Miami is a city that’s filled with excitement, vibrance, and relaxation. With consistently warm weather and a beautiful coastline, it’s no surprise that Miami is one of the top beach cities in the United States. Miami is a great place to relax by the beach, experience glamour, and be occupied with endless activities.
People are drawn to Miami because of the limitless options for luxury and adventure. Heat and exhilaration are two things you can expect in Miami.
On the other hand, Las Vegas is a city that has something for everyone. It always shines with its glamour and entertainment. Las Vegas is a city that’s always buzzing with life and personality. Whether you love to party, or you love to sightsee, Las Vegas will welcome you with open arms.
There is a lot to do in this lively city, so you can expect not to have a single boring second during your stay. Las Vegas is known for its nightlife and live music, and it does not disappoint.
These two cities are well-loved travel destinations in the United States. However, they are very different from each other. What one offers may not be what the other has. This way, it can be hard to choose which destination to visit for a mind-blowing vacation.
Both Miami and Las Vegas offer astonishing views and incredible activities. No destination between these two will disappoint, so it’s all about choosing which experience you want to try.
Miami
Miami is a coastal city in Florida that has a diverse population, luxurious attractions, and serene and beautiful beaches. The wonderful diversity in Miami offers people a glorious infusion of cultures and attractions. The difference in everything is amazing! It may not look like it, but this means that there is a lot to see and discover in Miami.
A simple mention of the name Miami will automatically produce an image of palm trees and a warm place in your mind. Yes, Miami is known for being a beach and party spot, but it is so much more than that. It is home to world-class attractions, a mesmerizing art scene, and more than what you’d expect from this beach city. There is no doubt that Miami is one of the most colorful cities in the world.
What Makes Miami Unique?
Art Scene
One of the most notable things about Miami is its art scene. People go to Miami for the beaches, but their breaths are truly taken away by the art that can be seen and observed all throughout the city.
Miami is a destination for a yearly journey for the modern art community, where creativity and luxury coexist together. It doesn’t matter what kind of art you’re into. Whether it’s architecture, avant-garde, or performance, Miami has a lot to offer to art lovers. Even if you don’t have a background in art, you will appreciate and be impressed by what Miami can show you.
Here are the things you should take note of if you want to be mesmerized by Miami’s art scene:
Art Basel
Art Basel is an international art fair that started in Basel, Switzerland. However, in 2002, the Art Basel art fair entered the city of Miami. Since then, Miami has become one of the favorite places for artists, art collectors, and those who appreciate art.
The Art Basel fair usually takes place during the first week of December. During this time, many art galleries take part in the fair. Together, they create one big event for art lovers to catch a glimpse and admire different kinds of contemporary art. Both old and young artists and galleries take part in this historic annual event.
If you love art and you happen to be in Miami during this time, Art Basel Miami is not to be missed.
Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art or simply The Bass is a contemporary art museum in Miami Beach. The main focus of The Bass is international contemporary art. Most of the displays come from up-and-coming and established artists.
The goal of The Bass is to incorporate contemporary art into the lives of people. Because of that goal, The Bass not only has a display of art in its museum, but The Bass also has a strong education program that aims to give knowledge to visitors of all ages. If your goal is to learn more about contemporary art, then The Bass is the place to visit.
Locust Projects
Locust Projects stray from the established. Locust Projects is a nonprofit organization that aims to give a platform for those with new and experimental ideas.
The focus of Locust Projects on experimental art means that they display those that know how to push the boundaries of modern art. This way, they create opportunities for smaller artists to shine.
However, it’s not only in their displays that they give opportunities to Miami’s artists. They shine a light on the Miami (and Florida) art community by giving grants, education, and careers to artists. They have a resource hub and they also give artists access to pro bono legal services.
If you want to explore art that is experimental – different from what you might always see in Miami – then Locust Projects should be on top of your list.
Spinello Projects
Experimental art is also booming in Miami. Spinello Projects prove that brand-new and experimental art should be given the spotlight too. Spinello Projects is founded in 2005. Since then, it has been supporting and promoting artists that have strong visual and experimental practices in their art.
The main mission of this gallery is to spark changes in the visual and artistic landscape of Miami by presenting a new aesthetic. They also want to bring these experimental arts from Miami to the global setting.
Spinello Projects always pushes the boundaries of art. With this, they also have some of their own initiatives to help push experimental art a step in the right direction.
Never-Ending Luxury
If a grand and glamorous vacation is what you have always wanted, then look no further than the city of Miami. Miami always exudes luxury. That is why celebrities always flock to this beautiful city. The rich and the famous love Miami because of all the luxurious activities and experiences that are unique to Miami.
