Best Arts & Crafts 

Blick

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In an age of AI — a time in which IP theft is normalized at hyper speed, and the temptation to sacrifice craft for convenience proves hard to resist — immersing oneself in the tangible, corporeal elements of art and craft can be both inspiring and healing. In this respect, the high-end yet still fun, occasionally whimsical and accessible Blick Art Materials is a particularly apt destination: The store traces its origins back more than 100 years to a young man named Dick Blick in Galesburg, Ill. He started a hand-lettering business out of his pop’s dry goods store that may have slowly evolved into the “largest art supply retailer in the U.S.” but still echoes (at least at the South Dixie Highway location) with an empowering love for human ingenuity and developed skill. If you’re mourning the loss of Joann Fabrics and Crafts, make this your new home.

Best Book Store

Steamy Lit

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Founded by Latina entrepreneur Melissa Saavedra, Steamy Lit has quickly become a haven for romance readers looking for more than the average bookstore experience. What began as an online shop in 2021 has blossomed into a beloved small business with three locations in Florida, Miami Springs becoming its newest addition this year. For anyone stepping into the Miami location, get ready to be swooned by epic love stories and titles ranging from bestselling authors to underrepresented voices, all rooted in the brand’s mission of championing self-love through storytelling. Visitors can browse the store’s huge selection before settling into cozy reading spaces set up all around the shop. For those looking for a little more excitement, guests can surprise themselves with “mystery date” wrapped books or pick up playful merch that feels distinctly Miami, including a “Cafecito y Libritos” shirt that perfectly captures the vibe. It’s the kind of store where a quick stop can easily turn into an afternoon spent falling in love with reading all over again. 

Best Comic Book Shop

Metropolis Comics Anime & More

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Funko, anime and Pokémon, oh my! Metropolis dubs itself “your multiverse of collectibles” — and the moment you walk through the store doors, it becomes eminently clear this is no idle boast. Every geek-o-sphere passion you might have, ultra-niche or mainstream, the shop shares in and stocks it. The shop’s wry, knowledgeable employees (think High Fidelity re-imagined in a comic shop) are up to date with an encyclopedic knowledge of whatever your interests are. As you browse the gold-mine shelves, it is impossible not to be introduced to a myriad of potential future passions. The best part? The nine-year-old just starting to navigate a title or series is treated with the same respect as a seasoned, sophisticated lifelong collector. In fact, thanks to the inclusive community Metropolis has nurtured, fandoms of all ages are likely to be chatting together. Be sure to follow on social media to keep up with regular in-store events and signings, and look out for additional storefronts at The Falls and Miami International Mall.

Best Souvenir Shop

Official Art Deco Gift Shop

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Inside the Miami Design Preservation League’s welcome center, steps from the Art Deco Museum, the Official Art Deco Gift Shop carries things actually connected to the neighborhood they represent. Here you’ll find original Art Deco Weekend posters, vintage jewelry, locally made art, books, cards and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. MDPL has been the backbone of South Beach’s historic preservation since 1976, and every purchase supports that work directly. Staff known by name to returning visitors have earned a reputation for genuine enthusiasm and zero sales pressure (increasingly rare on this stretch of Ocean Drive). The shop is consistently rated among Miami Beach’s top shopping experiences on TripAdvisor, and if you buy an Art Deco walking tour ticket, you get 10 percent off in-store purchases and free entry to the museum next door. 

Best Used Bookstore

Kendall Book Exchange

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Secondhand bookstores are sadly few and far between in South Florida, so it’s nice that Kendall Book Exchange in Country Walk offers the chance to browse the shelves for a bargain or two. Located within the tea shop Tea N Sanity, the plucky, community-oriented storefront offers discounts for new visitors and frequently holds sales. You can also trade in some used books as part of their exchange program, or just donate a few to help the owners maintain stock. 

Best Adult Store

Pleasure Emporium

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Behind the discreet doors of Pleasure Emporium lies a grown-up playground where curiosity, confidence and a little mischief get equal shelf space. Whether you’re a blushing beginner shopping for your first toy or a seasoned BDSM enthusiast with very specific tastes, this longtime Miami staple knows how to make pleasure feel approachable, stylish and just taboo enough to keep things interesting. The selection is expansive without feeling overwhelming, ranging from sleek, body-safe luxuries and couples’ accessories to more adventurous tools for those looking to explore power play, restraint and fantasy with intention. The staff strikes that rare balance between knowledgeable and nonjudgmental, making the experience feel more like sensual self-discovery than a rushed retail errand. There are famously discreet theater rooms tucked quietly inside, giving the space an old-school, after-dark intrigue that feels increasingly rare in Miami. 

