Ashley Brozic

Be it the sky-high rents or meals out that can easily creep into the four-digit range, Miami ain’t cheap, y’all. But all those megayacht excursions and nightclub tables we see on our feeds aside, there are actually a ton of free things to do in and around the 305. In fact, you can dabble in freebies every day of the week and on your own time, from basking on public beaches to exploring art museums and social clubs. And, oh yes, there are plenty of free pickleball courts in Miami, too (along with plenty of other fun ways to stay active on a budget). We've checked in with our usual favorites and scoped out exciting new spots to present you with our locals-approved top picks for the best free things to do in Miami this season. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

There's no place like Miami in the winter. From December through early March, the city comes alive with festivals and concerts, plus annual favorites whose return we await the minute they’re over. From Coconut Grove to South Beach, Wynwood to Aventura, the city is buzzing with events, whether you like to nosh on gourmet bites with celebrity chefs, peruse art al fresco, ogle at million dollar cars and boats or attend awesome concerts.  As the weather cools to a crisp 75 degrees and you make plans to enjoy the outdoors at one of the Miami beaches or your nearest Miami park, remember that our high season is fleeting and the can’t-miss winter events in Miami won't be around for long. Ready to start populating your social calendar? Here are the can't-miss events in Miami and South Florida this winter season.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami right now

Wow, 2024. We really did that. As we stare down the barrel of a new quarter-century, it's time to reflect on the venues, events and moments that sparked the most joy in Miami this year. To compile these 2024 Best of the City Awards, our small but mighty team of editors and contributors at Time Out Miami spent countless hours queuing up at fancy Italian restaurants, slurping noodles at Italian pasta restaurants and sipping spritzes at Italian bars. Just kidding...sort of. There really was so much to do, see and eat in Miami this year. Happily, much of it was homegrown, though some came from far-flung reaches to make roots in our Magic City. And even in the face of dozens of closures, 2024 gave us a triumphant sprinkling of Miami restaurant and nightlife comebacks to root for, too. Our Best of the City picks feature one-time events and fleeting pop-ups, but most are things that you can go check out this second—and absolutely should.

Like most things in Miami, our Christmas light displays tend to be a bit over-the-top. Ours might not be a snow-capped wonderland, but there’s nothing we can’t illuminate in this town. Tropical jungle? We’ve got every palm tree glittering in LEDs and yes, the Santa Claus on Lincoln Road rocks a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops. Because the holidays just hit different in Miami.  From whimsical Christmas events to extravagant Christmas dinners, celebrating the season in Miami can be just as magical as anywhere else—especially when you’re taking in our twinkling scenery by sea. So get that hot cocoa to go and ride out after the sunset. Here are the best places to see spectacular holiday lights in Miami. RECOMMENDED: Time Out Guide to Christmas in Miami

December 2024: Winter in Miami is in full swing and we can barely keep up with the barrage of concerts, festivals and festive events—let alone all the adorable farmers and flea markets that make us feel like we're living in a Nora Ephron film. It's only a matter of time before the snowbirds arrive to take over our pristine beaches and top Miami restaurants. 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.

In today’s world, everything worth visiting is immersive. It’s harder than ever to capture our attention, time and dollars, so everything from your favorite restaurant to your local botanical garden, has to level up and evolve. Gone are the days where we simply sit back and ‘watch’ (except for a good Netflix binge on the couch, of course – and we’ve got a guide for that). But for those times when we get an itch to leave the house and truly feel something, we damn well expect to be dazzled and delighted.  Enter: “immersive” experiences. Yeah, you know the type…the ones where you’re suddenly engulfed by art or you’re time-traveling thanks to a pop-up centered around nostalgia. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, these experiences are here to stay. So, here are the top five immersive pop-ups and experiences to check out in Miami this season. Recommended: Where to see the most spectacular Christmas lights in Miami