Some of the spectacular experiences you may have in Miami include riding exotic boats and drinking fine champagne. There are so many five-star hotels in Miami that you will never be short of choices. There will be a hotel that can satisfy your goals and needs, depending on the features you’re seeking for. Even some famous chefs have exhibited their cooking at these hotels!
However, some people choose to skip the hotels and go for the other glamorous accommodations in Miami. Yes, you can even stay in a mansion or a beachfront house.
More than those mentioned, a Lamborghini may be rented in Miami if you want to travel the city in style. That is one unique thing about Miami’s opulence that you might not be able to witness elsewhere.
Of course, nothing is a match for the shopping that you can do in Miami. There is a long list of shopping areas in Miami that offer high-end products and services. Design District is the shopping district to be in if you want to be surrounded by designer brands left and right. Miami is unquestionably one of the grandest and most luxurious tourist destinations in the United States.
Breathtaking Beaches
Any list about Miami will not fail to mention the beautiful and world-class beaches that line the city. The major attraction of Miami is its breathtaking beaches. Miami is home to miles and miles of beautiful coastlines. These are even recognized as some of the best and most visited in the country, maybe even the whole world.
Despite the flock of people that go to the beaches of Miami to enjoy and unwind, the beaches stay serene and natural. The palm trees and turquoise waters are as beautiful as any hidden gem that you may find in other parts of the world. What’s great about Miami beaches is that they have an untouched charm, but they also have all the activities you can enjoy by and on the beach.
It also doesn’t hurt that Miami has warm weather almost all year round. You can enjoy beach days almost every day.
Here are some beaches in Miami that you must visit:
South Beach
If there’s one beach that Miami is most known for, it’s South Beach. It’s hard to picture Miami without South Beach in it. It’s what makes Miami a world-class beach city, after all.
The main draws of South Beach are its long stretch of pristine beaches and a never-ending and lively party scene. South Beach is vibrant, colorful, and buzzing with energy all throughout the day and night. However, despite being a big entertaining and partying beach, it can surprise you with its subtle relaxing atmosphere.
South Beach is filled with the best shopping experiences and the most amazing bars. However, in South Beach, you can also find stunning historic architecture and lots of hidden gems. These hidden gems include surprisingly amazing restaurants.
In South Beach, you will find not only relaxation and energy, but you will also find culture and art. Add to these the tons of water activities that you can enjoy the whole day!
Whatever it is that you’re looking for from a beach, it’s all in South Beach.
Surfside
This one is a hidden gem. Surfside is considered Miami’s Uptown Beach Town. It gives off that small-town, serene appeal that adds charm to its overall atmosphere. Miami can be a busy place, so going to Surfside is like escaping into a safe place that can shield you from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.
Because it’s not as saturated as other beaches in Miami, you can expect this place to be more luxurious than other beaches. There is an abundance of options for your accommodations, dining, and activities, so there’s no need to worry about what to do in Surfside.
This charming and hidden spot in Miami is family-friendly. In Surfside, expect to be greeted by groups of families enjoying a distraction-free beach day.
Hobie Beach
If you love dogs, you will love Hobie Beach. This beach may not be the most popular in Miami, but it might just be a crowd favorite. This is because it’s a dog-friendly beach. However, more than its friendliness to dogs, Hobie Beach is actually a watersport hotspot in Miami. If you want to experience adrenaline-pumping activities with some dogs in sight, then there’s no other beach to get that experience from.
Hobie Beach is also family-friendly! Its shallow waters and mild waves make it the perfect beach to just laze around and swim freely. Families with children will be a common sight on this beach.
When in Hobie Beach, it’s a must to try windsurfing. After all, Hobie Beach is actually known as Windsurfer Beach. It earned that name by becoming host to a locally run windsurfing rental concession for a long time.
Haulover Beach
Topless sunbathing is common in Miami. However, Haulover Beach is the only nudist beach in the whole city.
Many nudist beaches in Florida are tucked away in remote areas, where not a lot of people can access them. However, that is not the case with Haulover beach.
Haulover Beach is a 1.4-mile (2.25-kilometer) stretch of serene and tranquil white-sand beach that attracts plenty of visitors. It’s not exactly as packed as more famous beaches, but you can’t expect to have a private-island feel to this place, unlike the hidden gems of Miami. In fact, there are many instances when Haulover beach is packed with surfers since it is considered a great spot for surfing.
Culinary Delights
Miami is a diverse city – a melting pot of cultures and traditions – which means that it is a city that is filled with great food! The food in Miami is diverse, a mixture of many different dishes from all over the world, mostly from South America.
