Miami Travel Guide

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Miami has been on my travel list for a long time. Outside of a quick visit to the airport on the way to Key West a few years ago, I had not made my way down to this vibrant city. I love the combination of beach and city, so I assumed I’d love Miami. I was right. I loved the distinct culture, the slightly retro meets glam vibe, and everything from the food to the people. Hopefully you followed along with all my fun on Instagram and stories. I got so many comments and DMs asking for recommendations while I was there so today, I’m sharing my Miami travel guide and trip recap with you all. Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing all of my outfits from the trip in a separate post later this week.

MIAMI TRAVEL GUIDE

WHY MIAMI

I went for a girl’s weekend and it was the perfect little getaway spot. I also think it’d be so fun to go back with my husband or on a couple’s trip. I think this city has something for anyone and you can do it how you want, whether that be a fun party weekend, one full or relaxation, or a combination of the two.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at The Clinton Hotel. It was the perfect boutique hotel for a girl’s weekend. It’s smaller and quaint compared to a lot of the big resort hotels, which I loved. It’s in a wonderful location right in the middle of South Beach and was so charming. Most of the photos you’ll see in this post were taken at or around the hotel. I absolutely loved the black and white umbrellas and all the interior decor. The staff was all so nice and friendly, too. They are working on renovating a restaurant + bar space in the hotel that already looks so cute.

The Clinton’s sister hotel is The Plymouth, which is another adorable option. It’s located in Collins Park and is oh so charming. Think pink and white umbrellas all around the pool, beautiful furnishings from Restoration Hardware, and the cutest photo worthy opportunities around every corner.

I loved staying in South Beach so we were close to all the action. Whenever planning where to stay, I always like to consider what I’ll be doing, where I’ll be going, and what I want the vibe to be. The Clinton was perfect for our weekend in Miami and I’ll definitely be back!

WHERE TO EAT

• Joe’s Stone Crab: this is a Miami institution. It’s been there for over one hundred years and is a must-do when visiting Miami. They don’t take reservations, so go decently early or kinda late like we did, and enjoy a cocktail and some apps at the bar while you wait. This is perfect for a nicer dinner out one night! There are white table clothes on the tables and the waiters are dressed in bow ties, which I loved. For how much food you get and the amazing service, it is definitely worth a visit.
• Cecconi’s: this adorable restaurant is located inside the courtyard of Soho Beach House. It’s fresh and delicious and is a perfect lunch or dinner spot. We stopped by for a late lunch on our first day in Miami and I’d definitely recommend it! Even if you just go by for a drink, Soho House is always a great spot to hang where and while you can if you aren’t a member.
• Mandolin: I felt like I was instantly transported back to Santorini or Mykonos when I walked in this restaurant. From the atmosphere to the decor to the flowers, Mandolin nails it. Not too mention the food is so delicious. Even the octopus was delicious, which I really haven’t found to be the case many places after leaving Greece. I loved this entire meal and experience!
• 27 Restaurant: holy cuteness! We went here for brunch after a big night out and it was the perfect spot. I loved both the outside and inside of this restaurant and the food was amazing. I had the fish sandwich and finished every last bite. This hotel is like a glorified or super nice hostel and has such a fun vibe. The bar there is also adorable and is on my list of ‘where to drink’ below.
• Blue Ribbon Sushi: this delicious sushi restaurant is located inside The Plymouth hotel I mentioned above. I’ve heard about it time and time again so we decided to try it out for ourselves. The rock shrimp and crispy rice were my personal favs! Oh, and the vegetable fried rice. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll love this spot.

If you’ve read my travel guides before, then you know I always share not only where we went and ate, but also what is on my list for next time. I am such a huge foodie that I constantly am adding new places to eat to my city lists. So while I haven’t been to the restaurants below yet, I’ve heard or read amazing things and hope to try them, soon!

• Bâoli: we actually went here for a post-dinner cocktail one night and the atmosphere is amazing. People were still eating everywhere around us, but it was like a party dinner with an amazing DJ, lights everywhere, and such a fun vibe. It was packed and people we know said the food was great, so I think it’d be a wonderful spot for a big group dinner. I can’t wait to try the food next time.
• Juvia: we wanted to go here for either brunch (weekends only) or dinner for their great rooftop, view, and atmosphere. On the weekends they have bottomless mimosas. It’s been described to me as a similar vibe to Catch in NYC which I love.
• Scarpetta: a classic Italian spot in the Fountainbleau. They are known for having a great water view, good atmosphere, and good food.
• Matador Room: this tapas restaurant at The Edition hotel is supposed to be delicious. The decor is beautiful and its a perfect place for lunch or dinner.
• Morgan’s: this place is freaking cute. Like reallllllyyy adorable. I definitely want to go here next time I am in town for the adorable palm tree print wallpaper alone. Plus, I hear the food is adorable and its in Wynnwood which makes it in a perfect spot before going to explore that area (more on that below.)
• Casa Tua: this classic Mediterranean restaurant is a celeb and critic favorite. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about it!
• Le Petit Madison Miami: this upscale French-Mediterranean restaurant has a beautiful ambiance and decor. It’s located in the Brickell neighborhood and is said to be a must-eat for anyone who loves Nicose or Mediterranean food.
• Naked Taco: a cute spot with a chef that used to cook for celebs. It’s a great spot for groups, too! They do specials for groups that include bottomless drinks starting at $30/person.
• The Forge: this is where you’re supposed to go if you want to splurge. They have hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Judy Garland and past presidents, so it must be good. It’s been around for awhile and is known for their steaks.