Best Cannabis Dispensary

The Flowery

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We know, we know — we’ve named The Flowery Miami’s Best Cannabis Dispensary before. But hear us out: it really is that good. The Miami-based company sells the kind of weed your uncle swears existed “back in the day;” potent, flavorful and definitely worth the slightly steeper price tag. As Florida’s only family-owned medical cannabis dispensary, The Flowery has built its reputation on growing high-quality goods locally, instead of chasing shareholder profits like the state’s cannabis mega-chains. What started with a single storefront on Biscayne Boulevard in 2022 has since grown into a 17-location operation statewide.

Best Wine Shop

Sobremesa

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With furnishings sourced from IKEA and a well-curated selection of wines sourced mainly from France and Italy, visiting Sobremesa feels less like a retail experience and more like a kickback in your most sophisticated homie’s kitchen. That’s especially true during their frequent tasting events, which turn the Miami Shores storefront into something like a convivial neighborhood wine bar. Come for the booze, stay for the buds. 

Best Tattoo Shop

SKN Tattoo Co.

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In a city with a rapidly evolving tattoo scene, it can be hard to stay on top – but for SKN Tattoo Collective in Little Haiti, a little competition only fuels the fire. With nine incredibly talented resident artists and frequent visits from national and international guests, getting inked at this woman-owned, private studio is a no-brainer. Whether you’re craving a black-and-grey realism homage to your favorite film, some intense blackwork to fill in a sleeve, or an ornamental neo-Gothic architectural back piece, SKN has you covered (literally). SKN’s sterile state-of-the-art studio and professionalism truly take the tattooing experience to the next level. Be sure to get your deposit in and secure your spot, because this appointment-only studio books fast.

Best Antique Store

Antique Mall Y’all

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For almost 30 years, Antique Mall Y’all has amassed a robust collection of goods that can satisfy even the most niche of searches. With countless booths laden with pieces from more than 275 different antique dealers, it’s no wonder Antique Mall Y’all has captured the hearts of many loyal customers. From Beanie Babies to vintage Pyrex, the labyrinthine shop holds a variety of preloved treasures with something new to discover around every corner. Owner Shelley Stanczyk’s warm and welcoming demeanor truly adds a wonderful final touch to your experience, offering extensive knowledge that certainly comes in handy when you’re trying to decide between items. Antique Mall Ya’ll is open seven days a week, all year long (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), ready to cater to your vintage needs.

Best Florist

Rose Coloured

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At Rose Coloured, customers can choose from a dreamy variety of fresh bouquets and arrangements, but they also carry assortments of dried flowers for those who feel a pang of sadness whenever it’s time to say goodbye to wilted buds. Don’t let the name steer you away if you aren’t the rose-colored everything type. This Little River florist may specialize in blush-hued arrangements, but employees can create stunning work in any palette. The emphasis here is on artistic boho designs that are great for gifting, home adornment and special events like weddings and other celebrations. They sell online and in-store, but we recommend a trip to the incredibly aesthetic brick-and-mortar shop to peruse additional goodies from the curated selection of cards, home décor, jewelry and ceramics.

Best Furniture Store

Minotti Miami

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Stepping into Minotti Miami feels less like entering a furniture showroom and more like walking through the pages of an impeccably styled design magazine. Every curve, texture and silhouette speaks the language of understated luxury, where elegance whispers instead of shouts. Rooted in Italian craftsmanship since 1948, Minotti has built an international reputation for merging artisanal tradition with contemporary innovation, creating pieces that feel as timeless as they are impossibly refined. The Miami showroom embodies that philosophy beautifully. Warm lighting, sculptural furnishings and meticulous spatial design transform the space into an immersive lesson in sophistication, equally inspiring for high-end residences and hospitality dreamers alike. Nothing feels excessive, yet everything feels exquisite. What truly separates Minotti, however, is its attention to detail. Materials are researched with obsessive precision, comfort is treated like an art form and every piece balances softness with architectural clarity. For those seeking guidance, ask for Sales Designer Lydia Taylor whose discerning eye and instinct for interiors have quietly made her one of the most respected design minds in the business.

