Clued In Miami – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to South Beach 2026

This is the year. Miami is waiting. Let us take you there.

Grab the new 2026 full-color edition here.

 

 
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In Focus:  ‘Thriller’ speed boat tours  – January 2026

    When in Miami or Miami Beach, don’t miss a chance to experience forty-five minutes of pure joy. Thriller’s boat tour of South Beach includes waterfront mansions, exclusive private islands, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.  If you’ve never done anything like this before, now is your chance. The force of a powerful jet boat as it hits full speed over the open water will have even the grouchiest traveler laughing and screaming. The professional crewmates at Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures will take good care of you while you enjoy this wonderful boating experience. And no, you will not get seasick. (Book ahead to avoid disappointment, but not too far ahead because of weather interruptions.)  Located downtown at Miami’s Bayside Marketplace piers and is easily accessible by Uber taxi, or rental car.  We love it!

 

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Finding the perfect spa – December 2025

     Readers of our Clued In Miami will know that our top spa recommendation in South Beach is at the Standard Hotel, but there are a multitude of great spas to choose from in the area.  Whether you’re feeling the winter onslaught of dry skin or just want to have a really good massage, one of these will certainly fit the bill…

The Spa at The Miami Beach Edition is an elegant place to relax and unwind. Their draped, candlelit room will astound you with its dramatic effect and their grapes and jasmine body treatment will make you feel like a new person.

The Acqualina Spa by ESPA features the style of a Mediterranean villa. Their gorgeous spa pool has a Roman fountain, and you’ll marvel at their detoxifying body wrap. Located about ten miles north of South Beach, this one is definitely worth the short drive.

And our favorite, The Standard Spa remains one of the best. Their Turkish hammam, special mud baths, and extensive variety of treatments will make you feel as if you never want to leave.

 

Where to plan an amazing New Year’s Eve dinner – November 2025

     We love having festive meal at holiday time, and in Miami Beach that means Jaya at the Setai Hotel.  Their beachfront location only adds to the appeal and their food is exquisite at any time of year. For a precise description of the upcoming holiday menu and prices, give them a call at (855) 923-7899.

 

Our Miami NTK – October 2025

     Every so often, we like to add a Need-to-Know for our favorite cities. With fall upon us, it’s time to mention (and celebrate) a real crack-down by city officials on dining scams that have plagued Miami Beach in recent years. This will make visits there better than ever!

     What were the scams? Well, first of all there was the surprising practice of adding a 20% tip onto the bill unbeknownst to the sometimes tipsy patron who then would leave a second tip on the table. While common enough in Europe, Miami was the only US city where we’ve experienced it. Now, restaurants trying to sneak this in will face a fine as well as temporary closure for multiple offences.  Other scams that have been curtailed were the ones where hawkers in front of restaurants, especially along Ocean Drive, would tout a new cocktail or special plated item in order to get the customer inside (without telling them that the drink is $50 or that the “special” dish is $110. The hawkers are gone now and the prices for everything are required to be transparent.  Even so, it never hurts to ask the price when ordering so don’t be too proud to do so. This is a good practice in any  city.

 

 

 

 

Fall fun is coming to South Beach – August / September 2025

    The weather will finally cool (a bit) and as September nears, it’s time to start thinking about which Miami events you can time with your travel schedule.  South Beach goes into full swing at the end of that month and continues partying straight through to the spring. There’s so much going on in fall and winter that it’s actually mind boggling.  If you intend to be there in October, get tickets RIGHT NOW for the super-fabulous South Beach Seafood Festival. It’s a huge, four-day event that culminates on October 25th.  Lobster, stone crabs, shrimps, crayfish and more await you, and many will be prepared by some very talented chefs. Don’t miss it!

 

 

Grab our fun guide to Miami!  July 2025

   Our companion book to Clued In Miami  is chock full of super fun experiences. Grab your copy of Bored in Miami– Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor  before you wrap up your plans and itinerary for that trip to Florida.  It’ll change the way you think about how you’re going to use your time while you’re here.  We think it’s a must-have, even for first-time visitors.  It is offered in both paperback and eBook so get one today!

