Miami

Private Aviation Access

Miami is unusual in offering three genuinely practical private-aviation airports, each suited to a different mission. Opa-locka Executive (OPF) is the preferred choice for most private jet arrivals, with dedicated FBOs, minimal commercial congestion and a roughly 25–35 minute transfer to South Beach. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL) suits larger aircraft and offers strong FBO capacity when OPF is congested during peak weeks such as Art Basel. Miami International (MIA) handles some private arrivals but shares runways with heavy commercial traffic, so it is best reserved for aircraft that need its longer runways. Kendall-Tamiami (TMB) is a general-aviation field well suited to smaller aircraft and turboprops flying from elsewhere in Florida or the Bahamas.

Airports and Terminals

At OPF, Signature Aviation and Jet Aviation both operate full-service FBOs with customs on request, crew lounges and ramp-side vehicle access — arrival to car is typically under 20 minutes outside peak periods. At FLL, Signature Aviation's terminal handles larger volumes with 24-hour customs. During Art Basel week, positioning an aircraft a day early and confirming a reserved parking slot at your chosen FBO is strongly advisable, as ramp space becomes genuinely scarce.

Yacht Options

Miami's charter fleet is based mainly around Miami Beach Marina, Sunset Harbour and Coconut Grove, with day-charter motor yachts in the 40–80 ft range covering Biscayne Bay, Star Island and trips out to Key Biscayne. Multi-day charters typically reposition from Fort Lauderdale, which has deeper fleet availability for yachts above 100 ft. A half-day Biscayne Bay charter is a popular way to see the city's waterfront estates without committing to a full week aboard.

Luxury Villas

Waterfront estates on Star Island, Palm Island and along the Miami Beach canals offer private docks — a genuine advantage if a yacht or boat is part of the trip. Coconut Grove and Coral Gables suit travelers who prefer a quieter, more residential base with easy access to the Grove's waterfront and Coral Gables' dining. Expect staffed properties with a chef available on request; most require a minimum stay of three to five nights in peak season.

Luxury and Exotic Cars

Miami has one of the deepest exotic-car rental markets in the United States, concentrated around South Beach and the Design District. Convertibles and mid-engine supercars suit the coastal drive along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, while a chauffeured Rolls-Royce or Range Rover is a common choice for evening arrivals and Art Basel week when parking is limited. Deposits for exotic vehicles typically run $3,000–10,000, held against the rental period.

Hotels

South Beach's Art Deco corridor concentrates the city's best-known design hotels, while the Miami Design District and Brickell offer a more contemporary, business-adjacent alternative. Fisher Island, reached only by private ferry, offers the most private hotel-adjacent stay in the city for travelers who want seclusion without a standalone villa.

Restaurants and Nightlife

The city's dining scene splits roughly into three: Miami Beach's high-energy waterfront restaurants, the Design District's chef-driven fine dining, and Little Havana and Wynwood for a more local, lower-key evening. Nightlife is concentrated in South Beach and downtown, with table reservations at the best-known clubs typically required well in advance during peak season.

Events

Art Basel Miami Beach in early December is the city's defining annual event and the single busiest week for private aviation, villas and hotels. The Miami Grand Prix (May) and the Miami International Boat Show (February) also drive significant demand and should be planned around six months ahead.

• Read the Art Basel Miami guide