Best Lifestyle Shop

Maison Mischief

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Maximalism is never over. No matter what #blandcore nonsense Instagram is pushing this summer, more is better for a reason. It’s fun and entertaining! Maison Mischief knows this. Launched by husband-and-wife team Ruben and Katie Gutierrez, who own interior design studio Errez Design, this lifestyle store has all the swoon-worthy items that’ll add joy to your special space. Take the centerpiece Carmen Miranda-style sculpture or pink-fringe chandelier that is exactly what the Golden Girls were missing to level up their lanai. It’s all personality. Maison Mischief also has styling specialists to help you create the celebratory feel you need, because life is too short to be boring.

Best Plant Shop/Nursery

Dade Plant Co.

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Long before he was shipping rare tropical plants across the country, Pablo Zepeda was climbing banyan trees in Coral Gables. While other kids sought refuge from the summer heat indoors, he spent his days exploring the city’s leafy canopies — an obsession that would eventually grow into Dade Plant Co. Today, co-owners Zepeda and Christine Keller cultivate hundreds of exotic tropical plants from their lush Coral Gables home where a resident turtle named Gary roams among rows of greenery. Though the nursery isn’t open for traditional retail shopping, plant lovers know to find Dade Plant Co. at local pop-ups, breweries and farmers markets where the pair have become some of Miami’s most trusted ambassadors for the exotic plant lifestyle. What began as a fully online operation has grown into a nationwide source for rare and unusual plants. South Florida’s subtropical climate allows Zepeda and Keller to propagate species that thrive in conditions similar to those found in Colombia, Thailand and parts of Mexico. Their expertise lies not only in growing healthy, rooted plants, but in safely delivering them to homes across the country. For customers transforming apartments, offices and living rooms into indoor jungles, Dade Plant Co. offers access to extraordinary plants grown by people who genuinely understand them.

Best Hotel (Broward)

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

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Fort Lauderdale has absolutely no shortage of beach hotels, but the Four Seasons arrived in ’22 with a particular kind of polish that’s refreshingly calm, confident and lux in all the right ways. Set along A1A, the 22-story oceanfront property meshes resort-style pampering with a residential polish. Rooms and suites stay breezy and refined, the pool deck practically dares guests to cancel the rest of the afternoon, and the service has a knack for remembering what guests want before they even ask. On-site eatery Evelyn’s brings Eastern Mediterranean bliss, MAASS is Fort Lauderdale’s first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant, and the spa gives locals another reason to invent a staycation excuse. The hotel understands Fort Lauderdale’s current moment calls for a grown-up, coastal and stylish vibe with sandy feet and a second drink in hand.

Best Hotel (Miami-Dade)

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

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Perfectly positioned in the heart of Miami Beach, this oceanfront property offers resort-style amenities, direct beach access and walkability to Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive and the area’s numerous restaurants and shops. Following a recent $55 million transformation, redesigned guestrooms and suites take inspiration from Miami’s coastal landscape with soft ocean hues, contemporary furnishings and a relaxed sophistication. Guests can spend the day at the expansive pool deck, unwind at the spa, or enjoy everything from sushi and cocktails to elevated coastal cuisine without leaving the property. The pet-friendly resort offers room service for cats and dogs; and if you’ve got a human baby in tow, the pool provides complimentary swimming diapers. If you’d rather not be surrounded by children, there are daily meditation classes with required registration; plus kayak, paddleboard, boogie board and bike rentals.

Best Hotel Library

The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club

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Tucked just beside the lobby of The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club is a little library that proves charm has nothing to do with square footage. With a handful of seats, the space feels like the cozy living room of a seaside country home, the kind of place where time slows down, conversations soften and you suddenly remember the pleasure of lingering. The moment people step inside, they instinctively begin to whisper. Maybe it’s a habit, maybe it’s etiquette, or perhaps the room just simply asks for softness. The collection itself is delightfully eclectic, moving from Black contemporary writers to Old English literature with the ease of someone who’s well-traveled and impossibly interesting at dinner parties. Guests wander in from the pool or beach and end up staying longer than expected, while locals have begun treating it like a hidden neighborhood refuge. With intimate cultural programming and thoughtfully curated gatherings in development, the Savoy’s library is evolving into a warm, welcoming third space.

Best Barbershop

Nicest Barbers Barbershop

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“A perfect fade,” a blog on Nicest Barbers’ website declares, “is all about the seamless transition.” The same could be said of the perfect barbershop — whether you stop in the Ponce de Leon or Biltmore Way locations of this Coral Gables spot, you’ll be treated to a chill, effortlessly cool ambiance that seamlessly transitions into one of the most meticulous, personalized, laser-focused-on-every-last-detail haircuts you’ll ever enjoy. Add to that hot towel shaves, beard trims, top-shelf friendly banter that justifies the moniker, and an uncanny ability to get even the most rambunctious kid to enjoy a haircut (the collection of superhero figures and collectibles festooning the wall is very helpful in this respect), and you’ve just transformed what can seem like a chore into a little pocket o’ joy.

