Amanda Ketikidis’ Guide to Miami’s Best Cold-Season Escapes

 When most of the country bundles up for snowstorms and frosty mornings, Miami does what it does best — it glows. For travel blogger Amanda Ketikidis, winter isn’t a season to escape from; it’s an opportunity to explore Miami’s most vibrant, comfortable, and photogenic months. Known for her captivating travel narratives and Instagram-perfect visuals, Amanda shares how to make the most of Miami’s “cooler” season — where temperatures hover between 65°F and 75°F and the city’s tropical charm shines at its finest.

A Miami Winter: Sunshine with a Hint of Breeze

“Winter in Miami feels like an endless spring,” Amanda laughs. “It’s warm enough for the beach but cool enough to wander without breaking a sweat.” As a travel blogger who spends most of her year exploring tropical and coastal destinations, Amanda considers Miami in winter a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

Unlike other major cities, Miami doesn’t go into hibernation during winter. Instead, it comes alive with art fairs, outdoor markets, culinary festivals, and pristine beach days. Amanda describes it as a season where locals reclaim the city — when the heat softens, and the energy feels more balanced.

South Beach Serenity

While South Beach is famous year-round, Amanda insists it’s different in winter. “You still get the turquoise water and palm trees, but there’s something special about the winter light,” she says. The crowds are more relaxed, the humidity dips, and you can enjoy long walks along Ocean Drive without the summer rush.

Amanda recommends visiting early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds — ideal for photoshoots and peaceful reflection. Her go-to morning routine includes a sunrise coffee from The Local House, followed by a barefoot stroll along the shoreline. “It’s one of those moments that remind you why people dream about Miami,” she adds.

The Art Scene in Full Bloom

For art lovers, winter is peak season. December marks the arrival of Art Basel Miami Beach, the world-famous art fair that transforms the city into a global creative hub. “Art Basel is not just an event — it’s a movement,” Amanda Ketikidis says. “The entire city becomes a canvas.”

Amanda suggests exploring beyond the main fair, venturing into Wynwood Walls, Design District, and Little Haiti. These neighborhoods host countless pop-up exhibits, murals, and interactive art spaces during the winter season. Her favorite? The Wynwood Art Walk — a night filled with live music, food trucks, and electric creativity.

Coconut Grove’s Winter Charm

When Amanda wants a slower pace, she escapes to Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood. Lush banyan trees, historic homes, and cozy cafes give it a small-town feel within the city. “Winter is the perfect time to wander Coconut Grove’s streets,” she says. “The weather is crisp, the air smells of the ocean, and everything feels timeless.”

She loves grabbing brunch at GreenStreet Café, then browsing the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which takes place every February. For Amanda, it’s one of Miami’s most authentic seasonal experiences — a celebration of art, music, and community in the gentle winter sun.

The Magic of Vizcaya

For those chasing old-world charm, Amanda recommends Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya’s Italian Renaissance architecture and lush gardens make it one of Miami’s most photogenic spots. “In winter, the gardens are in full bloom, and the air is perfect for exploring,” she notes.

Amanda often features Vizcaya on her blog as a “hidden escape within the city.” The estate’s timeless elegance, framed by palm trees and marble fountains, offers an enchanting contrast to Miami’s modern skyline — a dream for photographers and history lovers alike.

Exploring Miami’s Nature in Winter

Amanda believes Miami’s natural side is most underrated, especially in winter when the weather makes outdoor exploration truly enjoyable. One of her favorite winter getaways is Everglades National Park, just an hour from downtown. “It’s a completely different world — wild, peaceful, and full of life,” she says.

She often books an early morning airboat ride to catch sight of alligators and migratory birds. For eco-conscious travelers, she recommends guided kayaking tours through mangrove tunnels, where you can experience the stillness of Florida’s subtropical wilderness.

Closer to the city, Amanda loves exploring Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach. “It’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re in a major city,” she says. From kayaking and paddleboarding to cycling through shaded trails, Oleta offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Sunset Magic at Key Biscayne

When Amanda craves peace and postcard-worthy views, she heads to Key Biscayne. “It’s where I go to recharge,” she admits. The beaches at Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park are ideal for winter picnics, sunset yoga, and quiet moments by the lighthouse.

“Winter sunsets in Key Biscayne are pure magic,” she shares. “The sky turns cotton-candy pink, and you can see the Miami skyline glowing in the distance. It’s the kind of moment that makes you fall in love with travel all over again.”

Culinary Adventures in the Cool Season

Amanda’s Miami adventures are never complete without food. Winter marks the return of Miami’s bustling outdoor dining scene, with restaurants offering waterfront terraces and seasonal dishes.

Her must-visit spots include Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District — a cozy Mediterranean escape housed in a 1940s home — and Joia Beach, where sunset dining meets tropical glamour. “Miami’s food scene in winter feels like a celebration of sunshine,” she says.

She also loves exploring local farmers markets, such as the Coconut Grove Organic Market and Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market, which are at their peak during the cooler months. “Fresh produce, artisanal treats, and a sense of community — that’s the Miami winter vibe I adore,” Amanda writes in her blog.

A Winter for Locals and Dreamers

For Amanda Ketikidis, Miami’s winter isn’t about escaping the cold; it’s about embracing warmth in every sense — from the golden light reflecting on the ocean to the energy of festivals, art, and community.

“It’s a time when you can slow down and really see Miami,” she reflects. “Whether you’re a traveler or a local, winter reminds you how lucky we are to call this place home — or even just to visit.”

As Amanda continues to share her Miami adventures with thousands of followers, she proves that winter travel doesn’t need snow to be magical. Sometimes, all you need is sunshine, sea breeze, and a city that never stops shining.

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About Amanda Ketikidis

Amanda Ketikidis is a Miami-based travel blogger known for her vibrant storytelling, photography, and love for tropical destinations. Through her blog and social media, she inspires her audience to explore the world with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude — one sunny escape at a time.