Ashley Brozic

January 2025: Winter in Miami is in full swing and we can barely keep up with the barrage of concerts, festivals and outdoor events—let alone all the adorable farmers and flea markets that make us feel like we're living in a Nora Ephron film. Now that we've made it out of holiday madness, January is a great time to get your steps in while the weather's still gorgeous. (We recently updated our guide to Miami's best hikes and nature walks, if that sounds like your journey). Get ahead of the chaos by perusing our up-to-the-minute guide to the best things to do in Miami right now. Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond ounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors and contributors. (We're a team of born-and-raised locals and passionate Miami transplants with an unhealthy aversion to staying home). By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites.

*Cues up Shania Twain* Let’s go, girls. It’s ladies' night in Miami, and we’re heading out to drink away our sorrows: the bad Bumble dates, the obscene price of rent, and the $840 million, taxpayer-funded “spider bridge” ascending over I-95. Just kidding…but not about ladies' night! There’s nothing like a proper girls’ hang to swap some chisme and sip on delicious cocktails, especially when said cocktails are free. And as long as women earn 84 cents for every dollar a man makes, ladies' night is very much warranted. Without further ado, these are the 20 best ladies' nights in Miami right now for discounted drinks, open bars, and BFF dinner dates. RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in MiamiThe best bars in MiamiThe best happy hours in Miami

Name a more wholesome way to spend a weekend morning than picking through fresh produce, biting into home-baked goods and filling your tote bag with artisanal soaps, candles and accessories as the Florida sun warms your shoulders. On weekends, Miami farmers’ markets pop off all around town, from parks to parking lots, shopping malls and historic estates. These markets not only offer high-quality ingredients at competitive prices but also provide a great opportunity to support your local community. Carve out a gorgeous morning, pack a picnic blanket and bring the family, friends and fur babies. We've picked out the best farmers' markets in Miami right now, from year-round staples to seasonal pop-ups.  RECOMMENDED: The best vegan restaurants in Miami

Love sparks differently in Miami. We get to enjoy candlelit dinners at waterfront restaurants and steamy nights under the stars year round. But there are more romantic things to do in Miami beyond the expected dinner-and-drinks routine (though we found plenty of those, too). We searched this city's hidden corners and rooftops for dates that mix classic romance with Miami's sizzle—think natural wine tastings, figure drawing sessions celebrating the human form, and moments under the moonlight. Each spot on our list lets you lean in closer, share suggestive glances, and discover fresh spins on romance in the Magic City. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in Miami

Let’s be honest here. Finding vegan restaurants in Miami can feel like a search for a snowball in the Everglades. But dig deep enough into the Miami food scene, and you’ll discover that our vegan choices aren’t just good vegan restaurants but great restaurants, period. These are places where you can proudly drag that meat-eating friend. So, where do you go if this is your first time searching for a vegan restaurant in the Magic City? Here’s our tour of the city’s plant-based best, from glitzy South Beach hotspots doing vegan sushi to hidden gems with a seriously legit Cuban sandwich. It's worth noting that some of these picks are excellent vegetarian restaurants that are amenable to making substitutions and accommodating dietary restrictions.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami

When thinking of romance, our minds often drift elsewhere. April in Paris? Oui. A Roman holiday? Already reserved the Vespa! Skin to suntanned skin? There’s a Caribbean resort for you. But as we all know, romance needeth no passport. With 50 states offering everything from mountainous beauty to picturesque wine valleys, big dazzling cities to small port towns, America's got love locked down—or at least a destination to make your rom-com dreams a reality. Ready for the romantic getaway of your dreams? Here are the most love-soaked destinations in the USA.

