In many instances, when a celeb touches down or ventures out in Miami, it's all about seeking out upscale experiences, privacy, and space for enjoying their coterie of friends. But just like us, they also like to party and enjoy only-in-Miami meals. If you know the right spots and get a little lucky, you just might be able to enter the inner circle — albeit for just one night. With that, in alphabetical order, here are ten places in Miami where you're all but guaranteed to rub shoulders with celebs.
Carbone
49 Collins Ave., Miami Beachcarbonemiami.com Consider Mario Carbone Miami's "it" chef on the Italian front. His popular spicy rigatoni vodka dish and the restaurant's sophisticated Miami Beach vibe have attracted the likes of Drake, Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley, and now-former Heat star Jimmy Butler. Beyond Carbone, Major Food Group's Contessa, Dirty French Steakhouse, ZZ's Club, and other hotspots are equally buzzworthy.
DJ Khaled's We the Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic at Casadonna
Photo by Vincent Nolan for We the Best Foundation
Casadonna
1737 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami305-475-2272
casadonnamiami.com This waterside Italian masterpiece was the first collaboration between hospitality titans David Grutman and Noah Tepperberg. It opened in 2023 with Zac Efron, Victoria and David Beckham, Serena Williams, TikTok star Alix Earle, and dozens of other big-timers in attendance. The restaurant has kept the momentum going, with Usher hosting a private celebration to mark the end of his last tour.
E11even
29 NE 11th St., Miami305-829-2911
11miami.com If you're not seeing stars like Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, or Cardi B perform onstage at E11even, they are probably in the crowd with you. From Jamie Foxx to Meghan Thee Stallion to Chance the Rapper, celebs love E11even. Between the dancers, the music, the E11even Vodka, and — my God — those chicken tenders, who wouldn't?
Ed Sheeran was one of the many celebrities spotted in town during last year's Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Photo by Stian Roenning
F1 Miami Grand Prix
347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardensf1miamigp.com Okay, so celebs aren't necessarily flocking to Hard Rock Stadium to watch the Dolphins lose over and over again. But, the complex is celeb heaven come F1 Miami Grand Prix time, typically held at the beginning of May. There are numerous hospitality areas set up throughout the grounds, with the Red Bull Energy Zone, Hard Rock Beach Club, and Paddock Club being among the hottest tickets. In 2024 alone, the race drew Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Kendall Jenner, Jake Paul, and more.
LIV
4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-674-4680
livnightclub.com If celebs aren't soaking up some rays on the beach or at the pool at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, they're inside partying until dawn at LIV. With performances throughout the week, there's never a bad night for celebrity spotting. Recent notables have included Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, George Clooney, and Lebron James.
Miami Art Week and Art Basel
artbasel.com "Art" is in its name, but let's be real: Miami Art Week is as well-known for its parties as it is for its art. Among the hundreds upon hundreds of events that draw celebs in early December, Nylon's party continues to draw A-listers — the 2024 edition hosted Camila Cabello, Ludacris, and Mischa Barton, among many others in attendance.Miami Heat Games at Kaseya Center
601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami786-777-1000
kaseyacenter.com Come Heat season, the Kaseya Center is straight fuego on any given night. Pick any home game on the schedule, squint toward the courtside seats, and see who's there. Come playoff time, the big names truly come out en masse. During a single playoff game in 2023, the guest list included J Balvin, Ozuna, the Cavinder twins, Chris Tucker, and Lionel Messi.
Miami Open
347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardensmiamiopen.com In the world of tennis — with Grand Slam tournaments aside — there is no bigger spectacle than the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Typically going down in mid-to-late-March, the men's and women's semifinal and final dates are the best time to spot celebs taking in the action. Recently spotted guests have included NBA phenom Luka Dončić, Jon Bon Jovi, Maluma, Mike Tyson, and actor Paul Wesley.
On the Beach
Yes, celebrities like to soak up the sun and, in some instances, forget to put on sunscreen and look like tomatoes, too. Be it lounging on the beach at their five-star resort or hitting public beaches, you never know who you'll see tucked under an umbrella on the sand. Beyond South Beach's beachy epicenters (e.g., Lummus Park), Nikki Beach continues to be a celebrity favorite, with the likes of Mario Lopez and Colin Farrell among its past visitors.The Setai
2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-720-2125
thesetaihotel.com The Setai dazzles big-name stars more than most other hotels. Perhaps it's the art deco-inspired or floor-to-ceiling window-draped suites. Whatever the appeal, if you book at the Setai, make sure to keep a lookout for the likes of Madonna, Giselle Bündchen, Jay-Z, and Vin Diesel — they've all stayed at the hotel in recent years.
