The comprehensive travel guide to properly enjoy Miami. The essential spots when it comes to boutique hotels, shopping, experiences, eating and drink.
What comes to mind when you think about Miami? Art Deco opulence along Ocean Drive? The sun-kissed clientele of South Beach? Rows of designer boutiques lined by palm trees? Whatever it is, Miami has it. Many flock here each year to enjoy the tropical weather, sparkling shores and blazing nightlife, but dig beyond Miami’s ridiculously good looks and you’ll uncover a burgeoning arts scene, creative restaurants and passionate latin flair. The Magic City is a chameleon of experiences that promises a tantalizing experience for the senses–all with the comforts of warm temperatures and even hotter beaches. From the high-octane fun to the low-key luxury, here’s our guide for a weekend in Miami.
Essential Experiences
Gallery Hopping in Wynwood
The art district is a buzzing hive of studios and galleries.
While the Art Basel Miami festivities annually inject the area with a healthy dose of activity, Wynwood and the neighbouring Design District remain the city’s nexus of the arts. Housed in former working-class buildings, it’s here where storefront galleries and studios spaces mesh with art warehouses and private collections. The picturesque street murals define the overall aesthetic of Wynwood, while hip cafes, wine bars and local shops provide wonderful respite as you move from gallery to gallery.
People Watch at South Beach
The iconic area of Miami in all its glory.
From the speedo-wearing tanners rocking gold chains to Instagram models and flashy cars, South Beach is the premier spot to see and be seen in Miami. This is the most happening spot in the city with its architectural beauty, celebrity chef restaurants, pulsating nightclubs and pedestrian-friendly boardwalk. The beach itself encompasses a pristine stretch of sand and coastline dotted with colourful lifeguard stations. There’s no better place to just absorb the iconic atmosphere and take in the clientele, under the South Florida sun, nonetheless.
Admiring Art Deco Beauties
UNESCO-protected architecture bursting with personality.
Creativity has been a hallmark of Miami for about as long as anyone can remember. There’s no better example of this than Ocean Drive and its stunning Art Deco architecture with tropical motifs, pastel hues and nautical elements. The sunny poolside terraces and lavish interior design of these restored properties round out the legendary vibes of Miami Beach and transport you back in time to a bygone era.
Best Stays
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The Betsy South Beach
Stylish boutique hotel with a commitment to arts and culture.
Housed in Miami’s only remaining Floridan-Georgian style building, The Betsy exudes the “colonial chic” that’s distinguished it as a significant city landmark for the past 75 years. The property sits on the quiet end of the iconic Ocean Drive and maintains a firm commitment to art and culture in the community. The 61 suites are decked out with dark hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, bright palettes and curated libraries, while oceanside views only add to the appeal. The Betsy is a bastion of timeless style and grace amidst the neon-flashing excess of South Beach, while top-notch amenities include a crafted cocktail bar, two pools, an outdoor spa and rooftop garden.
1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
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1 Hotel South Beach
Make nature your home.
From the organic bedding and the reclaimed furniture to the sea-to-table restaurant options, the 1 Hotel South Beach puts forth a special kind of eco-chic. This culminates with the 900m “living wall” that’s composed of 11,000 varieties of local plants. The 426 rooms are drenched in sunlight and filled with thoughtful touches that aim to put you in a state of Zen relaxation. The five-star amenities include 600 feet of private beach, a Soul Cycle spinning studio and mesmerizing rooftop pool.
2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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The Miami Beach EDITION
Timeless luxury reimagined.
The Ian Schrager-designed Miami Beach EDITION puts forth the world-class amenities of a luxury resort with the personalized service and privacy of a boutique hotel. The three-acre property stretches from Collins Avenue to the ocean, evoking the feel of an exclusive enclave tucked away in its own corner of South Beach. The spacious and stylish suites put forth a modern design with exquisite detailing, modern furnishings and a soft colour scheme. Two outdoor ocean-facing pools, award-winning spa facilities and sophisticated outdoor venues lead the elegant yet fun-loving atmosphere. Dedicated to the good life, the EDITION has carved out a reputation as the go-to destination for “stay and play” in Miami thanks to both its location and culture.
2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140
Essential Eats
Bodega Taqueria & Tequila
A hidden speakeasy that houses delicious tacos and tequila.