 

 

Visit something special that’s probably off your radar – June 2025

   The World Erotic Art Museum happens to be located right in the heart of South Beach. This is not a museum of sex, like in many cities.  Instead, it exhibits a tastefully curated erotic collection from around the world and is the only one of its kind in the U.S.  Its artworks span a timeframe from 300 BC to the present and will give you an entirely different take on the way humanity views its own sexuality. This beautiful museum is truly something to see and offers something different to do when you’re tired of the heat and the beach.  Open daily 11am to 6pm.

 

 

In Focus: Miami’s Rooftop bars – May 2025

     Miami weather in May is glorious, and what better way to enjoy it than on a rooftop?  Two in South Beach and two in Miami proper have caught our eye and we are excited to bring them to our readers. The first is atop the Gale South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue, and while it is only four stories high (a fashionable height in the 1940’s,) its recent renovation includes an infinity pool, a 5,000 sq ft deck, and full circle views of the area. Another in South Beach worth trying is Ocho where tacos, guac, and margaritas are the stars. Because it’s a private club, you will have to be a guest of Soho Beach House to get in (unless you have a friend who is a member!)  We also love the rooftop terrace called, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita which is a bit farther afield in the fashionable Brickell neighborhood.  Its lively weekend dance parties a la rooftop should not be missed! Finally, there’s the super-delicious Area 31 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, now featured in our book, Bored in Miami, Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor.

 

 

 

In Focus:  Bodega Nightclub – April 2025

     This month, we’re featuring local sights that are lesser-known but which are a must-see in our very opinionated view.  In Miami Beach, that means a hidden nightclub, speakeasy-style.  Head on over to the Bodega Taco stand in South Beach and then, after a delicious taco or two, walk through their blue porta-potty door. Inside you’ll find a hidden nightclub that rocks cocktails and tunes until 4am.  You can’t get more secret than that.  Location and details are listed in our Clued In Miami – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to South Beach.  Cheers!

 

 

Where to brunch in South Beach – March 2025

    Even with all the restaurant openings and closings causing a raucous here, we keep getting drawn back to good ol’ Yardbird.  This adorable eatery near the Lincoln Road Mall continues to offer super-tasty dishes and gorgeous cocktails at fair prices, especially when compared side-by-side with any hotel-restaurant! 

The gorgeous weather in Miami Beach this time of year almost demands you spend a few leisurely hours with loved ones over a delicious weekend brunch. There are literally hundreds to choose from here, but most are decidedly overpriced. The modern, Southern cuisine at Yardbird however never fails to satisfy.  Be sure to make a reservation or you’ll have to wait a long time for a table. They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.  Order a dish that comes with their homemade biscuits because they’re out of this world. Run chicken run!

 

 

Attend a fun workshop while you’re on vacation – February 2025

    You may not have considered booking a class while you’re away, but it can provide the perfect diversion from the beach. We’ve found that a special learning experience always becomes a cherished travel memory.  In Miami, that means improving your tennis skills with an incredible tutor.  Professional instructor, Coach Troy Manditch will teach you everything you need to know. Details are in our new 2025 book,  Bored in Miami: Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor, but here’s a handy link to his on-court tutoring that’s held at a convenient spot near to your accommodations; this will be decided upon when you book the class.  Just contact him through the website above. No matter what your current level, you will leave this instruction a much better player than you were before!

 

 

Where to shop the sales – January 2025

      Like many cities across the U.S., Miami Beach puts its best designer items on sale after the holidays and begins presenting its spring collections. If you’re visiting Miami in January and have the urge to do some shopping (or just want to come home with one really special item) now is the time.  The most famous shopping area in South Beach is the Lincoln Road Mall, a long pedestrian-only street flanked on both sides by shops and restaurants. It’s perfect, especially if you didn’t feel like going farther afield to Bal Harbour or to the new Miami Design District.  Lincoln Road offers up the island’s most varied boutiques, as well as several larger stores. For those who are unfamiliar with South Beach, this means that its best shopping can be found near its main stretch of sandy beach. This type of information may be helpful to know even if you don’t plan on hitting the boutiques… being aware of it tells you where a city’s most desirable area is located.  That’s often where you’ll also find some of the best hotels, and some top-notch restaurants too.

