Miami, Florida, is a favorite destination for spring breakers from around the world. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and exciting nightlife, Miami offers something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your significant other, there are plenty of options to consider. Below is a curated destination guide, from South Beach and Downtown Miami to Key West, that offers a variety of experiential hotels and events.

 

Spring Break For the Party

 

Gabriel South Beach

The Gabriel South Beach is a boutique property centrally located on Ocean Drive in South Beach. The 132-room hotel has two pools, including a showstopping glass-bottom pool on the roof overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel blends art deco modernism with tropical allure. Guests will find a 30-foot-tall mural by the French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist Mr. Brainwash, known for his large-scale installations and prints of celebrities like Madonna, Kate Moss and Marilyn Monroe and his practice of subverting cultural iconography similar to Andy Warhol and Banksy.

Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Just steps from the beach, Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is where you find both serenity and a buzzing social scene; it all depends on which way you want to turn the tide. With two pools, a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar, and lush, secluded courtyards, each setting is a postcard of possibility. Originally opened as the Escape Hotel in 1949, it was the first hotel near the beach to have a swimming pool and stay open year-round. Today, the welcoming coastal spirit remains. Grab a cocktail, listen to live music, watch yachts drift by or simply claim a moment of calm in your modern, bright guestroom. Like the ocean nearby, this local hideaway is there with a rush of adrenaline – and a breath of fresh air.

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is ideally located on the Key West Historic Seaport, just steps from lively Duval Street and Mallory Square. Recently named the “#1 Resort in the Florida Keys” by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, this modern waterfront resort offers a hidden sanctuary of lush tropical grounds, three saltwater pools, an open-air restaurant and bar for alfresco dining and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Each of its 96 spacious and luxurious guest rooms features a private balcony, perfectly appointed design elements and Key West-inspired touches.

Magic Mike Live: The Tour

MAGIC MIKE LIVE, a first-class entertainment experience based on the hit Magic Mike film series, opened in the Magic City as part of its North American tour. Serving as “the cure to the common male revue” (Las Vegas Sun), the steamy production features the hottest and most talented men in the country performing in front of, behind, above, and all around the audience. Conceived by Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and film franchise choreographer Alison Faulk, with choreography by Faulk, Teresa Espinosa and Luke Broadlick, the show features sexy and daring routines punctuated by one-of-a-kind acts from a diverse cast of performers. MAGIC MIKE LIVE is a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular guaranteed to bring on the heat. MAGIC MIKE LIVE: The Tour performs in a custom venue at the Miami Marine Stadium site on Rickenbacker Causeway. Shows take place at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday. Guests are invited to come early and stay late to enjoy a delectable meal from the full-service restaurant, Wildfire by Meat N’ Bone.

 

Spring Break On The Beach

The Sagamore South Beach

Sagamore South Beach,the historic art deco hotel known for its year-round art programming and museum-quality exhibitions, has been a destination for both locals and tourists alike since the Art Deco District was created in the 1940s. The iconic hotel is framed by palm trees, sits steps from the water, and offers a sea of amenities and activities, including an outdoor heated swimming pool, a poolside bar to take bites and cocktails back to your lounge chair. The 101-room hotel, with ample suites, boasts some of the largest standard rooms in the area.

Nautilus by Arlo

With the Atlantic Ocean just steps away, Nautilus by Arlo offers guests both pool and beach access. Beach lovers will adore the bamboo-lined path that delivers you straight onto South Beach, in all its turquoise sea glory. Guests are welcomed to recline and relax on the hotel’s complimentary lounges, beach umbrellas, and enjoy Nautilus Cabana Club food and drinks delivered right to the sand. Nautilus by Arlo has one of the best addresses of all beachfront hotels in Miami Beach, turning the beach into one’s backyard.

