Travelers go to Miami mainly for Miami Beach and they go to Miami Beach mainly for South Beach, the region's unrivaled crown jewel, which visitors say they can't get enough of. Here, the art deco history of the city meets the bright lights and vibrant nightlife of the younger generation.

There's something for everyone in Miami Beach – and a lot of it. White sand, an eclectic dining scene, prime shopping, luxurious spas and world-class nightlife are all staples in Miami Beach. Just make sure to bring plenty of cash – Miami Beach can be done on a budget, but you'll severely limit your options and it won't be nearly as fun.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss out on grabbing artisanal doughnuts from The Salty's flagship doughnut shop, one of the longest-standing local favorites in Wynwood. If you're visiting the Arts District on a weekend, check out the food vendors at Smorgasburg Miami, too. – Lyssa Goldberg

Founded in 2009 as a way to jump-start revitalization in the neighborhood lying between downtown and the Design District, the Wynwood Walls acts as an outdoor art museum covering more than 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls. The walls are saturated with bright, eclectic street art and whimsical graffiti. Since its start, more than 50 artists from 16 countries have brought the walls to life. Plus, Wynwood Walls is one of the top musuems in Miami.

U.S. News Insider Tip: You can't leave Calle Ocho without a taste of Azucar Ice Cream's Cuban-inspired flavors, like the Abuela Maria with guava, cream cheese and traditional Maria crackers, and Café con Leche made of Cuban coffee ice cream and Oreo cookie chunks. – Lyssa Goldberg

Located to the immediate west of downtown, Little Havana is the symbolic and cultural capital for Cuban Americans in Miami. The neighborhood entices droves of visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and excellent food.

South Beach is the iconic neighborhood of 9-mile Miami Beach. Whether you love it for the art deco buildings, sunshine, or its numerous film and television appearances ("The Birdcage" and "Bad Boys" are just a few set here), it is worth a visit. Lincoln Road is bursting with stores (both national brands and boutiques), bars, restaurants and endless people-watching opportunities. The Wolfsonian-FIU museum and several parks offer alternatives to South Beach's most popular pastime: beach-going. Lounge, walk, or bike along the water with local and tourists alike. Lummus Park separates some of the beach from the city streets. It houses sports courts, restrooms, walking paths, gyms and playgrounds.

Visitors have endless positive things to say about South Beach. They praise everything from the weather to the views to the beautiful people. Expect big crowds in the summer and embrace the opportunity to people watch. Those looking for a quieter experience should hit the water early.

The largest collection of art deco architecture in the United States is concentrated in a walkable section of Miami Beach. The Art Deco Historic District includes more than 800 buildings in the vibrant art deco style, primarily 1920s and 1930s designs. Many of these buildings are protected by local preservation ordinance – an effort spearheaded by Barbara Capitman nearly 50 years ago. Hotels, fountains and other structures provide a colorful and fun backdrop for vacation photos. For those interested in the history of the historic district, take one of the Miami Design Preservation League's tours.

Visitors love walking the Art Deco Historic District. Many recommend taking in the neighborhood at night, when the lights add to the already colorful surroundings. Visitors note that having a drink or meal here will be expensive, but may be worth the splurge.

U.S. News Insider Tip: On your way to or from the Everglades, stop at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand to see exotic fruits you've never even heard of, and order a tropical milkshake or smoothie with your favorite combo of fruits. Mango-Key Lime is my personal favorite. – Lyssa Goldberg

About 40 miles west of downtown Miami and a world away from flashy South Beach, the Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wetland in the U.S. Known as the "River of Grass" for its slow-moving water, the national park offers a unique look into the diverse ecosystem and vegetation that filters water as it moves farther south toward the Florida Bay and Key West.

Located on Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, Ball & Chain opened in 1935, so it predates the area's status as the center of Miami's cultural scene. The restaurant and bar hosted live music from its founding until 1967, when the building was converted into a furniture store. An investment group returned the Ball & Chain to its entertainment roots in the 2000s, mirroring the neighborhood's Cuban culture.

Travelers love the venue's live music, mentioning that the desire to salsa dance becomes contagious after a few mojitos. In addition to drinks, Ball & Chain also impresses visitors with its take on Cuban classics like pork tacos, conch ceviche and Cuban sandwiches. However, some feel that prices are too high. Be prepared for a dress code of no flip-flops to be enforced.

