Miami Holidays

Miami is known as an artistic hub, and for good reason. Explore The Bass, an Art Deco building housing contemporary art in South Beach, or go downtown to the modern Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to spot the biggest names in art. PAMM is right by the waters of Biscayne Bay – treat yourself to dinner at waterfront terrace Verde once you’re done.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, in the Coconut Grove neighbourhood, is one of Miami’s most picturesque places. The oceanside property is home to European art, ranging from 16^th-century antiques to 19^th-century paintings, and its landscaped gardens are the ideal place for a stroll.

Planning a family holiday to Miami? There are plenty of child-friendly things to do, like Jungle Island Wildlife Park and Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island. You can also visit Zoo Miami to spot zebras, giraffes and lions. If Miami’s heat gets too much, cool off at the historic Venetian Pool.

There are beaches for everyone in Miami. Iconic South Beach is a must-see, but it can get very busy. Quieter 21^st – 45^th Street Beach is just north, so escape there if it all gets too much. You might not recognise Lummus Park Beach’s name, but it’s made a cameo in countless TV shows and movies such as Miami Vice. Regular parties are held here, so it’s best suited to lively holidaymakers. If you fancy a beachside walk, South Point Pier sits at the tip of Miami Beach, and you’ll get unrestricted views across the Atlantic as you wander along or stop for a few hours of fishing.

If you’re looking for something upmarket, Sunny Isles Beach, in northern Miami, is a pristine stretch of sand favoured by the rich and famous. And if you’re bringing the kids along, 46^th – 63^rd Street Beach is a family-friendly place to splash and build a few sandcastles.

Miami is known as one of the world’s dance music hubs, and Trade welcomes some of the biggest names in the genre. If that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other stylish bars and clubs around South Beach. LGBT institution Twist has been a must-visit since it opened in 1993, and there are seven bars to explore inside. And if you’re looking to rub shoulders with famous faces, LIV is where lots of celebrities party and perform.

Even if you don’t fancy clubbing, Miami is packed with exciting places to spend your evenings. Little Havana’s Ball & Chain promises a lively evening in the city’s Hispanic heart, and you can finish off with a Cuban cigar from an (almost) authentic shop. Coconut Grove is also a lovely place to spend an evening. The mood here is generally laidback, so it’s the perfect spot to sip cocktails overlooking Miami’s picture-perfect shores.

Holidays to Miami are most popular between November and February, as people flock to the sunny city to escape winter elsewhere. The weather is dry, humidity is low and temperatures are in the mid-twenties most days. Art Basel – Miami’s international art show – takes place during the first week of December. Unless you’re planning to visit the exhibitions, it’s worth looking at other weeks to avoid the crowds.

Spring is also a good time to visit, with temperatures reach the low thirties and there’s minimal rain. However, it’s also America’s ‘spring break’ season, and Miami is often packed with party-loving university students.

Summer is busy in Miami, but it’s hot – high thirties – rainy and exceptionally humid. If you can stand the heat, Miami’s beaches and waves are at their best between July and August. Meanwhile, autumn is hurricane season, so the city is quiet – but you’ll certainly get the best deals.