Visiting Miami In The Summer

Miami is a hot destination any time of year. But as temperatures rise from April onward, prices drop, meaning you're likely to find great rates and secure coveted dinner reservations. Here's how to make the most of any off-season jaunt to Miami.

There's no shortage of ultrachic accommodations. But if there's a chance oppressively humid weather will keep you indoors, make a reservation somewhere you won't mind spending time, like the eco-conscious 1 Hotel South Beach, which boasts reclaimed materials, farm-to-table fare, a lobby garden, four pools, seven restaurants and a private beach. Down the street, The Miami Beach EDITION evokes 1950s glamour with white decor and lush greenery. It's also home to Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Matador Room, an indoor ice-skating rink and a bowling alley.

For a light breakfast or lunch, try The Lido Bayside Grill, which serves Mediterranean fare and biodynamic wines. Après-beach or -pool, it's all about the waterfront happy hour; Sweet Liberty serves stiff happy hour cocktails every day of the week, and The Social Club offers a late-night happy hour with breakfast-themed bites (Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to midnight).

Tom Colicchio's SoBe debut, Beachcraft, focuses on local seafood and organic ingredients; the space has a nice open kitchen with great views of the action. And don't sleep on the modern Japanese cuisine at Zuma.

Among the myriad of Wynwood-area restaurants, a few stand out: Alter, with its fresh take on new American food, and Coyo Taco, with its scrumptious Mexican street food and "hidden" tequila and mescal bar.

Over in the Arts and Entertainment District, Fooq's serves internationally influenced comfort food; its laid-back environment makes it a must-visit for Sunday brunch. Because let's face it: There's no better way to recover from a night out than with ghormeh sabzi baked eggs with Taleggio, roast tomatoes and chile aioli.

Check out Wynwood Walls in Wynwood, the hub of Miami's food and art scene; the series of vibrant murals by graffiti artists attracts visitors in droves.

In the ultra-posh Design District, ogle luxury goods at stores like Cartier and Christian Louboutin; visit the nearby Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA Miami), which offers free admission to contemporary art and sculpture exhibitions. There's more modern art to be seen in Downtown Miami; the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has an extensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County holds live performances and offers free guided tours on Sundays and Mondays.  

If the weather looks crummy, trade that poolside cabana for some pampering at Bamford Haybarn Spa, which specializes in holistic treatments like Himalayan salt stone massages. You'll also find lots of indoor and outdoor yoga classes, as well as weekly wellness workshops, at The Standard.

Lindsay Cohn is a freelance ​lifestyle and travel writer​. She ​believes omakase​ is always the right choice and that ​rosé​ season should be all year long. Follow her on Twitter at @Lindsay_Cohn.