WHERE TO DRINK

• The Standard: I feel like this hotel in any city is a great spot for a cocktail, so Miami is no exception.
• The W: whether you’re at the Living Room bar or the nightclub, this is a great spot for a fun night. We went out late night here one night and had a great time! They have a beautiful pool area, too.
• Bar Centro:  This Bar in the SLS hotel is cute and has light bites.
• Soho Beach Club: if you’re a member or can get in, this is a perfect spot for some pool-side or pre-dinner cocktails.
• Broken Shaker: this is a cute little outdoor spot at the same hotel as 27 restaurant. It’s quaint, chill, and adorable.
• Baby Jane: artistic cocktails and nice bar food served in a chic, bungalow spot.
• Marion: fun atmosphere and delicious cocktails.. need I say more? They also have good food, including a fun DJ included dinner on Thursdays.
• El Tucán: restaurant meets cabaret in this one and done place where you can eat, drink, and party.

WHERE TO PARTY

Many of the day clubs or pool party scenes are also opened at night. Some of the hotel pools are for guests only, so if you’re set on a certain place, call ahead and find out so you can plan accordingly. Others have beach access if you can’t go to the pool and some let you pay for a chair at either. Not all of them have service, which is something we wanted so we made sure to go to those that did. I just recommend calling ahead or having your hotel find out for you about reservations, etc as getting on a Miami guest list for a party is a bit more challenging than in other cities.

• Bâoli: as mentioned above, we stopped here for a drink and it was such a fun atmosphere.
• SLS Hotel: this hotel is home to Hyde Beach: we went to this pool party spot during the day for a pool party and got a daybed, lunch, and drinks. It was such a fun atmosphere!
• Fountainbleau: we went out on the beach here one day to rent some beach chairs, but oh myyyy the pool scene was hoppin’. I loved the vibe of the hotel here! They are also home to LIV nightclub, which is consistently reported as one of the best in the city.
• Story: a few story (hence the name) night club with fun music that has a fun, South American vibe.

WHAT TO DO

• Enjoy the scene AKA party. Whether that’s on the beach during the day, at a pool party, with an after-dinner cocktail, or at a club dancing until the wee hours of the morning, Miami has it all. Enjoy the vibe of the city!
• Wynnwood: this area is full of street art, fun activities, and cute shops and restaurants
• Check out Little Havana: from classic cuban food to great culture, this spot of Miami is supposed to have so much to experience! Calle Ocho is the best street here to walk down and explore.
• Shop: there are so many amazing stores in Miami from places to splurge to adorable local boutiques. Every neighborhood has something different to offer. Lincoln Road is supposed to be an amazing ‘outdoor mall’ street to walk up and down if you want a lot of stores in one place. For the really nice stores, head to Palm Court.
• Rabbit Hole Vintage Shop: I’m sad we didn’t make it here because this is supposed to be such an amazing store for anyone who loves vintage shopping.
• Spa Day: Many of the big hotels have spas that you can go to even if you aren’t staying there. You have to #treatyoself on vacation, right?
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: this is an Italian-style villa set in Coconut Grove that is supposed to be completely stunning and totally worth the visit.
• Perez Art Museum: this contemporary art museum is supposed to have some amazing pieces in it and will help you get your art fix even if you can’t make it down to Miami during Art Basel.

Hopefully this Miami travel guide helps you when planning any upcoming trips to Miami! We had such a great girl’s weekend trip and I can’t wait to go back. My husband has never been so we will definitely have to go back together and cross more off the Miami to do list!

Is there anything in Miami that you LOVE to do or a place you love to eat that I missed? Be sure to comment and let me know so that I can add it to my list for next time and share it with you all.

Stay tuned because I’ll be sharing an outfit recap of everything I wore with links to shop, soon. XO

In case you missed my last travel posts, be sure to check out my Santa Fe travel guide post and my post on tips for planning your own vacation.