Every December, Art Basel transforms the Miami Beach Convention Center into a global hub of creativity. With over 250 of the world’s top galleries and more than 70,000 art lovers in attendance, the energy of this cultural celebration by the sea is electric. When you're not immersed in contemporary masterpieces, Miami offers visitors a unique mix of culture, cuisine and coastal charm to explore.
Tucked away in the heart of South Beach’s buzz, this cozy three-acre garden is an urban oasis in the midst of the city’s glitz and neon.
- Wander through the serene Japanese Gardens where koi ponds and bamboo groves invite quiet reflection.
- Get a glimpse of Florida’s wild side in the Native Garden filled with local flora and buzzing pollinators.
- Savor the Edible Garden, where tropical fruits like papaya, starfruit and lychee grow alongside coffee and macadamia trees — many of which are harvested for community events and workshops.
Lincoln Road Mall: South Beach’s Open-Air Playground
South Beach’s popular pedestrian-friendly area, Lincoln Road, is only minutes from the Miami Beach Convention Center. This lively street scene offers numerous eateries with outdoor dining, street performers and excellent people-watching. In addition to shopping at this open-air destination, here are some other ways to enjoy your time on Lincoln Road:
- Grab a sidewalk table and enjoy fresh ceviche or a frosty mojito while watching street performers entertain the crowd.
- Rent a Citi Bike to cruise the palm-lined boardwalk.
- Cool off with a creamy gelato, then catch the free trolley for a breezy ride through the art deco district.
Taste Your Way Through Miami: Food Tours That Feed The Soul
These guided food tours take you on a culinary adventure through some of Miami’s most famous neighborhoods. Miami Food Tours blends delicious local cuisine and drink tastings with historical, architectural and cultural insights. Here are a few popular tours:
Experience New World Symphony: Music In Motion
Include a concert on your list of ways to experience Art Basel Miami and check out the New World Symphony. The orchestra consists of young musicians who are awarded fellowships to train with leading guest conductors, soloists and other artists.
- Catch a performance by rising stars, mentored by world-renowned conductors and soloists.
- Take a tour of Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece, his only Florida commission, where sweeping curves and cutting-edge acoustics create a feast for the senses.
Step Into History With Miami’s Art Deco Walking Tour
Set out on a walking journey through the history that earned South Beach the nickname “The Magic City.” These small-group tours reveal the stories behind the city’s iconic art deco buildings.
- Explore South Beach on an Art Deco Walking Tour. Stroll past iconic buildings as your guide shares tales of mobsters, movie stars and the rise of Miami’s signature style.
- Sip and stroll to discover South Beach’s Art Deco Cocktail Tour. Enjoy classic cocktails in glamorous hotel lobbies and rooftop bars while learning how South Beach evolved from swampland to star-studded playground.
- Discover Cuban Culture on a Little Havana Tour. Immerse yourself in Cuban culture with a visit to cigar rollers, domino parks and local cafes serving strong cafecito and sweet guava pastries.
Plan Your Stay With Hilton Grand Vacations
Whether you’re here for the art, the food or the sunshine, Hilton Grand Vacations is your home base for exploring it all. Book your stay atHilton Grand Vacations Club at McAlpin – Ocean Plazaor the neighboring Crescent on South Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club, and let us help you build the perfect Art Basel itinerary.
Read "I Asked Artificial Intelligence To Plan My Miami Vacation — Here’s What Happened" for one Member's story.
Key Takeaways
- Art Basel takes place each December at the Miami Beach Convention Center, featuring 250+ galleries and 70,000+ visitors.
- Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for Japanese gardens, native plants and tropical fruit trees.
- Explore Lincoln Road Mall for open-air shopping, outdoor dining and people-watching.
- Join guided food tours through South Beach, Wynwood and more for local flavors and cultural insights.
- Attend a performance at the New World Symphony and tour Frank Gehry’s only Florida-designed building.
- Take an Art Deco Walking Tour or sip cocktails on a guided Art Deco Cocktail Tour in South Beach.
- Discover Cuban culture on a Little Havana walking tour, including a visit to a cigar-rolling shop.
- Book your stay at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at McAlpin – Ocean Plaza or Crescent on South Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club for easy access to it all.