When To Go

Miami has warm weather all year round, although hurricane season (with its frequent thunderstorms) is from July to September. Temperature-wise, the city can often seem a lot hotter than it actually is due to the almost constant humidity, but December to May is the optimum time to visit, with low rainfall and daytime temperatures reaching between a manageable 15C and 30C.

Top 5 Places To Stay

• Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove

  The 22-story Sonesta Bayfront Hotel is located in Coconut Grove, which offers dining, shopping, and entertainment. A rooftop-pool and spa-tub overlook the city and bay, and facilities include a penthouse-level fitness center, two squash courts and restaurant.

• The Chateaubleau Hotel

  This hotel is located a close to the Miracle Mile, which offers shopping, dining and entertainment. Guestrooms provide compact refrigerators, internet access. A business center, beauty salon and car rental are also available on site.

• Indian Creek Hotel

  Near to South Beach, the 66 guestrooms in this Art Deco-style hotel offer air conditioning, cable TV, internet access and daily housekeeping. There is also a landscaped courtyard and swimming pool too.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

  Set on 12 acres of waterfront, the Ritz-Carlton prides itself on its atmosphere of casual elegance and its signature restaurant, Cioppino. The resort echoes its tropical surroundings with Floridian-style decor and formal but comfortable public spaces.

• Bay Breeze Hotel

  In close proximity to the beaches and the upscale shops of Bal Harbour, Bay Breeze Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. Rooms are clean and simple, some with balconies and all with cable TV.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

• Little Havana

  The vibrant Cuban neighbourhood is awash with traditional sounds and sights. Something of a time-warp, you’ll witness cigar rolling, people playing dominoes in the street, old-style meat markets and an array of superb traditional Cuban eateries. Every March, more than one million people descend on Little Havana for the annual street festival.

• Everglades National Park

  Home to 14 rare and endangered species, including crocodiles and panthers, this largely primitive park gives visitors the opportunity to walk or even camp among the wildlife. The watery terrain means it is also ideal for canoeists, and the famous River of Glass is definitely worth exploring.

• South Beach

  Miami boasts some of Florida’s finest beaches, resplendent in chalky white sand and deep blue waters that glisten in the sun. The trendiest beaches, such as South Beach, also have a wide range of recreational activities nearby, as well as some great restaurants and bars.

• David’s Café II

  Perfect for people watching while you hunker down with a cup of Miami’s finest cafe con leche (coffee with milk). Open 24 hours a day, David’s Café II is situated on South Beach, and is frequented as much by locals for their daily fix as it is by tourists.

• Wynwood

  The area around Wynwood is fast emerging as an art and culture hub, and is home to some fascinating galleries. These include the Rubell Family Collection, which is something of a hidden gem if you’re into thought-provoking art, and the Bakehouse Art Complex which has been converted from a 1930s bakery.