Bobby “Blue” Bland had it twisted; there’s tons of love in the heart of the city—particularly in America, where Cupid’s arsenal of arrows has an unlimited supply. From San Francisco to St. Louis and Miami to Minneapolis, there is no shortage of ways to fall in love in—and with—American cities. Is food the way to both of your hearts? Maybe a trip to New Orleans is just what you need. Do you count house hunting for architectural gems as a favorite pastime? Chicago might sweep you both right off your feet. What about sprawling bay views at sunset? San Francisco is calling, baby. Try not to leave your heart there. Unlike romantic small-town getaways, where you disconnect to reconnect with each other, heading to metropolitan areas helps you find connection by connecting with the sights, smells, sounds, and culture that make those cities feel alive. From the mid-size cities you can cover in a weekend to the big ones you can fall in love with again and again, here are the most romantic cities in the USA. RECOMMENDED: The best couples vacations in the U.S.

When the questions like Where can I find a good mojito in Miami? or Where can I go to listen to salsa music? come up, Little Havana is the answer. As the cultural heart of Miami's Latino immigrant community, this historic and iconic neighborhood is where Latin heritage thrives through architecture, music and food. It’s also a fantastic place to grab a drink.  The neighborhood is home to one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, one of the best live music venues in Miami and plenty of other watering holes where salsa pours out like rum on a balmy day. The area can skew a bit touristy by day, but that comes with certain perks. For example, it’s just as buzzy on a Wednesday afternoon as it is on a Saturday, so no one will judge you if you order a mojito at 11am. By night, it’s a favorite local hangout with speakeasies, nautical dives and more. With our guide to the best Little Havana bars, you’ll be swigging and swinging ’til el gallo crows. RECOMMENDED: The quintessential Time Out Miami guide to Little Havana

Not all beaches are created equal. That becomes abundantly clear when you live near one of the world’s best and then try leaving. (Sorry, Rockaway. You’re cute but it’s just not the vibe.) In Miami, it’s actually hard to find a beach you won’t like. Still, we all have our favorites, and different occasions call for different beaches. Yes, we have that many. Looking to chill in nature? Perhaps try a beach on Key Biscayne. Wanna strip down to your birthday suit? Haulover (the nude section) is your destination. Ready to party? We probably don’t have to tell you which beach is best for that. From sunbathing meccas to shady spots for picnicking, these are our picks for the best beaches in Miami. RECOMMENDED:📍The best things to do in Miami🍽️ The best restaurants in Miami🍷 The best bars in Miami

Coral Gables embodies the seamless blend of history, culture and community charm in Miami. Located a bit south of Miami proper, the area buzzes with events year-round, from art festivals to culinary celebrations, making it a hub of activity no matter when you visit. Yet even a simple drive through Coral Gables offers an experience all its own, with hidden gems of history tucked into every corner. Looking for the best things to do in Coral Gables? Discover foreign-inspired villages on quiet residential streets, where architecture transports you to far-off lands or wander pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares lined with boutique shops and top-notch restaurants. Whether you're here for the events, the sights or just to soak in the atmosphere, Coral Gables invites you to explore its timeless allure. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to exploring Coral Gables, Miami

South Beach: Miami’s O.G. epicenter of cacophonously touristy bars, home to the city’s sugariest, not-at-all-a-deal two-for-one drinks! But is that it? Is that all this balmy strip of barrier island has to offer? Come out with us for a night and you’ll think twice before writing off the bar scene in SoBe. Whether hidden within boutique hotels, tucked away in unassuming alleyways or proudly perched along the main thoroughfares, South Beach boasts an impressive array of watering holes that cater to every taste and vibe—you just need to know where to look. From sleek rooftop lounges with panoramic views to new neighborhood classics, here’s your guide to the best bars in South Beach right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to South Beach, Miami

All the meditations, yoga classes, reiki healing and spa appointments in the world couldn’t feed your soul the way a weekend getaway with your best girlfriends can. And while a coffee meetup or night out in your hometowns can briefly scratch the itch, the fantasy of ditching your day-to-day responsibilities and experiencing a new place with your favorite ladies is an ailment that can only be cured once seated on a plane—together. Whether you’re all into witchy new age things, winery hopping, exploring quaint Southern towns, or you want to hit a big city in your finest fits, the United States has no shortage of ideas for the perfect girls' weekend getaway. Don’t wait until someone gets you a ring to plan something; we’re here to help you take that idea out of the group chat and into the core memory book. Someone launch the Splitwise, start the shared album, and coordinate the Canvas mood board for outfits. Here are the best places in America for your ultimate girls' weekend getaway. RECOMMENDED: Awesome bachelorette party destinations in America