Best Facial

Sana Skin Studio

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When you hear the word “sana” and you’re Hispanic, your mind likely goes to the old adage, “sana, sana, colita de rana” (heal, heal frog tail). It doesn’t make sense in English, but trust that in Spanish it has magical healing powers. Sana Skin Studio has similar power when it comes to your skin. Founded in 2020 by Valentina Hernandez Botero, Sana’s mission has always been goal-driven facials. Employees pride themselves in using clean products and putting skin education first. Unlike other facial places where estheticians are constantly pushing products down your throat, at Sana you can be at peace. Your 50-minute facial ($135) is a true moment of zen (except for when they get to the blackheads on your nose), and products are suggested to you at the end of your session without any pressure to purchase. Hernandez Botero has created a haven for skincare that makes everyone feel welcome, seen and special. Whether you go for the occasional facial or opt for their monthly membership ($105-$205 a month), a visit to Sana Skin Studio will always leave you glowing from the inside out.

Best Healthy Splurge

Pause Coral Gables

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Pause studio in Coral Gables exists for when you need a moment of — you guessed it — pause. When you need to reset and get your body feeling good after a strenuous workout or hellishly stressful week, there’s something on the menu. The pseudo spa offers all sorts of holistic and scientific approaches to wellness including cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV drips, a sauna and a floating pod. The studio offers compression therapy using Normatec boots that help with lymphatic drainage, good for when your lower body is extra sore from leg day. While the offerings at Pause are tailored more to the active individual, it’s a great place for anyone who’s looking for a reset. The IV drips are administered predominantly by former hospital nurses and healthcare professionals, so if you feel a cold coming on or just need some extra vitamins shot straight into your vein, safely head to Pause. While drop-in treatments can range anywhere between $35 to $179, monthly memberships are a sweet way to get a taste of everything on offer at a discounted rate. 

Best Massage

Aya Spa

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Some say four hands are better than two. At Aya Spa, that’s just the beginning. This collective of bodywork pros treats massage like an art form, blending techniques from deep tissue and Swedish to sports recovery and holistic therapies. Whether you’re unraveling post-workout knots or the existential weight of Miami traffic, Aya meets you exactly where you are — literally. Home, hotel or wherever you land, employees bring the calm with them. No waiting rooms, no rushed transitions, just a seamless slide into stillness. Aya Spa recently opened a serene spa tucked inside a lush home oasis where tropical gardens, tranquil Buddha statues and the soft rustle of greenery make the outside world feel very far away. Signature treatments, including the four-hand massage, turn tension into choreography, with every practitioner working at an impressively high level. If you know, you know, and if you don’t, Sharelle and Dantriell Divine make a pretty convincing argument for transcendence.

Best Nail Salon (Miami-Dade)

Pink Polish Nail and Lashes

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Finding a nail salon that’s affordable, welcoming and consistently delivers great results can be tough. Pink Polish Nails stands out for delivering quality service without the luxury price tag. This family-owned salon has built a loyal following thanks to its warm service, attention to detail and relaxing atmosphere. Clients rave about meticulous gel manicures and indulgent pedicures, especially the honey foot spa treatment that leaves feet impossibly soft. Classic manicures start at $25 or $38 for gels, but you can also get a quick polish swap without all the massages and lotions at $16 for regular polish and $30 for gels. Staff takes the time to make every guest feel comfortable, whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, while technicians Lin and Summer have earned devoted fans for their skill and genuine kindness. 

Best Mani/Pedi

Anaïs Salon

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Perfect nails are Miami’s favorite accessory, and Anaïs Salon keeps the city polished. The family-owned salon offers efficient service at affordable pricing, making it easy to pop in between bottomless brunch and a night out. The minimalist space is bright and relaxing, offering customers classic manicures and deluxe gel services using trusted brands OPI and DND in colors ranging from timeless neutrals to trendy statement shades. Manicures and pedicures come in three tiers of services from basic to deluxe and ultimate. The basic package comes with a file and shape, cuticle care, a light buff and cream applications; while the deluxe adds an exfoliating scrub, hand and foot masks, hot towel treatment and a five-minute massage. We say go for the full ultimate package, at just $34 for hands and $49 for feet, with all of the above plus a 10-minute massage and paraffin wax treatment.

