Miami, Florida
About miami
Just a few hundred meters off the sun-splashed sands of South Beach lies one of America’s great ocean-racing venues. It isn’t utilized with the same frequency it was back in the heyday of the SORC, but it still hosts the occasional major regatta, including world championships for the TP52 and Melges 24 classes within the last decade. Most recently, the 2024 US Olympic Sailing Team Trials were held off Miami Beach.
When the sun goes down and the racing takes a breather, South Beach fires to life. Racing out of a tourist hot spot has its pluses and minuses. But go there with a goal and a plan—whether it’s to win the regatta or win the party—and you’ll be sure to make the most of your time in this diverse and culturally rich city.
Getting There
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest option. Ft. Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is also an option.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Check your bill
Check your bill. Most restaurants automatically add gratuity on Miami Beach.
Cuban Coffee Basics
Order your coffee like a Miami local. Here are some Cuban Coffee basics for your next trip!
Resort Day Pass
Many 5 star Miami Beach Hotels offer day passes to enjoy the luxury amenities of these amazing hotels. Resort Pass is the resource to use to book the day pass.
Time your departure
Avoid leaving Miami Beach between 3-4pm. The traffic is horrendous.
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
Marinas/boat ramps
marine stores
sails/rigging
Boat Services
fuel
Boat storage
LAUNDRY SERVICES
Hardware Stores
Grocery stores
RESTAURANTS
There are a pletheroa of restaurants in Miami and Miami Beach.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Located in the Miami Design District, Michael’s Genuine is a New American eatery with a menu that focuses on elevated American comfort food. Offering an open kitchen dining room, with a wood fire oven, the atmosphere at Michael’s is alive and exciting! Sit inside in a cozy booth, or dine outside on the comfy and spacious patio, either way the service and ambiance are both phenomenal. Michael’s is known for their excellent beer and wine selection, and their exceptionally fresh and high quality cuisine- locals especially love the Crispy Pork Belly starter and the Black Truffle Pizza. Michael’s Genuine is known to serve consistently excellent food to the Miami area- it is the place to go for an excellent meal, guaranteed.
Address: 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305)676-0894
Prices: $$$
Located in the historic Browns Hotel, Prime 112 is known as the First Modern Steakhouse in the US. Called, “a chef-driven boutique steakhouse,” Prime 112 offers both an inventive menu and an inventive atmosphere, a wide departure from traditional steakhouses. Their menu features classic menu items, but with a special contemporary spin, and the atmosphere is modern and chic with upbeat music and a lively vibe. Known for exceptional service, and even better cuisine, Prime 112 is a must try restaurant for a special boutique meal out on the town. And whatever you do, do not forget to try the Fried Oreos- locals, visitors, everyone under the sun raves about those spectacular little bits of heavenly goodness!
**Reservations recommended
Address: 112 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305)532-8112
Prices: $$$$
Established in 1962, Puerto Sagua is the oldest Cuban restaurant in the Miami area. Puerto Sagua serves up some of the most delicious traditional Cuban food in the area, with local favorites such as the Ropa Vieja, the Oxtail Stew, and the famous “Puerto Sagua”- a plate piled high with shrimp, a fish filet, a beef filet, and Cuban rice, all covered with a phenomenal Spanish Sauce. At Puerto Sagua you can sit inside in the comfortable no frills dining room, or outside at one of the umbrella topped tables, with a great view of the Scull sisters’ famous mural of Havana. Puerto Sagua is an excellent spot to enjoy some of the best Cuban food in the area while taking in that authentic “Cuban Buzz.”
Address: 700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305)673-1115
Prices: $$
If you are looking for the freshest local seafood available, prepared with a traditional Cuban twist, then Garcia’s Miami is the place for you! Started by two Cuban immigrant brothers that were originally working for local fisheries, the brothers made their dream come true in 1966 when they opened Garcia’s Miami, their restaurant and fish market. Since the beginning, the Garcia brothers aimed to offer the freshest seafood available, and today they honor this tradition by sending their fleet out every morning to catch the very best catch for the day’s menu- the seafood is sourced fresh off the Florida coast and brought directly back to the restaurant. Serving local favorites like the Blackened Mahi-Mahi with Maduros and Tostones, Grilled Cracked Conch, and an excellent Grilled Seafood Platter, all in a comfortable and family friendly environment. They offer an excellent outdoor deck area with spectacular views of the harbor. It is worth noting that all the seafood that is offered on Garcia Miami’s menu can be purchased at the fish market as well, or even delivered to your door for an excellent seafood experience at home with the team.
Local Tip: Garcia’s Miami was on the Miami episode of Anthony Bourdain’s show, ‘The Layover.’
Address: 398 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305)375-0765
Prices: $$$
Located on the corner on Miami Avenue, covered in graffiti, murals and tags, KUSH is a unique hipster style burger and beer joint set a little bit off the beaten path. Known for fabulous specialty burgers and an awesome beer selection on tap, KUSH is an art-filled and eco friendly gastropub that makes all their food fresh and from scratch. Every element of KUSH’s concept is hyper-curated, from the menu design and artwork throughout, to their merchandise and music. While not the most family friendly spot, it has a bar-like atmosphere, KUSH is a fun and trendy Miami burger joint worth visiting for the Johnny Utah Burger and the killer selection of craft beers.