Catch Jon Batiste & Friends, WILLOW, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monáe and more at the second annual Montreux Jazz Festival Miami, a three-day musical event taking over The Hangar in Coconut Grove. Settling into its new Miami digs for a second year, this legendary festival has been bringing some of the world's biggest musicians to perform in Switzerland since 1967—everyone from Etta James and Elton John to Miles Davis and David Bowie. On Sunday, close out the fest with “La Descarga,” an electrifying Afro-Cuban improvised jam session hosted by Jon Batiste and 2024 Latin GRAMMY Record of the Year nominee Cimafunk. In addition to main stage attractions, there will be sunset concerts featuring emerging artists and food from top Miami restaurants.

Brought to you by the team behind Brickell favorite Better Days, Casa Tiki is a laid-back spot whipping up tropical drinks with a side of tiki-inspired ambiance. It's a classic neighborhood joint, doling out tons of great programming like trivia and karaoke night, comedy shows, pop-ups by alcohol brands and visiting bartenders and special events like singles nights. One thing we love about Casa Tiki is how BIG they go for holidays. Halloween is bonkers here, as are Christmas festivities. 

Part bar, part restaurant, Social 27 is a modern ode to Cuban nostalgia brought to you by the Doce Provisions team, so expect very creative, fusion-y takes on Cuban dishes and drinks, like a Cuba Libre made with craft soda and mint and the Alina, a boozy rum martini made with Havana Club, white vermouth and apricot liqueur. Not hungry? There are still plenty of reasons to frequent the venue, like live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Happy hour includes two-for-one drinks from 5 to 7pm during the week and specials from 3 to 5pm on weekends. 

The Bay Club, right next to Lucali in SoBe’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, is a cozy, wood-trimmed locals’ bar known for its wild karaoke nights, comedy shows and live music. With its tiny size—you’re at the end in ten steps—it feels like a true neighborhood gem. Patrons enjoy classic cocktails alongside Lucali’s menu, including happy-hour deals on bites like wings and meatballs. Its unpretentious charm and lively atmosphere make it a go-to for locals looking to unwind.

Downtown favorite Margot Bar & Bistro returns to South Beach, where it first premiered as a pop-up at Nikki Beach. This second outpost serves up a curated menu of natural wines, creative cocktails and seasonal dishes like ceviche, branzino and steak tartare. With its ’70s Scandinavian-meets-’80s Italian aesthetic, Margot is a hidden gem perfect for locals and visitors seeking a laid-back yet stylish spot for natty wine, drinks and bites.

New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Miami has the King Mango Strut. While incomparable in size and scale, this comical and locally revered parade returns on Sunday, January 5 to celebrate over 40 years of "putting the NUT in Coconut Grove" through satirical floats and eyebrow-raising subject matter. Onlookers (around 10 thousand of them each year) are encouraged to get into it by dressing up, embracing the parade's ethos to “celebrate and skewer what’s weird and wonderful about Miami and the year that was.” And if you actually want to be in the parade, that's a possibility, too. Amateur comedians and performers can apply here.  The strut route begins at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. It turns left onto Main Highway and then turns left onto Grand Avenue at CocoWalk and turns left again at Commodore Plaza.

This annual arts festival turns 61 this year, bringing over 280 artists to the streets of Coconut Grove over President's Day Weekend. People of all ages meander around McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive, perusing booths, enjoying culinary demonstrations and local bites, listening to live music and participating in family-friendly activities. 

