Miami holidays

About Miami

The jewel of the Gold Coast, cosmopolitan Miami is as diverse as you can imagine. Sparkling beaches, celebrity-packed restaurants, vibrant nightlife and Art Deco architecture combined with a near perfect year-round climate.

Food and drink

Dining out is a passionate pastime in Miami and there's no shortage of eateries so whatever your tastes you're bound to find something satisfying. High-end haute cuisine can be found in the Design District; some of America's top chefs have set up restaurants in this neighbourhood.

You can experience Miami's eclectic cultures in its food; try some authentic Haiitian and Cuban specialities. In the South Beach area cafés are thriving - people linger for hours over meals while taking in the glorious surroundings. If you're on a small budget you can cut the cost of eating out by taking out food from the hot counters or salad counters at The Wholefoods Market, it's open daily 8am-11pm.

Shopping

This city is a clothes shopper's paradise, from designer boutiques to department stores it's all here. Bal Harbour shopping mall is brimming with designer names such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Tiffany alongside the Saks Fifth Avenue department store thrown in.

Lincoln Road Mall provides more affordable wares with everything from trainers at SoBe to menswear at Base and Books & Books, an admired book shop. At the south end of Collins Avenue well-known stores like New York's Barney's Co-op and The Webster with three floors of top brands will delight most shoppers. Look out for malls offering exclusive discounts for visitors; one such is the Adventura Mall where over 300 shops and restaurants await.

Things to see and do

• Art Deco District - Peruse the stunningly colourful buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. They provide a great insight into Miami's culture.
• Lincoln Road - South Beach's pedestrianised street is a buzzing area which is a superb place for shopping, dining or simply watching the world go by.
• Seaquarium - The home of Flipper. See dolphins, killer whales, manatees and sea lions at play.
• Hop on the Miami Metrorail - an excellent way to tour the suburbs for little more than a dollar.
• Join locals on the sun-drenched sands of fashionable South Beach and lie back and relax.
• Escape the hustle and bustle and head to South Pointe Park. There's 17 acres of verdant parkland where you can jog or cycle and there's a playground and marina too.

When to visit

If you're planning a holiday in Miami, our top picks for the best time to travel would be January