Date of publication 28/05/2025
Miami year-round: a destination that never stops surprising you
With 365 days of sunshine each year, Florida stands out as one of the world’s best destinations for beach time, outdoor sports, and laid-back cultural experiences. These hotels in Miami might just become your new happy place. To help you plan your trip, here’s a guide to must-see spots, activities, and events you won’t want to miss—starting with the big question: when’s the best time to travel to Miami?
Miami’s tropical climate and how it shapes each season
Winter in Miami: the perfect cold-weather escape with mild temperatures
They say cold is just a state of mind—but a winter getaway certainly helps. Traveling to Miami, a destination lapped by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, means swapping rain and snow for pleasant winter temperatures ranging from 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C). Keep in mind that the period from December to April, which also coincides with the dry season, marks peak travel season in Florida.
Summer in Miami: sunshine and beaches beyond peak season
Miami’s tropical climate—warm and humid year-round—intensifies in summer, with average temperatures around 86°F (30°C) and a higher chance of storms and hurricanes. The hottest month? August, right at the height of the season. Low season runs from June to September, making it a great time to book family-friendly hotels in Miami while the kids are on school break and prices are lower.
Top events in Miami (year-round)
Art Basel: a contemporary art capital
Art Basel is one of the most important contemporary art fairs in the world—and a must-do cultural highlight in Miami. Held in early December in Miami Beach, the event features exhibitions, performances, talks, and workshops, along with the opportunity to explore the fairgrounds and admire (or purchase) works by established and emerging artists. It’s a creative boost that will enrich your entire trip.
Miami Music Week: the ultimate electronic music celebration
Every March, Miami Music Week transforms the city into the global epicenter of electronic music. This massive festival fills clubs, hotels, beaches, and pool decks with nonstop energy and good vibes. Past lineups have featured world-renowned DJs like Skrillex, Charlotte de Witte, Carl Cox, and Tiësto.
Miami Carnival: color and live music
Though not as famous as other carnivals, Miami’s version stands out for several reasons, starting with its live concerts and strong connection to the Latin community. Held in mid-February, this event celebrates music, art, fashion, and food through a multicultural, diverse lens. Costumes take a back seat to the vibrant atmosphere and cultural fusion.
Beaches for every season
South Beach in summer: sunshine, water sports, and nightlife
South Beach is the heart of Miami—its most iconic beach and the postcard-perfect summer scene, with white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees that define the city’s spirit. The rest of Miami grew outward from this very spot. Stretching 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) of pure energy, it’s home to some of the city’s best hotels, including Iberostar Waves Miami Beach. Located next to the legendary Convention Center, this 4-star hotel features rooms designed by local artists and offers a private area on South Beach—perfect for both couples and families.
Key Biscayne in winter: tranquility and turquoise waters
The Key Biscayne area is home to some of Miami’s best winter beaches, each with its own distinct charm. What makes it special? This easily accessible paradise, farther from the city center and quieter than South Beach, features a mix of sandy stretches, offshore islets, coconut palms, and historic lighthouses. Much of the area is protected as a nature reserve, offering a peaceful and scenic escape.
Haulover Beach
Add Haulover Beach to your list of places to see in Miami near South Beach. Its signature look—pastel-colored lifeguard huts and boats anchored along the shore—sets the scene. The beach also features a clothing-optional section, a designated kite-flying area, and several picnic spots, making it a versatile stop for all kinds of beachgoers.
North Beach
While South Beach buzzes with energy and nonstop activity, North Beach stands out for its calm, family-friendly atmosphere, more reminiscent of a coastal town. That said, its waters and natural surroundings are just as impressive. Stretching from 60th Street to Surfside, this part of the coast invites you to slow down, pack your beach bag, and ease into a more relaxed rhythm.
Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach, a neighboring city, is one of the best spots in the Miami area to explore the surroundings while staying in full vacation mode. Located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, it offers over 3 kilometers of soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Its distinctly multicultural vibe—and yes, the skyline of high-rise towers—gives this beach its own unique charm, making it an unconventional yet relaxing oasis.
Virginia Key Beach
At Virginia Key Beach—tucked beside a cove of striking natural beauty—marine wildlife, locals, and visitors coexist in perfect harmony. If you’re looking to go diving or snorkeling, this is the place to be. Located in Key Biscayne and surrounded by equally stunning beaches, wetlands, and fairytale-like trails, it’s a beach to experience with all your senses: stroll along the shore and let yourself be swept away by its unforgettable sunsets.