Best Salon

Red Carpet Salon

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Considering the French own more than their fair share of the language not only of love (la langue de l’amour) but also fashion (haute couture; prêt-à-porter), perhaps we should not be surprised that two transplants from La République Française have established the chicest, classiest, most romantic hair salon in Miami. Both veterans of legendary Parisian salons, Stephane Bragoni and Manuela Morancais (along with master colorist Anais and stylist Iliya) have built a fervent and growing stable of devotees by integrating cutting-edge French hair and color techniques with a Miami flair. Are the results exquisite? Oui oui!

Best Spa

Bamford Wellness Spa South Beach

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Walk into the 1 Hotel lobby and you’re instantly struck by the tranquil energy of nature. Walls of white stone, wood ceilings and plants everywhere characterize the hotel. As you go deeper inside, you’ll find Bamford Wellness Spa South Beach which is equally in sync with nature. Miami’s passion for health and wellness meets its match with Bamford, a lifestyle and wellness brand founded in the English countryside with the philosophy that nature heals and protects and that people should aim to live in harmony with it. Bamford Wellness Spa South Beach is the brand’s first U.S. location, offering holistic treatments and services including massages and facials that feature products made from natural and organic ingredients. In a city that rarely slows down, this spa encourages stillness and attunement.

Best Bike Shop

Willie’s Bicycles

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For more than a decade, Willie’s Bicycles has provided friendly neighborhood service to tens of thousands of Miami cyclists. From simple flat tire fixes to custom building road bikes, shop owner William Arias and his crew provide no fuss customer service at reasonable prices. A flat repair can cost between $15 to $20, and tune-ups start at $75. The shop also offers an array of used bicycles for sale starting at around $150. If you are a true road warrior, Willie’s also has a small selection of vintage road bikes. Conveniently located off 79th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, the shop is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Best Gym

Legacy

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If your gym doesn’t feel a little culty, are you even part of the community? At Legacy in Little River, the motto is “No Days Off” and the culture is strong on grinding, gains and looking good. Try not to be intimidated by the training staff or the regulars, many of whom are turning heads in and out of the gym. Underneath their skimpy athleisure and chiseled physiques, this assortment of creators, professional athletes and local fitness enthusiasts is typically friendly to newbies and eager to lend a spot for your bench press. The fitness facility features bootcamp-style group classes for the social butterflies, open gym for the lone wolves and personal training for those seeking extra help. They also offer ample opportunities to indulge in that post-workout glow, including a co-ed cold plunge and sauna, smoothie station and coffee bar. Accidentally pulled something while maxing out your deadlift? They’ve got PTs from Force Physical Therapy in the back for that, proving that when it comes to breaking a sweat, these guys have pretty much thought of everything.

Best Car Wash

Las Brisas

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Miamians are serious about their cars, which means driving around with a dirty one can be slightly embarrassing. Sure, there are plenty of places to get a wash, but some are definitely better than others. Enter Las Brisas, where for around $16 you’ll get a full hand wash, vacuum and one less errand hanging over your head. Ask nicely, and they’ll often pay extra attention to problem spots, too. Wax add-ons, oil changes and other maintenance services are also available if you’re feeling especially productive. Yes, the line is almost always spilling out of the parking lot, but there’s a reason for that. Spotting Las Brisas with no wait feels like catching a shooting star or finding parking in Brickell on the first try — you don’t ask questions, you just pull in immediately. Even on busy days, the wait is worth it. Grab a cafecito, bring a book, and by the time your car rolls out looking suspiciously close to brand new, you’ll understand.

Best Charity

Abandoned Pet Rescue

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Abandoned Pet Rescue has done the hard, heart-expanding work long before animal rescue became Instagram shorthand for “OMG, look at this cute face.” The Fort Lauderdale no-kill shelter rescues, heals and rehomes abandoned and neglected cats and dogs, handling the messy middle that comes before the happy adoption photo. That means medical care, behavior support, daily shelter operations, volunteer coordination (there are more than 500 of ‘em), community education and the constant push to match animals with homes that actually fit. APR’s Fort Lauderdale shelter stays open seven days a week, and its work ripples far beyond the kennels. Hundreds of pets find homes through the organization each year, and countless others get a second chance because someone here decided their story wasn’t over. Since its 1996 inception, more than 10,000 pets have been adopted thanks to APR. In a region with no shortage of animals in need, Abandoned Pet Rescue keeps showing up with patience, grit and a whole lot of heart.

