Not the crowded hot, sweaty beach of mid-day. The best time to go is when the sun is low in the sky. A specific kind of blue light is created and on calm days you can hardly tell the difference between the water, air and land. 

What distinguishes the Wolfsonian from any other museum is it's unusual collection of design objects and ephemera dating from the late 19th century to mid 20th century. It's mission is to use objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed our world. It encourages people to see the world in new ways, and to learn from the past as they shape the present and influence the future.

A lovely park along the bay in the Mimo area of Miami. Lots of open spaces, enormous mature banyan trees that provide lots of shade and a creek full of crabs and little creatures that scurry about. Plus it has these amazing trees that appear to also be part vine. They are pretty magical looking, full of texture and great for art inspiration. 

Many people flock to Miami during the winter months to escape the cold. For James Deering, Vizcaya was home away from home. Built with the help of his friends and 1,000+ workers during the early 20th century, the Renaissance Italian and French influenced architecture and gardens make for a transformative experience.

If you're an artist interested in texture and detail this place is a goldmine. My favorite thing about Miami might very well be all of the plants that grow here and Fairchild showcases them in the best possible way.