Miami is served by its own international airport; Fort Lauderdale's airport is a 40-minute drive away. November is the beginning of high season, and advance reservations—particularly on South Beach—are advisable.
WHERE TO STAY
Biltmore Hotel A four-star, four-diamond, National Historic Landmark property, gracefully dominating the skyline since 1926. DOUBLES FROM $259. 1200 ANASTASIA AVE., CORAL GABLES; 800/727-1926 OR 305/445-1926; www.biltmorehotel.com
Delano Nothing quite beats the Delano, either for aesthetics or celeb encounters—where else can you find yourself talking with Lou Reed by the pool?DOUBLES FROM $325. 1685 COLLINS AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 954/252-3416.
The Raleigh The hotel where modern South Beach began is now being recalibrated for the chic by the Mercer's Andre Balazs. DOUBLES FROM $275. 1775 COLLINS AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 800/848-1775 OR 305/534-6300; www.raleighhotel.com
Sagamore Hotel A stunning all-suite property, the Sagamore has an amazing contemporary art collection and cutting-edge furniture. Massimo Vitali's Pic Nic Allee, in the lobby, sets just the right note of fun and sun. DOUBLES FROM $275. 1671 COLLINS AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 305/535-8088; www.thompsonhotels.com
Shore Club Ian Schrager has fabulous-ized the place beyond reckoning, with Nobu, Ago, and the Sky Bar making the hotel a major social scene. DOUBLES FROM $325. 1901 COLLINS AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 877/640-9500 OR 305/695-3100; www.shoreclub.com
WHERE TO EAT
Bahamian Pot Open during the day only, and specializing in conch. LUNCH FOR TWO $20. 1413 N.W. 54TH ST., MIAMI; 305/693-5053
Café 71 The best of the Upper East Side hipster palaces; nicely rendered lamb chops and a sympathetic atmosphere. DINNER FOR TWO $60. 7100 BISCAYNE BLVD., MIAMI; 305/756-7100
Casa Tua This season's hot new date restaurant: a beautiful garden and perfect tuna tartare, but a bit of an attitude problem. DINNER FOR TWO $180. 1700 JAMES AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 305/673-1010
Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market Nothing quite beats a simple fresh fish sandwich, served right on the Miami River. LUNCH FOR TWO $38. 398 N.W. NORTH RIVER DR., MIAMI; 305/375-0765
Jimbo's Shrimp One of the best down-home beer joints/shrimper hangouts in America, open during daylight hours. LUNCH FOR TWO $16. VIRGINIA KEY BEACH, KEY BISCAYNE; 305/361-7026; www.jimbosplace.com
SushiSamba Dromo A blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, with stylish sushi—the toro is first-rate—and plenty of people-watching opportunities. DINNER FOR TWO $70. 600 LINCOLN RD., MIAMI BEACH; 305/673-5337
NIGHTLIFE
Hoy Como Ayer The regular turf of Albita and the place for Cuban music. ADMISSION PRICE VARIES. 2212 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI; 305/541-2631
WHAT TO DO
Fairchild Tropical Garden An institution of lushness since 1938, dotted with lagoons and named after botanist-explorer David Fairchild. ADMISSION $10. 10901 OLD CUTLER RD., CORAL GABLES; 305/667-1651; www.fairchildgarden.org
Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden David Fairchild's 1916 home, an Oriental-themed whimsy with a collection of exotic plants, is the old Grove as it should be. Open for tours and by appointment. ADMISSION $10. 4013 DOUGLAS RD., MIAMI; 305/442-7169; www.ntbg.org
Venetian Pool A 1920's wonder, carved in coral rock, that never changes. ADMISSION $6. 2701 DE SOTO BLVD., CORAL GABLES; 305/460-5306 or 305/460-5357; www.venetianpool.com
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens James Deering's grand 1916 Italian villa is still the house to see in Miami. ADMISSION $10. 3251 S. MIAMI AVE., MIAMI; 305/250-9133; www.vizcayamuseum.com
The Wolfsonian Founded by collector Micky Wolfson, a museum of decorative and propaganda art. ADMISSION $5. 1001 WASHINGTON AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 305/531-1001; www.wolfsonian.org
SHOPPING
Books & Books Mitchell Kaplan's center for the city's literary life. 265 ARAGON AVE., CORAL GABLES; 305/442-4408
Botanica Nena One-stop shopping for all your Santeria needs. 902 N.W. 27TH AVE., MIAMI; 305/649-8078
Genius Jones Owned by Daniel Kron and Geane Brito, this design store for hip children and adults features Keith Haring toys, Karim Rashid plastic chairs, clothing, and high-tech strollers. 1661 MICHIGAN AVE., MIAMI BEACH; 305/534-7622
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