Shelborne South Beach

Originally built in 1940, Shelborne South Beach was designed by famed art deco architects Igor Polevitsky and Thomas Triplett Russell, then embellished in the 1950s by neo-baroque design master Morris Lapidus. The property houses an iconic art deco pool, David’s Café (for authentic Cuban coffee) and The Drawing Room bar. Head to the pool for a relaxed vibe and traditional South Beach nostalgia, or visit the amazing Oasis Garden, which offers various moon-watching events and fitness programming on weekends.

 

Spring Break For the Kids

Treetop Trekking Miami

Treetop Trekking Miami is the perfect destination for kids (5 years old and up) who love to climb, swing, and zip-line through the treetops. With a variety of courses designed for different skill levels, kids can challenge themselves and build confidence while having an absolute blast! The courses feature suspended bridges, zip lines, and other obstacles (games) that will test their balance, coordination, and bravery. And don’t worry, safety is a top priority at Treetop Trekking, so you can relax and join in the fun. Not to mention, passes to Treetop Trekking Miami include admission to Jungle Island where families can stroll the park and its gardens, check out cool critters and play for hours on a new playground. There’s also a new Treewalk Village too (3 years old and up)!

 

Pinecrest Gardens

For a more relaxed but equally fun experience, take your kids to Pinecrest Gardens. The beautiful historic gardens are great for exploring and appreciating nature. With botanical gardens, a brand-new inclusive, ADA-accessible playground, a mini-zoo, Inspiration Center and Sensory Learning Garden, kids will have plenty of opportunities to learn, play and make new friends. And during spring break on Saturday, March 25, you can catch The Puppets Magical Garden Show

Spring Break City Escapes/Staycations

InterContinental Miami

Miami’s iconic downtown hotel offers newly renovated rooms with glorious downtown views and great proximity to attractions, beautiful beaches and wonderful onsite amenities for spring breakers. For families, electronic music lovers and those looking for a wonderful base to explore all that the Magic City has to offer, there is no better value or location. To celebrate all things Ultra, the InterContinental Miami will offer a four-night package for music lovers, granting them amazing proximity to all the action (you can actually see the activity from the hotel’s SkyLawn roof deck). Starting Thursday, March 23, the hotel will feature DJs spinning nightly, center stage in the hotel lobby from 10PM – 2AM, creating the ultimate after-party. Length of stay requirement is 4 nights; with check-in March 23, 2023 and check-out on March 27, 2023.

 

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

A tropical oasis with a culture of accessible luxury and enriching experiences, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers endless fun for family and friends. This Spring Break, enjoy sprawling views, comfortable rooms, Tidal Cove water park, and more during a relaxing stay in Aventura. With the Discover JW Miami Turnberry package, guests can enjoy entrance to Tidal Cove, an award-winning waterpark with seven water slides, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool and the first-ever FlowRider® Triple surf simulation pool in the nation. Also included is a daily $25 food and beverage credit at on-site American restaurant Corsair Kitchen & Bar, along with complimentary valet parking for one vehicle. A two-night stay is required and restrictions apply. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a part of Marriott’s exclusive JW Marriott portfolio and a recent winner of US News & World Report’s Best Hotels in Miami. It is located at 19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura, FL. For more information, please visit jwturnberry.com

The Gabriel Miami

The Gabriel Miami is a 129-key lifestyle hotel in Downtown Miami offering spacious rooms and suites and views of Biscayne Bay. Adjacent to the hotel’s palm tree-lined sun deck on the 14th floor is a rectangular pool with views of the Intracoastal waterway, Miami Beach, PortMiami and Biscayne Bay, providing guests with the ultimate venue for relaxation in the city’s cultural epicenter. Select rooms feature balconies with outdoor seating, perfect for watching the sunrise over the Miami skyline.

