Beaches, shopping and Latin culture in Miami beach

Few places capture the spirit of the coast like South Beach Florida, where art deco facades gleam under the sun and palm trees frame a parade of people from every corner of the world. Mornings start with joggers tracing the shoreline, while afternoons unfold to the rhythm of music drifting from cafés and rooftop bars. The white sand and turquoise water invite you to stay a little longer, maybe until sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and gold over Ocean Drive.

For a quieter escape, locals head to Key Biscayne, where calm waters meet the scent of sea breeze and mangroves. Families often choose Sunny Isles, known for its soft sand and gentle waves. Whether you arrive by car rental, bus or the free Miami Beach Trolley, each stop reveals a new slice of paradise that makes the city’s coastline unforgettable.

Miami’s creative pulse beats as brightly as its shoreline. In Wynwood, the Wynwood Walls burst with colour and imagination, transforming once-industrial streets into a vast open-air gallery. Each mural tells a story (some bold, others poetic) celebrating artists from across the Americas and beyond. A short drive away, the Art Deco District in South Beach captures another era, where pastel façades and geometric shapes glow under the tropical light, blending nostalgia with elegance.

Downtown, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) offers a peaceful encounter with contemporary art framed by Biscayne Bay. Its hanging gardens and minimalist architecture mirror the calm movement of the water just outside. Most museums charge between USD 15 and 25, making it easy to dive into the city’s cultural side before heading back to the sand for a sunset that looks like a masterpiece itself.

Miami turns shopping into an experience that blends sunshine with sophistication. Along Lincoln Road, open-air boutiques line a pedestrian avenue filled with cafés, art galleries and palm trees that sway to the city’s rhythm. It’s the perfect place to discover local designers, find beachwear with flair or enjoy an iced coffee while watching street performers and the colourful flow of people passing by. Every corner feels alive, from fashion pop-ups to weekend markets that showcase Miami’s effortless style.

Those looking for refinement head to the Miami Design District, where architecture is as striking as the high-end brands it houses. Labels like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Gucci share space with art installations and sleek restaurants that draw the city’s creative crowd. If you love a good deal, Dolphin Mall delivers the thrill of outlet shopping with discounts that make the hunt part of the fun. From luxury to laid-back, Miami’s retail scene reflects its essence: vibrant, diverse and always in motion.

Latin culture is not just part of Miami’s story, it is the rhythm that gives the city its soul. The heart of that beat is Little Havana, where the scent of freshly rolled cigars mingles with Cuban coffee, salsa drifts from open doors along Calle Ocho, and locals play dominoes in Máximo Gómez Park with an easy warmth that feels instantly familiar.

To feel the pulse at its strongest, come in March for the Calle Ocho Festival, one of the largest Latin celebrations in the United States. Expect live bands, traditional food stalls and dancers moving to congas under the tropical sun, then linger in the salsa bars, cigar shops and local cafés that keep the neighbourhood’s spirit alive every day.

Discovering Miami becomes even more memorable when your stay reflects the city’s energy and elegance. With Accor, every neighbourhood offers a new way to experience its rhythm, from artistic avenues to oceanfront glamour. Explore the next hotels and find the perfect base to match your style, whether you want to soak up the beach breeze, dive into culture or enjoy the city lights after sunset.

In the heart of Brickell, SLS LUX Brickell brings together the sophistication of urban living and the easy charm of Miami’s tropical spirit. Steps from fine restaurants, designer shops and rooftop lounges, the hotel feels like a private retreat above the city’s energy. Its interiors blend contemporary art with elegant design, while the rooftop pool and sky bar frame skyline views that shimmer day and night. Perfect for those who love style and comfort in equal measure, this address captures Miami at its most refined.

Modern, bright and perfectly located, Novotel Miami Brickell captures the city’s cosmopolitan vibe with effortless style. Just minutes from Biscayne Bay and the vibrant nightlife of downtown, it offers a rooftop pool that feels like a hidden oasis above the urban skyline. Guests can enjoy contemporary dining, spacious rooms filled with natural light and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every stay feel personal.

On the oceanfront of Collins Avenue, Faena Hotel Miami Beach stands as a masterpiece of glamour and imagination. Its bold design by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin transforms every space into a work of art, from the golden mammoth sculpture by Damien Hirst to the red-and-gold theatre that hosts dazzling cabaret shows. The hotel’s restaurants celebrate global flavours, while the spa and private beach offer a serene contrast to the city’s vibrant pulse. Staying here feels like stepping into a dream where art, luxury and Miami’s tropical allure exist in perfect harmony.

Conveniently close to Miami International Airport yet surrounded by peaceful views of the Blue Lagoon, Pullman Miami Airport offers a perfect balance between elegance and ease. Its modern design and spacious rooms create a calm retreat for travellers arriving or departing the city, while the outdoor pool and lakeside terrace invite moments of quiet relaxation under the palm trees. With refined dining, attentive service and quick access to downtown and Coral Gables, it is a favourite among those who value both comfort and sophistication in every stay.

Miami is full of surprises, even for those who think they know it well. Beyond the beaches and nightlife, the city hides secrets that make every visit more exciting and authentic. Here are a few tips locals swear by to help you experience Miami like a true insider.

• Start early: The city wakes up with the sun, and morning walks along the bay reveal a calm, golden side of Miami that few visitors see.

• Use public transport smartly: The free Metromover downtown and the Miami Beach Trolley make it easy to explore without worrying about parking.

• Try local bites: Don’t leave without sampling Cuban pastelitos, Peruvian ceviche and a key lime pie from a family-run café.

• Stay hydrated: The tropical heat can catch you off guard, so keep water on hand and take breaks in shaded parks or art-filled lobbies.

• Watch the sunset from Brickell Key: It’s a quiet spot with skyline views that feel almost cinematic.

• Join ALL – Accor Live Limitless for free: Membership unlocks exclusive rates, points for every stay and experiences designed to make each trip even more memorable. It’s your key to turning every journey into something truly rewarding.

Feel the rhythm of Miami from sunrise to sunset with Accor hotels, where every stay connects you to the city’s creative energy and coastal beauty. Whether you choose to wake up steps from the beach or near the vibrant heart of Brickell, each address combines comfort, design and a welcoming atmosphere that mirrors Miami’s lively soul. It is the ideal way to experience the city in full colour, from its cultural hotspots to its tropical nights.

Join ALL – Accor Live Limitless and let your travels go further. Membership is free and opens the door to exclusive rates, instant rewards and experiences tailored to your journey. Earn points each time you stay, dine or explore, and turn them into unforgettable moments around the world. Sign up today and start living the limitless side of travel.