Don’t let the simple taco truck façade of Bodega Taqueria & Tequila fool you! Bodega disguises the entrance to its secret back lounge as a porta potty for one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Inside this speakeasy, you’ll find a tequila-and-mezcal shilling den with inviting red velvet sofas, vibrant teal tiles, jarring graffiti and a long wood bar. Bodega draws a vibrant crowd who come here to munch nearly a dozen types of tacos that range from barbacoa, chicken and shrimp to vegetarian options.
Orange Blossom
The quintessential brunch spot to nurse a hangover.
Named after the lavish train that once connected New York and Miami in the 19th century, Orange Blossom is a respite from the beachy interiors with its rustic tables and wood ceiling-to-floor design. Tatanka Guerrero brings the spirit of Old Florida while incorporating the melting pot of influences that make up present-day Miami. Best known for brunch, start your day off right with huevos rancheros topped with crispy bacon or a steak-and-egg sandwich, complemented by the impressive list of handcrafted cocktails.
Mignonette
A modern take on classic oysters.
Housed in a sparse, deli-style space that was once a gas station in the 1930s, Mignonette specializes in the essential tropical weather food: oysters. Whether you prefer to slurp them raw, have them baked with butter and Pernot or indulge alongside lobster tail and king crab legs, Mignonette has it all. While the cool oyster bar, certainly is the main draw, this spot is simply a seafood haven with options across the board.
Best Shops
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The Webster
The ultimate walk-in closet.
Although The Webster now has locations in Bal Harbour, SoHo, Costa Mesa and Houston, its iconic flagship location sits in the heart of Miami Beach. The multi-brand retailer is housed in a famous Art Deco building designed by famed architect Henry Hohauser in 1939. The Webster is known for its curated shopping experience, complemented by the intimate ambiance and contemporary art. Here you’ll be able to find everything from the biggest fashion houses and progressive streetwear labels that are redefining the landscape.
Alchemist
A concept store housed within an architectural wonder.
The fifth floor of a parking garage in Miami Beach may not seem the most likely place to indulge in the latest in high-end fashion, but designer boutique Alchemist has comfortably made 1111 Lincoln Road its home. This is no ordinary car park, however, as this architectural gem was brought to life by Herzog & de Meuron. Occupying a single corner, the glass and steel space is an equally impressive achievement of design. The minimal offerings include Celine bags and dresses by Dries Van Noten and Isabel Marant artfully hung across the shop, while floor-to-ceiling windows dramatically overlook Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach’s east side.
Eberjey
Beach-ready bikinis and flattering one-pieces.
Located just steps away from the coastline, there’s no better place to get prepared for South Beach than Eberjey. This now iconic storefront dates back to 1996 when two advertising colleagues came up with the notion that the layer worn next to the heart should express happiness, life and joy. Eberjey has since grown into an international brand with essential swimwear, underwear and nighties.
Drinks
The Corner
Classic cocktails open late.
Designer-mixed cocktails are available until sunrise at this hip corner in the middle of downtown Miami. The Corner puts forth a menu of classic and specialty drinks that are complemented well by the creative sandwiches and bite-sized plates. The space itself impresses with its 150-year old wood beam construction, giant mirror and vintage decoration. This is the perfect place to stop on the way–or after–hitting the clubs after a long night out.
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Basement
Famous DJs and live dancers.
Known as the premiere multi-dimensional entertainment hub in Miami, Basement offers visitors a dazzling range of environments for the ultimate night out. The endless rooms of this megaclub are lit by strobe and lasters and filled with energetic party-goers. Pumping music fills the corridors and they’ve even thrown in a bowling alley and ice-skating rink to add a new layer to nightlife in Miami Beach. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, Wednesday nights are a favourite among locals: old school hip-hop.
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Nobu Miami
A place of tranquillity with seaside views.
Put quite simply, Nobu is a firm favourite along Miami Beach. Located at the ultra-trendy Shore Club, this place has won countless awards for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare. You don’t have to come to dine to experience the vibrant and sophisticated space, characterized by teak walls, opulent chandeliers, golden blossom décor and washi paper art. The extensive wine selection is dominated by California-grown grapes, while there’s also an impressive collection of sake as well. The outdoor champagne terrace offers scenic views of the Atlantic with a bar led by an expert mixologist, where it’s not uncommon to run into some of the biggest celebrities.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://lyfstyl.ca/first-class-the-weekenders-guide-to-miami/