5 awesome views of downtown in Miami

Soaring sea birds. Boats whose sails fly just as high. And an encapsulated view of downtown Miami. That’s what you see when you perch at Rusty Pelican, which underwent a 7 million-dollar renovation in 2011 and later unveiled a wine menu featuring more than 300 bottles. Sip, stare and sink into bliss.

This rooftop lounge and garden puts the ‘scene’ in scenic. Crowning the 40th floor, it features 360-degree views of the downtown region and the water – although you’ll have to tear yourself away from the lush landscaping and Asian tapas in order to take it all in.

Be prepared to feel high. This gorgeously designed lounge, located on the 50th floor of the hotel, is meant to stimulate every one of the senses. But if you love a great view, this is the place to find it, because you can see practically all of downtown and the bay from here.

Sit on the family-friendly beach and watch your little ones wade in the atoll pool. Behind them, kite boarders soar against the pinks and golds of late-afternoon sun, striking off the skyscrapers of distant downtown Miami. You couldn’t ask for better Instagram snaps.

The sights from these low-rising bridges, located northeast of downtown, are outstanding during the day. But thanks to the architects who built Miami and their penchant for adding neon hues to various skyscrapers, some of the coolest illuminations of the scene are at night.