To the east, the new and up-and-coming neighbourhoods of Mission Bay and South Beach are vibrant and walkable.

BBC: Living in: Great waterfront cities

Christmas Tree Cove is one of these hidden spots, a beautiful rocky beach just south of Lunada Bay that requires a steep hike down to the water.

BBC: The hidden treasures of seaside San Pedro

In Miami's latest reincarnation, artists have migrated from an increasingly out-priced South Beach to cheaper spaces across Biscayne Bay, reinvigorating mainland neighborhoods walloped by the condo bust and financial downturn.

WSJ: An Insider's Guide to Miami