When you travel with your racquets, you see a whole new side of a city. And in Miami, America’s undisputed mecca of padel - they’re ready to show off. Since the pandemic, the city’s evolution from a destination for beaches and nightlife into an international destination of sport and culture. Between its Latin American roots, year-round sunshine, and a rapidly growing network of padel clubs, Miami has become the cultural epicenter of the sport. Here, padel isn’t just played – it’s lived. Racquet has teamed up with the Pro Padel League to bring you a stylish guide to our favorite places to eat, drink, play and padel.

Start by checking in: With easy access to both the beach and padel, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (re-opening December 2025) is the city’s top high-end choice, with full tennis and padel facilities operated by Cliff Drysdale Tennis. For a similarly elevated stay in the city center, the Four Seasons Hotel Miami delivers quiet luxury in the heart of Brickell. On the beach, Faena and the Miami Beach Edition offer distinct takes on beachfront luxury - Faena is ornate and theatrical; while the Edition leans calm and minimalist. For something more low-key but well located, Esme and The Standard are excellent boutique options with strong design sensibilities and local crowds, and in Coconut Grove - the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is a lush, design-forward stay featuring a greenhouse-like atrium and a laid-back, artsy vibe.

When it’s time to hit the courts, Reserve is the unofficial club- house for Miami’s padel elite - think ex-tennis pros and FOM (friends of Messi). Sunset Padel offers a more laid-back local vibe, while Ultra and PadelX bring a sleek, high-energy atmosphere with top-notch facilities. Wynwood Padel, the city’s original padel hotspot, remains a cult favorite. For tennis, Flamingo Park Tennis Center is a solid in-town option, while Crandon Park on Key Biscayne remains a classic - set against palm trees and bay views in the storied former home of the Miami Open.

Off the court - Miami’s food scene has never been better. In the Design District, Cote is a sleek Korean steakhouse that works for dinner and late drinks. Uchi in Wynwood is our favourite spendy sushi spot in town and neighbor Zak the Baker is a go-to for baked goods and coffee, while Boia De, tucked into a strip mall, has earned its cult following - be sure to book ahead. Tam Tam, a buzzy Vietnamese eatery has fun vibes, while Walrus Rodeo offers inventive veggie-forward dishes with plenty of flavour. Nearby, 1-800 Lucky is a sprawling Asian food hall perfect for groups, casual bites, or a post-match feast.

On the Cuban food front, Versailles is the classic, but Chug’s Diner and Sanguich offer more refined, everyday takes. In Coconut Grove, Mandolin remains one of the city’s most consistent meals - set in a 1930s house with a Mediterranean menu. For something more under-the-radar, The Joyce is a small South Beach steakhouse that also serves burgers out of a side window during the day. And for a quick bite in South Beach, La Sandwicherie is a beloved staple serving up stacked sandwiches and fresh juices - ideal after a hit or a dip.

For drinks, go by location. In Key Biscayne, The Cleat and Gramps Getaway are great sunset options with water views and casual live music. In Wynwood – head to Dante for vinyl vibes and a good crowd, or make your way to The Moore in the Design District - a recently opened, intimate hotspot that blends art, culture and refined luxury within a beautifully restored historic building. In South Beach, Medium Cool is exactly that. And if you want to go full Miami, there’s MILA - part restaurant, part club, mostly scene. For something on the other end of the spectrum, Mac’s Club Deuce remains the best dive in town.

For a little cross training, take a jog (or leisurely pedal) across the Rickenbacker Causeway, explore the Design District, or catch golden hour from South Pointe Pier - and no trip to Miami is complete without visiting some of the notable art destinations. We love the Rubell for its lens on contemporary art housed in an avant-garde warehouse, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens’ lush environs make a placid contrast to Miami’s vibrant energy, and for something truly off piste and unforgettable, a boat ride out to the historic Stiltsville in the open water of Biscayne Bay is not to be missed.