Best of Miami

A Sunny Day at a Miami beach1

Miami is a bright and energetic city where the fun never seems to end. Often referred to as the “Magic City,” Miami has a lot to offer, from an electric nightlife to gourmet dining to sunny beaches and passionate people. Being the gateway to Latin America, Miami is known for its diverse culture, and as a city that never sleeps. So, without further ado, let's get this party started with the best Miami has to offer.

BEST BEACH FOR FUN AND SUN

Located in Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach spans for 2 mi (3 km), allowing people of all ages to bask in the sun. It was once used as a huge coconut plantation and, at another time, home to Indian tribes, pirates and soldiers. The lagoon style of the beach ensures low surf impact with a varying shoreline. Lifeguards watch over beach-goers from 13 elevated towers and also keep them informed of surf, sand and weather conditions. Noteworthy features of this beach include calm waters, pristine sand, a winding promenade, multiple picnic areas and concession stands.

For those who want to do a little nude sunbathing, the northern section of Haulover Beach Park in Miami Beach is ideal with its breathtaking white sand shores, open ocean surf, and beautifully landscaped sand dunes.

	Miami Palm Trees at Night2

BEST NIGHTCLUB

After a day at the beach, why not party the night away in one of the city's best nightclubs? Many celebrities, locals and visitors to Miami have got their groove on at Mansion. This über popular nightclub is located in what was once the French Casino in 1936, and now oozes glamour from the sweeping staircases, grand arches, Venetian mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Needless to say, for those looking to spend a night drinking at Mansion, dressing to impress is key to getting past the velvet rope. Once inside the 40,000 sq ft (3,716 sq m) Mansion, club-goers will be treated to music spun by the world's top DJs, six bars, VIP areas and oodles of beautiful people filling the club's three levels.

BEST PLACE TO CURE A HANGOVER

What to do when a night of partying inevitably wreaks havoc on mind and body the next day? Why not get pampered and rejuvenated at one of Miami's best spas? There's no better way to get back on track than with a visit to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental.

This quiet oasis offers plenty of restorative treatments that will surely leave recovering party animals feeling brand new. Treatments are inspired by the ancient traditions of European, Ayurvedic, Chinese, Balinese and Thai cultures. To alleviate the pain associated with a nasty hangover, try The Spa's Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatment. It is said to have a profound effect on both body and mind, and pampers for 110 minutes. Spa-goers will find themselves sipping herbal tea during this treatment, as well as enjoying a foot and facial cleanse, a warm shower, and an Ayurvedic Marma point massage. Oils and herbs are also applied to the energy centers of the face and body, and finally the treatment ends with an indulgent Oriental head massage.

	A day at the Spa is Great for Hangovers3

BEST REGIONAL CUISINE

Not only does Joe's Stone Crab serve some of the city's best regional cuisine but it is also a reputable Miami landmark. Serving visitors and locals since 1913, Joe's started out as a small lunch counter where patrons could enjoy fresh seafood, fries and sandwiches while catching up with friends.

Today, no stop in Miami is complete without tasting Joe's famous crab served with mustard sauce. Other popular menu items include coleslaw, grilled tomatoes and Florida lobster tail. Don't leave without indulging in the official Florida State Pie, also known as Joe's Famous Key Lime Pie. Be sure to visit this popular landmark during stone crab season as the restaurant is closed from May to mid-October.

BEST PLACE TO EXPERIENCE CUBA WITHOUT LEAVING MIAMI

Ever feel like visiting Cuba but for some reason or another can't quite make it there? No worries, Little Havana, located smack-dab in Miami, is an authentic alternative that will transport visitors to the heart and soul of Latin culture. Named after Havana, the capital of Cuba, Little Havana is also known for being the cultural and political capital of Cuban Americans in Miami. Due to its close proximity to Cuba, it is also home to many Cuban refugees.

Visitors will find Little Havana down SW 8 Street, also known as “Calle Ocho,” between 12th and 17th Avenues. The area is a mix of hip, urban scenery and unusual, colorful architecture, and alludes to a time of pre-Castro Cuba.

There's plenty for visitors to do in Little Havana, such as honing their Spanish skills, drinking coffee at a cute cafe, finding hand-rolled cigars and enjoying much of what Latin culture has to offer. For those wanting to experience authentic Cuban cuisine, Little Havana has many restaurants to choose from. Popular picks include El Pub and La Carreta, both serving some of the best Cuban meals around.

A Conga Line in Miami4

For a fun evening out, the last Friday of the month is Viernes Culturales (Cultural Friday), featuring a variety of entertainment. Enjoy street performers, music, dancing, food, art and theatre. Every March, Little Havana is home to Miami's largest street party, Calle Ocho. The festivities take place over the course of a week and include domino and golf tournaments, food, dancing and a whole lot of live entertainment. In 1988, more than 119,000 people helped the festival achieve a Guinness World Record for the largest conga line.

THE BEST LUXURY HOTEL

Those intent on basking in luxury while staying in Miami will enjoy all that The Setai has to offer. Located on popular Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, this oceanfront resort is inspired by the architectural history of the area, the Art Deco movement, and Asian influences. The hotel was originally known as the Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel and was built between 1936 and 1938.

The Setai comprises two buildings, the Art Deco Building and The Tower. Both feature plenty of space and light and offer amenities such as on-site dining, a world-class spa, three pools, concierge services, and a boutique.

1. A Miami Beach; Miami, Florida, USA
2. Miami Palm Trees; Miami, Florida, USA
3. A Miami Spa; Miami, Florida, USA
4. Conga Line Dancing; Miami, Florida, USA