Best Dog Groomer

Miami Dog Spaw & Daycare

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Tucked behind Biscayne Vet Center in Miami’s Morningside neighborhood, Miami Dog Spaw has been glowing-up pups of all breeds since 2018. Cecilia Gulie and her staff are focused on providing quality service by avoiding the trap of a high-volume grooming service. That’s a primary reason Miami Dog Spaw does not accept walk-ins and appointments must be made in advance. This boutique pet care salon focuses on holistic grooming with natural bathing and cleaning products, while creating a stress-free environment for canines. Gulie’s team holds conversations with dog owners prior to their first visit, ensuring each pet walks into a comfortable environment as per their individual needs. Whether it’s your fur baby’s first time at a groomer or they’re anxious about being left alone with strangers, your pet is in good hands. Prices are reasonable, starting at $40 to $95 for baths and $70 to $115 for grooming. Services include nail trimming, ear cleaning and expressing anal glands (upon request). Most importantly, Gulie is a hands-on owner, answering calls and scheduling appointments directly. The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from early in the morning until late afternoon. 

Best Hardware Store

The Home Depot Little Havana

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Mom and Pop hardware stores have sadly ceded a lot of ground to big chains like The Home Depot, but this centrally-located store on Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana manages to balance the convenience and selection of big box retail with friendly and helpful service – in Spanish and English – that one would expect from a neighborhood shop. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen, fixing a leaky bathroom faucet or looking for some new flowers for the garden, this Home Depot location will most likely have what you need and more. 

Best Clothing Brand

Simonett

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The internet nearly killed fashion. At first, it seemed like fast fashions let everyone stay on trend. Then athleisure and oversized sweats with Uggs poured down like rain and drowned individual style and obscured good taste. Shops like Simonett are breathing fashion back to life one gorgeously structured item at a time. Founder and creative director Simonett Pereira’s sustainably made looks have genuine personality and enduring admirability. The Caracas-born founder started off with her beloved Wynwood store, Style Mafia. With Simonett, she’s been able to scale up to create her own ready-to-wear collections and recently opened a brand-new location in Little River. 

Best Clothing Store

UmaLu Vintage

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For those who’ve fantasized about touring Cher’s digital closet in “Clueless,” visiting UmaLu Vintage is a close second. Business partners and sisters Uma and Luca have curated an extensive collection of archival designer pieces, boasting big names including Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. UmaLu has captured the attention of celebrities Alix Earle, Cardi B and Kali Uchis. Most recently, the duo had its styling featured on rapper Latto for the March 2026 cover of PAPER Magazine. Take a stroll through this fashion-filled playground, enjoy the rotating rack and build the archival look of your dreams. 

Best Consignment Shop

Swap Boutique

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With several different locations sprinkled throughout Miami-Dade, Swap Boutique provides the best selection of designer goods on consignment, making fashion both affordable and accessible. Swap Boutique gives new life to couture from fashion giants including Balenciaga, Chanel, Isabel Marant, Jimmy Choo and more. In a world where trends cycle quickly and fast fashion is the norm, Swap Boutique encourages customers to look at the bigger picture and enjoy long-lasting, high-quality pieces that can be worn for years. 

Best Costume Shop

La Casa De Los Trucos

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Miami’s oldest costume shop, the iconic La Casa De Los Trucos, always manages to have another trick up its sleeve. Open year-round, this store has survived stiff competition from big box stores. Its floor-to-ceiling collections house more than 15,000 costumes, making it truly impossible to leave empty-handed. Whether customers have a last-minute themed party or need props for a presentation, La Casa De Los Trucos continues to go above and beyond for customer service.

Best Flea Market

Magic City Flea

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Ever wondered what it’d be like to wake up in vintage paradise? Magic City Flea is just that, with roaming, biweekly events that feature dozens of vendors from all over Miami. Shoppers of any style are guaranteed to find some pre-loved or reworked goods within their price point. Aside from regular markets, Magic City has also hosted a night market at Ray’s Hometown Bar and a $25-and-under market at Miami Ironside. Whether you’re fiending for a crochet cover-up, a digital camera, Harley Davidson gear or a new plant to bring home, attendees are guaranteed to leave looking happier than when they came. Whether the market is outside of Julia & Henry’s on Flagler or at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, loyal marketgoers can attest, this is the best way to spend a day in the city. 

Best Jewelry Designer

Pakada

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“Designing my way through this thing called life,” Suyen Valle once wrote on the Instagram for her elegant, handcrafted jewelry line, Pakada. While the sentiment surely speaks to her creative motivation, it also speaks to her aesthetic. Valle doesn’t just make jewelry. She conjures amulets for joy, resilience, manifestation and more. Her work is bright and buoyant, often featuring seashells made from precious metals and stones, ranging from vibrant color palettes to chic neutrals and gold. “Curated with intention,” Valle promises, and she shares her alchemy via private designer-led charm bar popups.

