Blessed with sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and one of the best food scenes in the nation, it’s no wonder the Miami metro area has emerged as one of the East Coast’s hottest spring break destinations — but this bustling region is just as incredible in late summer . Armed with the same amenities and a fraction of the crowds, August and September offer a unique perspective of Greater Miami without a shortage of attractions to beat the summer heat.

As you prepare for your next trip to South Florida’s top destination, get a head start on planning your agenda with these incredible hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Where to sleep

Located south of Collins Park, the palatial Lennox Miami Beach is the perfect waterfront retreat. The property’s Art Deco exterior, a seamless blend of old and new, dates back to the 1930s, while the polished interior offers a contemporary perspective, complemented by Patagonian wood paneling, a marble-clad lobby bar, and green living moss draped throughout is property.

Miami Beach’s sprawling shoreline is a few steps east of the property, but for those who want to stay close to their room, the hotel’s courtyard is the place to be. This open-air, Mediterranean-style hangout houses a swimming pool adjacent to the plant-filled courtyard bar, a small outdoor space that offers refreshing cocktails paired with small bites.

During the day, visitors can use the property’s golf cart shuttle service to explore Collins Avenue, then return at sunset for a meal at Amalia, the Lennox Hotel’s on-site restaurant. Flavorful Mediterranean fare is the norm here, with dishes like grilled branzino, porcini ravioli, and Chilean salmon all prepared at the behest of chef Hernan Griccini.

Eat in style

Greater Miami has been a hotspot for top-notch dining for decades, and this bustling region doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Case in point: Editor Pizza, a charming venue adjacent to 5th Street that made its debut in February 2022. In recent months, this spot has been turning heads thanks to its balmy rooftop terrace, refreshing cocktails, and — of course — a wealth of restaurants serving top-notch pizza. For first-time visitors, the ‘Nduja pizza is a hearty punch that’s hard to pass up, while the portobello-laden funghi pizza is a must-try for vegetarians.

If you’re in the mood to keep the after-dinner party going, Miami Beach’s Eagle Room offers perfectly crafted cocktails just west of the water. Located in the vibrant Freehand Hotel, this concept was developed by the same team behind the legendary Broken Shaker, a prestigious bar that earned a spot on the 2022 list of the 50 Best Bars in North America. A sibling of the Broken Shaker, the Eagle Room offers similar cocktails with an added opportunity to party through the weekend, complete with a glittering disco ball and pulsating music all night long.

As Miami Beach’s food scene continues to evolve, neighboring cities across the bay are no strangers to fine dining either. For fans of Lebanese cuisine, Coconut Grove’s Amal is a must, offering classic Mediterranean staples like fried halloumi, kibbeh and baba ghanoush, paired with a plethora of complex cocktails. Just west of Miami, Coral Gables made waves in May with the debut of Vinya Table, a charming bistro that offers New American fare like smoked bone-in short ribs with scallops and Wagyu tartare alongside a massive wine list full of reds, whites, and Roses from all over the world.

top activities

If your idea of ​​a dream Miami vacation is cruising along the waterfront at top speed, don’t miss Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures. Since its debut in 2006, the company has built a small fleet of high-speed vessels offering 45-minute tours of some of Miami’s most opulent waterways. While the whipping winds and ocean spray of a thriller tour are the perfect antidote to a hot summer’s day, the voyage is also a particularly interesting history lesson, with the boat’s captain providing extensive information on the history of the mega-mansions that are dotted around find the tour route.

Wynwood has built a pretty good reputation for its spectacular street art, but there’s no need to bake in the sun all day when visiting the neighborhood. The entire district is packed with reputable breweries, each offering a plethora of crisp lagers to beat the heat. While places like J Wakefield Brewing and Cervecería La Tropical are staples for locals and tourists alike, the recently opened Dogfish Head Miami offers a wealth of popular Delaware beers, as well as a range of new beers brewed with some serious South Florida flair. For newcomers to the venue, the 60-Minute and 90-Minute IPAs are must-have appetizers, while the Florida Peach Marmalade Fruited Sour packs a punch of vanilla and stone fruit that can transform ardent hop haters into beer fans with a single sip.