Located in the Coconut Grove district, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens were originally built as a winter villa for businessman James Deering in the early 1900s. Today, it serves as a museum, with a wide variety of art from the 15th to the 19th century. The atmosphere and architecture are a key part of the experience, which impress visitors. Much of the original house (which spans 38,000 feet) is intact and showcases a neat assortment of vintage furniture.

For many travelers, the gorgeous gardens are the highlight of a trip here. Plus, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the top musuems in Miami. Visitors say the picturesque grounds remind them of European mansions. You can walk around the property at your leisure.

This historic public pool with an Italian village theme is a relaxing alternative for those looking for water and sun away from the fast pace of South Beach. The pool does not use chemically treated water, relying instead on fresh water from an underground aquifer.

The Venetian Pool makes for a great family trip, but keep in mind that children younger than 3 years old are not admitted. Swimmers and sunbathers praise the architecture and refreshing water, though some say the admission prices are too high. If you get a case of the munchies, a cafe is available on-site with the usual assortment: pizza, mozzarella sticks, nachos and chicken tenders, among other concession snacks.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The museum's planetarium hosts nighttime laser light shows set to themed music by artists ranging from Led Zeppelin to Lady Gaga. Look up the schedule to see if you can attend a Laser Evening while you're in town! – Lyssa Goldberg

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science stands out from its competitors thanks to its expansive selection of offerings. The planetarium offers space enthusiasts an educational trek through the cosmos via its massive high-definition screen. It also puts on a variety of light shows. Meanwhile, the museum's three-level aquarium transports guests from Florida's Everglades to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibits covering everything from the human microbiome to dinosaurs. Plus, The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of the top musuems in Miami.

Known by locals as the PAMM, Pérez Art Museum Miami is Miami's leading modern and contemporary art museum with a collection of international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum's permanent collections and special exhibits highlight Miami's diversity and its geographic location at the intersection of the Americas, with an emphasis on the Latin experience in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and the African diaspora. PAMM's collection spans nearly 3,000 works of art, only a selection of which is on view across its eight galleries at any given time.

One of the first things visitors will see when they arrive at PAMM is kinetic artist Jesús Rafael Soto's interactive outdoor installation of blue strings, meant for guests to interact with and walk through, called "Penetrable BBL Blue." Recent visitors called the museum building itself the true sight to see, however – with its exterior hanging gardens and views of Biscayne Bay. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron as a state-of-the-art, sustainable structure overlooking the bay, the 200,000-square foot facility has become a cultural icon in Miami. PAMM also has a modern American restaurant on-site called Verde with an outdoor terrace offering waterfront views, which visitors enjoyed, and a boutique gift shop with art books, apparel, home decor and office supplies, and collections of merchandise by artists whose works are featured at the museum.

This beautiful zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, representing more than 500 different species. It's famous for providing a natural environment for its residents without the use of cages – rather, the zoo employs strategically placed moats to separate the animals from the visitors.

Petting zoos and plenty of "edutainment" programs are sure to keep your little ones interested. The whole family will enjoy the parrot feeding and mild rides. Recent visitors praise the zoo's cleanliness, the generous amount of space the animals have to roam and the friendly and knowledgeable employees. When planning your visit, keep a few traveler tips in mind: The zoo is large, meaning you'll be walking a fair amount; a good pair of sneakers is key. To avoid the crowds, get to the zoo right when it opens at 10 a.m. If you're visiting in the warmer months, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of water fountains, misters and shaded play areas.

At 83 acres, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the largest of its kind in the country. With a surplus of tropical plants and other beautiful greenery, you'll likely find the Fairchild to be one of the most relaxing attractions on your to-do list.

A free 45-minute narrated tram tour, which recent visitors recommend, will show you the highlights, but then you're on your own to browse the gardens as you see fit. Previous visitors suggest you stop by the butterfly garden and the sunken garden. They also recommend you budget plenty of time to just take in all of this park's natural beauty and give high marks to the docents.

The Miami Design District fuels the fashion-forward city with various luxury brand stores, including Gucci, Flight Club and Prada. If you're not here to shop, you'll find an abundance of art and architecture. Recent visitors praised the expansive art galleries that populate the area, while public displays, which include murals and statues, provide mind-bending photo backdrops. Travelers also enjoyed window-shopping as they strolled by the high-end stores. Many compared the area to Rodeo Drive. If you'd like a little help navigating the area, book one of the city's top tours, many of which stop in the area.