Best Jewelry Store

Phillips House

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There are many reasons to choose local jewelers over big brands. They tend to create higher-quality items, more unique pieces and are friendlier on the wallet. Phillips House in Miami Beach checks all of those boxes. The multigenerational family business began as a mother’s hobby and has since evolved into a destination for everything from everyday fine jewelry to fully customizable pieces and one-of-a-kind engagement rings. A Phillips House piece is unique enough to elicit a “wow, where’d you get that?” from friends, while still being comfortably wearable — but style isn’t the only selling point, because the brand is committed to sourcing and selling stones that have been ethically mined. Philips House pieces are sold in stores all over the country, but their showroom, which has been in Sunset Harbor since 2007, is the only place where customers can view a broader assortment of the collection. Also exclusive to the showroom is a selection of rare vintage watches from Cartier and other designers. If you’re looking for a special occasion gift (or a treat for yourself), take note. Phillips House is open to the public, but by appointment only. 

Best Mall

The Falls

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A Google search for “death of the American mall” boomerangs back tens of thousands of articles and solemn photographs suggesting the modern day shopping experience lands somewhere between the 1984 last-teens-alive-on-Earth masterpiece “Night of the Comet” and post-meltdown Chernobyl. Well, both developers and patrons of the 55-acre mall The Falls failed to get the memo. This lush and bustling oasis is everything the great malls of the ‘80s and ‘90s were and more, all with a contemporary spin. This place has everything. From traditional mall anchors Apple, Sephora and more, to upscale shopping destinations including Coach and Lululemon — even quirk-merchants including Box Lunch, Metropolis Comics and LoveSac. When you need a break from shopping, you can eat at Naked Taco or Los Ranchos and other eateries; or entertain yourself at the arcade, the escape rooms or the luxury Regal cinema. The Falls situates something-for-everyone amidst pleasant pedestrian walkways; and the pavilions alongside a peace-inducing, million-gallon waterscape and gorgeous landscaping truly offer commercial rebirth with receipts. 

Best Makeup Artist

Kristina Kubler

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Kristina Kubler approaches beauty with a clarity that feels increasingly rare. Her philosophy is simple: makeup should highlight your natural features, not mask them. With more than 15 years of experience as both an esthetician and makeup artist, her work reflects that balance; polished but never overdone, refined without feeling heavy-handed. Kubler’s expertise goes beyond the chair. As the founder of Pipa Skincare, she identified a gap in the market for clean, age-appropriate products designed for young, sensitive skin, built without harsh chemicals or unnecessary additives. That same attention to detail carries through in her makeup looks where skin is always the foundation and the goal is to enhance rather than transform. Her journey as a Venezuelan immigrant and working mother adds another layer to her story, one rooted in resilience and intention. Whether working with clients one-on-one or building her brand, Kubler has created an approach to beauty that feels thoughtful, modern and genuinely personal.

Best Menswear

The Webster

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Both a fine source for sophisticated clothes and a superb example of adaptive reuse, this upscale fashion boutique opened in the former Webster Hotel (a classic of Miami Art Deco architecture) in 2009 and has expanded nationally. Though it offers men’s and women’s clothing, its menswear selection runs the gamut from resort wear to upscale basics and elevated streetwear, pulling from a thoughtful edit of designer brands. This is the place to go if you want to blend in with the well-heeled hoi polloi on South Beach. 

Best Shopping

Little River

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Shopping in Miami is always in style, but there’s one neighborhood that’s quickly becoming a top destination. Little River is home to a wide range of shops that cater to every fashionista in town. Explore vintage stores Reserved MIA and Casa de Barcelona, where you can get your hands on some of the greatest finds, or shop known designers Simon Miller and “local” Eliou, whose work can be found on high-end fashion sites. The best part? More and more stores keep opening up, so you can always find something new in the 305’s hippest and trendiest neighborhood. 

Best Streetwear

HŸP

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Forget the big luxury brands. If you want to look like you have more money than you know what to do with, hit up HŸP. Its primo selection of clothes, sneakers and accessories from brands like Chrome Hearts, Rhude and Supreme will have you mogging and looksmaxxing like a Bitcoin billionaire with an OnlyFans model girlfriend that just won a Polymarket parlay. Originally located in Coconut Grove before moving to Brickell, the shop wears its Miami pride on its literal sleeves and even celebrated the opening of its Miami Worldcenter location with a Scarface-inspired capsule collection. 