The fifth annual winter festival at The Berry Farm is a family-friendly holiday event with acres of holiday-themed activities from morning to night. There are meet-and-greets with Santa, hay rides and tons of Instagram-worthy photo backdrops and at night, the farm lights up with thousands of tiny bulbs during their Berry Bright Winter Nights. (Great news: your day and evening tickets are the same). Depending on when you go, you can catch classic holiday flicks on the lawn or live music and as a special gift from Mother Nature, strawberry-picking season kicks off in December! 

When it comes to holiday lights, the zoo goes wild. One million bright, animal-shaped lights illuminate the premises during Zoo Lights Miami, which takes place every weekend between November 29th and December 30th. Families can stroll around while sipping hot chocolate and listening to carollers and if you're lucky, you might just get a glimpse of Santa, or The Grinch. Check the Zoo Miami website to see what the theme is for the weekend (Galactic night should be interesting) and don't miss Merry Meadow from December 20 to 23. There will be rides, a human snow globe photo spot and a gaming trailer where you can try out new games to add to your holiday shopping list.

South Beach isn't the only beach town that attracts a star-studded lineup of chefs once a year. The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival takes place over four jam-packed days in December with a lineup of local talent and world-renowned hospitality mavens, giving you a delicious reason to flock to Miami's glamorous northern neighbor. Now in its 17th year, the 2024 festival will include 25 food and beverage events between December 12th and December 15th throughout Palm Beach, culminating in a Grand Tasting event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Sunday. Expect an expanded wine program this year with over 100 wine tables pouring only selections that scored 90+ rating by Wine Spectator. Various dates and locations

Who doesn't feel a wave of exuberance and emotion listening to a gospel choir? If you didn't know, the Adrienne Arsht Center hosts Free Gospel Sundays throughout the year and the show on April 21 will be one to sing about. Secure your free RSVP to enjoy 90 minutes of uplifting song as choirs from across Miami-Dade come together at the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

Are you at a restaurant or a bizarre carnival in the middle of rural Nicaragua? Between all the lifesize animal statues, penny-slot pony ride and wood-carved tchotchkes hanging around the wood-trimmed walls inside, we can’t tell: We’re too wrapped up in a styrofoam plate filled to the brim with carne asado (grilled meat) over gallo pinto rice or a thick tajada (plantain) stuffed with fried cheese to even think about it. People come to this Nicaraguan joint for the ambiance as much as they do the food—so don’t even consider ordering takeout from here. Just show up.

In theory, spending an afternoon soaking up the holiday spirit at the mall sounds idyllic. Children posing with Santa, quaint little holiday villages popping up in corners, garlands and bows adorning every railing, and enticing sales to score the perfect gifts. But reality has a way of dashing those sugarplum dreams. The moment you roll into the parking lot, the ferocity of Miami drivers slams into you like a sack of coal and the fantasy crumbles, replaced by chaos, long lines and endless crowds. And on this last weekend before Christmas? A winter wonderland, the mall is not. But what if last-minute holiday shopping could actually feel, dare I say, luxurious? Imagine my delight when, instead of braving the madness on my own, a private chauffeur arrived at my doorstep, ready to whisk me away for a day of stress-free holiday shopping! Enter Blacklane. The private, on-demand car service has launched a Holiday Chauffeur package (offered through January 2, 2025), which promises to transform the stress of gift shopping into an experiential treat. Available in Miami, New York, London and Dubai, it includes five hours of chauffeur service complete with curated routes to top shopping spots and festive attractions.  Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out First stop: Miami Design District My driver, Sergio, picked me up in a brand new Mercedes-Benz EQS EV packed with water (at different temperatures!), chargers (for all kinds of phones!), mints and the sound of smooth jazz (because wh