 

 

The truth about Christmas Day in Miami Beach – December 2024

   If you had the great idea to choose Miami Beach for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Wednesday, December 25 when some of the usual sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day.  Fortunately for today’s winter visitors, Miami Beach does not shut down the way European destinations do.  In fact, you may not notice any difference at all especially if you are beach-bound.  And with Miami’s average ocean water temperature hovering around a balmy 77°F, it’s definitely the place to be.  Our best advice to travelers is to be aware that some services like e-surfboarding and organized party cruises will not be offered on December 25 but as far as dining goes, you should be fine,  While most of the brunches will be on hiatus, the evening hours will see those same restaurants opening up.  Book as soon as you can and have a very Merry Christmas!

 

 

In Focus: New Year’s Eve Miami-style

    Are you going to Miami Beach for New Year’s Eve?  Be sure to make dinner and hotel reservations now because the best ones will fill up quickly.  We like being somewhere warm on New Year’s -where you can dress like you’re ready to party rather than like you’re going on an arctic exploration.  Miami Beach gives us this, and is more welcoming than ever during this time of year.  As usual, the city will feature its free, annual fireworks display at midnight, best seen from one of the many fabulous rooftop bar parties in South Beach or from a rented yacht, or more casually from a spot near the edge of Biscayne Bay.  The city’s beachfront hotels will be in full party mode too, giving the most festive visitors a handy place to enjoy a celebration!

 

 

Prayers for our friends in Florida – October 2024

   After the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the northern part of the state and beyond, it now appears that Hurricane Milton will hit the Tampa and Orlando areas hard. This second hurricane is so huge that there will undoubtedly be some destruction to our beloved Miami. We’ll keep our web-visitors posted if there are any lasting effects to sights, hotels, and restaurants in our two Miami books. God bless.

 

 

 

Visit an underwater necropolis – August 2024

   Our recommendations for Miami Beach in August would normally include the opening of a new restaurant or musical event, but our alternate series of “Bored In” travel books have inspired us to go in a stranger direction this year. Below is one of the unusual things you can do that’s detailed in the 2024 edition of Bored in Miami: Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor:

If you love to scuba dive, don’t miss Key Biscayne’s underwater necropolis of paved roads, Romanesque columns, and carved lions. Based on the Lost City of Atlantis, the Neptune Memorial Reef will astound you. This man-made structure, forty feet beneath the surface of the ocean, is a cremation memorial site and final resting place for many.  TV Chef Julia Child is interred there.  Any experienced diver can visit the site for free, but you’ll need a boat and gear to get there. You can arrange transport with these dive operators.

 

 

Summer dining can be tricky – July 2024

      Miami’s South Beach takes a nod from Europe and closes many of its restaurants for an August vacation while others shorten their opening hours. Obviously, you’ll never starve in Miami Beach, but you might want to double check on those opening hours before getting your taste buds up. (The stone crabs at Joe’s are already on hiatus until mid October.)

 

 

Announcement:  Ice Box Cafe has closed its doors – June 2024

    A featured restaurant in our Clued In Miami book, Ice Box Cafe, has closed and will not be reopening in the same South Beach location.  Readers purchasing the paperback (or the ebook) after June 14, 2024 will have the most updated version and will not see this cafe included. For everyone else, please take note and thank you for your kind understanding.  

 

 

In Focus: The National, South Beach – May 2024

    This month we’re featuring our favorite hotel in Miami Beach, The National.  This art deco gem from the 1939 sits along the famous stretch of vintage hotels on Collins Avenue and is right on the beach. Boasting a kind of casual elegance, it has everything a South Beach hotel should have; cabanas, a gorgeous pool, an entertainment lounge, cocktail bar, two restaurants, and full concierge services.  There’s something more though… an ambience of style and service that you notice the moment you enter.  Visit the website above for exclusive deals.

 

 

 

Where to enjoy a picnic in South Beach – April 2024

       As Miami’s warmer months kick into gear, you might want to consider dining in nature rather inside a cramped restaurant.  So where to go when you want to picnic and not get sandy ? In South Beach it’s easy: head to Lummus Park.  Yep, that the official name of that grassy, palm tree dotted park along Ocean Drive.  And it’s just close enough to the ocean to let you know you’re in Miami Beach. If you prefer to be right on the waterfront, stake out a bench in the city’s South Pointe Park.  We like to pick up a few of our favorites at the delicious La Sandwicherie located at 229 14th Street where it’s like a picnic waiting to happen!  From there you’ll be in Lummus Park within three minutes.  Remember, alcohol is not allowed inside Florida’s parks and beaches so take care.