There are plenty of iconic restaurants and dishes in Miami because it is filled with culinary delights. The food scene in Miami is not to be missed. From rum cake to jerk chicken, they’re all here. Regardless of what kind of taste you’re looking for, there is an iconic dish in Miami somewhere.
What’s really great about the culinary scene of Miami is that you don’t have to spend a lot to try the best food in town. Fine dining is something that you should definitely try at least once in Miami. However, you can still find hidden gems in Miami that offer great and filling food for as low as seven dollars.
Here are some of the highlights of Miami’s culinary scene:
Wynwood
Wynwood is a one-of-a-kind and artsy neighborhood in Miami. There are all kinds of art displays all over this neighborhood. However, beyond that, Wynwood is also home to some of the best coffee and pastries in the whole city.
There are always exciting restaurants and cafés popping up in this neighborhood, so it’s best to keep up with what’s in. Whether you want to go for a bite of a doughnut or you want to be warmed up by some ramen, you can find it in Wynwood.
Coconut Grove
If there’s one neighborhood in Miami that’s the perfect place to showcase the culinary scene in Miami, it’s Coconut Grove. Nothing else compares to how fast Coconut Grove grows in terms of the Miami food scene.
There are many chain restaurants in Coconut Grove. However, you can also find some local restaurants that may just be some of the best you will try in Miami. There are some local staples in the neighborhood. These staples include places such as the Greenstreet Cafe as well as the American-Latin fusion restaurant Ariete.
If a drink is what you desire, then head over to Monty’s Raw Bar for some of the best drinks and atmosphere!
Little Havana
Miami cuisine is filled with lots of influences from Latin culture. If you really want to take a dive into the Latin cuisine of Miami, Little Havana is the best place to visit. It’s not hard to spend a whole day just exploring and devouring food one after another in this place.
The most famous eatery in this Latin-inspired neighborhood is the Cuban restaurant Versailles. The most iconic dish in Versailles is the Cuban sandwich that many consider the best in the city.
Latin-American Influences
If you’re not convinced that Miami is greatly influenced by Latin American culture, then do know that is dubbed the “Capital of Latin America”. The city is filled with a big population of Spanish-speaking people.
Diverse Latin influences are strongly felt in Miami culture, with Cuban and Mexican influences being the most notable. These cultures are prevalent in Miami, which lends the city its lively personality. In fact, some of the festivities in Miami are thanks to its rich culture.
The Calle Ocho Festival is one great showcase of how influential the Hispanic culture is. During the time of the Calle Ocho Festival, millions of people from all around the world gather in Miami to celebrate their Hispanic culture
Little Havana is a great example of what the blend of Miami and Latin influences is! The neighborhood is filled not only with Latin cuisine, but also with authentic cigars, Latin music, and festivals!
Las Vegas
Las Vegas welcomes more than 40 million tourists every year. Just that alone should be enough to prove just how amazing Las Vegas is as a tourist destination.
Many people think of Las Vegas as just a destination for gambling and partying. After all, it is famously known as Sin City. However, surprisingly for many, Las Vegas has something in store for everyone. Regardless if you want to spend all day and night partying, or you just want to sightsee and be amazed at what you can find, there’s something in Las Vegas for you.
Yes, Las Vegas has a buzzing nightlife. But more than that, you can see and admire beautiful museums, unbelievable shows, and interactive activities. There are also luxurious and world-renowned restaurants and hotels to take your breath away.
You may need a whole week just to see what Vegas has to offer, which makes it the perfect travel destination. It’s true that Vegas has it all.
What Makes Las Vegas Unique?
The Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas is not Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Strip, or The Strip, is a 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) stretch of hotels, restaurants, and casinos. Many of the hotels and restaurants on The Strip are considered some of the largest and most well-known in the whole world. This is how glamorous The Strip is.
The Strip is most known for being an adult playground. This means that adults are free to do practically anything they want. Adult-only performances, nightclubs, and every type of casino game you can think of are all available as entertainment in The Strip. You almost never hear about last call, and you never know which superstars you could run into.
However, beneath the partying and vices in The Strip, you can also find some gems and art! Many hotels and casinos feature every kind of architecture. From representations of past centuries to contemporary and streamlined designs, they have it. You will see interiors that can interest you.
Some of the most notable destinations in The Strip are the Mirage Casino and the Luxor Las Vegas if you want to brush up on your casino and gambling skills. Estiatorio Milos, Eataly, and Hussong’s Cantina are some of the most remarkable places to eat if you want food that will blow you away. If you want to party, the Skyfall Lounge is a great place to try.
