Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

Think galleries and museums are the only source for the latest and greatest works of art? Miami’s Design District is poised to shake up that notion on 16 May with the opening of its highly-anticipated Museum Garage, a seven-story parking structure featuring the work of five world-class artists and architects.

While east coast cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale give Florida a dose of international cool, the west coast of the state has plenty of hip sights and sounds that are worthy of a family getaway. St. Petersburg, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is one of those spots, with sun-drenched beaches and a charmingly quirky/artsy vibe all its own. Looking for a rundown of family-friendly spots in St. Pete & nearby Clearwater? Check out our 25 favorites.

Sun, sand, surf and balmy winter weather – Miami’s beguiling climate has charmed more than its fair share of visitors. One of the best ways to experience the perks of being on a warm-weather peninsula is with a frosty beverage in your hand and water views for days. Surprisingly, finding a bar with that kind of real estate in Miami isn’t as simple as you might think.

In much of the world’s eyes, Miami and Miami Beach are one and the same, often used interchangeably in conversation. It’s a sentiment that was reinforced by LeBron James back in 2010, when he told the world he was ‘taking (his) talents to South Beach.’ After uttering that infamous line, Miami residents collectively rolled their eyes. The NBA superstar had just signed a contract with the Miami Heat – not the Miami Beach Heat.

You can study the rapidly changing skyline for clues of Miami’s evolution, but what do the interior of the buildings themselves reveal about a city? That’s the focus of Miami Motel Stories, a real-time immersive theater experience taking place inside hotels and motels in developing neighborhoods. The three-part series launches on October 27 at Little Havana’s Tower Hotel (1450 SW 7th St), former stomping grounds of Billie Holiday and other jazz legends.

No bones about it: Miami pooches aren’t exacting ruff-ing it in the Magic City. Our overabundance of sunny days, dog parks, vets and puppy supply shops has earned us a spot on Reward Expert’s most pet-friendly U.S. vacation destinations list and a ranking on WalletHub’s most pet-friendly cities of 2016. And pet owners here would agree—their dogs have it pretty great.

Living in Miami can be fantastic. After all, you get to spend your waking hours enjoying a city most people pay top dollar to vacation in. Crashing ocean waves and salty breezes at your fingertips? Check. Croquetas? You better believe that’s a “check.” It’s a bustling international city with world-class museums, five star restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene and a decidedly tropical island vibe. What’s not to love? Turns out, the Magic City isn’t magical for everyone who moves here.

Summer is Miami’s low season for a reason. The potent mix of heat and humidity here is enough to take down a well-seasoned local, not to mention the garden variety tourist. And sure, we’ve got a little something called the Atlantic Ocean to help us stay cool, but coming home with sand uncomfortably entrenched in every bodily crevice starts to get old quick. Plus, trying to clean it out of your car afterwards is definitely not recommended for beating the summer heat. What’s a local to do? Well,

For years, Cuba has remained largely out of reach to U.S. travelers. Located just 90 nautical miles from the southernmost point in the United States, the island nation sits less than an hour’s flight away from Key West—its sights, sounds, scents and tastes dangling temptingly out of reach. Last month, Sunset Key Cottages launched “Cuba, Curated,” a 12-hour day trip exploring the country’s culture through private tours with local experts.

Sharing its name with the legendary baseball slugger of yore, Fort Lauderdale’s Yankee Clipper has seen a few things in its time. Built in 1956 as one of the few beachfront hotels in the city, it welcomed a luminous Marilyn Monroe, who enjoyed some R&R and the company of a Yankees’ special instructor: the great Joe DiMaggio. In its mid-century heyday, the hotel served as a home base for many Yankees greats, who trained—and partied—in the city. But today, the historic resort has a new lease on life.

There’s a transformative quality about the drive from Miami to Key West. In between these two cities—each known for distinctly different styles of sun-soaked revelry—lies a drive that lulls even the most anxious soul into a placid state of serenity. Truth be told, it’d be a shame to lose that rare moment of ocean-induced zen. That’s the allure of Oceans Edge Key West, a 20-acre property from the family-run Singh Resorts that opened its doors to the public in January 2017.

During the day, Miami’s museums are mild-mannered treasure troves of art, photography and sculptures. But after hours, the city’s cultural institutions come alive with evenings full of music, cocktails and dancing. (And, yes, even some art.) Here is where to head for a cultured night out.

When it comes to Miami, South Beach and Wynwood get the lion’s share of the world’s love and affection. And though both have rightly earned their time in the spotlight, a new class of neighborhood is stepping up to give them a run for their money. Case in point: These five on-the-verge areas are making waves with an influx of compelling art, creative wares, great restaurants and lip-smacking cocktails. Admittedly, Miami neighborhoods can be a bit tough to define, but make no mistake, these districts are distinctive, diverse and deserving of your attention.

When faced with a sunrise after a night spent contorting yourself in unspeakable positions on the dance floor (kudos on getting your leg up on that person’s shoulder for the entirety of “Work,” by the way), you’ve got two options: I’ll take “keep contorting” for the Daily Double, Alex. But that’s because I live in Miami. It’s what we do here. Why? Because we can. Pool parties, DJ-fueled brunches, 24-hour liquor licenses––what’s to stop you from dancing your ass off for 24-hours straight?

When faced with a sunrise after a night spent contorting yourself in unspeakable positions on the dance floor (kudos on getting your leg up on that person’s shoulder for the entirety of “Work,” by the way), you’ve got two options: I’ll take “keep contorting” for the Daily Double, Alex. But that’s because I live in Miami. It’s what we do here. Why? Because we can.

The highlight of Miami Beach’s year-end celebrations is no doubt Art Basel 2016. Now in its 15th year, the prominent North American art fair will showcase 269 exhibitors inside the 500,000 square-foot Miami Beach Convention Center.

Since it launched in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach has attracted so many collectors, art luminaries and curious creative types that the event has mushroomed into Miami Art Week. It’s a catchall title to describe the arty parties, events and growing number of satellite fairs that are spreading like wildfire across the city—from South Beach to Wynwood and new neighborhoods such as Little Haiti.

The highlight of Miami Beach’s year-end celebrations is no doubt Art Basel 2016. Now in its 15th year, the prominent North American art fair will showcase 269 exhibitors inside the 500,000 square-foot Miami Beach Convention Center. Between December 1 and 4, amid a flurry of Miami Art Week satellite fairs, parties and events, Basel attendees will have the opportunity to browse works exhibited by big-name artists and influential galleries across sections that include Nova (younger galleries), Survey (historical works) and Positions (made up of emerging artists). The list of participants is extensive, to say the least, but we’ve singled out the following outfits as the year’s must-see.

Thinking about moving to Miami? Of course you are. And who can blame you? Madonna, Will Smith and Matt Damon have all called the 305 home, no doubt lured by its sunny skies, sultry Latin vibe and miles of beaches. But the city is much more than its sexy, glitzy veneer. The diverse Hispanic culture spread throughout town shines through in its cafecito breaks, salsa rhythms and passionate social exchanges. There’s a subtle island mentality at work here, with lax meeting times and a minimalist approach to layers of clothes.

Your trusty weather app is telling you that it's 89 degrees outside, but when you add a dash of humidity to the mix it feels more like 100—and then some. Welcome to Miami!