With the Miami Open just behind us, all eyes have been on this bustling city. With its thriving culinary scene and some of the country’s premiere golf courses, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. So we’ve gathered our top recommendations for the most fabulous hotels, restaurants and things to do next time you are in Miami.
What to Do in Miami
Wynwood Walls: Wandering through the colorful murals of Wynwood is heaven for any art lover. The entire district is an open-air museum with work from some of the world’s most inspiring street artists.
Crandon Park Tennis Center: Throw on our Zip Front Dress to hit these purple-and-green courts at the former home of the Miami Open.
Vizcaya: Peek around James Deering’s 1916 mansion before enjoying a stroll through these elaborate European-inspired gardens.
The Soffer and Miller Golf Courses: Located just North of Miami in Aventura at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, this championship-hosting 36-hole course was revamped in 2007 by golf legend Raymond Floyd. Both courses are known for their challenging and aesthetically-appealing contours–and open to guests of the hotel. The par-4 on Soffer's 18th hole is famously difficult.
Biltmore Golf Club: Shield your eyes from the sun with our Leather Visor as you take on this storied 18-hole in Coral Gables. Originally designed in 1925 by Donald Ross, the course is open to Miami residents, Biltmore Hotel guests and visitors with a day pass.
Where to Eat in Miami
Macchialina: You’ll always find a crowd of locals tucking into handmade pastas and swirling glasses of Italian wine at this small and intimate space.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Upscale Greek and Turkish cuisine are dished up at this cozy, 40s-era home. The spectacular patio transports you straight to the Aegean Sea, as you pass through Mediterranean blue gates and trails of bougainvillea. Be sure to get the mezze plates, which are samplers of their most delicious dips.
Itamae: This 40-seat family-run Nikkei restaurant serves up exceptionally plated dishes that reveal a mastery of Japanese technique and are bursting with bright, bold flavors that reflect the family’s Peruvian heritage. The menu ranges from traditional ceviches to tiraditos and nigiri.
La Mar: Snag a seat outside for a fabulous view of the skyline and Biscayne Bay at this buzzy Gaston Acurio-run Peruvian restaurant in Brickell. Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the inventive cuisine comes Michelin-recommended.
Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller: Formerly a members-only club, this storied restaurant at the Four Seasons features elevated takes on signature dishes like Lobster Thermidor and Beef Wellington.
Where to Stay in Miami
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club: Since it first opened in 1930, The Surf Club has welcomed everyone from Frank Sinatra to Elizabeth Taylor. Today, it is home to The Four Seasons’ sun-drenched rooms, suites and bungalows dreamed up by Parisian interior designer Joseph Dirand. Plush beds, a calming neutral color palette and spacious marble bathrooms beckon. Pamper yourself in their world-class spa or drop in for an aperitivo at their palm-fringed Champagne Bar.
1 Hotel South Beach: It’s hard to beat the luxurious 1 Hotel South Beach’s enviable location set along 600 feet of white sand. Rooms are bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows and a natural earthy palette. The food is wonderful too including WATR, a fabulous Peruvian-Japanese rooftop restaurant, and Habitat, their locally-sourced Mexican restaurant.
Soho Beach House: Tucked into an Art Deco building in bustling South Beach, this social hub revolves primarily around Ocho, the rooftop bar and plunge pool. Infused with Cuban flair, the rooms are jewel-sized and trendy, with velvet headboards, tiled floors and vibrantly patterned curtains.
