At Any Price: Miami

Miami Beach Ocean Drive hotels and restaurants at sunset. City skyline with palm trees at night. Art deco nightlife on the South beach

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Whether you’re ready to splurge or planning an affordable getaway, Miami, Florida, has it all—from luxe yacht charters and upscale dining experiences to hidden gems and lively Cuban cafes. Read this guide to discover Miami’s top attractions, dining, and hotels at ANY price.

Premium Attractions Up To $1,200

Treat yourself to the VIP experience with a half-day yacht charter cruising on Biscayne Bay. A licensed captain, stewardess, and personal host will cater to your every need as you sail past iconic sights like Fisher Island, the Nixon Sandbar, and the glitzy Miami skyline. For an even more luxurious experience, opt for add-ons like a jet ski, onboard massage, or a private chef.

Take a break from the action with a day of pampering at The Standard Spa. The adults-only oasis boasts a Turkish hammam, hydrotherapy pools, and a mud lounge, making it a playground for wellness lovers. Choose from treatments like a deep-tissue massage or personalized facial, then stick around to bask in the many amenities at this renowned spa. 

When in Miami, do as the elite do. Nothing says “luxury” quite like flying down the iconic Ocean Drive in a Lamborghini or a Mclaren. Rent one of these impressive automobiles for the day and experience the thrill of a lifetime. Soak up show-stopping views of  Miami’s Art Deco architecture and crystal-blue waters while cruising down the sun-drenched streets in style.

Budget-Friendly Attractions Under $50

Explore Miami’s vibrant Cuban heritage on a guided walking tour through Little Havana’s Calle Ocho. Savor authentic Cuban coffee, fresh pastries, and tropical juices, and meet the shop owners who have built this thriving community. You’ll learn all about the history and contributions of Cuban culture to Miami’s unique vibe.

Escape to the tropics with a visit to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. Watch exotic butterflies soar above you in the Wings of the Tropics exhibit, then journey through the only outdoor tropical rainforest experience in the continental US. With 83 acres of rare tropical plants and interactive exhibits, you could easily spend all afternoon exploring this budget-friendly spot.

Step into old-world elegance at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a historic mansion and national landmark on Biscayne Bay. The 1916 Italian-inspired villa is adorned with more than 2,500 original furnishings and antiques. Outside, stroll through ten acres of meticulously curated gardens to admire seasonal blooms, fountains, and statues. 

Free Things To Do in Miami

Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun. With beachfront access, a playground, and scenic walking trails, it’s a fantastic destination for families and couples alike. Set up a picnic in one of the well-maintained green spaces and watch the yachts pass by. You could also fish off the South Point Pier, bike the trails, and lay out in the sand. It’s hard to get bored here, and best of all? It’s totally free. 

Wynwood is known around the country as a mecca for street art lovers. Wynwood Walls may charge an entry fee, but the rest of the quirky neighborhood is free to explore. Wander through streets lined with vibrant murals, graffiti, and art installations on a self-guided tour. Be sure to stop by the Mana Wynwood complex—they regularly host pop-up galleries and exhibitions. 

For a fun night out, catch an outdoor movie at SoundScape Park. Every Wednesday from October to May, the park hosts free movies as part of the SoundScape Cinema Series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for blockbusters like Harry Potter or Ghostbusters under the stars. This free Miami Beach attraction promises to be fun for the whole family.

Premium Dining Up To $200

Not to be confused with the uber-casual Joe’s Crab Shack, Joe’s Stone Crab is an upscale Miami Beach legend that’s been serving the best stone crab in town for over a century. Think tuxedoed waiters, white tablecloths, and vaulted ceilings. Try the famous crab claws, lobster mac and cheese, or wild oysters. For an extra indulgence, start with a chilled seafood tower.

Want to dine like royalty? It doesn’t get more glamorous than Gianni’s, a luxurious Italian-Mediterranean restaurant inside the former Versace mansion. Dine under the stars by the famous mosaic pool or dine in the opulent dining room. Savor decadent dishes like lobster spaghetti, Australian lamb chops, and a 32-ounce Tomahawk steak for two. 

For over-the-top opulence, Brickell’s Sexy Fish is the place to be. With dazzling ocean-themed murals and sculptures throughout the restaurant, this seafood spot is a feast for all of your senses. Start with the Oscietra caviar, then try swanky bites like beef carpaccio with bone marrow, Wagyu nigiri with foie gras, and Chilean sea bass with black truffles. 

Budget-Friendly Dining Under $50

Little Havana’s El Mago de las Fritas is a must-visit for its authentic Cuban fritas—a spiced beef and chorizo burger with crispy shoestring potatoes. Pair your burger with the famous pork chicharrones, and you’ll quickly find out why this no-frills joint is a longstanding Miami favorite.

Versailles Restaurant is another budget-friendly staple in Little Havana. Once the unofficial meeting spot for Miami’s Cuban exile community, it’s widely considered to be the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant. Grab a table (it’s first come, first serve) in the vintage dining room and sample delicacies like ropa vieja and croquettes. Want a surefire hit? Order the Cuban sandwich that tourists visit from all over to sink their teeth into. 

Travel back to a bygone era at 11th Street Diner, where you’ll eat in a retro 1940s dining car. The South Beach landmark serves up American classics like burgers and shakes but with a Miami twist. For an epic mix of savory and sweet, opt for the Monte Cristo. It’s got ham, turkey, swiss, and strawberry marmalade sandwiched between challah French toast. 

Premium Hotels Up To $1,000

Channeling Old Hollywood glam, Faena Hotel is Miami Beach luxury at its finest. With retro-glam suites, cabaret performances, and a private beach club, Faena offers both style and substance. Lounge by the palm-lined pool or sip a cocktail at one of the chic hotel bars. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in global cuisine at one of their immersive dining concepts. 

The Biltmore Hotel is an iconic landmark with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and tastefully decorated rooms. Tee off on the championship golf course, sip cocktails in the Biltmore Bar, and soak up the sun at one of the country’s largest hotel pools. This Coral Gables hotel offers the tranquility of being away from the hustle while still being close enough to enjoy Miami nightlife.

If it’s a wellness stay you’re after, the Carillon Miami is a great choice. Every suite features a living room and kitchen for an elevated home-away-from-home experience. Take your pick of cutting-edge offerings like salt bath therapy, cryotherapy, and chakra balancing. Dine at upscale venues where local ingredients take center stage, and unwind at the infinity-edge cabana pool. 

Budget-Friendly Hotels Under $200

The Balfour is a historic boutique hotel teeming with Art Deco charm. Stay in a modern guest room with custom furnishings, rainfall showers, and pillow-top beds. Rent a complimentary bicycle to explore the neighborhood, relax in the peaceful courtyard, and enjoy in-room spa treatments. 

For a retro-chic stay that won’t break the bank, check into one of the small yet comfortable rooms at The Vagabond Hotel. Go for a swim in the famous mosaic pool and indulge in modern gastro fare at the on-site restaurant. Fun fact: In the 1950s, the Vagabond was allegedly a regular hangout spot for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.

Looking for a budget-friendly bed and breakfast in Miami Beach? Try Villa Venezia B&B, where the well-appointed rooms each come with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Read in the garden, lounge on the sun terrace, and enjoy a daily continental or buffet breakfast. It’s an easy walk to Lummus Park Beach, making this spot a convenient choice for beachgoers.

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