12 Cool Places to Visit in Miami from a Designer

Miami is known for its stunning beaches, cultural offerings, vibrant nightlife, and thriving arts scene. The city’s iconic art-deco architecture and diverse dining experiences (some of NYC’s most famous restaurants have opened their doors here), means there’s something for just about everyone. A legendary destination perfect for a birthday, bachelorette party, winter getaway (escaping the cold). It’s also home to many incredible events including Art Basel, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami International Auto Show, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Rubell Museum

1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, USA

Rubell holds the largest privately owned art collection in North America, including works from Kehinde Wiley, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Herring, Basquiat, and Damian Hirst. You could easily spend a couple of hours here without noticing. Miami also has The Bass Art Museum and the Perez Art Museum, but the Rubell is easily our favorite.

Joe's Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

An iconic seafood restaurant located in Miami Beach, serving stone crabs since 1913. They also serve loads of fresh seafood and sides. During peak times, be prepared to wait for a table—there's plenty of fish in the sea, but only one Joe's.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, USA

Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a Mediterranean oasis serving authentic Greek and Turkish cuisine in a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Think Grilled octopus, kebabs, mezes and more mouth watering delights.

Miami Design District

140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137, USA

The Design District is one of our favorite parts of the city! As in the name, the design of just the shop fronts in the area are enough—the fashion, contemporary galleries, and upscale restaurants are top notch. Before or after dinner do some exploring, you can't really go wrong. It's truly a visual wonderland... enjoy!

Versailles Restaurant

3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA

Versailles is a favorite amongst locals. An authentic, and iconic Cuban restaurant with a vintage dining room, serving Cuban cuisine for over 50 years. This is where Chef Carl Casper has that incredible looking cuban sandwich in the movie Chef. We recommend ordering either this or the Churrasco Special.

Pura Vida

110 Washington Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA (+ other locations)

The best place for healthy, fast-casual food in Miami with vegan and gluten-free options. Sandwiches, salads, juices, smoothies, bowls, and coffee. They have multiple locations around Miami.

The Webster Miami

1220 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Located in a 1939 Henry Hohauser-designed art deco building, The Webster is a trendy 3-story boutique in South Beach stocking high-end designer wear. It's worth going for the space alone, as each room has a different vibe entirely.

Zak the Baker

295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, USA

Located in Wynwood, this place is an institution. A kosher bakery that's mostly a to-go scene, they also have sit down options (weekends you'll likely need a reservation). Not your usual bakery, these guys like to experiment—be ready to be surprised. Challah French toast, tuna melts, nova bagels, olive oil cake, salmon chorizo sandwiches, and croissants are staples. Just make sure you come in the morning for the baked goods, this place isn't a secret anymore.

Art Deco District

South Beach, Miami - Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue from 6th to 23rd Streets

One for the architecture, history, and photography lovers! Enjoy a guided tour on foot or explore at your own pace, the colorful Art Deco buildings that line the streets of the historic district.

La Natural

7289 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150, USA

Arguably the best pizza in Miami. Not the most convenient location, but the food definitely makes up for it. Cooked up by Javier Ramirez and Andreina Matos in their backyard, while hosting friends and family for sourdough pizzas and natural wines.

Carbone Miami

49 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Carbone requires no introduction—a legendary NYC institution that lives up to the hype. Pastas are cooked perfectly al dente, sauces are bursting with flavor, but reservations are hard to acquire. The spicy rigatoni is definitely a fan favorite, and the calamari is also excellent.

Little Havana

1442 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33135, USA

An authentic cuban cultural experience not to be missed—a vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. Great food, coffee, vibes and certainly great people. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine, watch live music performances, visit cigar shops and explore the famous Calle Ocho (8th Street).