Miami has long-been known for its sun-drenched beaches and unbridled nightlife. But, there is another side to this modern metropolis: its thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re into partying or the arts, the city promises an unforgettable 24 hours away from your charter yacht.
Cradled between the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is the destination of choice for many yacht charters. Being a water-centric city, state-of-the-art superyacht facilities are rife and, with such an eclectic mix of scenery, attractions and culture, you’ll be lured ashore in no time.
Here’s how to have the perfect day exploring the young and exciting so-called Magic City.
Get your stay off to the best start by berthing in a marina such as One Island Park or Island Gardens the night before. You’ll be in a prime spot to begin your 24 hours in the city, starting in Miami Beach, the island community south west of Miami proper.
Rise early and join the striking mix of joggers and dishevelled club-goers along the ocean boardwalk. Stretching from the southern point of South Beach, aka SoBe, the pathway runs northwards for 40 blocks from 21st street.
Revel in the sea views before filling up for breakfast with an açaí bowl or smoothie from health-conscious food joint Pura Vida.
Miami Beach is home to some impressive Art Deco architecture. After a devastating hurricane in 1926, the neighbourhood was rebuilt in the hot new Art Deco style with every example of the movement, from Mediterranean to Streamline Moderne, popping up in the district over the next 20 years.
Undertake a walking tour with the Miami Design Preservation League or, if you prefer going it alone, just zigzag south between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue for brilliant examples from the era. The Delano, Park Central, The Webster, The Colony and Raleigh are just some hotels to watch out for.
If you’re in need of a caffeine fix along the way, stop off at News Café on the corner of 8th street. Sip your coffee while reading one of the myriad newspapers from around the globe.
For a bite to eat, head to Joe’s Stone Crab (11 Washington Avenue), which has been a Miami institution since 1913. Queue up for jumbo claws with a mustard dipping sauce before walking it off with a stroll through nearby South Pointe Park, where killer views over the water to downtown Miami are to be had.
Or, take a tender across Biscayne Bay to the River District, a formerly desolate area of boatyards and landing docks, which is currently undergoing a renaissance. One of its crowning features is the River Yacht Club, a luxe, yacht-friendly waterfront restaurant with nautical interiors and dishes prepared by celebrity chefs.
Catch an Uber north to Biscayne Boulevard between 36th and 43rd street. More than 100 galleries pack this area, which has earned the mantle of Miami’s Design District.
Star attractions include ICA Miami, a brand new gallery dedicated to innovative artworks on 61 NE 41st street, Markowicz Fine Art (110 NE 40th street) and experimental exhibition space Locust Projects (155 NE 38th street), which is renowned for its site-specific installations.
The district is also rich in interior design showrooms and boasts an eye-catching collection of high-end fashion boutiques, such as Hermes, Dior, Loewe and Tom Ford. Combine an afternoon of art with some retail therapy.
A two-minute cab ride south leads to the up-and-coming Wynwood neighbourhood. Before dinner, check out the Wynwood Walls, where the walls of six unused warehouses have become the giant canvases for some of the world’s greatest graffiti artists.
This happening district is also thriving with hip eateries. Feast on barbecued Asian concepts in the minimalist warehouse of KYU or sample refined new American fare from Brad Kilgore, named best new chef of the year by Food and Drink magazine, at Alter.
Swing by the neighbourhood of Little Havana, the Latin heart and soul of the city. The sweet-toothed may like to follow their dinner with a decadent ice cream from Azucar on main street Calle Ocho. Pick from flavours such as guava, sweet plantain and sugarcane and pineapple.
Up-tempo entertainment, meanwhile is to be had next door at Ball & Chain. A contemporary take on 1940s Cuban lounges, the bar is packed with millennials and old-timers ordering guava daiquiris as live jazz vocalists, salsa bands and indie acts take the limelight.
Committed revellers can head back across the bridge to Miami Beach to commence a night of debauchery. An ever-changing roster of cocktails is served up at romantic watering hole Broken Shaker (2727 Indian Creek Dr) while the well-heeled are found supping Negronis in the 1940s-style Regent Cocktail Club (1690 Collins Ave).
If bottle service and velvet ropes is more your thing, rub shoulders with celebrities and VIPs in trendy nightclub LIV (4441 Collins Ave) before checking out one of the newest offerings on Miami’s club scene with one of the strictest door policies, the multi-million dollar space ORA (2000 Collins Ave).
For more information on a Miami yacht charter, speak to your preferred charter broker.
Alternatively, compare all yachts for charter in Miami.
LUXURY YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER IN MIAMI:
