News & Events

Miami Beach Welcomes the New Year with a Global Celebration of Architecture and Design — and Special Hotel Offers for Visitors
December 19, 2025. Miami Beach, FL. - As the new year approaches, Miami Beach — one of the world’s most iconic design destinations — invites architecture enthusiasts, culture seekers, and design travelers to experience an extraordinary lineup of experiences celebrating the city’s architectural environment and creative spirit. From centennial celebrations of Art Deco to exclusive behind-the-scenes access during the third-annual Open House Miami festival, 2026 is set to make Miami Beach a must-visit destination for design and beach lovers.
The year kicks off with the Centennial Art Deco Weekend, taking place January 9–11, 2026, in the heart of the Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District. This celebrated annual festival honors 100 years of Art Deco — the architectural movement that defines Miami Beach’s unique visual identity — with guided tours, expert talks, exhibitions, live performances, vintage experiences, and family activities. The event transforms Ocean Drive and surrounding streets into a vibrant celebration of design, history, and community.
“Miami Beach is proud to sit at the epicenter of Art Deco design and architecture. Our destination celebrates the preservation of the area’s marquee buildings and facades, fusing the integrity of the design past with the modern services and amenities travelers seek,” says Peggy Benua, Chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “We honor the history through immersive experiences and installations both visitors and locals can enjoy and continuously learn about the true impact Art Deco has had on Miami Beach and beyond.”
Following Art Deco Weekend, Open House Miami (OHMIA) returns for its third-consecutive year, February 27 – March 1, 2026, presenting unprecedented access to the city’s architecture, neighborhoods, and creative spaces. With over 100 experiences across more than 20 neighborhoods, the complimentary festival invites visitors to explore historic landmarks, contemporary design studios, hidden gems, and cultural icons through tours, workshops, bike rides, and interactive talks. Highlights showcasing Miami Beach’s evolving design innovation include Art Deco tours on Ocean Drive and signature hotels and a look at the new Reefline installation.
As travelers make plans to visit Miami Beach in the new year, a number of destination hotels are working to enhance upcoming stays with specialty offers and discounts. Guests can take advantage of seasonal savings and exclusive offers at the new Balfour Miami Beach, ideally located in the South of Fifth area just steps from the beach and Art Deco District. Current deals include up to 30 % off room rates through late May 2026, making it an excellent choice for extended stays around Art Deco Weekend and Open House Miami. Additional perks include curated experiences designed to complement the city’s cultural programming. Those looking to stay a reimagined icon can book at The Shelborne By Proper, a design-forward beachfront experience with special seasonal savings. Travelers staying two nights or more can benefit from up to 35 % off and a $100 dining credit per stay when booked for travel through February 2026.
“Upcoming events rooted in architecture and design are a testament to our ongoing dedication to offer experiences that can only be found on Miami Beach,” said Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “Our local experts take center stage to showcase Miami Beach as an internationally-recognized destination for culture and iconic style. We’re proud to continue supporting initiatives, like Open House Miami, and invite travelers to begin planning their 2026 visit through the complimentary EXP Miami Beach Tours App, available now for download.”
For more information on how to start the new year right on Miami Beach and upcoming destination experiences, visit the newly-launched www.experiencemiamibeach.com and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach Instagram.
For media inquiries, please contact mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com.

Bright Lights, Welcoming Sands & Artful Delights: Miami Beach Unveils a Magical Holiday Season This December
Miami Beach, Florida. November 24, 2025 – Miami Beach is set to transform into a tropical holiday wonderland this December, offering visitors and residents a vibrant lineup of art fairs, immersive installations, sparkling light displays, seaside fitness, and seasonal hotel offers. With world-class cultural programming set against ocean breezes and Art Deco architecture, Miami Beach showcases how the holidays shine brighter by the sea. From the iconic Art Basel Miami Beach and INK Miami Art Fair to the returning No Vacancy, Miami Beach and Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, travelers will experience the wonder of the season on Miami Beach with special offers.