Crandon Park Beach
To close out this list, a magical spot: Crandon Park Beach, also located in Key Biscayne. Often ranked among the best beaches in Miami—and even the United States—it offers something for everyone. The northern section, with stronger waves and more wind, is a favorite among surfers. The southern end, calmer and lined with palm trees, is ideal for couples and families looking to spend an unforgettable day by the sea.
Miami’s vibrant nightlife
Latin rhythm in Little Havana
No trip to Miami is complete without a night out in Little Havana, the city’s Cuban heart. The neighborhood comes alive after dark with the sounds of Latin music and the flavors of Cuban pizza—served from street-side “ventanitas” along the iconic Calle Ocho—and smooth rum cocktails. It’s also home to the Cuban Walk of Fame. Just like the stars honored there, step into the local dance clubs and let the music carry you from sunset to sunrise.
Sunset cocktails in Miami Beach
Toasting with a cocktail at sunset, right by the sea, is always a good idea—especially when the views and atmosphere are as vibrant as they are at the hotels in Miami Beach. Framed by palm trees, Art Deco sculptures, and a one-of-a-kind color palette, the city’s bold personality draws you in with its carefree spirit and love of living in the moment.
Adventure and nature in Miami: go beyond the beach
Hiking in Everglades National Park
Looking to connect with nature beyond Miami’s beaches? Just under an hour from the city, Everglades National Park offers a breathtaking change of scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 1979, spans over 6,000 square kilometers of protected wetlands and tropical forest. Hiking through the park is a sustainable way to explore its diverse ecosystems—join a guided tour to meet its most famous residents: the alligators. You might also spot pelicans, terns, or shorebirds along the mangroves and forested trails.
Cycling in Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove could easily be called Miami’s greenest neighborhood. The best way to explore it? On a bike, with your senses wide open. Ride through its parks, pause by its lakes, circle around elegant old villas, or rest in the shade of its majestic “Live Oaks”. It’s a slow, mindful way to take it all in, while keeping your trip low-impact. Pack a reusable bottle, skip the car, and keep those sustainable travel habits going wherever you ride.
Miami’s cultural life
The Art Deco District of South Beach
Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore is one of Miami’s most distinctive family-friendly hotels—and your gateway to the iconic Art Deco District of South Beach, as photogenic as it is authentic. This 4-star hotel, set in a prime location among Ocean Drive’s top nightclubs, cafés, and shops, channels the free spirit of the 1930s and 40s—the golden era of this architectural style in Miami. Walk the same streets once strolled by Gianni Versace, Lara Turner, or Frank Sinatra, and experience the city’s fashion, music, and cinema history around every corner.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Miami’s contemporary art museum—better known as PAMM, short for Pérez Art Museum Miami—showcases the city’s deep connection to art past and present. Its collections feature works by renowned international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, housed in a striking building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron.
Wynwood Walls
Looking for more culture-focused plans in Miami? Head to Wynwood Walls, the city’s celebrated open-air gallery dedicated to street and urban art. Since 2009, this museum of graffiti, large-scale murals, and alternative sculpture has been redefining what art means in a public space. You can join a guided tour—and even watch artists at work live, adding a dynamic, immersive layer to the experience.
The Bass Museum of Art
There’s plenty to see in Miami, but The Bass Museum of Art stands out for its ability to move and inspire through artistic creation. This fine arts museum is a tribute to freedom, color, and the shared human experience across time. Its collection spans from the 15th to the 20th century, bringing together works from diverse eras and styles. Founded in 1964, the museum is housed in the former Miami Beach public library, adding another layer of character to the visit.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is Miami’s own tropical sanctuary within a tropical city—an ideal place to unwind, go for a quiet walk, or lose yourself in a book. The sheer variety and lushness of its exotic plant species, gathered from the farthest corners of the world, is almost unbelievable. You’ll find hat palms, mango and nectarine trees, cherry blossoms, orchids, mosses, and even a towering African baobab. This extraordinary collection was assembled in the early 20th century by explorer David Fairchild and botanical collector Robert Montgomery during their global expeditions.
Speaking of travel: Miami’s best hotels are ready to welcome you, open year-round.
