If you have even a small interest in art, design or cutting-edge architecture, the Design District more than justifies a day of your time. It is the epicenter of design in Miami, and is fast becoming recognized beyond the borders of Dade County. Packed into an 18 square-block radius are a variety of funky buildings, chic restaurants, design firms and high-end furniture stores. The Design District is only 10 minutes from South Beach. Put down your wine glass, grab your iPod and Louis Vuitton bag, and make a beeline for the capital of cool. Some of the big names that have showrooms here include Holly Hunt, Knoll, Poliform, Luminaire Contract and Bussandri, although there are many more.

Spend an afternoon exploring the district’s numerous art galleries, or seek out special showings for an evening of culture. Popular galleries include the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Daniel Azoulay Gallery, Silvana Facchini Gallery, Andres Pesqueria Gallery, Adamar Fine Arts and Casas Reigner Gallery. Public art has a place in the district, too – check out the nouveau-Minoan figures on the Buick Building. The Design District is largely the work of Craig Robins, president of Dacra Realty (a design-conscious realty and development company). He felt strongly that design should have a home in Miami, and that art, architecture, commerce and design were not mutually exclusive of each other. Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk created the master plan for the present neighborhood.