Where to Explore:
Wynwood Art District. Spend an afternoon at Wynwood Walls, this is where everyone takes all those pictures standing in front of colorful walls #guilty. If you're lucky, you may be in town the second Saturday of the month and get to enjoy Wynwood Art Walk when many of the galleries are open and a block party complete with tons of food trucks takes over the streets. If you're really interested in the Miami art scene, visit during Art Basel in early December or take a bike tour of Wynwood offered by local artists (seriously, they have those!)
Key Biscayne. Like I mentioned before, I'm from a small beach town so I'm not a big fan of the crowded beaches here so I find the beach at Crandon Park perfect! Much less people, lots of pretty palm trees, plenty of parking, and calm waters. The southern tip of Key Biscayne also boasts the Cape Florida Lighthouse. I haven't been in a few years, but there is a nice beach there as well given it's a state park and who doesn't love a good lighthouse?? On your way to Key Biscayne, you'll cross Virginia Key going over the causeway. Take a moment to wave at UM's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science campus for me because I miss that place!
Coconut Grove. The Coconut Grove art festival in February is amazing and the Grove is a lovely place to walk around when the weather is nice. Lot's of cute little shops and great food, try Green Street or Lulu's. You can also visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for some beautiful views of an old Florida home built to look like a mini version of Versailles, but be warned one should only embark on this adventure in the winter or spring months!
South Beach. I would not spend more than one or two days in south beach, I personally feel like there's not much too see (or maybe to much to see lol?) and everything is crazy expensive! Park at one of the cities two $1 an hour parking garages on 17th and 7th, you'll thank me later. Lincoln Road and the area around Collins and 7th have great shopping, aka DASH (the Kardashian store), the prettiest Free People on earth, a Laduree, and pretty much any brand you can think of! Drive or walk down Ocean Ave for a bite to eat and good people watching. The beach access at 7th is my favorite and the most popular spot for spring breakers!
Key Biscayne. Like I mentioned before, I'm from a small beach town so I'm not a big fan of the crowded beaches here so I find the beach at Crandon Park perfect! Much less people, lots of pretty palm trees, plenty of parking, and calm waters. The southern tip of Key Biscayne also boasts the Cape Florida Lighthouse. I haven't been in a few years, but there is a nice beach there as well given it's a state park and who doesn't love a good lighthouse?? On your way to Key Biscayne, you'll cross Virginia Key going over the causeway. Take a moment to wave at UM's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science campus for me because I miss that place!
Coconut Grove. The Coconut Grove art festival in February is amazing and the Grove is a lovely place to walk around when the weather is nice. Lot's of cute little shops and great food, try Green Street or Lulu's. You can also visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for some beautiful views of an old Florida home built to look like a mini version of Versailles, but be warned one should only embark on this adventure in the winter or spring months!
South Beach. I would not spend more than one or two days in south beach, I personally feel like there's not much too see (or maybe to much to see lol?) and everything is crazy expensive! Park at one of the cities two $1 an hour parking garages on 17th and 7th, you'll thank me later. Lincoln Road and the area around Collins and 7th have great shopping, aka DASH (the Kardashian store), the prettiest Free People on earth, a Laduree, and pretty much any brand you can think of! Drive or walk down Ocean Ave for a bite to eat and good people watching. The beach access at 7th is my favorite and the most popular spot for spring breakers!
Where to Eat:
ROK:BRGR in Sunset is great for brunch, lunch, or dinner honestly! Great atmosphere with throwback music (hello late 90s, early 2000s jams) and craft beers. Free mimosas for the ladies on Sundays and all burgers are $10 on Mondays. Try the Hangover Sandwich or Drunken Pretzel Burger.
George's on Sunset is also great for brunch, lunch or dinner. Celebrated one of my birthdays here with brunch and also my graduation dinner. The owner is so fun and if it's any sort of special occasion, expect a free bottle of house champagne which is amazing! Wednesday is ladies nights. Try the Goat Cheese and Tomato Omelette or the Dirty George's Burger.
Cafe Versailles for authentic Cuban food, the most famous Cuban restaurant in all of Miami (possibly the world).
