Eight ways to experience the city during the Miami International Boat Show.
The Miami International Boat Show may be your reason to come to Florida, February 12-16, but beyond hosting one of the largest boat shows in the world, Miami, as a destination, demonstrates why it earned the name “The Magic City.” From its stunning art scene, luxury shopping, and fabulous food to sports events, serene spa retreats, and iconic beaches, Miami Beach and its mainland are world-class playgrounds. Here are eight ways to maximize your visit.
1. Explore Miami’s Iconic Museums
Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or science enthusiast, Miami’s museum scene has something for everyone. Start at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) on Biscayne Bay, known for its contemporary and modern art collections and gorgeous waterfront views. Adjacent is the Frost Science Museum, captivating all ages with its state-of-the-art planetarium, aquarium, and interactive science exhibits. Both can be accessed by downtown Miami’s free, 4.4-mile above ground “Metromover” that traverses downtown, the Omni, and Biscayne areas.
On Miami Beach, the Bass Museum of Art blends contemporary art with engaging installations, making it a must-see for art lovers. For a more immersive historical experience, head to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This early 20th-century estate on the mainland boasts European-inspired structures, lush gardens, and stunning views, reminiscent of Florida’s “Mizner Era” which highlights the contributions of legendary architect Addison Mizner.
Tip: Time your visit for weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Miami traffic can be another “experience.”
2. Catch a Show or Performance
For lovers of culture and the arts, Miami does not disappoint. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami hosts world-class Broadway shows, ballet, and concerts. During the Boat Show week, special performances and musical events are on the schedule, as well as Broadway sensation “Mamma Mia” just after the boat show, February 18-23.
On Miami Beach, the New World Center, home to the New World Symphony, will host classical performances on February 15th and 16th.
If you’re looking for something a little offbeat, the Miami Beach Bandshell offers a mix of live music from funk, fusion, and Latin music in open-air performances on the oceanfront Miami Beachwalk.
Evening plan: Pair a night at the theater with a pre-show dinner at one of Miami’s top restaurants.
3. Indulge in Luxury Spa Treatments
After a long day exploring boats and Miami’s many attractions, a spa session might be just what you need, and Miami Beach is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the country.
Head to The Standard Spa on Belle Isle, near Miami Beach, for its iconic hydrotherapy circuit, Turkish-style hammam, aroma steam rooms, and serene bayside pools. For the ultimate high-end experience, book a massage at The Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where relaxing thermal and aromatherapy treatments are paired with spectacular ocean views.
Over on the mainland, the Mediterranean-inspired Biltmore Hotel and Spa in Coral Gables offers timeless elegance with its healing and rejuvenating treatments, as well as its renowned Donald Ross Championship Golf Course.
4. Shop ’Til You Drop
Miami is a shopping mecca with no shortage of high-end boutiques, trendy shops, and glamorous malls. Lincoln Road Mall on Miami Beach is a pedestrian collage of national and boutique stores and sidewalk cafés perfect for people-watching.
For luxury lovers, Bal Harbour Shops, just north of the North Beach area, is a must-visit. This outdoor shopping center features iconic designer brands like Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton and is ranked among the highest-grossing retail centers in the world.
On the mainland, make your way to the Miami Design District, a neighborhood of cutting-edge fashion, art, dining, and flagship boutiques like Fendi, Hermes, Dior, Gucci, and Cartier that borders the Wynwood Arts District. And don’t miss downtown Miami’s Brickell City Center, a multi-level shopping destination with everything from luxury labels to unique local finds.
5. Savor Miami’s Culinary Scene
Miami is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is that more evident than in its culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, Latin American flavors, or fine dining, you’ll find it here.
On Miami Beach, head to Joe’s Stone Crab, an institution famous for its fresh stone crabs and decadent key lime pie. For a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine, book a table at Bâoli Miami, where dinner often turns into a lively late-night music scene.
Over in downtown Miami, Zuma offers chic Japanese dining with waterfront views, while CVI.CHE 105 serves some of the best Peruvian ceviche in town. If you’re exploring Coral Gables, Orno Restaurant is a standout, with wood-fired dishes and farm-to-table ingredients.
And don’t leave Miami without trying a Cuban coffee and pastelito from the legendary Versailles Restaurant on Calle Ocho, (SW 8th Street) in Little Havana. You can catch a quick taste at the Café Versailles at the Miami International Airport, but the original restaurant and neighborhood is a cultural Cuban experience.
6. Soak in Miami’s Art and Culture
Miami’s streets are like an open-air gallery, and there’s no better example than Wynwood Walls in the Wynwood Arts District, also known for its craft breweries and nightclubs. This outdoor museum features giant murals painted by internationally renowned street artists, and it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
For a more upscale art scene, explore the galleries and public installations in the Miami Design District. You’ll find rotating exhibitions and sculptures that are not just Instagram-worthy but thought-provoking.
Snap more photos of the iconic Art Deco District in South Beach, where pastel buildings and neon lights transport you from today to the city’s former era of design excellence.
7. Cheer at Sports Events
Sports fans can get their adrenaline fix in Miami too. During the Boat Show week, the Miami Heat NBA team is unfortunately on the road, but come early to see them take on the Boston Celtics at the downtown Kaseya Center on February 10th. If you prefer soccer, stick around until the following week to catch the Inter Miami CF host Sporting Kansas City on February 25th at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
For golf enthusiasts, February is a perfect time to hit the greens at public courses like the Miami Beach Golf Club, designed by Arthur Hill, or Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, designed by Robert von Hagge. Both offer stunning tropical landscapes, but if time allows, the Trump National Golf Course in Doral, about 16 miles from Miami Beach, features the famed “Blue Monster” course, a resort, and restaurants.
8. Relax on Miami’s Stunning Beaches
No visit to Miami is complete without enjoying its world-famous beaches. While South Beach steals the spotlight with its soft sands and party scene, quieter spots like Crandon Park on Key Biscayne and Surfside Beach, just south of Bal Harbour, are perfect for a more tranquil vibe and relaxing walk.
Wrap Up
The Miami International Boat Show may be the main event, but Miami itself is the ultimate destination—and if you speak Spanish, you have an advantage as every Latin country is represented. Soak in art and culture, indulging in world-class dining, or relax on pristine beaches—this vibrant city delivers unforgettable experiences. From Miami Beach to the mainland, your adventure starts here—on and off the water.
-by Marilyn DeMartini