 

 

 

They don’t do jazz in Miami – March 2024

    For March, all of our City-Extras pages are celebrating jazz joints and where to find the best in each of our Clued In cities. Not so for Miami… Yes, you can find a tiny bit of jazz being played now and then, even sometimes in the lobby of The Betsy Hotel in South Beach. But none of the performance venues are actual jazz joints. This caused us to reevaluate where to send our Clued In Miami readers when they want to enjoy a musical evening. The reason there is so little jazz is because the preferred musical styles of the city are Salsa and Merengue of course! Those Latin beats are the very pulse and vibe of this area. So where to go and hear it?  We think Mango’s has the hottest show in Miami Beach and you don’t even need a reservation.

 

 

 

 

Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime  – January 2024

    The more you can plan beforehand, the more memorable your visit to Miami will be. At Clued In Travel Books, we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Restaurants tend to fill up fast, especially around Valentine’s Day (which has become a global holiday.)  As for the city’s top sights, book most of them ahead too because everyone else will be doing the same; times have definitely changed.  You didn’t come this far only to find the fabulous and historic Vizcaya Mansion is sold out. Having reservations and tickets brings about the amazing effect of keeping your sight-seeing on track. No flaking out allowed!

If you are the type of traveler who likes to go to an undiscovered city with no plans (just to see where fate takes you) then we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”  Instead, go ahead and grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a place you knew nothing about is suddenly as clear as can be.  It’s almost magical. 

One of our newest fans recently stated, “I thought I would “dog -ear” a few pages to go back and read later, and I simply could not put the book down. I ended up with over half of the pages with a turned down corner!  I am fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries and have used all of the popular guidebooks; Rick Steves, Frommers, and Lonely Planet… and this one is best of all.” 

 

 

 

 

In Focus:  How to jet ski/ November 2023     

     As Miami gets pumped for its busy season, we want to give you some tips on making your Jet Ski experience the best it can be…

The first thing you need to know is that’s it’s easy, and super fun. Even beginners rarely fall off  and even if they do it’s no problem because the water-scooter stops immediately. We try to go as fast as we can, full throttle in a straightaway to avoid leaning into any sharp turns. While both the ocean side and the Biscayne Bay side of Miami Beach offer safe and fulfilling water-scooter experiences, the ocean will definitely give you more thrills because of the waves. Arrive ready to go with a bag that can hold all the things you want to leave ashore with the rental guys who will keep it safe. Wear a tee shirt over your swimwear unless you want those intense, water-reflected rays on your skin for thirty minutes straight. A life-vest then goes on to make this one of the safest things you ever did.

The most important tip we can give you however is to wear goggles. Buy some cheap ones, bring some along along your trip, steal them from your children– whatever. It will make all the difference in your experience. Why?  When you’re on a water-scooter, the spray tends to hit you right in the face and that salt can really irritate your eyes (and may affect your ride.) You don’t want to be skimming over the shoreline with one eye closed and the other stinging. Avoid this, wear goggles! Our new edition of Clued In Miami  lists the best beach rentals.

 

 

Your Miami NTK – October 2023

     Ah fall! The leaves turn gold in New England, the swallows return to Capistrano, and the stone crabs return to Joe’s  in Miami Beach. October is the true annual awakening of South Beach, when the sweltering temperatures are gone and the most faithful, regular visitors swarm in. Why miss out on all the fun happenings this place has to offer? Book a spa day at The Standard, or plan a 1930’s style cocktail night at The Regent Cocktail Club.  Or if you dare, take part in the Lincoln Road costume party on Halloween!  And that’s your October Need-To-Know.

 

 

 

Planning ahead for an autumn visit – September 2023

    If you’ll be heading to Miami Beach in October, the last half of the month has some fun surprises to look out for. The first one is the mouthwatering South Beach Seafood Festival held from October 18 to 21 along Ocean Drive inside Lummus Park.  The infamous stone crabs will have returned and you can celebrate them by eating your fill.  If you’ll be in Miami Beach over Halloween, be sure to bring a costume so that you can really join in the fun at the Palace Bar nightclub or just about any other nightclub in town as well. 

