A Fresh Start for 2026: What’s New in Greater Miami & Miami Beach
- Sebastian Sarrasin
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Our client, Greater Miami & Miami Beach, is kicking off 2026 with undeniable energy. From headline-making hotel reopenings and buzzy restaurant debuts to cultural milestones and expanded transportation options, the destination is leaning into what it does best: pairing world-class hospitality with unforgettable experiences.
“What’s unfolding across the destination over the next few months reflects a continued focus on premier hospitality and meaningful traveller experiences,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. And as the new year unfolds, visitors will find more ways than ever to connect with Miami’s neighbourhoods, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Elevated Hospitality: Iconic Hotels, Reimagined
Miami’s hotel scene is starting the year strong. The oceanfront Loews Miami Beach Hotel recently unveiled a $55 million redesign, introducing 790 refreshed guest rooms and suites along with two new dining destinations: Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar.
In the South of Fifth neighborhood, the historic Balfour Miami Beach has joined The Registry Collection, blending its 1940 art deco roots with modern luxury for an intimate, upscale stay just steps from the sand.
Wellness and recreation also take center stage at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, where the new Turnberry Isle Racquet Club adds pickleball and padel courts, lessons, tournaments, and a dedicated Racquet Shoppe within the resort’s expansive grounds.
Looking ahead to March, the highly anticipated return of Delano Miami Beach marks a major moment for South Beach. Reopening March 9, the redesigned hotel will feature 171 guest rooms, four dining and bar concepts—including the legendary Rose Bar—plus a wellness studio and private members club.
New Attractions & Cultural Highlights
Culture lovers have plenty to explore. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden celebrated the 15th anniversary of its beloved Splendour in the Garden event, continuing its tradition of blending fashion, philanthropy, and education.
Miami Beach’s design legacy remains in the spotlight with “100 Years of Art Deco: A World Celebration in Miami Beach,” an open-air exhibition along Ocean Drive showcasing the global influence of the iconic style through January 31.
In the Everglades, the Everglades Alligator Farm is preparing to welcome two baby capybaras—Biscuits and Bagel—following the success of its Capybara Encounter. A newly remodeled gift shop adds to the upgraded visitor experience.
Music fans can check out Midline Miami, a new split level, 10,000-square-foot indoor live-music venue at Arlo Wynwood. Hosting up to 1,200 guests, the space expands Miami’s year-round live performance scene across multiple genres.
A Big Season for Food & Drink
Miami’s culinary momentum shows no signs of slowing. Wynwood welcomed Kitchen + Kocktails, a Black-owned restaurant by hospitality entrepreneur Kevin Kelley, bringing bold flavours and community-driven dining to the neighbourhood.
January also marks 10 years for Ariete, the Michelin-starred Coconut Grove restaurant by chef Michael Beltran, celebrated for redefining Cuban-American fine dining.
Pop culture and food collide as RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 features R House Wynwood headliners Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion, spotlighting Miami’s nationally celebrated drag brunch scene.
New experiences continue at THRōW Social Miami, now a 35,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor playground with shareable eats, craft cocktails, oversized games, and live DJs. In Coconut Grove, Al Bàcaro—a Venetian-inspired tavern from Da Angelino Cucina Italiana—offers cicchetti, Italian wines, and relaxed alfresco vibes.
At Fontainebleau Miami Beach, diners can book Prime 54’s intimate Chef Counter experience or explore Hakkasan’s new Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience, highlighting one of the city’s most extensive wine collections. Rounding out the season, Kung Fu Chicken arrives in Miami Beach this March with Asian-inspired fast-casual favorites.
Cruising Into the Future
PortMiami continues to reinforce its status as the Cruise Capital of the World. In January, construction began on Cruise Terminal G, a $345 million, LEED-designed facility developed with Royal Caribbean Group and set to open in late 2027.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for Norwegian Aura, its largest ship to date. Debuting in 2027 and homeporting in Miami, the vessel will introduce next-generation amenities and enhanced Caribbean itineraries.
Getting Around, Made Easy
Exploring the destination is simpler than ever thanks to Freebee, the free, electric ride service operating across Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, and beyond. Miami Beach has also launched a free weekday water taxi service, connecting Sunset Harbour with Downtown Miami for a scenic and efficient commute.
Mark Your Calendar
The season is packed with marquee events, including the Pegasus World Cup, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Miami Open, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami E-Prix, and dozens of cultural, culinary, and family-friendly happenings through March.
With new hotels, bold flavours, cultural celebrations, and seamless ways to get around, Greater Miami & Miami Beach is starting 2026 with momentum—and inviting visitors to dive deeper into everything the destination has to offer. 🌴✨
