I can describe the Miami and Miami Beach areas in Florida as bright, colorful, and beautiful. Here, I think of it like a place where you don't have to listen to music because it has this song within itself- the water, the breeze, the people, everything to love. Alternatively, there were a lot of places with live music indoor and out, and I loved every bit of it! I have felt so at peace here (until the second time when I went right after the spring breakers HA), and I definitely look forward to going back. Here are some things you can add to your Miami and Miami Beach itinerary.
1. Bayside Marketplace
Explore a bunch of cool shops, activities like cruises & tours, and dining all right next to the water at Bayside Marketplace! You can also find live music and entertainment there. We went during the day as well as at night, and both times of the day are a great time to go, just make sure to check the hours to get there in time before things start to close.
We spent about 2 hours here, but you can expect to spend a longer or shorter time here depending on whether you choose to dine, shop, or just take a walk through, We didn't have time to dine since everything closed on us, maybe next time!. Regardless, there is plenty to do and it is definitely worth the visit!
Bonus: While you're there, check out Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel and tower almost 200 feet above the Marketplace, enjoying a 12-15 minute ride with beautiful views of the ciry!
2. