Home to celebrities, rappers, musicians, and Al Capone's hideaway, Miami is best known for … a really good time. But the once and future marshland is more than the sum of its parties. With crystal waters, white beaches, and a consistent tropical heat, it's a natural escape from winter blues. Plus, in March, America's sunporch hosts the US' first Formula E car race (all-electric F1!) and the annual Miami International Film Festival. And partyers will swarm in for one of the largest electronic-music festivals of the year, Ultra. (Yeah, there's a lot to do.) Whether you fly south for the race, the films, or the rave—or skip them altogether—a Cuban sandwich is worth the trip.
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SEE
Avoid the South Beach crowds and head instead to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. Lounge on the mile-long sandy stretch or rent a bike to explore the secluded park. Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for manatees. Then check out Roy Lichtenstein's public Mermaid sculpture before indulging your inner design geek in the Design District. Airboat tours zip you through the nearby Everglades to see turtles, birds, and giant gators. (Pack earplugs; the boats are insanely loud.)
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DO
Swim in the historic spring-water Venetian Pool, reopening in March, and check out its caves and waterfalls. Feeling adventurous? Head south to Jules' Undersea Lodge, one of the world's rare underwater hotels. Play with a tiger cub and snuggle a baby gibbon on a tour at the Zoological Wildlife Foundation—your Instagram will thank you.
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EAT
For old-school Cuban sandwiches and empanadas, head to the classic Versailles Restaurant near Little Havana. But for new Cuban-inspired gourmet, try Bread+Butter. After a day at the beach, skip the fancy restaurant and stop at Joe's Take Away for stone crab legs and a key lime pie. For handcrafted cocktails, head to The Broken Shaker—pick your poison or stick with their basics, like the kale-and-pineapple caipirinha.
Getty Images; Gluekit“Miami is a melting pot— and a hot one at that. My favorite music venue is Bardot, where the cool young up-and- comers play. Another low-key place with great music is Radio Bar. It’s a nice mix of artists, suits, locals.”—Genesis Rodriguez, actress, voice of Honey Lemon in Big Hero 6, and Miami native
Justin Mezzell
