Are you travelling to Miami for the only trade show dedicated to the niche cruise interiors sector this year? Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas will take place on 6 – 7 June 2024 at Miami Beach Convention Center. With this cruise trade show taking place at the end of the first week of June, why not extend your trip to Miami and soak in this vibrant city? Read on for our top picks of things to do in Miami after Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas…
Indulge your senses
Featuring over 50,000 square feet of immersive experiences designed by world-renowned artists, Superblue Miami is not to be missed. This is one for the art lovers. Artists Es Devlin, teamLab, and James Turrell have joined forces to create an immersive art experience unlike any other. Embark on a multisensory journey through thought-provoking, visually spectacular light, video and sound installations.
Located in the Allapattah neighbourhood and close to the hip Wynwood Arts District, Superblue is surrounded by many artistic cultural icons. These include the Rubell Museum, the Museum of Graffiti, Paradox Museum Miami and Wynwood Walls, a unique outdoor museum featuring huge, colourful street murals by artists from around the globe.
Enjoy the artchitecture
After two days of soaking up design inspiration at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas, get your creative juices flowing at the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, where the sleek architectural styles of the 1920s and 1930s line the streets.
The district is splashed with colour, and dotted with standout architectural gems including geometric fountains. Whimsical pastel buildings are embellished with glamorous features, from porthole windows and shiny curves to glass blocks, chrome accents and terrazzo floors.
The district serves as a journey through Miami’s architectural styles through the years. 800 designated historic buildings offer a one-of-a-kind glimpse into a bygone era. You can also learn more about Miami’s Art Deco history at The Art Deco Museum and Welcome Center.
Soak in the views
Enjoy all the views Miami has to offer from one of the city’s many rooftop bars. With so many to choose from, we have selected a few of the best for you to enjoy…
From the 22nd floor of the dual-brand AC & Element Hotel Miami Downtown in Miami’s vibrant Brickall area, Rosa Sky offers panoramic views of the shimmering Miami skyline. These go hand in hand with its colourful hand-crafted cocktails, globally inspired tapas, and bold music lineup.
Head to HIGHBAR at Dream South Beach for iconic South Beach rooftop vibes. This glamorous venue promises both blazing sun and glittering nights from a 1970s-inspired lounge. Whilst sipping your cocktail you can also enjoy its infinity pool and ocean views, and delicious Mexican fare from Naked Taco restaurant.
Alternatively, head to Serena Miami for alfresco patio dining that transports you to the enchanting rooftops of Oaxaca and Mexico City. Enjoy a classic laid-back yet sophisticated Miami vibe under the stars whilst tasting the flavours of Latin America and Mexico. Accompanied by live music and an infamous Miami after-party, you will be dancing through the night.
Connect with nature
Indulge your adventurous side and swim in Miami’s own artificial coral ecosystem at Neptune Memorial Reef, located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne. Here, you can scuba dive or snorkel with barracudas, parrotfish, porcupine fish and other marine life among the 14 species of reef-building coral thriving in this artificial reef ecosystem about 40 feet below the surface. Engineered by a marine biologist, this stunning ecosystem attracts, supports and promotes the growth of corals and other marine life. The reef acts as a memorial through more than just a name. Neptune Memorial Reef also homes cremated remains of past sea lovers and locals. These are blended with a natural concrete substance and moulded into structures paying homage to the Lost City of Atlantis.
Celebrate Cuban culture
Explore the international cultures of the city in Calle Ocho, the center of Cuban life and culture in Miami’s Little Havana neighbourhood. The beating heart of Miami’s immigrant Latino community, this iconic enclave has been declared a “national treasure”. Enjoy Latin American flavours from authentic Cuban restaurants, popular ventanitas (takeout windows), warm and toasty Cuban bakeries, and exhilarating street festivals! Don’t miss the Ball & Chain bar, a recreation of a 1930s hotspot residing in the same space that welcomed jazz legends, from Billie Holiday to Chet Baker. Enjoy classic cocktails accompanied by live jazz, Cuban fiestas and salsa dancing!
For a taste of Cuban culture and history, head to Cubaocho, a museum and gathering space where art, music, dance, cigars and mojitos converge. Sip on a cocktail, or sample from their impressive selection of rums, whilst enjoying 19th century and early- to mid-20th century Cuban art, salsa bands, and Jazz.
Discover local history
Uncover a beautiful oasis inspired by Mediterranean architecture at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. With swaying palm trees, coral rock formations, whimsical waterfalls and striking caves, it is well worth a visit! The pool is large enough to hold 820,000 gallons of fresh water from an underground aquifer, and draws water from artesian wells in the summer. This makes it the perfect place to cool off and go for a swim. Additionally, you can delve into this icon’s unique history and discover how this former rock quarry transformed into a stunning Venetian Pool 100 years ago.
Can’t wait to embark on your trip to Miami? Get started and learn more about Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas here. You can also find out more about the co-located design expo, Hotel & Resort Design South here.
This article was originally posted on Hotel & Resort Design South.
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.