 

 

 

Sometimes you just want a great sandwich – August 2023

    Any South Beach local will tell you that the most delicious, quick, and inexpensive lunch in town can be found at La Sandwicherie. The creative combinations of fresh ingredients is the reason everyone loves it, and the menu choices are seemingly endless. We adore their Frenchie sandwich, layered with Saucisson Sec and Camembert (French dry salami and brie) which can be made on a baguette or croissant and then topped with their house-made French vinaigrette.  We also get cravings for their vegetarian Tropical sandwich stacked with avocado, mozzarella, and mango and they also offer some fantastic salads.  Whether you sit at their outdoor counter or take it back to your hotel,  we know you’ll love their very tasty creations. Since it’s an outdoor cafe counter, you can even eat there in your swimwear.  Located at 229 14th Street. Open basically 24/7.

 

 

In focus: CVI.CHE 105 Restaurant – June 2023

   South Beach Miami has its very own ‘Ceviche’ 105 restaurant and you need to know about it.  We are usually not a fan of restaurants with several locations, especially ones with color images of their food printed on the menu!  Yuck.  That means this one breaks all of our rules and yet we love it.  This lively award-winning restaurant by chef-owner, Juan Chipoco is located on the famous Lincoln Road and serves up the freshest Peruvian food imaginable. The flavors here are vibrant and seafood is the star of it all. Having said that, we have to give their Lomo Saltado (beef) dish a firm recommendation.  If you’re heading to Miami Beach, or to Downtown Miami, snag a reservation and enjoy.

 

 

 

The Perk Report – March 2023

   Our readers know that we include a concise but helpful segment in most of our travel books called The Perk Report.  Here is an excerpt from our Clued In Miami which has an especially unique one…

Cuban coffee is a local obsession here because it’s amazing. Whether you visit an authentic coffee counter (found mostly in downtown Miami) or one of the great SoBe spots listed in Clued In Miami, you’ll want to learn the terminology below. Most Cuban coffees cost a dollar or two.  Whether it’s served with a “pastelito” or not is entirely up to you. Try the guava cream cheese one and enjoy!

Cafecito:  A tiny shot of decadent, super strong, super sweet Cuban coffee

Cortadito:  Sweet Cuban espresso with a shot of steamed milk

Café con leche:  Similar to a creamy latte but sweetened in the Cuban way

Espumita: The brownish foam on top of Cuban coffee. (This foam comes from natural brown sugar that is whipped into strong espresso coffee syrup right before pouring the rest of the coffee into the cup.)

Note:  In South Beach you’ll definitely find the green mermaid type coffee that you frequent at home, so don’t fret if you suddenly need a frap. There are at least six locations to choose from.

 

 

Important update – February 2023

   One of our top recommendations for casual dining in Miami Beach was the relatively new Time Out Market where diners could get a Cajun/Vietnamese pho and a chocolate donut without changing tables. Sadly, the place has really lowered its culinary standards. The sweet stuff seems to be okay, but the various savory foods being made are now bland and unexciting. We have removed Time Out Market from our Clued In Miami beginning with books purchased after February 18, 2023.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

 

                                              

In focus: The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) – February 2023

  What better place to take your sweetie on Valentine’s Day than the Museum of Erotic Art in Miami’s South Beach! You didn’t know there was such a thing just steps from those warm ocean waves?  Well there is and it’s great. We would even call it romantic.  This place is not a museum of sex; it is an art museum with an emphasis on their sophisticated, well-curated collection of art that just happens to be erotic. Okay -whether that makes sense or not is not important… just go and see it for yourself and than enjoy a delicious meal somewhere. That’s how to celebrate Valentine’s Day!  The WEAM is conveniently located at 1205 Washington Avenue near 12th Street, Miami Beach. 

 

 

Pastry obsession solved – South Beach – January 2023

   There’s nothing that can fill a cold, empty feeling in the tummy like pastry… really good pastry.  It’s true that our local obsession with it switches around depending on the season, but right now it lies firmly with Rosetta Bakery at 1666 Collins Avenue near 16th Street. This luscious “Italian bakeshop” will quite simply make your morning better.  Try one of their giant lattes paired with a flaky,  custard-filled croissant. Or opt for one of their divine, freshly baked mini-quiches. Yeah, we know it sounds more French than Italian but the fact is they have a huge assortment of goodies and we think you should try them all.  Their focaccia is top notch and worthy of mention.  For convenience, there are at least three locations in South Beach alone.  Open daily from 7:30am.