Of course, you can also see and stay in the MGM Grand and the Venetian/Palazzo complex, which are among the largest hotels in the world.
Shopping is also something that you cannot avoid doing in Las Vegas. Shopping places like Town Square Las Vegas and Bellagio are there for all your luxurious shopping needs.
The People
Since Las Vegas welcomes millions of people yearly, there is no surprise to meet all kinds of people. It’s amazing when you realize that you will be able to see and meet every kind of character in this city. Las Vegas is never boring because of the people there.
Simply taking a walk through the streets of Las Vegas will give you a glimpse of how diverse and interesting the people can be. People in costume as superheroes and Transformers, live artists, and dancers are littered all over the city. Regardless of what time of the day you decide to go outside, everyone is in action to entertain you, whether they mean to do so or not.
More than being an entertaining bunch, the people of Las Vegas are also friendly and welcoming. Tourists don’t flock to the city for nothing. Everyone is down to party and do all sorts of things, so you know that you will meet the most fascinating and exciting people in Las Vegas.
In Las Vegas, people have a carefree attitude. This is exactly why “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is a famous slogan.
A Place of Knowledge
Contrary to what people think, Las Vegas is not all hotels and casinos. Las Vegas is also a place filled with knowledge. This means that in Las Vegas, you can find a wide variety of museums and galleries. Add to that many interesting destinations that can give you a deeper look and understanding of the rich history and culture of Las Vegas.
Just like the parties and hotels in Las Vegas, the museums are also entertaining. World-class art, surprising collections, and educational artifacts are some of the things you will find. You will not be bored visiting and learning from the top museums in Las Vegas.
The most famous museum in Las Vegas is the Mob Museum. A trip to Las Vegas will not be complete without a stop at this well-loved museum. The Mob Museum is a nonprofit that aims to educate the public about the history of organized crime and its impact on American society. Inside the museum, you will see everything that has anything to do with organized crime, from original artifacts to videos. The museum also offers a look at how organized crime impacted Las Vegas and made it what it is now.
Another notable museum in Las Vegas is the Neon Museum. This museum gives us a look at the history of Las Vegas in a creative way: through neon signs. This is something that only exists in Las Vegas and nowhere else in the world. The Neon Museum started as a storage sign for old neon signs, but it has become a full-fledged Neon Museum. There are more than 200 rescued historical neon signs in this museum.
Unique Attractions
Las Vegas is also home to the wild and wonderful. Casinos and hotels aren’t the only big deals in Las Vegas. There are also some unique attractions outdoors that you can enjoy by yourself or with the whole family. Here are some of the best attractions in the city:
Red Rock Canyon
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the first National Conservation Area in Nevada. It’s only around 30 minutes away from the Strip. If you enjoy climbing and hiking, then this is a must-visit area of Las Vegas for you.
In Red Rock Canyon, there are 19 marked hiking trails that you can choose from. The Calico Tanks Trail is the most popular hike in the Red Rock Canyon. It leads to stunning views of the Strip.
However, for those that do not prefer to hike through the Red Rock Canyon, a drive is sufficient enough. The 13-mile (21-kilometer) scenic drive loop is enough to give someone a breathtaking view of the towering red rocks.
Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is another location that is 30 minutes away from The Strip. It is a tourist area with a Mediterranean-themed design that is encircled by desert mountains. This area includes three resorts that offer different activities, from easy to extreme.
In Lake Las Vegas, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and even electric boats for a fun-filled time. If you prefer to take the more adventurous and extreme path, you can try the wakeboard cable park and fly boards. Lake Las Vegas also has a full-blown aqua park with lots of inflatable water toys.
Lake Las Vegas is a unique destination in Las Vegas that provides something different from what you might commonly see in the city of Las Vegas. It’s definitely a great place to unwind from all the partying.
Nonstop Entertainment
It’s not an exaggeration when people say that Las Vegas is the home of nonstop entertainment. Drinking, partying, and gambling isn’t the only forms of entertainment in Las Vegas. The people of Las Vegas are enough entertainment. That is because of all their antics, but beyond all these things, Las Vegas is also home to some of the best performing arts. Live entertainment is well and alive in Vegas.
Cirque du Soleil is one of the most famous live performances in Las Vegas. It’s iconic and memorable and is known to this day. Las Vegas always has memorable live performances happening.
What’s even better is that catching live shows in Las Vegas is not hard. You can do it any time of the day, even at the latest hours of the night. It’s true that the entertainment is nonstop because even when it’s 2 AM, you’re sure to still find something that you can watch and keep you entertained.