“Our destination invites all to experience the season in a unique way, filled with inspiration that has been designed to bring joy and connection through art, wellness, relaxation and immersion during the month of December,” says Peggy Benua, Chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “We understand the desire to trade snow for sand and the city has worked diligently to offer a variety of activities that fuse the essence of Miami Beach with the wonder of the holiday season.”
Visitors during the holiday season can explore the world of art through marquee fairs including Art Basel Miami Beach, No Vacancy Miami Beach and the INK Miami Art Fair. Miami Beach’s award-winning art-in-hospitality program No Vacancy, Miami Beach returns through December 20 showcasing twelve iconic hotels that have been paired with twelve, hand-picked artists for site-specific installations, with $35,000 in prizes awarded through juried selection and public vote. Guests can explore everything from textile-based visual displays to large-scale ceramics — all free and open to the public. From December 3–7, 2025, the INK Miami Art Fair returns for its 19th edition at the Suites of Dorchester (1850 Collins Avenue). The only Miami Art Week satellite fair dedicated exclusively to works on paper, INK features leading national and international publishers showcasing limited edition prints, masterworks, and new releases. Admission is free with registration. Design meets the tradition of whisky at the Wolfsonian through the Imaginarium: The Fantastical World of Compass Box and Stranger & Stranger, a first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrating 25 years of artistic storytelling in whisky packaging and brand design. On display December 3, 2025 through January 4, 2026, the interactive installation will feature original sketches, rare labels, and immersive displays. In addition to the exhibition, Compass Box has partnered with acclaimed auction house Bonhams to offer eight distinct auction lots from which proceeds will benefit the Wolfsonian-FIU. The auction, which will be accessible online through December 9, 2025, will feature rare, archived whisky editions.
Art takes shape in the form of light at the annual Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights. Returning for two weekends — December 13–15 and December 20–22, 2025— the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights brings projection mapping, live orchestral performance, character appearances, snow effects, and even a drone show to Ocean Drive. Historic Art Deco façades become dynamic canvases as music and visuals animate the street each evening at 1440 Ocean Drive. It’s easy for travelers to transition from celebration to wellness during their Miami Beach stay with options like the AvMed Orange Bowl Beach Run. On Sunday, December 14, the AvMed Orange Bowl Beach Run invites families, runners, and fans to celebrate the season with a 5K or 10K run along South Pointe Park. Participants receive a medal and race shirt, and proceeds support Orange Bowl Cares initiatives throughout the community. Runners are encouraged to represent their favorite college team with themed gear and colors in anticipation of the Capital One Orange Bowl taking place on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
“December on Miami Beach is a celebration of culture, community and the season. We encourage visitors to start planning their visit by downloading the EXP Miami Beach Tours App and visiting the newly-debuted experiencemiamibeach.com,” adds Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beah Visitor and Convention Authority. “Our team is continuously adding new resources to help make trip planning efficient and easy with locally-curated itineraries, limited-time deals and the most up-to-date information on events and experiences.”
Those ready to celebrate the season on Miami Beach can explore offers at the Marriott Stanton South Beach, a beachfront retreat offering up to $100 credit per night on stays of three days or more and the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort, a perfectly-located resort offering a 20% discount on all food and beverages and discounted valet parking.
For more information on spending the holidays on Miami Beach and upcoming destination experiences, visit the newly-launched www.experiencemiamibeach.com and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach Instagram. For media inquiries, please contact mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com.

Miami Beach Honored with Multiple 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Awards
Gold and Silver Recognitions Celebrate the City’s Ongoing Excellence in Marketing, Social Media, and Destination Branding
MIAMI BEACH, FL (October 29, 2025) – The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority is proud to announce its recognition with five prestigious honors at the 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Awards, earning four Gold Awards and one Silver Award across key categories. These accolades underscore Miami Beach’s ongoing commitment to executing integrated marketing strategies that elevate the destination’s global profile through creative storytelling, strategic partnerships, and impactful communications.
Over the past year, Miami Beach has continued to evolve its destination marketing approach through multi-channel campaigns and collaborations with leading national media outlets, including Vogue, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, Saks Fifth Avenue, Today Show, The Knot, and others. These partnerships have amplified Miami Beach’s message to discerning travelers seeking culture, style, and authenticity.
In tandem, the city has partnered with top social content creators to develop dynamic, relatable storytelling that showcases the many sides of Miami Beach — from its iconic art and architecture to its thriving LGBTQ+ community, luxurious accommodations, and world-renowned beaches.
“Our marketing success reflects the power of integration — uniting traditional media, digital storytelling, and influencer collaborations to present Miami Beach as a destination with depth, diversity, and soul,” said Peggy Benua, Chairwoman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “These recognitions affirm the strength of our creative approach and our commitment to engaging audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.”
The 2025 Magellan Travel Weekly Award Wins Include:
- GOLD – Destination Marketing: Social Media Campaign for Destinations
Experience Miami Beach – The Art of Miami Beach and Stylish Stays Campaigns
Two integrated campaigns, The Art of Miami Beach and a Stylish Stays on Miami Beach tapped into new verticals in the realms of art and fashion, expanding the social footprint and opportunity for Miami Beach to connect with prospective visitors. These themes were featured on social channels, in direct emails through marquee partner channels and through static outdoor creative installed in high-traffic areas including Port Miami with QR codes to connect to social and visible social handles to follow.
- GOLD – United States: Overall Destinations – Beaches for Destinations
Miami Beach – The World’s Most Iconic Beach Destination
Few destinations evoke the energy, beauty, and cultural richness of Miami Beach. With seven miles of unspoiled shoreline, turquoise Atlantic waters, and a seamless blend of natural beauty and architectural charm, Miami Beach has long been a global magnet for beach lovers, celebrities, and cultural travelers alike.
- GOLD – United States: Overall Destinations – LGBTQ+ Destination for Destinations
Miami Beach – A Year-Round Icon of LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Celebration
In Miami Beach, pride isn’t seasonal—it’s woven into the city’s identity. From sun-soaked days to neon-lit nights, and from yoga mats to drag brunches, every visitor is welcomed with open arms. It’s more than a vacation—it’s a celebration of being exactly who you are, no matter who you love. The city is deeply engaged with the LGBTQ+ community year-round. The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority routinely host LGBTQ+ media and influencers to experience the destination firsthand and share authentic stories globally, reinforcing Miami Beach’s reputation as a safe, celebratory destination for all.
- GOLD – Destination Marketing: Advertising/Marketing Campaign for Destinations
The Art + Style of Miami Beach Campaign
In the past year, Miami Beach has doubled down on Art + Style to position the destination amongst key audiences. Under the Experience Miami Beach umbrella, integrated campaigns including direct emails, banner ads, social media content, print ads and out of home advertising raised overall awareness of the destination with a concentration on art + style, two segments that resonate across all target segmentations.
- SILVER – United States: Overall Destinations – Honeymoon Destination for Destinations
Miami Beach – No. 1 Honeymoon Destination in the U.S.
In 2025, Miami Beach claimed the top spot as the No. 1 Honeymoon Destination in the U.S., according to a nationwide study by Upgraded Points that evaluated 75+ destinations across 15 categories including romantic lodging, activities, and affordability. With a top score of 71.4 out of 100, Miami Beach surpassed classic honeymoon locales like Lake Tahoe and Hawaii by offering a perfect blend of effortless romance, cultural vibrancy, and value.
What sets Miami Beach apart is its inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity of experiences. Whether couples seek boutique sophistication, beachside luxury, or adventure-filled days, Miami Beach delivers.
“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers and fellow travel professionals who comprise the Magellan Awards judging committee,” adds Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “This recognition celebrates the creativity and collaboration that continue to position Miami Beach as one of the world’s most desirable and inclusive destinations.”
The Magellan Travel Weekly Awards celebrate the best in travel across hospitality, destinations, airlines, and cruise industries. Judged by top travel experts and editors, the awards recognize excellence and innovation in travel marketing and branding worldwide.
These recognitions are on the heels of the launch of the new www.experiencemiamibeach.com web site developed by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. The new site experience, now live, includes tailored guides, the latest deals and offerings from destination hotels and restaurants and travel-planning tools to make visiting Miami Beach even easier.
