Your ultimate guide to Miami Beach

 In addition to the city's historic art deco, Miami Modern, and Mediterranean Revival buildings, the mere mention of Miami Beach conjures images of sweltering sunshine, sultry beaches, raucous nightlife, celebrity chefs, mixologists offering their skills, stunning hotels, cultural and artistic offerings, and shopping.

It's incredible to imagine that just a few decades ago, South Beach in Miami Beach was known as "Heaven's Waiting Room." The city's new moniker is the "American Riviera," and it fits perfectly. The name alludes to a childlike paradise where it would be physically impossible to see everything the city has to offer in a single visit, especially as the city continues to grow and accommodate the increasing demand for entertainment. If you want to see everything Miami Beach has to offer, you should do what the other 3.5 million people do every year and keep coming back.

Getting to and around Miami Beach

Miami International Airport (MIA), which has been in operation since 1928, is the most popular airport for flights to and from Latin America and the Caribbean. In reality, the airport is the third busiest international airport in the United States and serves as a hub for more than a hundred different airlines. South Beach is located around 13 miles from Miami International Airport (used by about 60% of visitors).

The alternative is to head 29 miles north of South Beach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Approximately 135 cities in the United States and throughout the world are served by this airport. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the convenience of having 12 vehicle rental firms right on the airport's premises.

It's true that Florida is a lengthy state, but many tourists still opt to drive to Miami Beach. Travel time from the Georgia border to Miami Beach is about 8 hours and fifteen minutes. Although visitors typically stay for a few days, many spend the winter months in this tropical paradise. Renting a car is the most practical option for trips of more than a few hours' duration.

You can also take the Amtrak Auto Train to many Florida destinations including Orlando and Kissimmee. It's only a couple hours' journey to Miami Beach from there.

Where to stay in Miami Beach

Between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are the barrier islands that make up the city of Miami Beach, some of which were created by humans and others by nature. There are several causeways, or lengthy bridges, that connect the city to mainland Miami.

Sometimes when people think of Miami Beach, just South Beach comes to mind. In the southernmost 2.5 square miles, you'll find the art-deco historic district, which is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. South Pointe marks the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, which continues north to 23rd Street. From west to east, the city features Sunset Harbor, the popular outdoor shopping district of Lincoln Road, and Ocean Drive, a coastal avenue lined with art deco hotels.

There are a few options that will set you apart from the masses if you want to stay on Ocean Drive, which is the scene of a nightly street party yet boasts immediate beach access. The Betsy South Beach is a refined establishment that has live jazz piano in the lobby and nightly arts events. The rooms at the Hotel Victor South Beach, which were designed by Yabu Pushelberg, are equally fantastic.

We enjoy the boutique Palomar on the island's hip west side in Sunset Harbor, the recently rebuilt Surfcomber, and one of the rare Mediterranean Revival buildings, all of which are owned by Kimpton Hotels and welcome dogs.

The W South Beach is a win-win-win since it is pet-friendly and offers a wide variety of activities, like rooftop tennis and basketball and the chance to spot famous people.

Miami Beach, in its entirety, can be found far to the north of its commonly accepted limits. North Beach and Mid-Beach are two of the city's many unincorporated neighborhoods; it stops at 63rd Street, where Surfside and then Bal Harbour begin.

The Miami Beach Edition is a great resource for finding high-end hotels and resorts outside of South Beach, which is ideal for families. This hotel has a bowling alley and other activities for guests to enjoy. The Faena Hotel Miami Beach hosts a variety of events, from art exhibitions to skating parties to fine cuisine.

However, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is our top choice if you're looking for understated luxury and health.

What to eat in Miami Beach

Miami is well-known not only for its Cuban cuisine but also for its wide selection of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, such as Argentine and Venezuelan. Furthermore, it is a mecca for mixologists and chefs from all over the world. Of course, being so close to the water means that seafood is a must, and the stone crabs at the legendary Joe's Stone Crab are a must-try. Tip from a local: the fried chicken is excellent as well. The alternative to waiting in line for two hours is to order from Joe's Take Away and have a picnic on the beach.

A carnivore's feast at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann (Faena Hotel Miami Beach) or a rustic Emilia-Romagna feast at Osteria Morini—you won't go wrong with any of the hotels mentioned (Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach). The hotels indicated range from the old and restored to the trendy and funky, like the Moxy, and are home to many of the restaurants mentioned.

There is a who's who of Michelin-starred chefs in Miami Beach as well. The excellent sushi and beverages at Kosushi Miami are a fusion of Brazilian and Colombian flavors. Amazing molecular-gastronomic Latin American and Caribbean dishes may be found at The Bazaar by José Andrés in SLS South Beach Miami. 

Try the award-winning Chinese food at Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, or head a little farther north to the historic Four Seasons at The Surf Club, where Thomas Keller has opened a restaurant (actually over the Miami Beach boundary in Surfside). Not far away, in the Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, lies Nobu Miami, which serves exquisite seafood (Nobu Hotel Miami Beach is a boutique section of the Morris Lapidus-designed Eden Roc Miami Beach).

Guests go to Miami's many rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy the city's mild climate and spectacular views. Dine on Mediterranean and Japanese fare at Mila, Mexican fare at Serena (both at the Moxy Miami South Beach), and Peruvian-influenced Japanese fare at Watr (atop the 1 Hotel).

French, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisines are all represented at Juvia, and you can also enjoy a sunset meal or a glass of Champagne at the restaurant's Champagne bar. Voodoo Nightclub & Rooftop Lounge is a great place to smoke hookah, and Sky Yard atop the Lincoln Eatery is a must-see.

Meet married chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, who manage Stiltsville Fish Bar, for an authentic taste of local cuisine. We're big fans of both Chef Bee's (real name: Piyarat Potha Arreeratn) NaiYaRa Thai & Sushi and Stubborn Seed, which Chef Jeremy Ford diligently tends to. To the north, Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi of 27 Restaurant & Bar and Broken Shaker at the Freehand hotel were the pioneers of the modern cocktail revolution in the Magic City.

Check out Lincoln Road Mall and Time Out Market for casual dining options on Miami Beach. Having a drink at the historic Abbey Brewing Co. and a tropical sorbet at The Frieze will make you feel like a true native of Miami. Croquetas and empanadas from Venezuela and Argentina can be found at Charlotte Bakery, while mojitos and Cuban coffee can be found pretty much anyplace, however a stop to Mas Cuba Cafe is recommended if you're taking a break from The Bass museum.