Other than the live performances, the city of Las Vegas is alive all day and all night. Food, drinks, and parties are overflowing left and right. There is always an abundance of things to do and see.
Which Is Better – Miami or Las Vegas?
Maybe you have wondered whether you should visit Miami or Las Vegas, and it has been a big struggle. It’s not easy to choose which is better between Miami and Las Vegas because of how completely different they are. Of course, both cities offer endless activities that will keep you away from boredom, but the kind of offers they provide vary greatly.
One focuses on luxury and relaxation, while the other focuses on partying and entertainment. Figuring out which one is better between Miami and Las Vegas is all about knowing what kind of adventure you want to take.
Miami is a city that is tranquil, but at the same time, energetic. It’s known for its beaches, which give a tropical and warm vibe. Miami is made for people who want to have lazy days by the water, feeling like they’re the most luxurious people. If you want to go extravagant and grand, Miami is the place to be.
Miami is better than Las Vegas when it comes to slowing down and relaxing. The warm weather, stunning beaches, and endless options for self-care are all enough to make Miami better in terms of relaxation.
On the other hand, Las Vegas is buzzing with energy. It’s like you can’t stop and you won’t stop in Las Vegas. The atmosphere is one that encourages you to keep moving and keep exploring.
Las Vegas is made for people who want to feel the energy in their bodies. It’s for the people that want to experience everything with all the highest highs. If you want to party and be entertained, Las Vegas is a must-visit place. Las Vegas is better than Miami when it comes to entertainment.
However, all that really matters when choosing which one is better between the two cities is knowing which one you prefer. Would you rather slow down, or would you rather keep moving and exploring? Regardless of your answer, you can rest assured that both of these cities can give you the best experience of your life.
FAQ
Is Las Vegas Cheaper or More Expensive Than Miami?
Las Vegas is actually considered one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the United States. On the other hand, Miami is the place to go to if you want to experience all of life’s luxuries. Because of this, it’s easy to say that Miami is more expensive than Las Vegas.
Generally speaking, Las Vegas is cheaper than Miami, both in terms of cost of living and cost of visiting.
However, the amount that you spend on a daily basis in these cities will still greatly depend on the activities that you plan to do. If you plan to go all out in Las Vegas, but not in Miami, it’s still possible to spend more in Las Vegas.
Is Miami Hotter Than Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is hot and dry for most of the year. Las Vegas is much hotter than Miami, especially during the summer. In addition to this, Las Vegas doesn’t get as much rain as Miami does. Las Vegas only gets on average 25 to 26 days of rainfall for the whole year. Miami, on the other hand, gets an average of 125 days of rainfall in a year.
Miami vs. Las Vegas for Bachelor Party
Miami and Las Vegas are both great destinations for a bachelor party. However, identifying the place to hold your bachelor party depends on what kind of party you plan to have.
Las Vegas is a more common destination for a bachelor party. Because of the partying nature of Las Vegas, more people opt to celebrate their parties in the city. There are more things that you can do when it comes to partying.
Since Las Vegas is the kind of city that is awake 24 hours a day, it’s easier to hold a party there because everything is accessible and easy to find. If you want a bachelor party that’s filled with entertainment and drinking, Las Vegas is the best place to have it.
On the other hand, Miami is a great bachelor party destination for beach parties. Miami does not hold back on the drinks and entertainment, too, but it’s really the kind of destination for beach trips. If you want a more laid-back bachelor party, go for Miami.
Miami vs. Las Vegas for Bachelorette Party
When it comes to bachelorette parties, the same thing that applies to bachelor parties also applies to this. Las Vegas is a more ideal setting for parties like bachelorette parties, but if the group prefers to feel the soft sand, Miami is the place to be.
Las Vegas is great for a bachelorette party that involves clubbing, shopping, and drinking.
Miami is ideal for a bachelorette party that involves swimming, luxurious shopping, and driving in a Lamborghini.
Is Las Vegas Bigger Than Miami?
Miami is around 55 square miles (143 square kilometers). On the other hand, Las Vegas is approximately 136 square miles (352 square kilometers). Given these numbers, Las Vegas is definitely bigger than Miami. Las Vegas is around twice as big as Miami.
Miami vs. Las Vegas Population
According to BestPlaces, Las Vegas is more densely populated than Miami.
Las Vegas has a population of around 662,368, while Miami has a population of around 471,525. When it comes to population, Las Vegas has almost twice as many people as Miami. This makes sense because the land size of Las Vegas is also bigger than Miami.