Best Swimwear

Nadjea

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Nadjea’s swimwear is as Miami as an orange and purple sunset. They’re also sultry, summery and sustainably made. The Miami-based luxury brand was created by Nadjhla Gracia with a focus on slow fashion. These sexy bathing suits are sometimes simple but always bold. They fit all bodies and, in the best way possible, leave nothing to the imagination. Her latest Miami Swim Week looks were straight up flattering with thoughtful flourishes, making it clear that Nadjea’s is the way to go to make a solid summer statement. 

Best Thrift Clothing Store

Out of the Closet

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Most thrift stores ask only that you walk through their doors and browse. Out of the Closet asks for a little more – and gives a lot more back. Founded in 1990 as the retail arm of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Out of the Closet operates on the simple and radical premise of putting 96 cents of every dollar spent directly towards HIV prevention and treatment services. The Edgewater location on Biscayne Boulevard is a landmark destination in its own right, with a rotating selection of brand-name clothing, West Elm furniture sets, books, DVDs and collectibles at prices that won’t make you flinch — but the real differentiator is what’s happening beyond the rack. Free HIV and STI testing is available on-site, no appointment needed, through an AHF Wellness Center. Plus, if you donate your old clothes and furniture upon grabbing a treasure or two, you’ll leave knowing your Saturday afternoon errand just funded lifesaving care for someone else in your community. In a city with some of the highest HIV infection rates in the country, that’s not a small thing. 

Best Thrift Shop

This N’ That

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A Coconut Grove institution for nearly seven decades, This N’ That was founded in 1957 by the Women’s Fellowship of Plymouth Congregational Church back when the Miami population was fewer than 300,000 residents. This friendly, magical shop is not only as determinedly eclectic as the city where it resides, but also a real force for good. This N’ That’s net earnings are channeled to worthy community service organizations to the tune of $200,000 annually. The packed shelves reward multiple visits, too, with new books, vinyl, trinkets, all-ages clothing, jewelry, toys, seasonal decorations, comics and more. Expect the unexpected, and find out why what endures, endures.

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Reserved MIA

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Since debuting in December 2024, Reserved MIA has been about that vintage life. Set up like a 1970s haberdashery, the clothing store takes pride in promoting a sustainable existence while looking stylish via second-hand clothes. You’ll find rare pieces of authentically vintage pop-culture tees, college sweatshirts, bowling shirts, sports jerseys and vintage Levi’s jeans, as well as standard thrift store pieces for less than $20 in Reserved MIA’s bargain bins. The store also offers a superbly curated records section that leans on 1960s and 1970s funk and punk greats, and hip-hop and reggae classics from the 1980s and 1990s. The decor is an ode to the Magic City, its main wall lined with framed black-and-white photos of Miami celebrities, a pair of Luke Records jackets on another wall and Miami sports memorabilia throughout the store. It’s always a vibe on weekends when Reserved MIA hosts music events, from DJ LeSpam spinning old school reggae to salsa sessions honoring legends like Willie Colon.

Best Womenswear

Shop Vara

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Miami may be a fashion mecca for swimwear that graces the hard, tanned bods laying beside softly rippling hotel pools, but it’s never been well-regarded for its clothing that actually covers those bods. That’s why Shop Vara is a blessing to the city that barely dresses. The curated vintage boutique provides women and those who love women’s clothing with the opportunity to sartorially elevate the Magic City. The duds may not be new, but when’s the last time you went shopping? Fabric these days feels like it was made for a Barbie doll, not a human that can feel — and thanks to tariffs, everything is overpriced. Go with what’s golden, and head downtown to Vara to flex your style muscle and pump a lewk that’s all you.

Best MedSpa

SkinPlus Beauty

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Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, but this Colombian-born company’s outpost in Pinecrest discovered a formula for plump, radiantly hydrated skin that serves as the next best thing. SkinPlus Beauty opened its Miami location in 2019, and it’s aided glow-ups for everyone from local housewives to Miss Chile. Whether you’re looking for injectables to firm, sculpt or soften; microneedling or light therapy to reverse damage or promote healing; or full-body contouring and weight-loss options, SkinPlus Beauty offers wellness and beautification procedures to cover you head to toe. Monthly and annual memberships provide tiered discounts and signature benefits, and the highly skilled staff know how to deliver that fresh-faced look without dipping into any uncanny valleys.

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