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Things to do in Miami

Dive to the lost city of Atlantis (almost)

Located off the coast of Key Biscayne, Neptune Memorial Reef (+1 754 208 1203; www.nmreef.com) is the largest man-made reef in the world. Below the surface are stone roads, columns and decorative lions. Visitors can take a boat or dive to see the statues at this underwater mausoleum.

Stroll the South Beach promenade as the sun sets

Warm evenings make for ideal walks along Miami’s most iconic promenade. Lit in electric pink and neon blue, the area’s Art Deco decadence never looks grander as when the sun has set.

Take a cooling dip in a Venetian Pool

For a picturesque swim, head to Miami's prettiest suburb Coral Gables. Built in the 1920s, the area was designed as part of the City Beautiful architectural movement. Among the tree-canopies and grand buildings is Venetian Pool (tel: +1 305 460 5306), a Mediterranean-style building surrounded by paradisiacal waterfalls and refreshing spring water pool.

Take a peek at some adult art

For adults hoping that some of Miami’s neon signs lead to something a little sordid, seek out the World Erotic Art Museum (tel: +1 305 532 9336; www.weam.com). Boasting one of the globe’s most diverse collection of all things explicit, the museum is both eye-opening and educational. However, it is not family-friendly.

Walk the Wynwood Walls and beyond

Once Miami's warehouse district, the large windowless buildings of Wynwood (tel: +1 305 531 4411; www.thewynwoodwalls.com) are now brick canvases revitalised by bright graffiti. Aside from the six main warehouses, the area brims with nearly 70 galleries and museums with walking tours available to guide visitors through the ever-changing landscape.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Whitelaw Hotel

Housed in a quaint art deco building in South Beach, the Whitelaw Hotel has become a favourite of hipster travellers who don't want to spend the earth on accommodation. Conveniently close to all of Miami Beach's major attractions, it boasts clean, spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

Dream South Beach

Once you've seen the Dream South Beach's beautifully decorated rooms, all of which come complete with iPod docks, you'll begin to realise what a bargain this is. Housed inside a beautiful art deco building, the boutique hotel is small but highly stylish. A swimming pool and lounge occupy the roof.

The Tides

As the tallest and most elegant art deco hotel on Ocean Drive, The Tides offers genuine style for the incurably hip, with a minimalist interior that is sophisticated, spacious and sumptuous, decorated in soft tones of white, taupe and sand. The 45 suites all have incredible views of the beach.

The Shore Club

It comes as no surprise that Miami's ultimate urban design hotel is located at South Beach. Stark modernism and the white-on-white décor of the 325 rooms and suites is softened by lush Moroccan-inspired tropical gardens. The Nobu restaurant and the Sky Bar are hugely popular with the city's cool crowd.

Hotel Shelley

Occupying one of South Beach's charming art deco buildings, the pistachio and cream Hotel Shelley is within striking distance of the beach and close to most major amenities. Rooms are cosy and comfortable, and all are decked out in soothing neutral hues. Popular with younger travellers, it doesn't compromise on style.

Freehand Miami

A bright and cheerful hostel that's a short walk from the Bass Museum, the Freehand Miami is a good choice for those on a budget and who don't mind sharing their sleeping quarters. The brightly coloured rooms sleep up to eight people in bunks and are both mixed and gender-specific if you prefer. The beach is a short walk away.