Jewish Travel Guide to Miami

**Overview**
Miami is a vibrant coastal city known for its Art Deco architecture, Latin flair, and sunny beaches. It also has a thriving Jewish community with roots dating back to the late 1800s. Today, Miami and nearby Miami Beach are home to large Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Chabad communities, along with cultural institutions and Jewish museums.

**Jewish Heritage & Community**
- Beth Jacob Congregation was Miami Beach’s first synagogue. Its restored 1930s Art Deco buildings now house the Jewish Museum of Florida, chronicling the history of Jews in the state.
- The Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach honors the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah with a striking memorial sculpture and tranquil reflection garden.
- Neighborhoods like North Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour and Aventura have sizable Jewish populations with day schools, mikvahs and vibrant community centers.

**Kosher Dining**
- Fuego by Mana – A fashionable kosher steakhouse and sushi bar in North Miami Beach.
- Kosh Restaurant – Upscale kosher steak and seafood in Surfside.
- Holy Bagels & Pizzeria – Casual kosher eats in Aventura with pizza, bagels and breakfast.
- Ditmas Kitchen & Cocktails – Trendy kosher American fare with craft cocktails on the mainland.

**Shabbat & Synagogues**
Miami offers congregations of every denomination. Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach is one of the largest Reform synagogues in the Southeast. The Shul of Bal Harbour is a flagship Chabad synagogue with daily minyanim and warm hospitality for visitors. The Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus serve the Conservative community, while Beth Israel and Young Israel congregations provide Orthodox services. Many hotels in Miami Beach are within walking distance of these synagogues; check schedules and call ahead to arrange Shabbat meals.

**Must‑See Attractions**
- Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach – A moving memorial with a reflecting pool and sculptures.
- Jewish Museum of Florida – Exhibits celebrating Jewish life in Florida, housed in the former Beth Jacob synagogue.
- South Beach Art Deco District – Pastel‑colored hotels and nightlife along Ocean Drive.
- Wynwood Arts District – Colorful street art and galleries.
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – An opulent Italian‑style villa on Biscayne Bay.
- Everglades National Park – Take a day trip to see Florida’s unique wetlands and wildlife.

**Travel Tips**
Miami is hot and humid most of the year—pack lightweight clothing and stay hydrated. Public transit options include the Metromover and Metrorail, but many visitors find a rental car useful. Remember that some kosher restaurants close early on Fridays, and life in the Jewish neighborhoods slows down over Shabbat. Parking can be limited in Miami Beach, so budget extra time when driving. Enjoy the beaches, but be mindful of strong sun and afternoon thunderstorms.