By Karen

Do you like to have fun? Go to Miami.

Want to dine near water? Il Gabbiano is in the business district of downtown Miami, and is quite expensive. But go anyway—they give you enough food to last all day. At lunch, sit by the water, and watch an endless stream of all kinds of watercraft go by, seemingly at your elbow.

But maybe you want a beachier environment. Try the Lido at the Standard Hotel in Miami Beach. Go at sunset, wear sun clothes, have a fruity drink or two and some fries. Heavenly. Every time we have been there, a fearsome and beautiful storm has come along just as dinner comes to an end. An exciting coda to an otherwise languorous evening.

Feeling cultural? The Perez Art Museum combines beautiful architecture and great shows with a wonderful location right near a sinuous highway bridge. At the back is Verde, a truly lovely restaurant along the water. Have a long and lazy lunch before you roam the sculpture gardens. And then go to the gift shop. Quirky, often gorgeous things to remind you of Miami and the Perez.

Want to see all of Miami Beach? Right in the heart of South Beach, on the top of a low building on Lincoln Road, is Juvia. Go for lunch, or an early drink, because it is way too noisy at dinner. And if you don’t want a drink and do want a view, go next door to 111 Lincoln, the most beautiful garage on earth. Sounds weird to say that of a garage, but Paul Goldberger will confirm. Designed by Hertzog and De Meuron and said to resemble a house of cards. Climb up the stairs til you reach some elegant wooden doors that mark the perimeter of the residential zone. Yes, there is a fabulous apartment at the top. (We have never been invited but we can only imagine.) Walk to the edge. The view is amazing.

Had enough of views and beach? Want some lush and peaceful gardens? Go to Casa Tua. One of our absolute favorites. It has a rotating selection of interesting contemporary art, and information about where to buy it. We like a place that celebrates new artists.

And here’s a bonus—yes, we know that means six. Mandolin Aegean Bistro. So pretty, so Greek, a garden full of white and blue and olive trees, olive oil you will want to drink when you’re not sipping wine. And a shop if you want to take it all home.

There are of course many more places to strut your stuff, or eat quietly, near boats, not near boats. Seek them out.