 

The truth about Christmas Day in Miami Beach – December 2022

   If you had the good taste to choose Miami Beach for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Sunday, December 25 when some of the usual sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day.  Fortunately for today’s winter visitors, Miami Beach does not shut down the way European destinations do.  In fact, you may not notice any difference at all especially if you are beach bound.  And with Miami’s average ocean water temperature hovering around a balmy 77°F, it’s definitely the place to be.  Our best advice to travelers is to be aware that some services like e-surfboarding and organized party cruises will not be offered on December 25 but as far as dining goes, you should be fine,  While most of the Sunday Brunches will be on hiatus, the evening hours will see those same restaurants opening up.  Some are offering table reservations so book as soon as you can and have a very Merry Christmas!

 

Enjoy a fall visit to the Vizcaya Mansion– October 2022

   Ah, there’s nothing like a visit to the beautiful Vizcaya estate, and October is the perfect month to enjoy both its fine interiors and incredible gardens. The historic mansion and grounds are located right on the water in Coconut Grove, Miami, which is a thirty-five minute drive from South Beach.  If there’s one sight that’s really really worth leaving South Beach for, this is it!  Details can be found in our book, Clued In Miami.  We think you’ll love it.

 

Important update – September 2022

   One of our top recommendations in our Clued In Miami book, Breeze Helicopter Tours, has permanently left Miami and now operates only in Chicago!  Fortunately, TourHelicopter.com has even more fun options and has been operating in the skies over Miami Beach for years. Readers with an edition of Clued In Miami previous to September 2022 should take note.  For everyone else, the change has already been updated in the newest edition just published on amazon.com. Also note that our included restaurant Como Como (featured in our 2022 edition) is temporarily closed but should reopen soon.

 

Book an e-Surfboarding lesson – August 2022

   Paddleboards can be a little dull and there’s no room for dull during your Miami Beach sojourn. Take things up a notch with the newest craze: e-Surfboarding!  Who needs waves when you have battery power?  Learn how to control turns and speed as you zip around Biscayne Bay all while standing as you go. A trained instructor from Miami Beach Paddleboard will take you through the paces as you learn this new sport. Trust us; they have plenty of experience with beginners.  They offer a seven-day cancellation refund so book it as soon as you know your dates.  It’s super fun!  For more incredible experiences, grab a copy of our new Bored in Miami guide.

 

Visit something special that’s probably off your radar – June 2022

   This month, all of our City-Extras  will highlight an awesome local sight that you’ve probably never heard of. (If you have, kudos to you!) In Miami that has to be the World Erotic Art Museum. This fascinating museum in the heart of South Beach is not a museum of sex, as many cities have.  Instead, it exhibits a tastefully curated collection from around the world and is the only one of its kind in the U.S.  Its artworks span a timeframe from 300 BC to the present and will give you an entirely different take on the way humanity views its sexuality. This beautiful museum is really something to see and certainly offers something different to do when you’re tired of the heat and the beach.  Open daily.

Rooftop cocktails with a view, still rocking at Watr – May 2022

     Watr is the fabulous rooftop cocktail lounge high above South Beach’s “Hotel One.”  You can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and nibble on Peruvian and Japanese cuisine while sipping a truly great cocktail. This is the gorgeous pool deck by day, which means that if you are not a guest you’ll be admitted only after 6pm.  This is where you should spend an evening.

Sharing our new spring advertising campaign.

   Yes, you really do deserve one.  Grab a copy of our Clued In Miami interactive ebook today. It’s easy when you download the free Amazon Kindle app first so that your ebook “knows” where to go. This app enables you to actually read the book, turn the pages, connect to the live links, and even adjust font sizes to your preferences. It’s so fun!  Note: If you already have this app on your smart phone (or have a Kindle device) then you’re all set.