It’s been a year, readers! As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the meals we savored because the only thing we want to remember about the last 12 months is the best things we ate. (Isn’t it always about the food?) Time Out editors and contributors across the country spent countless hours eating their way through their respective cities, reviewing restaurants, and dissecting trends to bring you this year’s Best of the City Award for Best New Restaurant. It’s a coveted title bestowed to the special spots that won our hearts and swept up accolades, not only from us but also from Michelin and other eagle-eyed diners. If you find yourself in any of these cities, now or in the future, add these fantastic new restaurants to your list. Miami: Sunny’s It’s hard to do many things well, but Sunny’s somehow manages to excel at all its endeavors: a fun happy hour spot, a glamorous Art Deco steakhouse, a chill outdoor restaurant (and dare I say, kid-friendly?) and a lively cocktail bar where you can order a drink and bowl of pasta without any side glances from your neighbor. We also love the tableside martini service and the down-to-earth staff, and, of course, those perfectly seared cuts of meat. Photograph: Jeanne CantoSunny's Steakhouse Chicago: Cariño This Latin American restaurant opened at the tail end of 2023 but quickly became an essential player in Chicago’s dining scene. Recently, Cariño was awarded a Michelin star, a nod our restaurant critic, Maggie Hennessy, i

Nothing lasts forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Miami. Over the last few years, we’ve been on a spree of In with the new! And while we welcome change (I mean, have you seen all these buzzy new concepts?!), it often comes at a cost. Rents rise, concepts go stale and the Miami gaze wanders to whatever’s shiniest, leaving the old restaurants, nightlife venues and trends many of us grew up loving to fall like proverbial dominos. But wait, what’s this? Could it be Miami has developed a sense of nostalgia, and the gumption to actually do something about it? Judging by the number of reopenings this year (and more to come in 2025), it would seem so! More than nostalgia, perhaps it’s even a newfound reverence for the places and ideas that shaped Miami’s identity, a recognition that some things deserve to be more than fleeting. Don’t call it a comeback, or do. Here are the Miami restaurants, bars, people and trends that made triumphant returns in 2024. Photograph: Michael PisarriMartini service at Sunny's Steakhouse 1. Sunny’s Steakhouse By far this year’s most anticipated opening, pandemic darling Sunny’s “Someday” Steakhouse made its return in October, dropping the “Someday” for a permanent address in their original Little River pop-up space. This is the Floridian steakhouse we didn’t know we needed—but co-owners Will Thompson and Carey Hynes did. They kept the outside almost intact in both aesthetic and spirit, with casual seating and bar service surrounding a dec

Miami Spa Months are back, which means from July 1 through August 31, treatments and therapies at the city’s most coveted spas are more accessible than ever. Aching for a little stress relief? There’s an aromatherapy massage for that. Has this gnarly summer heat triggered a skin flare-up? Perhaps a clarifying hydra facial is the answer. Or maybe you’ve just been curious to try out that trendy new cellulite treatment. From Coral Gables up to Sunny Isles, Miami’s best spas are waiting for you to take advantage of this summer’s tempting reduced pricing. Still, starting at $109, treatments aren’t exactly cheap. We’ve combed through the offerings to pick out the very best Miami Spa Months specials (at our pre-vetted favorite Miami spas) that are actually worth it—because you deserve it.  Top Miami Spa Month deals Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Oriental Spa/George Apostolidis 1. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Miami The spa: Crossing the bridge to Brickell Key for the day isn’t really getting away, but when you’re surrounded by water and pampered like royalty it’s easy to make believe you’re on vacation. This massive facility offers treatments inspired by ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai traditions. The treatment: The Oriental Essence Massage ($199, 80 minutes) uses custom-blended oils and movements inspired by traditional Oriental therapies, relieving tension through the whole body. Deep Tissue and Hot Stone upgrades are available for an additional $30.00..