For more information on Miami Beach and upcoming destination initiatives, visit the newly-launched www.experiencemiamibeach.com and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach Instagram.
For media inquiries, please contact mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com.

Fall on Miami Beach Delivers Cultural and Culinary Experiences Paired with Seasonal Offers and Savings at Destination Hotels
MIAMI BEACH, FL. September 25, 2025 - Fall in Miami Beach brings a new season of world-class hospitality, a calendar packed with culinary and active celebrations and experiences that showcase the city’s unique blend of energy and heritage. Travelers can expect a variety of events ranging from salsa under the stars and a French-inspired waterfront market to seafood feasts and festive runs, bringing visitors the opportunity to connect with each other and the vibrant Miami Beach community.
“The fall season is the perfect time to experience Miami Beach. Annual events like the South Beach Seafood Festival and Halloween Half Marathon cater to visitors looking to balance indulgence with a bit of wellness,” says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “The city’s hotels and restaurants welcome new and returning travelers with special deals and incentives to take advantage of the traditional shoulder season, inviting guests to make their way to Miami Beach for a memorable getaway.”
October on Miami Beach has no shortage of entertainment. The month kicks off with one of Miami Beach’s most beloved annual traditions, the Miami Beach Salsa Fest at the iconic Bandshell. On Sunday, October 5 from 4 to 9 p.m., powerhouse vocalist Melina Almodóvar, “La Muñeca de la Salsa,” and her full orchestra will bring classic and contemporary salsa rhythms to life in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. With live music, guest artists, DJs, and plenty of dancing, this free community event celebrates culture, joy, and inclusivity.
Starting October 5, 2025, foodies will find a selection of delectable options on Miami Beach with the return of the French Market to South Pointe Park, offering a taste of European flair on select Sundays through December 21, 2025. Presented by the French American Association of Crafts & Trades, the free outdoor market brings the essence of France to South Beach featuring artisanal baked goods, specialty foods, apparel, accessories, and original artwork. Guests can browse, shop, and enjoy French-inspired flavors against the scenic waterfront backdrop and can extend the afternoon with a stop at a few of Miami Beach’s iconic installations that are part of the Art in Public Places program, including the Tobias Rehberger South Pointe Park Pier Gate and Tobias Rehberger Obstinate Lighthouse. South Beach is synonymous with seafood and the annual South Beach Seafood Festival will return October 22–25, 2025, signaling the start of stone crab season in true Miami Beach style. Benefiting the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, this high-end festival goes beyond traditional seafood fests with curated pop-up cafés, fresh catches, open bars, live music, and chef-driven culinary showcases.
Miami Beach invites fall visitors to stay active find balance during their seasonal stay. The fun continues with the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon, Freaky 4-Miler, and Trick or Treat Kids Dash on October 25, 2025. Runners and walkers alike are invited to dress in costumes for this spirited Halloween-themed race along Miami Beach’s scenic routes.
To help travelers make the most of their fall travel budget, destination hotels are offering limited-time savings to experience Miami Beach. Guests who book three nights at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort — between October and November 2025 – will enjoy a complimentary fourth night, giving them more time to indulge in spa treatments, fitness programs, healthy cuisine, and oceanfront relaxation.
Visitors can plan to dine and unwind at the adults-only National Hotel. Guests of the historic property can savor seasonal flavors with a $100 daily dining credit at its signature restaurants and bars, including Mareva1939 and the iconic Martini Bar.
“This fall, visitors have the chance to be inspired by food, entertainment and movement as the city presents a variety of culturally-rich and delicious experiences,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “The free EXP Miami Beach Tours App, a digital guide to assist in exploring the city, is a perfect planning tool complete with self-guided tours and insider tips on attractions, dining recommendations and activities.”
The EXP Miami Beach Tours App is available through the App Store and Google Play. Visit www.experiencemaimibeach.com to download now. Follow @experiencemiamibeach on Instagram and visit Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (miamibeachvca.com) to sign up for a dedicated monthly newsletter featuring special events and offers.
For media inquiries, please contact mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com
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