Where to dine on Easter Sunday in Miami Beach – April 2022

     Are you planning an Easter sojourn in Miami?  If so, we have an extra special restaurant to send you to!  If you want clean food that’s top quality, cooked over flames, and has tons of flavor, head over to the Casa Faena Hotel.  Inside, Chef Mallmann is serving up exactly what you’ve been craving inside the beautiful red dining room of Los Fuegos. You simply can’t order wrong here because everything is amazing. Go for Sunday brunch or for dinner and make your Easter holiday very memorable.  Reservations are being taken now.  

Born from a passion for the ancient art of South American live-fire cooking, Argentine grill-master Francis Mallmann creates a contemporary asado experience with an open-fire kitchen, local ingredients and a gaucho’s touch to transform traditional rustic recipes into sophisticated, savory dishes.

Charter a private yacht – February 2022

    To truly enjoy Miami’s South Beach, you need to stop gazing at the water and go boating instead. What? You don’t have a yacht? No problem. The Miami Yachting Company has plenty of them as well as captains to hire.  They’ll take care of everything including any onboard catering you might desire.  We can’t think of anything more pleasant. Go ahead, live like a millionaire for a day… this is your vacation!

Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime  – January 2022

    You might not think so right now, but travel will be returning in a big way and those who plan now will reap the benefits. As the pandemic fades, try to be one of the first to make a trip to Miami Beach and enjoy it in a blissfully uncrowded way. Try making a detailed yet fluid itinerary without precise dates. Pencil in the days of the week only, noting which of your preferred sights are closed on Sundays or Mondays, etc. This will give you a basic framework on which to build your dream journey.  

     The more you can plan beforehand, the better it will be. At Clued In Travel Books we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Dinner reservations are especially likely to fill up if not made in advance. As for the best sights, well, these must be booked ahead (due to the requirements of contactless service.) And with absolutely everyone now booking ahead, these too are more likely to sell out.

    Travelers visiting our particular website probably understand this so we won’t beat a dead horse. If you are the type of traveler who likes to go somewhere with no plans or reservations in order to just see where fate takes you, we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”

    So, grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a city you knew nothing about is suddenly as familiar as can be.  It’s almost magical.  

 

Fall for Miami Beach / November 2021

   It’s that magical time of year, when Miami goes into its high season and becomes the perfect “summer experience” for the rest of the world. This is when you want to go there. Swim and splash in the warm ocean waves, enjoy a Mojito, and forget that the past year and a half ever happened. Miami is about reviving your spirit, and allowing visitors to kick up their heels for a change. Go ahead, rent that paddleboard or book a scuba lesson. You know you want to.

If relaxing is not enough for you there’s always the Night-Garden Magical Light Spectacular at the Botanical Gardens, tons of shows and concerts, world-class spas, and award-winning nightclubs. And the stone crabs are back at Joe’s. Grab our fall edition of Clued In Miami and you’ll be all set.

 

Summer Happenings / July 2021

   It’s not everyday that Miami Beach gets a new restaurant, especially one the caliber of Como Como. This hot, new, sexy Mexican seafood restaurant is definitely worth your time and wallet. Tucked inside the Moxy South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue near Ninth Street, this one will give you and your loved ones lasting memories. Wow!  Try their amazing Mayan heritage preparation of a whole branzino fish cooked in banana leaves with orange, habanero, and achiote and then unwrapped at your table. Other menu delights can be found at their website here.

 

Where to have breakfast when you don’t like the offerings at your hotel – June 2021

    C’mon, you’re in Miami.  You have to have a Cuban breakfast, right? Of course right. Lucky for you there are several locations of Havana 1957, one right on the centrally-located Lincoln Road, and one on famous Española Way. There you can savor Cuban flavors as they meld with your breakfast favs. For a smaller, lighter breakfast that focuses more on the coffee, check out the Cuban hole-in-the-wall called Playa Café  (no website) at 1515 Washington Avenue.

 

 

Taxi Clues for Miami Beach – March 2020

     Since some travelers are looking to avoid crowds and mass transit this spring, we’re providing at-a-glace info regarding official taxi cabs in Miami. While certainly not as inexpensive, a taxi will make you feel more confident and get you where you’re going in style. And if your party is more than a single rider, it can be a great value.  We always budget it in, and also like San Francisco’s Lyft services.

