“Party in the city where the heat is on. All night, on the beach ’til the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami … Bienvenidos a Miami.” – Will Smith
Okay so maybe Miami is kind of, sort of like the Will Smith song in real life. Either way, it is a welcome vacation when you just survived nearly six months of winter in the Midwest.
Between the Cuban influences, art deco buildings, trendy nightclubs and pristine ocean waters it’s easy to see the attractiveness of the city. While there is a ton to see and do in Miami, you can hit all the highlights in a quick weekend trip. See some top things to hit while in the Magic City:
Saunter around South Beach
No visit to Miami is complete without hanging around the iconic South Beach. Known for the historic art deco hotels, shops on Ocean Drive, Vegas-like nightclubs and beautiful people, the area has helped establish the culture and rhythm of Miami.
Nightlife to explore: Basement at Edition Miami, Doheny at the Delano, Wall Lounge at the W South Beach, Bodega, Rec Room and the timeless yet touristy, Clevelander.
Go for the Mediterranean
While Cuban sandwiches, authentic tacos and classy surf & turf are the easy go-to for visitors, we stumbled upon an eclectic restaurant native to the West Coast serving up killer Mediterranean fare. Everything from the hummus, kebabs, meatballs and steak were to die for at Cleo’s on South Beach.
Other South Beach restaurants worth tasting: Prime One Twelve, Forte dei Marmi, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar and Pubbelly.
Play by the Pool
If you’re visiting Miami, a hotel with it’s own pool is worth the splurge. While you will want to take some time to enjoy the sandy beaches, you will also want to spend a day either relaxing or poppin’ bottles (if you’re into that sort of thing) at the latest pool party or trendy pool bar. Having access to the guest list since you’re a guest of the hotel is well worth the extra few dollars on top of your night’s sleeping fee.
Trendy hotels with trendy pools: The Standard, Delano Hotel, Kimpton Surfcomber, SLS South Beach, Fountainbleau Miami and 1 Hotel South Beach.
Dine On Top of the World
Okay so maybe not the world, but definitely hit up a rooftop while you’re in town (because who doesn’t love a good rooftop?). We opted for Juvia as it is a steal for a weekend brunch. A three-course meal with bottomless mimosas all for $50 – count me in every weekend! Be sure to take a friend so you can try out one of each course offered.
Other rooftops high on our list: Rooftop at the 1 Hotel, Sugar, C-Level atop the Clevelander and Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita.
Why not Wynwood
Wynwood, a landlocked area north of downtown, has brought the street art game to South Florida. The neighborhood largely considered still up-and-coming is a vibrant scene rich with colorful graffiti, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops and galleries. Stroll through the outdoor Wynwood Walls graffiti gallery, take home some succulents from La La Land, grab street tacos from Coyo Taco and sip on refreshing coconut drinks at the Thrifter Market in MANA.
Grab a bite in Wynwood: Joey’s, Kyu, Zak the Baker, Beaker & Gray, Alter and the Wynwood Yard.
Cool down with Sweet Treats
When Will Smith said Miami is the city where the heat is on, he was telling the truth. And you know the Fresh Prince doesn’t state alternative facts y’all. There’s a reason the basketball team is called the Miami Heat and it’s because the city is on fuego all day and night. The best way to cool down outside of the beach and pool (let’s be honest, it’s just like bath water during the summer months anyways) is with a nice cool treat. Cool down with a Joe & the Juice smoothie, ice cream sandwich from Mister Block Coffee or a refreshing coconut water cocktail from the DiLido Beach Club (bonus: coconut water will help hydrate you too).
What’s cooler than cool? Ice cold: Serendipity Creamery, Vicky’s House, Under the Mango Tree and Freddo.
Eats & Streets 