New hotel openings, cultural milestones, gastronomic innovations, infrastructure investments and a global events agenda set the pace for the coming months.
This new stage consolidates Miami as one of the most dynamic destinations on the continent, capable of combining luxury, culture, nature, entertainment and wellness in a single experience.
"What is unfolding in the destination in the coming months reflects a continued focus on world-class hospitality and meaningful experiences for travelers," said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
“Our goal is to offer visitors not only new reasons to return, but deeper ways to connect with Greater Miami and Miami Beach, whether through gastronomy, music, design, nature, or neighborhood discovery.”
Hospitality: The return of icons and the evolution of luxury.
The hotel landscape of Miami and Miami Beach continues to transform with renovations, reopenings and proposals that integrate design, wellness and lifestyle.
This winter, the iconic oceanfront Loews Miami Beach Hotel unveiled a $55 million renovation, with 790 renovated rooms and suites and two new culinary concepts: Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar.
In the South of Fifth neighborhood, Balfour Miami Beach joined The Registry Collection, beginning a new chapter for this 82-room art deco building built in 1940, which combines vintage design with modern amenities.
In Aventura, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa opened the Turnberry Isle Racquet Club, featuring three pickleball courts and two padel courts, along with lessons, tournaments, and a pro shop. This addition brings new physical activity options to guests and members across the resort's 300 acres.
Looking ahead, the Delano Miami Beach will officially reopen on March 9, marking the return of one of South Beach's most iconic hotels. The property will feature 171 redesigned rooms, four dining and bar concepts—including the revitalized Rose Bar—a wellness studio, and an exclusive members' club.
Culture, design and new experiences
The destination's cultural and entertainment offerings continue to expand with proposals that connect art, nature and community.
The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden celebrated the 15th anniversary of Splendor in the Garden with its traditional evening of fashion and philanthropy, the proceeds of which support the garden's scientific and educational programs.
Miami Beach's annual design celebration continues with 100 Years of Art Deco: A Worldwide Celebration in Miami Beach, an outdoor exhibition at Ocean Drive Gallery open until January 31, featuring more than 100 images that trace the global evolution of art deco.
In the Everglades, the Alligator Farm will welcome two baby capybaras, Biscuits and Bagel, who will join residents Waffles, Pancake, and Mrs. Butterworth. The attraction has also completed a renovation of its gift shop.
In Wynwood, Midline Miami opened its doors at Arlo Wynwood, adding a new 10,000-square-foot live music venue with a capacity of 1,200 people and programming spanning multiple genres.
Gastronomy: identity, innovation, and pop culture
Miami's culinary scene continues to evolve with new openings and high-profile celebrations.
On January 17, Downtown Miami welcomed Kitchen + Kocktails, a restaurant founded by entrepreneur Kevin Kelley. January also marked the tenth anniversary of Ariete, chef Michael Beltrán's Michelin-starred restaurant.
Gastronomy and pop culture intersect with the participation of Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion in RuPaul's Drag Race season 18, highlighting the drag brunches at R House Wynwood.
In Wynwood, THRōW Social® Miami® transformed the former Oasis Wynwood into a 35,000 square foot indoor-outdoor entertainment space featuring food, interactive games, and live music.
In Coconut Grove, Da Angelino Cucina Italiana expanded its offering with Al Bàcaro, a Venetian-inspired tavern.
At Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Prime 54 launched the Chef Counter, an intimate dining experience, while Hakkasan presented an exclusive wine tasting experience.
To close out the season, Kung Fu Chicken will open in Miami Beach, joining its locations in Little Havana and Westchester.
Cruises and infrastructure: global leadership
PortMiami inaugurated the future G Cruise Terminal, a USD 345 million investment in collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group, designed to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers and obtain LEED certification.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line opened reservations for the Norwegian Aura, which will debut in 2027 based in Miami.
Urban mobility and connectivity
The destination expands its transportation options with the free electric Freebee service, which operates in neighborhoods such as Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell and Coral Gables.
In addition, Miami Beach introduced a free weekday water taxi service, Water Taxi Miami, which connects Sunset Harbour with Downtown Miami.
Highlights of Events
During January 2026, Miami hosted events such as ScreenDance Miami: Festival Kickoff at Miami Beach Bandshell, ICON Live: A monthly music series at InterContinental Miami, Arlo Hall Gallery: Fine Art Photography at Arlo Wynwood, Songs of the Earth at the Miami Beach Botanic Garden, Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, Miami Marathon and Half Marathon in Downtown Miami, Art and Design Fair at Pinecrest Gardens, Family Fun Festival at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Miami E-Prix at Miami International Speedway.
In February and March, it will continue to host a wide-ranging cultural, sporting and gastronomic program, which includes:
● Discover the International Boating Expo at the Miami Beach Convention Center | February 11-15
● Miami 2026 Contest in the Miami Design District | February 13-15
● Coconut Grove Arts Festival along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive |
February 14-16
● South Beach Wine & Food Festival at Various Venues | February 19-22
● Strawberry Festival at The Berry Farms | Through February 22
● Luminosa: A Journey Through Light on Jungle Island | Through March 7
● Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium | March 15-29
To stay up to date on openings, announcements, and current news throughout the destination, visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com and follow @VisitMiami on social media.
Source: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)