And the forecast for this winter is... sunny with a chance of mayhem. That is if you are one of the 50,00-70,000 visitors hailing from all corners of the world, heading to the biggest art event in the United States, Art Basel Miami. From December 4-7 la créme de la créme of the art, design and entertainment industries, as well as art enthusiasts, come to celebrate with hundreds of galleries, sponsored parties and also take advantage of the white sandy beaches of Miami. Originally set in Basel, Switzerland, Art Basel Miami has expanded to a supernova that has continued to grow with over 20 satellite fairs and hundreds of cultural and events that have emerged alongside, helping position Miami as a global culture hub.

With endless options abound, we have compiled the top ten stops you should make while you are down here!

Art Basel Miami Beach
Miami Beach Convention Center

Photo Source: Alejandro Jofré via Flickr Creative Commons

Located in the convention center, Art Basel is the largest art fair of the week, featuring work from the top galleries from around the world.  As you stroll through the seven different sections that showcase all types of visual art you can imagine, be sure to check out Robert Wilson’s version of "The Death of Marat," featuring Lady Gaga. Or if you’re in the mood for a film, you can catch a screening of Tim Burton’s upcoming "Big Eyes." Feeling overstimulated by the 340 booths? Fear not, Marina Abramoviç’s got you covered. In partnership with the Fondation Beyeler, she’s designed a special space for you to take #artbaselnaps and rest your eyes and brain before you continue exploring.

SCOPE
910 Ocean Drive

Photo Source: scope-art.com

With over 126 international galleries, SCOPE’s trademark is one of cutting edge and multidisciplinary art pieces. Some of the highlights this year are Swoon’s mixed media "Thalassa" installation, Moby’s post-apocalyptic cult photo project "Innocents," at the Emmanuel Fremin Gallery booth, or the Heineken House, where you can stimulate your senses with a two-story pyramid that will feature 12 live art fixtures.

Pérez Art Museum Miami
1103 Biscayne Boulevard

Photo Source: Geoffrey Farmer

The Pérez Art Museum Miami building, designed by Herzog De Meuron, is known for its innovative architecture that merges organic and manufactured elements, featuring sculptural fixtures covered in plantlife. For PAMM’s second year, the exhibit "Geoffrey Farmer: Let’s Make the Water Turn Black" is one that is to not be missed. Here you will experience large scale theatrical installations of puppet-like sculptures made out of odd objects that are paired with sound to create a thought provoking experience. When you go outside, make sure to check out the magnificent Fly's Eye Dome by Buckminster Fuller, located along Biscayne Bay.

Wynwood Arts District
Midtown Miami

Photo Courtesy: Shepard Fairey

The Wynwood Arts District is home to over 70 art galleries, but most importantly it's the location of one of the largest open-air street art galleries. The works of heavy weights like Shepard Fairey, How and NOSM, Retna and more can be seen on buildings, parking lots and just about everywhere you look. Take a stroll through the District, with NW 2nd Ave at its spine, and enjoy all the spectacular pieces and many events, such Secret Wall’s illustration battles, or just go with the flow and enjoy the sights in this arts-centric neighborhood. Wynwood’s public spaces are an exhibit unto themselves.

Locust Projects
3852 North Miami Avenue

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Arsham

Locust Projects, located in the North East corner of Wynwood, features the work of Daniel Arsham, who is known for blurring the lines between artistic and architectural realms. This week he will showcase his much anticipated installation “Welcome to the Future.” Arsham created a massive landfill with 20th Century media devices such as VHSs, playstations and outdated phones to comment on our consumption of technology.

Design Miami
Meridian Avenue and 19th Street

Photo credit: Maria Wettergren Gallery

Not far away from the Convention Center, here you will find experimental and luxurious fixtures, furnishings, and accessories. The exhibit includes work from well known and emerging architects and designers. Check out Galerie Maria Wettergren, featuring work by Mathias Bengtsson, Astrid Krogh, and Grethe Soerensen that merge art, technology, and design using 3D printed forms and high concepts.

Spinello Project
95 NE 40th Street

Photo Credit: Spinello Project

This contemporary art venue will be showcasing “Smell The Magic,” a series by Canadian artist Kris Knight, who is known for his pastel portraits, with evasive postures that never engage with the viewer. This project is sponsored by Gucci, who has been collaborating with the artist since January of this year. 

ICA Miami
4040 NE 2nd Avenue

Photo Courtesy of Pedro Reyes

The Institution of Contemporary Art will open doors for the first time to the public this December. Pedro Reyes’s psychological art performance “Sanatorium” is a must see! Reyes has trained performers that turn the second floor into a clinic that will admit patients into therapy sessions. With such an overload to your senses, a little help from an artistic therapy session might put things into perspective.

Miami Beach Art Deco District
5th Street and Ocean Drive

Photo Credit: Benjamina Peterson  

One the best ways to learn about the history of a city is through its architecture. There are over 800 important buildings that you will encounter while you're hopping from place to place during Art Basel. From 5th Street on Ocean Drive north to 15th Street, you’ll find some of the most well known Art Deco structures built from the 1920’s to the 1940’s. The former Vesace Mansion, now a hotel called The Villa by Barton G, is on many lists of places to see.

South Beach Beaches

Photo Credit : ehpien via Flickr Creative Commons

Yes, we get that there are tons of parties and endless events and exhibits, but visiting Miami requires time to relax with drink in hand, and enjoy the beauty of the beaches of South Beach. Stroll around the public art projects in Collins Park and down the beach, perhaps you’ll find some of the Strandbeest by Theo-Jansen, or enjoy the lavish Yacht & Brokerage Show along Collins Avenue.

You can follow Angela del Sol on Twitter @angeladelsol.