Get to know Miami

Miami is a relatively young city — just over a century old — but it has been inhabited consistently for much longer. (People, it seems, have always liked the beach). The city exploded during the Florida land boom of the 1920s as Northerners flocked to its warm climate, a sudden expansion that earned it the nickname “The Magic City.” Today, the population continues to rise, right alongside new buildings and businesses. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city that is mad for its major sports teams and sunny-minded pursuits like golf, boating, and tennis. However, Miami’s major cultural touchstone is the arts. Museums and cultural centers abound, and live music and public art seem to grace every street corner. Though much of the world focuses on the annual Art Basel exhibition, there are festivals and shows throughout the year, plus a lively gallery scene.

Dining in Miami is an endless adventure. There are enough restaurants that you’d never have to eat at the same one twice. That said, finding a neighborhood favorite won’t take long. A seemingly endless craving for culinary extravagance influences the cuisine, incorporating a globe-spanning tasting platter. From the corner café to some seriously swank cuisine, satisfying bites are never lacking in Miami. Shopping makes Miami an international destination where the latest trends of tropical life are always originating. Esteemed fashion houses share streetscapes with bold innovators in trendy districts and luxe malls. So many storefronts populate the sleek Miami Design District that you’ll perhaps need a map and multiple days to explore the area thoroughly. Meanwhile, the city is rich with home design and art galleries that gather the best from global artists.