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.
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!
That beach looks beautiful. And yes the yellow dress does scream beachy!
ReplyDeleteIt has been years since I have visited Miami!! Looks like you had a great time!!
ReplyDeleteLook at that water. I haven't been to Miami in years but I'd love to go back. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteHow bright and fun! It looks like you had a blast!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the lifeguard stands!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos!! Looks like a stunning trip
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