Ah, Miami. It's hard to resist our 35-mile stretch of glorious beachfront, world class museums and sexy swimming pools. And as if that wasn't enough, would you believe that there's so much more to explore.  Historic vacation estates, iconic monuments and lush tropical gardens – some touting animals galore – make up another portion of Miami's offerings, alongside two of the most unique national parks in the country – one completely submerged under water and the second spanning over 1.5 million acres of tropical wetland. Your travels could even take you on a journey of food discovery, leading you to the best donuts, Cuban sandwiches and pizza in Miami. Whatever the reason or the season (though we must admit, winter is honestly the best), our guide to the best Miami attractions has something for everyone. RECOMMENDED: ❄️ The best things to do in Miami this Winter🍽️ The best restaurants in Miami🏖️ The best beachfront Airbnbs in Miami This guide was written by Falyn Wood, an editor based in Miami. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Whenever I wander through Coral Gables, I find myself wondering: How can one neighborhood pack so much food into its historic, palm-lined streets? Between the fancy steakhouses, the cozy Italian bistros and Latin spots dishing out flavors straight from abuela’s kitchen, it’s like the place has been designed to destroy my “only one meal out this week” rule.  Coral Gables is no ordinary neighborhood—it’s truly become a Miami dining destination in its own right. You’ll find places where the cocktails are as much of a draw as the entrées, and where the ambiance alone might convince you to order dessert. So if you’re ready to take a culinary stroll through the Gables, here’s where to start. From casual to splurge spots, these are our picks for the best restaurants in Coral Gables. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Coral Gables

October 2024: We've combed through this guide and left off a couple of Miami spas whose facilities have become a bit outdated. We also peppered in a few new spots specializing in facials, like Silver Mirror and Sana. Medspas with affordable membership options also newly feature in our updated guide to the best spas in Miami. See you in the steam room! Miami is a pampered city, figuratively and literally. There are endless perks that come with living in a town that touts so many incredible hotels and resorts, and one of those is access to world-class spas. Here, you can wrap yourself in 24-karat gold, clear your chakras through bodywork and celestial alignment, lather yourself in decadent Florida sugar scrubs or sweat it out in a luxurious, Turkish-style hammam. If there’s an up-and-coming treatment, rest assured you can find it here—otherwise, your next Swedish massage is probably just a block or two away. From South Beach to the Gables, these standalone spots and ultra-luxe hotel destinations are the best spas in Miami to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and and absolutely amazing.

Miami is the kind of place that can make any night as debaucherous as New Year’s Eve, so imagine our annual delight when standard bottle service is accompanied by a ball drop and an epic fireworks display. It’s not about how you start your night on New Year’s Eve—maybe a little féte at a friend’s condo, or a restaurant with a decadent New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu? It’s more about where you start your year. Whether you choose to ring it in on a swanky rooftop with bay views, in a ratchet bar with a one-night-only open tab policy or with Grammy award-winning DJs overlooking the Atlantic, these New Year's Eve events in Miami offer endless ways to celebrate the arrival of 2025 in style. This year, we're breaking down the Miami NYE parties by neighborhood, because the last place you want to be is stuck in traffic when the ball drops. RECOMMENDED: 🍝 Where to have New Year’s Eve dinner in Miami🎇 Where to watch the fireworks in Miami

Only in Miami can you start your day with a 5am rave, roll over to brunch on the beach and booty shake to Soca music in Wynwood all before the sun goes down. The best day parties in Miami are as laid-back or luxurious as you make them. We’ve got beautiful beach clubs overlooking Biscayne Bay, live DJ sets at an Asian steet food hall, Vegas-style pool parties and a world-famous drag brunch on Ocean Drive, just to name a few. Get a good night’s sleep, then meet us for a dawn-til-dusk marathon at Miami’s best day parties.  RECOMMENDED: Guide to Miami nightlife

Not having a white Christmas also means you don't have to bundle up a toddler every time you want to go outside. It's the most family-friendly time of year in Miami, and we here in South Florida find ways to make the spirit of the holidays come alive. No matter their age, no matter their interest, kids can find so much to do over Christmas break in Miami—and it helps that parents and grandparents can join in on the fun too. From Christmas hayrides to classic holiday shows at the theater, illuminated gardens and whimsical vintage markets, here are the best kid-friendly things to do to make this holiday season magical.  Recommended: The best Christmas events in Miami

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. 