What's more, a variety of upscale restaurants call the Miami Design District home, which makes the area an excellent option for an elegant meal. It's open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Restaurants may operate different hours. The district sits 3 miles north of downtown Miami, while Miami Beach floats just across Biscayne Bay. The Biscayne route on the city's trolley system stops in the center of the Miami Design District, and bus routes Nos. 3, 9 and 93 also offer stops in or nearby the district. For more information, visit the area's website.

U.S News Insider Tip: The Mandarin Oriental is just a short walk from the Brickell City Centre and every day it has a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with some great craft cocktails. – Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global

From its position in the heart of downtown Miami, Brickell City Centre helps pump style through the trendy city's veins. The open complex spans three city blocks and four stories, housing roughly 100 different retail, restaurant and cinema options for visitors to pass the time. Despite being an open area, the Climate Ribbon installation that towers over the outdoor walkways works to lower the temperature while maintaining Miami's glamorous style. Because of this, many reviewers said it's a nice place to go for a stroll.

U.S. News Insider Tip: End your day in Key Biscayne with a sunset view from a waterfront spot like Dune Burgers on the Beach (for toes-in-the-sand dining), The Cleat (an outdoor bar at the tip of a harbor) or Rusty Pelican (a more elevated option). – Lyssa Goldberg

Crandon Park comprises the northern portion of Key Biscayne (almost 7 miles southeast of Miami). The key began as a coconut plantation, before being donated with the stipulation that Miami-Dade County uses the land as a public park. With its abundance of activities, it's not hard to spend multiple days exploring the park's offerings. A tennis center, complete with 29 courts, a golf course, a marina and a beach all call the sprawling Crandon Park home.

You won't find grapes growing at Schnebly Redland's Winery, dubbed the southernmost winery in the United States. Instead, it makes wine using local tropical fruits like guava, mango and passion fruit. At this gem in Miami's rural farmland region, you can take part in a wine tasting at the taproom or enjoy a walking tour of the estate to learn how the tropical wines are made. In addition to single-fruit flavors ranging from avocado to lychee, Schnebly also produces award-winning signature blends and even sparkling wine varieties. Whether or not exotic fruit wines are for you, recent visitors praised the winery's beautiful grounds, with its lush foliage, serene waterfalls, koi ponds and tiki hut structures that provide shade while you wine and dine.

For $25 per person, you're able to select five wines to sample, which a bartender will pour for you into a souvenir engraved wine glass (you'll get to take it home as a memento). Once you've picked a favorite, you can always opt to purchase a bottle to take home or open it up right then and there to split with friends alongside a charcuterie board from the small market. Guided tours are offered hourly on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) for $16 per person, but must be reserved online at least 24 hours in advance. The 30- to 45-minute tour of the estate covers the history of the Schnebly family and the process of making wine with tropical fruits instead of grapes.

Coalescing the stories of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center serves as a stalwart for traditional Cuban culture. The museum houses pre-revolution Cuban art, from 1800 to the 1960s, as well as modern Cuban works. As a performing arts center, Cubaocho showcases Cuban music and dance. What's more, the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center doubles as a store, as many of the items you see in the museum are for sale. There's also a bar where you can sip rum cocktails after you explore.

Travelers suggest stopping by the attraction for a drink (get a mojito) and maybe a cigar. In the evening, live music serenades visitors while they dance or take in the curated Cuban art, which recent visitors raved about. Many of the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center's patrons stopped by on a walking tour of Little Havana, but Cubaocho warrants a visit in and of itself.

Situated between Bayfront Park, Miamarina at Bayside and the PortMiami cruise ship terminal, the Bayside Marketplace is a hub for tourists who want to shop, dine and people-watch.

It's a one-stop shop to grab all sorts of Miami souvenirs, and with nearly 100 shops and eateries, there's something for everyone. Popular shops and restaurants include Gap, Victoria's Secret, Five Guys, Starbucks and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. It's popular with passengers waiting to board their cruise ship, those returning from vacation and visitors who want to watch the yachts pull in and depart from the marina. The marketplace is also home to a Ferris wheel as well as tour boat operators like the Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures.