George's on Sunset is also great for brunch, lunch or dinner. Celebrated one of my birthdays here with brunch and also my graduation dinner. The owner is so fun and if it's any sort of special occasion, expect a free bottle of house champagne which is amazing! Wednesday is ladies nights. Try the Goat Cheese and Tomato Omelette or the Dirty George's Burger.
Cafe Versailles for authentic Cuban food, the most famous Cuban restaurant in all of Miami (possibly the world).
Green Street or Lulu's in the Grove
Burger and Beer Joint in Mary Brickell Village for tons of burger options and anything fried: potatoes, pickels, oreos, you name it!
Rathskeller at the University of Miami. If you're on campus for the day, stop by the Rat for some No-Yes fries (fries covered in cheese, ranch, and bacon) and pitcher on a glider by beautiful Lake Osceola!
The Big Cheese in South Miami. Okay, I saved the best and cheapest for last! I've been going to the Big Cheese for as long as I can remember and especially love going after Miami baseball games. I have personally ubered all the way from campus just to buy some of their garlic rolls. Try the garlic rolls (that's an order, not a suggestion), white pizza, Cesar salad, or the eggplant parm.
Burger and Beer Joint in Mary Brickell Village for tons of burger options and anything fried: potatoes, pickels, oreos, you name it!
Rathskeller at the University of Miami. If you're on campus for the day, stop by the Rat for some No-Yes fries (fries covered in cheese, ranch, and bacon) and pitcher on a glider by beautiful Lake Osceola!
The Big Cheese in South Miami. Okay, I saved the best and cheapest for last! I've been going to the Big Cheese for as long as I can remember and especially love going after Miami baseball games. I have personally ubered all the way from campus just to buy some of their garlic rolls. Try the garlic rolls (that's an order, not a suggestion), white pizza, Cesar salad, or the eggplant parm.
Where to Drink:
Coconut Grove. Thursday is college night and there are plenty of hole in the wall bars to try: Tavern, Barracuda's, and Fat Tuesday's are great. Especially Tuesday's because their special on Thursdays can't be beat aka $1 shots. Friday nights, you best be at Monty's! If happy hour's almost ending, order like three pk3s ASAP. Right on the water near a marina and inhabited by the entirety of UM's student body on Friday nights, it's a fun place for sure!
Brickell. Best on Friday or Saturday nights, Blackbird Ordinary is my absolute favorite. Get the special blackbird cocktail. After or before your time at Blackbird, the karaoke, bar foods, and swamp waters (basically a fish bowl) at Brother Jimmy's in Mary Brickell Village after 12am can't be beat.
South Beach. In south beach, LIV, Story and Mokai are very popular for those looking into checking out the clubs.
Wynwood. For a relaxed place, try Lagniappe Wine Bar. Very eclectic and romantic, great for a date or girl's night. They sell full bottles, wine and beer by the glass, and build your own cheese platters!
Wynwood. For a relaxed place, try Lagniappe Wine Bar. Very eclectic and romantic, great for a date or girl's night. They sell full bottles, wine and beer by the glass, and build your own cheese platters!
Where to Stay:
Okay I know I said this wasn't going to be the bougie girl's guide to Miami, BUT I can't not mention the Viceroy Hotel Brickell (now the W Hotel Miami). If you're parents are footing the bill or you're looking to splurge, this hotel is seriously amazing. I stayed here for my 21st birthday weekend and had the best time and it's in a great location to walk to all my favorite bars in Brickell. Since then, Viceroy Hotels is no longer in charge of management so I'm not sure how much has changed. Hopefully very little because this place was so quintessential Miami. One of the best spas in Florida, swanky rooftop pool, club 50 is right downstairs, plus aesthetic is 10/10 so countless instagram opportunities. Staying in Miami can be very expensive, so if you're looking for a more affordable option check out Airbnb's in the area or stay with a friend. Don't forget everybody's got a cousin in Miami (if you get this reference, we just became best friends)!
Okay, if you made it through this post clapping hands emoji for you.I wouldn't trade anything in the world for my years living here, making memories in such a colorful city! If you're a local or a longtime visitor, leave a comment with your favorite things to do, see, or eat in Miami. Wishing you fun travels!