Address: 2003 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: (305)576-4500
Prices: $$
Located in the residential area of South Beach, Via Emilia 9 has quickly become the place for true authentic Emilia Romagna Italian food in the area. All of the pastas are made and stretched daily by the dedicated Sfoglinas who work throughout the day to prepare fresh Ravioli, Gnocchi, Tagliatelle, and other pastas of the Romagna region. Along with their handmade pastas, all the sauces at Via Emilia 9 are homemade, using only the best local vegetables and herbs. If you are not in the mood for pasta not to worry, the menu offers fresh local seafood options, and even a Tomahawk Steak! And, if you have the courage to try to duplicate one of Via Emilia 9’s recipes at home, there is an Italian market on the premises that features many of their fresh ingredients!
Address: 1120 15th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305)216-7150
Prices: $$$
Local Bars
After over 60 years in business, Ted’s Hideaway has become the iconic dive bar on South Beach. It used to be known as one of the area’s best kept secrets…. but after decades of unforgettable moments, Ted’s has become more of a place where locals go to hide, and visitors go to hang and have a beer with the locals. Ted’s is not fancy- in fact, Ted’s hates fancy- this is a dive bar with a dive bar vibe. They offer over 60 beers and a good selection of ciders- their food menu is bar food, mostly pizzas, burgers, and nachos. Locals love Ted’s burgers and beers- it is an excellent spot for a game on the TV, along with a fabulous burger and a beer.
Address: 124 2nd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305)532-9869
Prices: $$
For the quintessential Miami lounge experience, look no further than Rosa Sky Rooftop Bar. Set sky high above the city, offering amazing panoramic views of the stunning city skyline, Rosa’s offers an excellent selection of specialty hand crafted cocktails, and a lovely ‘bites’ menu, composed of creative and globally inspired tapas and other nibbles. Cocktails and bites are served artfully and flawlessly, lending to the sophisticated and special atmosphere that Rosa Sky creates. Locals rave about their Happy Hour, which features cocktails and bites, and is well worth a visit, even if only for one of their work-of-art cocktails and spectacular view.
Local Tip: If using valet, Rosa Sky will validate a portion of the cost. There are also garages in the area.
Address: 115 SW 8th St 22nd Floor, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305)628-1515
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Designed by Frank Gehry, the New World Symphony is a renowned orchestral academy and performance venue dedicated to the artistic development of young musicians. Founded by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the institution focuses on preparing graduates for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles worldwide, and has assisted in starting the careers of more that 1,150 alumni worldwide. The New World Symphony’s state-of-the-art campus, the New World Center, serves as a dynamic space for performances, educational programs, and technological innovation. WIthin the amazing architectural design of the Center lies the craftsmanship of acoustic geniuses- around the outside of the building walls there are long standing tubular speakers so that the public can enjoy the performances that are inside the building on stage.
In addition to musical performances, the venue also hosts many different movies throughout the year. The movies are projected on the exterior walls of the building with crystal clear imagery and amazing acoustics- a super fun way to spend a night under the stars in the fresh air. Please check out the website for Wallcast for the upcoming features.
Since its opening in 1923, this amazingly unique aquatic facility has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. The Venetian Pool is a historic US public swimming pool that is fed by natural spring water from an underground aquifer. The pool water is recirculated by spring water and is refilled daily with over 820,000 gallons of water. Complete with two waterfalls and multiple cave-like grottos, the Venetian Pool is a delightful and unique experience for all swimmers, and a fun and unique place to cool off year round, as the temperature of the pool is maintained at a perfect 76 degrees. The grounds are beautiful, and there is even a little sandy beach like area to enjoy. Please note that the facility has showers, changing rooms and lockers available, but the concessions are under construction thru the Spring of 2024.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, located in Coral Gables, Florida, is a lush haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known as one of the premier botanical gardens in the country, the garden spans over 83 sprawling acres, and is home to an extensive collection of tropical plants from around the world including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and more- over 3,4000 species to be exact! Visitors can explore themed gardens, picturesque landscapes, and beautiful walking trails. The area is stunningly gorgeous and not to be missed by those who love plants, flowers, and nature in general. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is known for its conservation efforts, educational programs, and research initiatives, making it a delightful destination for those seeking a relaxing and educational experience in the midst of spectacular tropical beauty.
Miami’s nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From the trendy bars of South Beach, to the upscale lounges in Brickell, to the authentic salsa dancing in Little Havana, Miami offers a kaleidoscope of entertainment options after the sun sets. The iconic Ocean Drive comes alive with neon lights, music, and beachfront energy, drawing crowds to its lively bars and clubs. Wynwood, known for its street art, transforms into a hip nightlife district with eclectic bars and breweries. Whether you’re into rooftop lounges, pulsating nightclubs, or intimate jazz bars, Miami’s nightlife scene promises a memorable and dynamic experience for the night owls. Greater Miami and Miami Beach are among the world’s best places to enjoy over the top nightlife- when the night begins in Miami, a whole new world reveals itself.
Miami is known to be rich with activities of all sorts: shopping, sightseeing, bar hopping and people watching to name a few… but the city certainly lives up to its reputation when it comes to watersports. Miami’s watersports scene is a thrilling aquatic playground for water-loving adventure seekers. With its warm turquoise waters and sunny climate, the city is Mecca for a variety of watersports. Miami is littered with shops that offer tours, instructors, guides, and equipment for every water sport imaginable. From an adrenaline-inducing jet skiing adventure along the coastline, to the tranquility of paddleboarding in Biscayne Bay, this city offers something for everyone. Snorkeling and scuba diving unveil the area’s exceptional underwater world of coral reefs and marine life, while parasailing provides a bird’s-eye view of the stunning area skyline. Kayaking through mangrove forests, swimming with dolphins, and windsurfing are additional ways to embrace the water-centric lifestyle that defines Miami’s dynamic watersports scene.