Wynwood Kitchen and Bar
Lincoln Road
Beyond Bal Harbour, the hottest al fresco shopping and people watching in the city can be found on Lincoln Road. Located between Lenox and Washington Avenues and anchored by the modernist-cool, MHerzon & de Meuron-designed 1111 residence and parking garage, the pedestrian mall offers up an array of unique boutiques. Beyond J. Crew and Juicy Couture, check out the posh Goth goods by Rodarte and Rick Owens at Alchemist (483 Lincoln Road, www.shopalchemist.com), or our personal favourite, the Miami outpost of Osklen (1101 Lincoln Rd., www.osklen.com), a luxe surf-wear line from Brazil, that other hard-bodied hub. (Lincoln Rd. at 16th St., 305-531-3442, www.lincolnroad.org)
The Webster
Nestled between South Beach's kitchy tourist shops is The Webster, a 20,000 square-foot, three-floor designer emporium carrying covet-worthy ready-to-wear brands for guys and gals. If the edited racks full of APC, Celine and Alaia prove too pricey, a visit to the main floor lounge for cocktails and a selection of art and design magazines are inspiring wallet-friendly alternatives. (1220 Collins Ave., 305-674-7899, www.thewebstermiami.com)
Where to eat
The Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
At The Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, it's hard to know what to be more excited about. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city's booming arts district, it could be the larger than life street art, both outside and inside, by international artists including Shepard Fairey, Space Invader, and Brazilian twins Os Gemeos. Or, under the direction of chef Marco Ferraro, it could be the laid-back menu featuring 6 different kinds of sausage, a twist on the suburban iceberg lettuce salad, and a homemade "Oreo" cookie to finish. (2550 NW 2nd Ave., 305-722-8959, www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com)
Cecconi's
This storied London hotspot has been transplanted to South Beach courtesy of private club Soho House (the restaurant is open to non-members). The secret garden setting attracts less bearable scenesters who linger long after dining on Venetian specialties (think carpaccio, ossobuco) or lighter fare. (4385 Collins Ave., 786-507-7902, www.cecconismiamibeach.com)
Fratelli Lyon
As fun for the eyes as for the palate, Fratelli Lyon occupies the front space of the Driade furniture showroom, smack in the heart of the Design District. The Miami meets Milanese persona comes through in the sleek industrial decor and a menu that emphasizes Italian DOP, sustainable and organic ingredients. (4141 NE 2nd Ave., 305-572-2901, www.fratellilyon.com)
What to do
Golfing at the Biltmore Hotel
If your game is golf, head to the historic Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables and tee off at the storied Donald Ross Golf Course. Originally designed in 1925 and restored in 2007, the championship green has been attracting club-toting luminaries, dignitaries and movie stars for decades. And with a sprawling 6,800 yard, 18-hole course on the pristine grounds of the celebrated hotel, you better make sure you belt out "fore." (www.biltmorehotel.com)
Miami Culinary Tours
Culturally diverse, the city of Miami's culinary options are staggering. With countless restaurants per capita, it's almost impossible to know where to get the perfect coladita but the Miami Culinary Tours make things simple. Run by locals, the tours use the South Beach and Little Havana neighbourhoods as architectural backdrops for some of the best American, South American and Cuban foods found in the city. (www.miamiculinarytours.com)
New World Center
When creative minds like Michael Tilson Thomas and Frank Gehry get together, impressive results are guaranteed. The artistic director of the New World Symphony and the famous architect collaborated to bring to life the New World Centre, an education centre built on 2.5 acres in the middle of Miami Beach, and the symphony's first custom designed building. Visit their site to see their scheduled performances throughout the year. (www.nws.edu)