Contrary to popular belief, there is more of Miami Beach than South Beach. Centrally located on the island, Mid Beach promises to fuse South Beach's chic with North Beach's calm. Here you will find more sand and sun, plenty of restaurants and bars, and another arts district, called Faena District.

Recent visitors gave high marks to Cecconi's Miami Beach for Italian cuisine. Those looking for Mexican food and cocktails should consider Hoja Taqueria. There are plenty of diverse offerings for every palate, from Colombian to Japanese to Spanish options. Bars here favor cocktails and tropical flair. The choices are seemingly endless.

In a city of skyscrapers, Bayfront Park provides a welcome green space in downtown Miami. What's more, the park boasts a waterfront location on Biscayne Bay. Over the past century, the city expanded 32-acre Bayfront Park's offerings to meet the requests of Miamians. Nowadays, the park hosts many events, such as yoga, movie nights and salsa classes, all of which are free. Bayfront Park also hosts a handful of paid events, such as festivals and concerts.

The park's amphitheater and pavilion impress visitors, especially because these venues host concerts and yoga classes, respectively. Parkgoers also enjoy the panoramic views of the bay. Many suggested walking here before or after a visit to Bayside Marketplace.

Fans of the mystical will love the Coral Castle Museum, which houses a sculpture garden made entirely of coral rock. The park's oddities begin with its creator, Ed Leedskalnin, who constructed the whole garden from 1923 to 1951 in secrecy. Part of the museum's fun comes from puzzling how one man could have secretly moved and carved more than 1,100 tons of rock. Another excellent question for the Coral Castle Museum's visitors: why?

Travelers delight in the Coral Castle Museum's classic roadside attraction charm, though others feel the entrance fee is too pricey. Some praise the museum's tour guides, who weave Leedskalnin's complex story into the information regarding each of the unique sculptures. Just don't expect to leave with any definitive answers.

Formerly known as Marlins Park, loanDepot Park is the home base for the Miami Marlins, the city's Major League Baseball team. Located in the Little Havana neighborhood, the ballpark is ultramodern with a trace of classic Miami culture. Visitors who make it to a game get to watch one of baseball's most interesting teams. Though the Marlins have won two World Series titles since they began playing in 1993, travelers aren't guaranteed a win: The Marlins have the least number of winning seasons of any MLB franchise. 

Spectators are generally astounded by the park, especially by its diverse food offerings. They praise the retractable roof, which ensures that it's always baseball weather, even during Miami's sweltering summers. Ticket prices vary based on the game. They are available for purchase in advance on the Miami Marlins' page of the MLB website. Visitors can also take tours of the park for $15 per adult and $10 for kids ages 14 and under. Hours vary and reservations should be made in advance. The Nos.  7, 11, 51 and 208 bus routes drop passengers a few blocks from the park.

Formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, HistoryMiami aims to add context to the lively culture that makes South Florida so distinct.

More than 10,000 years of South Florida history are explored in multiple permanent collections, including one that follows the history of the region back to its Native American heritage. Exhibitions related to Miami's history include one of the largest Pan American World Airways collections in the country, as well as artifacts from local artisans, musicians and religious relics. The museum also features annual rotating installations that showcase Miami's influence on American pop culture.

If you're looking to get your modern art fix in Miami, look no further than the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami. Located off of Northeast 125th Street, the MOCA is an institution with a varied collection of work from both famous and emerging artists.

There's also an impressive array of temporary exhibits that complement MOCA's already-brilliant permanent collection. The permanent collection boasts innovative work from the likes of Carlos Capelan, Alex Katz and Teresita Fernandez. However, the museum is fairly small, something visitors find a bit disappointing, but you should be able to easily get through it in less than two hours.

Dolphin Mall attracts shoppers from all around Miami with its range of retail outlets and restaurants. The mall's position near the Miami International Airport makes it an excellent option for travelers with delayed flights, as well as anyone who forgot their socks or sunglasses and wants to avoid downtown prices.

Shoppers say the store options are great and also exalt the food court at the Dolphin Mall, which they say sports a range of eateries sure to appeal to every appetite. The wide selection of eateries mimics the diversity of retail options, which include H&M, Oakley Vault and Marshalls. Travelers with kids appreciate the mall's family-friendly options like Dave & Buster's and a movie theater. Some shoppers note a confusing layout, however.