48 Hours in Miami Beach


Miami Beach is one of my favorite weekend destinations even though I haven't been in seven years. From the white sandy beaches, palm trees, turquoise warm waters to the overall sexy vibe of the city. Last month I had a 2-day layover there between flights and I was so lucky to get perfect weather – sunny skies, low 80s with no rain. I loved walking around at night with the warm crisp breezes. I divided my time between Wynwood and South Beach.



The energy was amazing! In South Beach everything is walking distance. People are walking around in their swimsuits on the sidewalks. On the beach, people had music blasting. I started my day with walking up and down the beach in the water, enjoying the waves splashing on my ankles and the cool breezes. I took pictures of all the colorful, art-deco inspired lifeguard stands. There’s 29 stands in total and I got to see one of the newest ones recently added to the beach. Last year they auctioned off some of the older ones for only $400! The new stands feature impact windows and aluminum hardware to protect against hurricanes.



Later I laid out on a chair on the beach alternating between that and going in the ocean. The water is shallow for a long ways out so it was easy to just sit and relax in the water for long stretches of time as the gentle waves pushed me over.


I looked long and hard for a yellow dress for Miami, it just screams beachy doesn’t it?





On my departure day I had a 1pm flight to Jamaica, so I how did I spend my morning you ask? With a 5:30am workout, yes you heard me correct! First time ever waking up this early to workout. When my alarm went off at 4:30am it was dark outside and painful to get up. I thought why am I doing this to myself? Because afterwards I went straight to the beach to watch the sunrise at 6:30am. I thought I’d be the only person there but there were at least a dozen others - some tourists to see the sunrise, a group of ladies doing their morning power walk and surprisingly a few homeless people sleeping on the beach. The view was totally worth getting up that early! Afterwards I bought some green juice and had a 7:30am apt at the Drybar to get my hair blown out. So glad Miami has a blowdry bar!






Where to Eat
This trip I tried something different and stayed away from all the tourist traps on Ocean Drive. I went a few blocks off Ocean to get more of an authentic food experience.

Cibo Wine Bar South Beach: Huge Italian restaurant
DIRT: Healthy food
The Salty Donut: Gourmet donuts located in Miami but they deliver
Jugofresh: Juice bar
Joe & The Juice: Get your early morning green juice fix
Full Bloom: Gourmet vegan cuisine with sunset view (below)

It's hard to see in this photo, but in the distance is the Intercontinental hotel which has a 200-foot LED display of dancing lady  on the side of the building, check out the video


Where to Drink
Bar Centro: Outdoor bar by José Andrés.
Skybar at Shore Club: Moroccan inspired outdoor bar


Where to Stay
One tip for choosing a hotel in Miami Beach, never stay at a hotel past 24th street because you want to stay right in the heart of everything and walking distance to Ocean Drive. Whenever you look at a hotel, check the address first! Many hotels offer free chairs on the beach so be sure to check that is included in your stay! When I walked up to the hut on the beach and they had the names of all the hotel guests staying that night.

DREAM Hotel: boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms, a small rooftop pool, and one block from the beach.
1 Hotel: not the easiest name to google right? But this hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, a rooftop pool on the 18th floor with cabanas, day beds and drinks poolside - an adult playground. They have a second larger pool at ground level. There's a soulcycle next to the hotel.
Loews: At $400 a night this hotel is used for a lot of corporate conferences and families. This is the most centrally located hotel with almost 800 rooms, and pool next to the beach's boardwalk.
Washington Park Hotel: This is a party central hotel where you can find rates from $100. It's located 4 blocks from the beach, has a small pool that young people are always hanging around.
Whitelaw Hotel: a small boutique hotel that has been updated with nice decor, just 1 block to the beach.


Hopefully my guide will be helpful to you!


6 comments

  1. That beach looks beautiful. And yes the yellow dress does scream beachy!

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  2. It has been years since I have visited Miami!! Looks like you had a great time!!

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  3. Look at that water. I haven't been to Miami in years but I'd love to go back. Great photos!

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  4. How bright and fun! It looks like you had a blast!!!

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  5. What gorgeous photos!! Looks like a stunning trip

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