The Elser

The Elser Hotel is an all-new 49-story, 646-room hotel with accommodations ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites and direct proximity to world-class entertainment, arts and dining. It shares the same bustling locale and glimmering views of Biscayne Bay previously enjoyed at Elser Pier, an early 1900s tourist attraction that ultimately shaped the vision for Downtown Miami and the thriving bayfront metropolis we know today. Guests enjoy access to an abundance of well-appointed amenities, including a two-story state-of-the-art fitness center and a 19,000-square-foot sun deck offering sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, a 132-foot-long pool, a 16-foot LED screen and an expansive event lawn serving as the ultimate destination for outdoor celebrations.

THesis Hotel: The Ultimate Hideaway

THesis Hotel Miami, a modern property that serves as a cultural hub in Coral Gables, has 245 contemporary guest rooms and suites in a strikingly designed building. Amenities include a sun-filled rooftop pool with tropical views, a poolside bar perfect for soaking up the Florida sun and two on-site restaurants, Mamey and Orno, led by Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef of 2020” and James Beard nominee Niven Patel. With a robust year-round calendar of programming and events – all open to the public – THesis is not only a hotel but a destination where curious, like-minded individuals exchange ideas, celebrate art, discover new cultural experiences and engage with the community.

Arlo Wynwood

Recently opened in November 2022, Arlo Wynwood is the first-ever hotel in Miami’s preeminent creative and cultural district, which is home to the largest concentration of street art in the world. An experience-driven boutique hotel, the 217-room, nine-story hotel serves as the cultural hub for residents and visitors while offering savvy travelers prime access to the best of the region. Designed by Meyer Davis, an award-winning firm at the forefront of global, upscale commercial design, Arlo Wynwood draws on the neighborhood’s bold and curated artistic nature while embracing an eclectic industrial aesthetic where organic meets modern. Arlo Wynwood has an all-star culinary team led by award-winning Bar Lab and James Beard alum Chef Brad Kilgore. The hotel also has more than 250 works of art throughout the property and offers guests multiple complimentary wellness activities and live music programming.

Arlo Midtown

A launchpad for all things local, Arlo Midtown is centered in the heart of New York City, with the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square at your fingertips. The hotel’s elegant contemporary interiors by Meyer Davis and 325 thoughtfully designed rooms combine modern and natural elements for luxe comfort away from the chaos of the city. Locals and guests alike can visit the hotel’s buzzing social spaces such as The Rooftop at Nearly Ninth and Terrace at Nearly Ninth for business, pleasure or a bit of both.

 

Where to Eat – To Party for Spring Break

The Deck at Island Gardens

There’s no better way to show social media that you’re spending Spring Break 2023 in Miami than visiting The Deck at Island Gardens, Miami’s most treasured waterfront restaurant. This unparalleled setting for waterfront dining offers late-night vibes to match the mega views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. From a Sunday brunch buffet to a weekday Sunset RSVP happy hour, private cabana service, special events and more, guests can dine and dance the day – or night – away at this signature Miami hot spot. The menu features eats from the land and sea with European inspiration blended beautifully with global flavors.

 

ASTRA Rooftop

ASTRA is the ideal rooftop restaurant and lounge to enjoy Greek-Mediterranean bites while overlooking 360-degree sweeping views of Wynwood. It’s arguably the most Instagrammable place in the entire area. Come for Sunset Hour and Happy Hour to taste $10 cocktails and wines by the glass and $14 bar bites, including a Greek take on calamari with Calamarakia and homemade lamb Meatballs with tzatziki sauce and pita. Guests can relax on the open rooftop’s overstuffed sofas and enjoy nightly music from a host of international DJs and live bands. Don’t miss out on bottomless Sunday Brunch for sunny views and fresh eats.

 

The Moon

Curated by the creator of ASTRA, The MOON in Wynwood is an oasis of warm colors, eclectic furniture and a laid-back vibe with nightly themed live entertainment, shows and DJs. The European menu features $8 and $12 bar bites during the sophisticated happy hour from 6-8 p.m., as well as $7 beers, $12 cocktails and $10 wines by the glass. Visit during weekend brunch for Phyllo Tart ($28) and Lobster Benedict ($28). Lunch and dinner include Greek favorites, from Musaka ($34) to Grilled Lamb Chops ($48).

 

Coco Miami

This Spring Break, take a trip to the Miami Design District, the city’s most luxurious dining and shopping destination, to visit Coco Miami, where chic, classy cuisine is served the European way. With 10 years of Michelin-star restaurant experience that spans worldwide, Chef Jose Diaz treats each ingredient with the utmost respect, creating a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and Asian-fusion dishes, including crudos, pastas, meats and shareables. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel, the intricate decor engulfs guests in a wave of opulence and pure sophistication with luxe finishes and a contrast of matte black and gold foil.

 

Villa Azur

Spring breakers looking to trade flip-flops for heels can visit Miami Beach’s favorite French supper club, Villa Azur. The restaurant is a classy culinary and lifestyle experience with a fresh and flirty vibe imbued with European elegance. Every Thursday, guests can pair their dinners with a sophisticated and lavish evening of live music, entertainment and art that parallels the glamour of the French Riviera. Try the carefully roasted Chateaubriand Au Poivre ($175), made of 2 pounds of prime filet mignon, or the Dover Sole Meunière ($85), whole fish prepared tableside for a stunning visual. Villa Azur assures an authentic array of dishes to please even the most refined palates. Dress code: elegant casual.

 

Casa Bufala

Spring breakers searching for a stop within Sunset Harbour, Miami Beach’s most popular boutique neighborhood for shopping and dining, can find a first-class Italian trattoria and pizzeria complete with a handcrafted cocktail bar at the recently opened Casa Bufala. Designed to evoke the welcoming spirit of traditional Italian casas, the restaurant is a casual spot for shoppers or beachgoers to visit for a homey yet modern meal. The restaurant serves a selection of gourmet wood-fired pizzas freshly prepared in-house with buffalo mozzarella, as well as antipasti, pasta, calzones and more. A daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m. pays tribute to Italy’s cultural ritual of aperitivo.

 

Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar

If the family or friend group can’t decide where to eat this Spring Break, Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar will satisfy any craving with its diverse international comfort food menu. The favored local hot spot serves up antipasti, salads, burgers and pastas and even has a Nikkei sushi bar offering a special variety of rolls, nigiri, tiraditos and ceviches. Check out daily happy hour specials with $8 bites and cocktails at the urban indoor bar, or come for weekend brunch and sit on the lush patio. Guests are welcome to bring their furry friends (ask a server for the doggie menu).

 

KAO Sushi & Grill

KAO Sushi & Grill may serve top-level cuisine that combines Japanese and South American flavors with European tapas, but its fusion menu of familiar dishes and global eats (plus a kids’ menu & pup friendly options) makes it the perfect pit stop for the family this Spring Break. Located on the famous Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, KAO brings culinary delights on every level, thanks to masterfully crafted creations that make it one of the top foodie destinations in the area. Parents can dine on Filet Mignon ($38) while kiddos can enjoy the classic Mac and Cheese ($12).

 

Casa Sensei

Whether you’re passing through Fort Lauderdale, making a day trip or choosing the SoFlo city as a Miami alternative, visitors must try a Spring Break meal at Casa Sensei. Voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Casa Sensei brilliantly blends traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples to create the best of both worlds. The fusion eatery presents a deliciously dynamic environment for an immersive dining experience in the restaurant’s elegant dining room, on the dog-friendly waterfront patio or via a scenic Riverfront Gondola Tour along the Himmarshee Canal – perfect for enjoying the fresh outdoors of Las Olas. Authentic comfort food dishes include favorites like the Korean BBQ Beef and Kimchi Fried Rice or tantalizing specialty dishes like the freshly fished Lobster Guacamole. The ornate sushi boats present a stunning visual to pair alongside any of the carefully crafted, Japanese spirit-infused cocktails. After an elegant meal where East meets West, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with a complimentary cloud of cotton candy.