My Favorite Things to do in Miami

Ok, so, Maddie this post is for you! Thanks for coming to visit… here’s a list of my recommendations/things I want to do with a short justification to each of them.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?!

Ocean Drive

What images conjure when you hear Miami? Art Deco buildings in front of sparkling waters dashed with beautiful people? Well, you’re probably thinking of Ocean Drive. The 1.5 mile road traversing South Beach holds everything that’s quintessential Miami. Sure, it’s busy and can be tacky, but you just can’t miss it! Palms swaying in the warm breeze, historic art-deco architecture and the turquoise water that’s just as colorful as the characters you’ll see. Gorgeous tanned people sunbathe, mixing with the A-list sun seekers. Be sure to jump into the turquoise water. Nine times out of ten, it’s as warm as the breeze quietly blowing across the sand. It also serves at the HQ of Miami’s South Beach party scene. There’s a paved trail that mirrors the coast, so take a nice little walk.

The Beach

It’s Miami; you have to. As mentioned above, the water crystals like the prettiest Caribbean cove and is SO INCREDIBLY WARM! Here’s me at the beach:

Outside of South Beach, I really like northern Miami Beach and Surfside.

Coral Castle

This Miami landmark composes 1,100 tons of hand carved coral. The method sculptor Ed Leedskalnin used is still a mystery, but the results are still visitable today. The site looks less like a castle and more of a collection of ruins. Different sculptures rest around the grounds. I’ve wanted to visit Coral Castle for some time. The mysterious allure behind the creation is also a draw, but I think it’d be fun to wander around the ‘castle.’

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is one of the nation’s ONLY marine national parks! It protects the Biscayne Bay and is mostly only accessible by boat.

HOWEVER, there are a few things to see. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is on dry land. Kayaks can be launched from here for further bay exploration. Boca Chita Key is a barrier island off the coast. The 65 foot lighthouse overlooks the Miami skyline but inaccessible without a boat. There’s also a small trail for those looking to hike in every National Park.

WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS SHOULD I WALK AROUND?!?

Wynwood

Famous for the Wynwood Walls, this up and coming arts district is gorgeous! Mural lined walls host small boutiques and other upscale shops. The neighborhood feels like a giant art gallery. Take your time wandering. Gates lead into tropical gardens hiding small cafes fighting for your attention. All of my favorite chain stores seem to have an outpost here including Aviator Nation, Faherty and Marine Layer.

Brickell

Brickell is the ‘financial district’ of Miami. As such, it’s full of towering glass skyscrapers. At night, they come alive with bright neon. Walking around the streets is cool, imagine New York with palm trees and Spanish, I think you hear more of it than English. Brickell has some cool restaurants and coffee shops, along with some of Miami’s tallest skyscrapers.

South Beach

As mentioned, South Beach IS Miami. Art Deco architecture, wild clubs and turquoise water; it’s all you need!

Little Havana

Alongside Tampa’s Ybor City, this is one of Florida’s most authentic Cuban neighborhood. Along 8th Avenue, Little Havana has a concentration of everything Cuban! Cigars, Cuban Sandwiches and Cuban coffee are must haves. The Calle Ocho Walk of Fame pays tribute to Cuban and other Latin pop culture stars. Small Domino Park is always equipped for a game of chess or dominoes. Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park follows the median of 13th avenue with lush vegetation and monuments.

Design District

Another of Miami’s fabled areas, the design district is basically an outdoor mall sprawled across a few blocks. The allure comes in the form of gorgeous architecture. Every building representing a unique, yet cohesive style.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?!?

Pies from Fireman Derek’s

I’ll give you bonus points for choosing their “world famous” Key Lime Pie, but you literally can’t make a wrong decision with any of them. The Coconut Cream pie ascended me into another dimension, while the minty Grasshopper pie was deliciously unique. Owner Derek Kaplan used to be a firefighter, hence the name.

Panther Coffee

Arguably Miami’s biggest coffee chain, Panther Coffee bases itself off the elusive Everglades mammal. With six locations around the city, they also sell their beans online. The Wynwood location is super pretty with a tropical garden in front of the concrete building.

Knaus Berry Farm’s Cinnamon Rolls

“Cinnamon Rolls and Strawberry Shakes,” is all the site gives you before directing you to its home. My friend swears by them, waiting SEVEN hours once to get some. The Berry Farm is only open from November through Mid-April. They also have U-pick berry farms.

Robert is Here Fruit Stand

Ok so this could be considered a stretch, as it is a fruit stand, but it has the freshest produce in the Miami area. Being in Florida without trying our citrus is a crime in itself, so come here! Most of their fruit is grown on-site at their farm. They specialize in rare and exotic, whatever that means, and even have a few extra attractions, like an animal farm and live music.

WHERE SHOULD I DRINK?!?

I’m going to add a note that the Miami clubs are a little snobby. Dress nice or get turned away (speaking from experience…)

Literally any rooftop bar

I went to WATR on top of the 1 Hotel which was super pretty. It’s right on the ocean. During the day, it’s one of the few bars that isn’t 21+! Rosa Sky, in Brickell, calls itself Miami’s favorite rooftop lounge. They have vibrant skyline views, colorful cocktails and ‘bold music.’ I wanted to go to Sugar, but was turned away at the door for wearing shorts… a fail on my part. The bar is 40 feet above the city inside the East Hotel’s rooftop garden. Until 6 p.m., it is open to guests under 21 as well. Cocktails are about $20; be prepared to open your wallet. I wanted to mention Serena as well. Located on top of South Beach’s Moxy hotel, it looks really cool and has been added to my list. The bar takes influence from Mexico City’s nightlife scene, making margaritas the star drink.

Joia Beach

Did someone say skyline views? This little bar is literally on a beach on an island in the intercostal. They have sand, chairs and cocktails — life’s three necessities.

Broken Shaker

In the hipster Freehand Hostel, Broken Shaker is a mixology oasis, both metaphorically and physically. The bar takes inspiration from around the world as bartenders shake up drinks. GQ even called it “the coolest backyard in Miami.”

El Túcan

El Túcan promises ‘high end glamour and retro sophistication.’ Sexy leopard print booths weave the walls in this place to be seen. It always seemed popping when I walked by, so I’d like to try it out.

WHAT’S OUTSIDE THE CITY?!

Jupiter, FL

Jupiter sits about an hour north of Miami as the northernmost point in the South Florida sprawl. The wealthy community is very posh, but the star is Blowing Rocks Preserve. The beach has a small cliff and giant boulders around the sand. It feels very different from any other Floridian beach. The Jupiter Lighthouse is pretty cool, but quite expensive to climb. U-Tiki Beach has great seafood and inlet views. Nearby DuBois Park has some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen:

I also really enjoyed the family-centric atmosphere of Blueline Surf & Paddle. Right across Interstate 95, bordering Riverbend Park and Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park have a ton of trails intersecting some small streams.

West Palm Beach

No further comment; see A Weekend in West Palm

As you can see, Miami is one of the world’s most unique cities. I’ve only been twice, but have constantly felt the allure of the city’s vibrancy since. It’s colorful, it’s multicultural, it’s warm but, most importantly, it’s a good time! Miami knows how to have fun and will undoubtably show you a good time.