USA MIAMI

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the United States of America’s most southeastern coast, Miami’s appeal runs the gamut. As actor/singer Will Smith says, “I only came for two days of playing, but every time I come I always wind up staying.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Miami’s coveted sunny weather, including warming up your credit cards in Coral Gables. This neighborhood southwest of downtown Miami is home to a variety of boutique and artisanal shops selling everything from handmade leather goods to the latest fashion. Meanwhile, across Biscayne Bay, Lincoln Road is the place to stock up on anything from name-brand clothes and accessories to artwork. This wide pedestrian promenade is lined with outdoor cafés and palm trees.

If you’re hungry, seek out a table in Little Havana. This eclectic neighborhood just west of downtown is home to many of the city’s Cuban residents. At any time of day, Little Havana pulses with the beats of traditional music, while the scent of croquetas and Cuban sandwiches hang in the air.

A little farther north, Little Haiti is another great spot to sample the multicultural flavors of Miami. Come here for dessert and order a traditional Haitian treat, like fried bananas or sweet potato bread, before making your way into one of the neighborhood’s many independent music shops.

Come sundown, both Little Havana and Little Haiti woo night owls with sultry dancing and local cocktails. But those who want to see and be seen head back across the bay to Miami Beach, where the area really comes to life when night falls and the neon lights illuminate the art deco buildings lining Ocean Drive. The party lasts until the wee morning hours (around 5 a.m.).

Ocean Drive mainstays like the Clevelander Hotel invite you to mingle poolside with a fancy drink in hand. If you’d prefer to dance the night away, plan a night on Washington Avenue, where numerous dance clubs sit just a few blocks from the shore.