Travel

Taking a summer vacation or a staycation in Miami? Check out these landmarks

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Miami summer getaways offer a a mix of one-of-a-kind landmarks, stylish hotels and new twists on classic spots.

The Fontainebleau hotel stands out with its curving MiMo architecture and a new convention center taking shape, while pool and mural updates keep it current. Travelers seeking unique sights can marvel at the Guitar Hotel’s illuminated facade or spot the Pegasus statue battling a dragon near Gulfstream Village.

At the Elser Hotel, guests can set sail with private yacht cruises, adding maritime flair to a Miami staycation.

See what's out there.

The Guitar Hotel and pool at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, near Hollywood. By Courtesy The Guitar Hotel, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

NO. 1: WHAT ARE THE STRANGEST MIAMI LANDMARKS? TAKE A LOOK AT THESE DURING YOUR TRAVELS

Visited any of them? | Published February 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

The Fontainebleau Hotel rises at the former Firestone Estate, Miami Beach. In 1954 photo, the old Harvey Firestone home is still standing in the shadow of the new $14 million building. The magnate’s estate eventually gave way to a swimming pool and landscaped gardens patterned after Versailles.

NO. 2: MIAMI BEACH’S FONTAINEBLEAU LOOKED LIKE THAT? SEE HOW THE LANDMARK HOTEL HAS CHANGED

The lobby. The pool area. The curves. Wow. | Published July 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archive

Boating in Florida is the ultimate summer activity — here are the top spots to set sail.

NO. 3: FLORIDA HOTELS THAT GUARANTEE ONE THING THIS SUMMER: YOU’RE ON A BOAT

Boating is synonymous with summer — and summer is synonymous with Florida. If you want to hit the open water in the next few months, be sure to check out these hotels across the state that will keep you cruising back for more. | Published May 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Caraway-Carlton

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.