How To Explore Miami In The Low Season

Blessed with sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and one of the finest food scenes in all of the nation, it’s no wonder that the Miami metro area has evolved into one of the east coast’s hottest destinations for spring break—but this bustling region is just as incredible during late summer. Equipped with the same amenities and a fraction of the crowds, August and September offer a unique perspective on Greater Miami, with no shortage of attractions for beating the summer heat.

As you prepare for your next trip to South Florida’s top destination, get a head start on planning your agenda with these incredible hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Where to Stay

Perched just south of Collins Park, the palatial Lennox Miami Beach serves as the perfect shoreside getaway. A seamless blend of both old and new, the property’s Art Deco exterior dates back to the 1930s, while the polished interior offers a contemporary perspective, rounded out with Patagonian wood paneling, a marble-clad lobby bar, and verdant live moss draped throughout the property.

Miami Beach’s sprawling shoreline is located a couple steps east of the property, but for those wishing to stick close to their room, the hotel courtyard is the place to be. This open-air Mediterranean-style hangout spot is home to a swimming pool situated next to the courtyard’s plant-filled bar, a small outdoor space that offers refreshing cocktails paired with small bites.

During daylight hours, visitors are welcome to take advantage of the property’s golf cart shuttle service to explore Collins Avenue, then return by sunset for a meal at Amalia, the Lennox Hotel’s on-property restaurant. Flavorful Mediterranean fare is the norm here, with dishes like grilled branzino, porcini ravioli, and Chilean salmon all crafted at the behest of Chef Hernan Griccini.

Dining in Style

Greater Miami has been a hotspot for top-tier dining for decades on end, and this bustling region doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Case in point—Editor Pizza, a charming 5th Street-adjacent venue that made its debut in February 2022. Over the past few months, this spot has made waves thanks to its balmy rooftop patio, refreshing cocktails, and—of course—wealth of top-tier pizza. For first-time diners, the ‘Nduja pizza packs a savory punch that’s tough to pass up, while the portobello-loaded Funghi pizza is a must-try for vegetarian diners.

If you’re in the mood to keep the party going after dinner, Miami Beach’s Eagle Room offers perfectly-crafted cocktails just west of the water. Located in the vibrant Freehand Hotel, this concept was created by the same team behind the legendary Broken Shaker, a prestigious bar that earned a spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list in summer 2022. As a sibling of Broken Shaker, Eagle Room offers similar cocktails with added opportunity to party the weekend away, equipped with a glittering disco ball and pulsing music all through the night.

As the Miami Beach food scene continues to evolve, its neighboring cities across the bay are no stranger to fine dining either. For fans of Lebanese cuisine, Coconut Grove’s Amal is an absolute can’t-miss, offering up classic Mediterranean staples like seared halloumi, kibbeh, and baba ghanoush paired with a wealth of complex cocktails. Just west of Miami proper, Coral Gables made waves back in May with the debut of Vinya Table, a charming bistro that offers New American fare like smoked bone-in short rib and scallop and wagyu tartare alongside a massive wine list packed with reds, whites, and rosés sourced from across the globe.

Top Activities

If your idea of a dream Miami vacation involves cruising along the shore at top speed, don’t skip out on Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures. Since its debut in 2006, the company has amassed a small fleet of high-speed vessels, offering 45-minute tours through some of Miami’s most opulent waterways. While the whipping winds and ocean spray from a Thriller tour are the perfect antidote to a hot summer day, the voyage also doubles as a particularly interesting history lesson, with the boat captain offering ample information about the history of the mega-mansions found all across the tour route.

Wynwood has developed a pretty serious reputation for its spectacular street art, but there’s no need to bake under the sun all day during a visit to the neighborhood. The entire district is packed with esteemed breweries, each one offering a wealth of crisp lagers to help beat the heat. While spots like J Wakefield Brewing and Cervecería La Tropical have been a staple for locals and tourists alike, the recently-opened Dogfish Head Miami offers a plethora of beloved Delaware brews alongside a range of new beers crafted with a serious South Florida flair. For newcomers to the venue, the 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPAs are essential starters, while the Florida Peach Marmalade fruited sour packs a punch of vanilla and stone fruit that can turn ardent hop-haters into beer fans with a single sip.