Twenty Reasons to Go to Miami by Nicholas Clarke

One of the hippest places on the planet, Miami is brimming with all that is beautiful in the world, from pristine white beaches and designer shops to five-star hotels and hedonistic nightclubs. Forget Miami Vice - this is Miami-very-nice!

1. South Beach

Possibly the flashiest beach in the world, South Beach runs along the glittering shoreline of Miami and is where the silicone-filled and steroid-pumped beautiful people come to top up on their St Tropez tans and frolic in the Atlantic in their Pucci bikinis. Dotted with Baywatch-style lifeguard posts, South Beach is everything you’d imagine it to be and so much more. Laze on an oversize – and overpriced! - sunbed and watch gorgeous model-types play volleyball, their bodies glistening in the Florida sunshine. There’s even workout equipment right on the sand, just in case you need to do a couple of crunches before you unleash that pasty body of yours on the world.

2. The Delano

Part of the Morgans Hotel Group, The Delano is an iconic hotel located at 1685 Collins Avenue – a very desirable address, indeed darlings. Reopened in 1995 with sleek new interiors by Philippe Starck, The Delano comprises 208 guestrooms, suites and lofts, and boasts America’s only indoor/outdoor lobby. Other amenities include the stunning outdoor swimming pool framed by palms – with underwater music and separate floating and meditation areas – a host of Michelin-worthy restaurants and gorgeous bars, direct access to the beach and an incredible rooftop spa. It’s no wonder The Delano is a magnet for celebrities, fashion hounds and the filthy rich.

3. Mansion

With a queue to get in that’s like a who’s who off MTV, Mansion is the place to party in Miami. With the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears pictured falling out of its doors onto adjacent Washington Avenue in the early hours, the sumptuous nightclub is only for the fast-paced party set. If you want a quiet drink, you can forget it! With three beautifully designed rooms pumping with music, Mansion has a strict door policy and only the best dressed will get past the velvet ropes to enjoy the celebrity hosts often found partying up a storm inside.

4. Bal Harbour Shops

For those who love nothing more than wearing a designer label at the back of their necks, there’s no mall quite like Miami’s waterfront Bal Harbour Shops. Ranked the number one shopping mall in America – quite a feat, considering the country’s love affair with retail therapy – Bal Harbour Shops boast big-name stores such as Brioni, Chanel, D&G, Emilio Pucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Marc Jacobs, as well as a range of trendy restaurants like the Bal Harbour Bistro and Carpaccio. With valet parking and a concierge service, shopping has never been so, well, Miami.

5. Star Island

A manmade island that floats majestically off Miami in Biscayne Bay, Star Island is where the filthy rich and ridiculously famous reside. An oasis of tropical palms, sweeping driveways and spectacular mansions with infinity pools and private moorings, Star Island is home sweet home to celebrities such as Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, Rosie O’Donnell and Shaquille O’Neal. A gated community, only those privileged enough to receive a coveted swipe-card will ever pound the sidewalk of this ultra-exclusive neighbourhood.

6. The Freedom Tower

Located at 600 Biscayne Boulevard, the 17-floor Freedom Tower serves as a striking memorial to Cuban immigration into the United States and was originally built as the head office of the Miami News. A member of the US National Register of Historic Places, it’s one of Miami's must-see landmarks.

7. Little Havana

Home to many of Miami’s Cuban residents, as well as increasingly more Nicaraguan and Puerto Rican immigrants, Little Havana serves to remind us how close Cuba is to the shores of Miami – 90 miles, to be exact. Visitors should take a trip to Little Havana during the annual Calle Ocho street festival along Southwest 8th Street, when residents wear coloured flags and dance to the pulsing beats of reggaeton, salsa, bachata and merengue. Hand-rolled cigars can also be picked up here as a souvenir.

8. Ocean Drive

A stroll along Ocean Drive will reveal the Art Deco district Miami is famed for. Epitomised best by the front of The Carlyle Hotel, the architectural style is everywhere and makes Miami one of the most aesthetically stunning places on earth. Ocean Drive is also home to Gianni Versace’s former oceanfront mansion, God rest his stylish soul.

9. Museum of Contemporary Art

North of the city in Downtown Miami is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a star attraction for culture vultures and art fiends. Boasting an impressive collection of internationally acclaimed art along with local flavour, MOCA is a forward-thinking gallery that actively promotes emerging artists. Renowned artists on exhibition include Roy Lichtenstein, Yoko Ono and Goya, with guided tours in English, Spanish, French, Creole, Portuguese, German and Italian.

10. Joe’s Stone Crab

Open only during stone crab season – which runs from October through to May – Joe’s Stone Crab at 11 Washington Avenue has become as much of a Miami landmark as the Art Deco style that characterises most of the nearby buildings. Serving the best stone crab around, plastic-bibbed diners can expect to wait no less than two hours for their meal in this titanic-sized establishment. The clientele ranges from flip-flopped surfer dudes to prim necklace-wearing types such as Ivana Trump, who is said to be a regular.

11. Nikki Beach Miami

One of the most glamorous beach resorts in the world – with locations in St Tropez, Cabo San Lucas, Reno, Puerto Vallarta and Marbella – Nikki Beach Miami attracts Dior-clad model types by day and hard-partying cocktail-sippers by night. With crisp white parasols and wooden decking underfoot, Nikki Beach Miami is located in a prime position at 1 Ocean Drive – where else?

12. Azul

Hidden deep inside the Mandarin Oriental is Azul, an exquisite restaurant that offers diners breathtaking views of the bay and delectable Mediterranean/Asian fusion cuisine cooked up by acclaimed chef Clay Conley. Dishes on offer include Grilled Chop and Loin of Colorado Lamb with Harrisa and Braised Shank Bastila and Feta, all washed down with over 700 wines carefully selected by renowned sommelier Cynthia Betancourt. Listed as one of America’s finest restaurants in the 2007 March issue of The Robb Report, it’s sure to whet even the most discerning foodie’s taste buds.

13. Sawgrass Mills

It would be a sin to visit Miami without paying a trip to one of the nearby factory outlets such as Sawgrass Mills – incidentally, the largest outlet mall in the country. Found less than 30 miles from Miami International Airport in Broward County, you’ll discover fashion and electronics at prices 70 per cent cheaper than elsewhere in the city. In 2006 the adjoining Colonnade Outlets opened, which specialise in luxe brands such as Miss Sixty and Salvatore Ferragamo. Just make sure you remember where you left your car in the ridiculously large parking lot.

14. Miami Metrozoo

Set in 290 acres of lush greenery and trickling water, the Miami Metrozoo – about 45 minutes from Miami Beach, but well worth the trip – is one of the world’s few cageless zoos. Keeping animals at bay with cleverly designed moats, visitors are able to spot animals roaming free, including lions, Bengal tigers, Komodo dragons, koala bears, kangaroos, meerkats, and, of course, flamingos.

15. Coral Castle

There’s plenty of odd sights in Miami – like the well-known homeless guy who rollerblades the length of South Beach each day in a tutu and tiara – but nothing quite as bizarre as the Coral Castle. Located about 35 miles from the centre of Miami, the building is a strange-looking, roofless ‘castle’ carved entirely from coral rock. According to local legend, a crazed Latvian moved to Miami in 1923 after being stood up at the altar by the love of his life. Apparently, he spent the next 25 years of his life making Coral Castle – though scientists are at odds as to how one man could have built the entire thing.

16. Randazzo’s Little Italy

Opened by world-famous boxer Marc Randazzo in the Miami neighbourhood of Coral Gables, Randazzo’s Little Italy has ‘em queuing up on the sidewalk every night of the week. Serving pasta dishes like moma used to make - all by flickering candlelight and on red-and-white chequered tablecloths - Randazzo’s Little Italy has become something of a local institution. With TV screens playing movies such as The Godfather and a record player with That’s Amore seemingly stuck on repeat, Randazzo’s Little Italy may not be the classiest place in town but it sure has soul.

17. ICON South Beach

Looming over Miami Beach Marina is ICON South Beach, a shimmering glass tower layered with über trendy condos. Inside, residents enjoy all manner of amenities, including fitness centre, spa, tennis courts, heated infinity pool, conference rooms, billiards room and a dedicated media room, as well as enjoying services such as an on-site concierge and housekeeping. The icing on the cake, however, has got to be the common areas - such as the lobby with a 20-foot high ceiling - which are all designed by creative powerhouses Philip Starck and YOO Ltd. Home really would be sweet if home was here.

18. Española Way

One of the quirkiest quarters of Miami, Española Way runs from Collins Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue and is modelled after the romanticised Mediterranean villages found in Europe. The cobbled streets are packed out with quaint art galleries, authentic restaurants and quirky shops, and the bohemian vibe is undeniable. Stop off at Tapas & Tintos for a bite-sized snack and a glass of red.

19. Venetian Causeway

Following the same route of the original bridge that was built by John Collins in 1913, the Venetian Causeway links Downtown Miami with Miami Beach. The type of seven-lane road seen in countless American movie car chase scenes, the bridge arches over Biscayne Bay and has one toll and two drawbridges. Hurtle along in your roof-down American classic to get the best experience – just don’t let the cops catch you.

20. Miami Dolphins

Catch a game of American football at Dolphin Stadium in the suburb of Miami Gardens, just 15 miles from Downtown Miami. While LA Galaxy may be hot right now thanks to Beckham, the Miami Dolphins don't need superstar status to win a game or two.