Gordan Ramsay has had his eyes set on Miami as of late. After opening Hell's Kitchen in Brickell, the "world's meanest chef" will be opening yet another restaurant in town, this one inspired by Depression-era kissas (jazz pubs) in Tokyo and Shanghai drinking dens. But note, there's nothing depression-era about this space.  Originally from London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, Lucky Cat is Ramsay's Asian-inspired late night lounge and restaurant concept and his first to open stateside. The space is sultry, with velvet booths to sink into, dark fluted walls and art deco light fixtures that keep the space nice and dim. Black neko cats line curved golden shelves and we'd dare you not to order a second round at the sexy little bar inside. The restaurant also features a raw bar and chef’s table for special occasions.  Lucky Cat's menu is inspired by popular dishes across the continent from Ramsay's travels. Expect things like sushi and sashimi, buns and dumplings, tempura specialties, and robata-grilled items. There will also be small plates and creative bar snacks, as the venue also doubles as a late night lounge. Additionally, the culinary team has crafted some only in Miami items, including a manilla wagyu roll, smoked shima aji nigiri, baked clay pot glass noodles with Maine lobster and Berkshire pork belly and Lamb Dumplings with Szechuan pepper.  And as its inspiration might suggest, Lucky Cat will feature a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys and premium sakes, alongside win

The internet has been ripe with commentary since Royal Caribbean first announced Icon of the Seas, the biggest ship ever to set sail. It’s been likened to the Titanic, a “Disaster at Sea,” a colossus on water. I may have bought into the slander had I not gone on the ship myself, but after spending three rum-filled days on board, I can assure you that this ship isn’t sinking anytime soon. In fact, how it caters to every single age and interest guarantees the Icon will be sailing—and setting the standard for family cruises—for a long time. The Icon itself is a layered experience, and I mean that in a physical sense. On your standard cruise, every floor, restaurant and activity is markedly separated. You’re either on the top deck or the mid-deck, with nothing to connect the two but a staircase. Not so on the Icon. Though there are eight different “neighborhoods” on board, the ship is engineered for exploration and discovery, designed to flow people throughout its 18 public decks with the buoyancy of lapping waves. Standing on one level doesn’t prevent you from being integrated into the other; you can somehow be in five places all at once. Disorientating? Yes, but at no point will you ever feel claustrophobic. Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out OK food, next-level cocktails and the never-ending night While grabbing an espresso at Pearl, the main café in the Icon’s two-story Promenade, where many of the lounges and bars are located, I looked up through a window into Central

For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront restaurants and bars are surprisingly hard to come by. And a decently priced one where the food and drinks don't just rely on views, that’s actually good? It doesn't exist—until now. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with today's "soft grand opening" of Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for—with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe. “We’re taking Gramps and doing it again, except with a bigger covered outdoor space…and it’s on the water,” says owner Adam Gersten. Photography: Ashley Brozic for Time OutGramps Getaway Though the layout feels virtually unchanged from what the shuttered Whiskey Joe's left behind (the thatched huts still stand), Gramps' DNA can be traced throughout. I popped in a few days before opening and noted the squiggly lines on neon planks of wood that look like they were drawn with magic dot pens, the schooner-like bar that'll be slinging out craft cocktails and frozens, and an area marked for a stage, because anytime they’re open, you can expect live music and entertainment. “We’ll have a pretty intense event program," says Gersten. "All the usual gramps stuff—DJs, live music, cultural events—and maybe more arcade games.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Key (@grampsgetaway) Dif

Have we reached peak Barbie yet? Not yet, Ken! After making its way across California, Mattel's Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be bopping its way to the Sunshine State, bringing tons of limited edition merch to those of us who love a life in plastic. (Spoiler alert: It's fantastic.)  As a part of its Dreamhouse Living Tour, the rainbow-hued Barbie truck will be making stops at three South Florida malls throughout February. Inside, you'll be able to shop tons of limited edition Barbie-themed merch, like bright and playful accessories, home goods (think cute doggy bowls, drink coasters and water bottles) and "Dream Wear," so you can flaunt your love for this iconic doll everywhere you go. Why not make a total Barbie Dream Day of it? Pop by the truck to get a full outfit, then head over to the Malibu Barbie Café in Wynwood for lunch, opening to the public on February 9.  You'll have three chances to catch the Barbie Dreamhouse truck as it rolls through South Florida. This includes a stop at Sawgrass Mills (in the Colonnade Outlets near the Matchbox Restaurant from 10am to 7pm), Aventura Mall (near the Slide Tower and Apple store from 10am to 7pm) and Dolphin Mall (in the Fountain Plaza from 11am to 8pm). Want to start strategizing your shopping trip? Here's a small snapshot of what you'll find:  Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel  Recommended: A Malibu Barbie Café is coming to Miami

In the culinary and bar worlds, there are two reigning organizations that elicit prayers for recognition. On one corner, you've got Michelin Guide, which finally began doling some stars to Miami in 2022. On the other, you've got the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to highlighting the best of the best in America's hospitality industry. Today, the latter announced its 2024 nominees with a handful of Miami and South Florida cuts, and while we won't find out who officially won until June, securing a nod from this non-profit is enough of a badge of honor to warrant a visit in order to see for yourself what makes a particular restaurant, chef or bar worth noticing.   As Eater Miami points out, the James Beard Foundation updated its award criteria three years ago in an effort to be more inclusive and highlight diverse talent. Florida rarely gets is share of the pie, and this year is no different. Out of the hundreds of nominees across categories like Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, ten Florida establishments and chefs have been nominated, including five from Miami.  Our city swept up with bakery nominations: Zak the Baker got a nod for Outstanding Bakery and MiMo's favorite croissant and cachito makers (and father-son duo) Jesus and Manuel Brazon from Caracas Bakery have been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macchialina has been recognized for its fantastic wine program and Chefs Valerie Chang (Maty's) and Tristen Epps (Oc

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  “Expanding our physical space and exhibition program formalizes the work we’ve been doing at the intersection of art and technology over the years,” says Mad Arts Executive Director, Marc Aptakin. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors into an entirely new museum experience. This expansion will give Mad Arts an opportunity to bring in more artists, expand educational programs and elevate how we use emerging technology to amplify stories, something that is central to our mission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mad Arts (@madarts_space) The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and transla

It only takes one trip to Miami to plant the seed in your mind: "I could live here." And how could you not want to? Boundless beaches and palm trees, a kaleidoscopic patchwork of cultures and an endless calendar of things to do under the sun puts our population in a constant vacation state of mind. But hey, don't take our word for it; just ask the thousands of city dwellers who voted Miami as one of Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World.  Miami ranked #23 in this year's global survey, which asks locals around the world what it's like to work, play and just exist where they live. This years rankings focused on quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife, as well as how the city overall made them feel, from the aesthetics surrounding them to the friendliness of their neighbors.  What really stands out about Miami is our legendary party scene. Miami had the second highest score for nightlife with a 94 percent approval rating, right behind Dubai which scored 98 percent. We nudged ahead of other party destinations like Berlin (92) and Singapore (91). And we totally back this finding, from bars to day parties, and nightclubs to strip clubs. Even astrologists agree: there has never been a more exciting time to live in this city than right now. Change is the only constant here, and everything from our hospitality scene to our arts and entertainment offerings are leveling up. We have internationally revered chefs like Massimo Bottura and Thomas Keller opening restaurant

Dolphin Mall has Dave & Busters, Aventura has a crazy slide tower and The Falls basically has a fully-functioning country club and a recently opened, old school arcade. Malls are no longer places where you go just to shop or wander aimlessly on a rainy afternoon; to thrive, they now need to be flanked by both anchor stores and sprawling entertainment centers.  Elev8 Fun is opening up at Miami International Mall, the Miami Herald reports, bringing a full-fledged indoor entertainment center to Doral's OG shopping complex. And it's going to be HUGE. It's taking over a former Kohl's department store, filling the 110,000 square-foot-space with a karting track, mini golf, 12 bowling lanes, a prize-touting arcade and a restaurant, too. But it's not only fun and games; Elev8 Fun will also tout a fitness center, so you can get in a few laps on both foot and go-kart. Elev8 Fun is owned by the same operators of Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, which can give you a better idea of what to expect. Their Tampa and Sanford locations offer a ton of other fun activities like a ropes course with zip-lining, laser tag, and "Dark Ride 7D," an immersive multi-player adventure game. No opening date has been given at this time, but the Herald reports that it's set to open some time in 2025.