Miami’s acclaimed district for naughty and nice, South Beach covers around 20 blocks of the southernmost part of Miami Beach, and is home to the famous fantasyland of exuberant Art Deco architecture, every imaginable designer boutique, edgy art galleries and museums, chi-chi restaurants, the most design-forward (and higher priced) hotels and, of course, its sizzling club scene.

The Pros

• In the heart of the action, so there’s no need to take a cab anywhere
• Close to shopping districts like Collins Avenue
• Part of the beautiful Art Deco district
• Lots of great restaurants and bars around
• Hot nightlife scene

The Cons

• Despite your best efforts to book a room away from the street, it will still be loud during all hours of the day
• The craziness of SoBe may not be the best spot for a family holiday
• Rooms are typically smaller than those in North Beach

Miami Beach actually incorporates the entire area from the tip of South Beach through to North Beach but, in hotel neighbourhood terms, Miami Beach is generally the area considered as Mid-Beach.

Both Miami Beach and the barrier island of Bal Harbour are more residential, peaceful and more often less expensive area than their hipper neighbour, so they work wonderfully for families who can enjoy the sun and surf, Bal Harbour shopping (where you’ll find 100 flagship stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci) and a good number of see-and-be-seen eateries.

The Pros

• Much quieter than South Beach (always a bonus when you want to catch up on sleep)
• Equidistant between areas like South Beach, the Design District and Wynwood, which makes it easy to sightsee
• Hotels have more of a resort feel than South Beach properties
• Less-crowded beaches

The Cons

• Taxi rides to other areas like South Beach can cost around US$20+
• Not as much ambiance as SoBe
• Less dining options within walking distance

SOUTH BEACH – 1 to 23 Street

1 Hotel South Beach | W South Beach| The Setai | The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach | SLS South Beach | The Betsey

MID BEACH – 24 to 62 Street

COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach| The Miami Beach EDITION | Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

NORTH BEACH – 63 to 87 Street

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

BAL HARBOUR & SURFSIDE

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort | The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour Resort | Four Seasons Hotel Surfside

MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

Neighbouring Midtown and Wynwood, the Miami Design District has fast become one of the city’s buzziest districts, drawing in a smartly dressed yet creative crowd. Once a sleepy area focused simply on art and design, this neighbourhood now has urban cool at its core. Ramshackle warehouses have been reborn as glossy art galleries, design showrooms and elite fashion boutiques.

Fit in with the local crowd and head to the Locust Project – a hip, non-profit, artist-run space that showcases young emerging talent in the visual arts. End your tour of the district on a high, sipping Hokkaido Sours in Tokyo-style drinking den, KAIDO, or tucking into Cuban delicacies at Estefan Kitchen, founded by musical legends Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Whatever you decide to do in the Design District, you’ll be in well-heeled company.

WYNWOOD

The once gritty and lacklustre area of Wynwood has similarly been revamped into an arts district with a laid-back vibe. Think fewer heels and more trainers. Streets here are accentuated by colourful art murals, restaurants teem with myriad cuisines and bars hum with an after dark buzz.

To embrace its bohemian vibe, head to Wynwood Walls and explore the local urban arts scene. Visit Wynwood Brewing Company and sample craft beer amongst a hipster crowd. Or gorge on tortillas and tequila at Bakan, the district’s trendy Mexican hotspot.

BRICKELL

Nestled north of Coconut Grove and south of downtown, Miami’s financial epicentre, Brickell, was once overlooked.

Transformed from high-rise to high price however, this neighbourhood has now become a haven for progressive young professionals searching for juice bars by day and first-class dining by night.

To bask in local highlights, head to the Altitude Pool Deck at SLS Brickell (the area’s kitsch answer to Soho House) and recline on its candy-striped day-beds. Devour Asian delicacies at tropical cabaret lounge and restaurant, El Tucan. Or, find inner peace at Conrad Miami’s glistening spa, with unique treatments like the Mojito Body Glow (well, it is Miami after all)!

LITTLE HAVANA

The core of Miami’s underlying Cuban culture, no visit is complete without experiencing Little Havana and its famed thoroughfare, Calle Ocho.

Thanks to hundreds of Cuban settlers in search of the American Dream, this vibrant neighbourhood has heritage pouring out of every wall, from its colourful art galleries to its mouth-watering Cuban eateries. Whilst walking tours and mojito-tastings have existed for years, new cafés, restaurants and small hotels now ensure this historic district remains relevant.

Lose track of time amongst the hammock-strewn courtyard of peaceful boutique hotel, Life House Little Havana, or enjoy Cuban dining and coffee culture at its best at Café La Trova, one of the region’s most exciting new openings.