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.

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! 

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.

Miami has a Messi of soccer and now, a "Messi of wines." Casa Vigil is a Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred winery restaurant from Mendoza, Argentina by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. This is poised to be the Miami spot to learn about wine, particularly when you run through the five-course, Mediterranean-inspired tasting menu, which comes with three levels of wine pairings. It's as much a place for novices as pros, as plenty of rare vintages are on offer here, too.

Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova – all on one pickleball court.  This weekend marks the second annual Pickleball Slam, where tennis greats will be swapping their racquets for paddles to compete for a $1 million purse. McEnroe and Sharapova will be facing off against Agassi and Graf, who have 30 combined Grand Slam singles titles. We know they can individually dominate on the tennis court, but can they take on its smaller, boxier cousin? We'll find out on Sunday.This event will be taking place at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Can't make it? you can tune in to ESPN on Sunday at 8:30pm to watch the pros live.  Another fun satellite competition is the Amateur Slam 2 on February 3rd and 4th. Taking place on Lincoln Road, 128 players will be competing in teams throughout the weekend for the chance to play against these legends and win up to $25K.     

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.  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 translates them into Victorian flower language all around you.  The newly opened second floor features holographic sculptures by Studio McGuire including Sirens, which follows digital mermaids as they deal with ocean pollution and climate change. Tetra uses your touch to bring cell-looking worlds to life. And step into nature with Forest Perception–if a tree talks in a forest, does anyone listen? by celebrated Japanese artist Akiko Yamashita, where you'll experience lush jungle-scapes from a range of vantage points, whether you're a bird or an ant.

Miss finding all of Miami's best and buzziest street food chefs at Time Out Market? Get your fix of Miami's best food vendors at Smorgasburg Miami. In partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), this outdoor market pops up this Friday from 5:30 to 10:30pm all along the thoroughfare, bringing over 20 stalls, a full bar and live music. 

Brickell's tenth annual arts festival isn't just one festival; it's actually four: the Brickell Art Festival, the Brickell Food & Wine Festival, the Brickell Seafood Festival, and the Winter Music Festival taking place on Saturday night. The events give you a chance to sample the neighborhood’s best eats along with loads of culture, live music and more than 100 fine art exhibitors. Both food festivals are ticketed events ($69 for unlimited beverages and $99 for food as well) and take place on Saturday only from 2–6pm. The Winter Music Festival starts at 6pm and is presented by School of Rock. This and Sunday's Arts Festival are free to the public. The main entrance is in front of the Brickell Metrorail Station North Entrance  on SW 1st Ave between SW 9th and SW 10th Streets.  

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. 

You've been to Carbone (or are on the waitlist, anyway). You've brunched at Sadelle's. You may have satisfied your carnivorous tendencies at Dirty French, or maybe you've celebrated an occasion or two at Contessa or Hasalon. Over the past two years, Major Food Group has opened six public restaurants in Miami – a big expansion in a short amount of time – and while they've been welcomed additions to our city's dining scene, they all have one thing in common: they're not from around here.  Chateau ZZ changes this with two bold firsts. One, this is MFG's first purely original concept in Miami, not inspired offshoots of their restaurants in other cities. Two, this is their first foray into Mexican cuisine. One might think, "A Mexican restaurant within a chateau?" In strolling the space, you'll see it's a delightful juxtaposition.   Photography: Kris Tamburello To start, the entire building and its interiors are STUNNING. MFG has taken over the Petit Douy in Brickell, one of Miami's first designated historic landmarks. Built in 1931 as a private residence, it was designed in the style of the Priory of Saint Julian, a monastery in the small village of Douy, France. They kept the bones and partnered with maximalist designer Ken Fulk to enshroud it with all the grand interior splendor that MFG is known for: floor to ceiling wallpaper in deep hues and tropical prints; bold pattern on pattern plays and touches of animal print; booths and barstools that urge you to sink in and stay a w