• Official city cabs are yellow. Never accept a ride from an unauthorized driver.
• Metered fare is $4.50 for the first 1/6 mile and $.40 each additional 1/6 mile.
• There is no fixed rate between the MIA Airport and the city center so expect to pay the metered fare plus a $2.00 “airport origination fee.”
• If you’re on the street trying to hail one yourself and persevere, one will eventually come. An easier way is to just hire one…
• You can also have your concierge or bellman call one for you, or before you pay your dinner check, have the host or maître d’ call one.
• Call one yourself from your cell phone (Try one of these reliable SoBe companies, open 24/7, at telephone number 305-444-4444 or 305-999-9990)
• Go where taxis go…stroll to the nearest hotel or hotspot and wait your turn in their active taxi line.
• Tips are expected but do not need to be more than a dollar or two unless your driver is lifting your luggage in and out of the trunk.
• Uber and Lyft are currently in use in Miami and Miami Beach!

 

 

 

The Air & Sea Show, Miami Beach – 2019

     South Beach will again showcase the US Military and first responders over the entire  weekend of Memorial Day with a series of spectacular events like powerboat racing demonstrations, fly-overs, extreme water sports, interactive recruiting exhibits, an Action Zone, a Kid Zone and more, all on or near the beach.

 

Update – February 2019

     There’s nothing like a winter party when the temperature is 75 degrees outside, so if you’re gay or just want to party with the gays, check out the annual Winter Party Festival being held this year in South Beach from February 27 through March 5th. This huge event features special cocktail parties, brunches, unique entertainment, nightclub soirees, and pool and beach parties. Some events require a ticket which can be booked ahead.

 

 

Update: Autumn in Miami Beach – November 2018

      If you simply must escape the cold for some perfect 80 degree weather, head down to Miami Beach for an autumn vacation. There’s so much going on that it may be hard to decide what to do- when you’re not suntanning, of course. Grab tickets for a special rosé wine tasting, learn how to make your own chocolate truffles, or increase your appreciation of art at the Scope exhibition on Ocean Drive, or at the Basel House Mural Festival. Before you go we hope you’ll grab a copy of Clued In Miami.  It has info not found in other guides which is exactly why it stands apart from the rest!

 

Update – October 2018

     Planning a spa weekend with friends? Check out the gorgeous, holistic Bamford Haybarn Spa located at the 1 Hotel in South Beach.  The Bamford Haybarn has proven itself to be one of the top spas in town and will be featured in our next edition. In the meantime, check out their website or call 305.604.6792 and be sure to book early. You will be renewed in body and spirit!

 

September 2018 Event Announcement – SEINFELD LIVE

    A Jerry Seinfeld comedy event is being held on Friday, September 21st at 7pm.  Jerry will present his unique point of view to a large audience inside the Ziff Opera House which is just a quick taxi ride from South Beach. Check it out the Arsht Performance Center’s website here.

 

Update: Summer in Miami Beach/ June 2017

    As South Beach heats up, its crowds definitely lessen. That’s your reward for braving the summer weather which can include tropical storms and the like. Enjoy the off-season while you can, because millions of visitors will descend around the same time that the stone crabs return to  Joe’s  Restaurant sometime in October.

 

Update: New info/ May 2017

  Miami visitors have a treat in store. Beginning May 8, 2017, the much touted and highly anticipated Museum of Science will open in a four-acre Museum Park. New state-of-the-art buildings will include both a Planetarium and an Aquarium. There will be interactive exhibits, an urban farm, and a Lunar Terrace boasting a telescope.

Just across from South Beach on Biscayne Bay, it’s the perfect excuse to take a water taxi! For museum details, click here.

 

In Focus: Gay Pride in Miami/ April 2017

     Springtime in Miami’s South Beach brings the festive and colorful Gay Pride Festival. This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshall will be TV comedian Ross Mathews, and the three day event will run from April 7 to April 9.  Most of the festivities can be found on Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th Streets.

Update: Halloween/ October 2016

      Miami’s fortunate near-miss of Hurricane Hermine means good times for South Beach. The beaches, hotels, and restaurants are busy getting ready for the autumn season, always with a fresh sense of excitement this time of year. You had better start working on your Halloween costume…the fabulous South Beach Halloween parade will be here in a snap. No time? That’s okay…the Miami Twice Modern & Vintage Boutique will set you and your loved one up with the perfect get-up.

 

 

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