunscreen. The Miami sun is hot, and the beaches are even hotter. From North Beach to the glamorous South Beach (SoBe), you’ll find plenty of spots to rest up for a late night out.
Nightlife: Whether you have an ear for jazz, Latin rhythms, or hip hop, there is no shortage of things to do at night. Many of Miami’s hot spots are situated right on the water, so you can enjoy a cocktail, some lite bites, and each other under a canopy of palm trees with the waves crashing in the background.
Shopping: The shopping opportunities in Miami are practically limitless. To make a day of it, head to South Beach’s Lincoln Road. This open-air promenade has independent boutiques and national chains, plus plenty of great restaurants where you can grab a bit and recharge either alfresco or in the air conditioning. Also check out Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Espanola Way.
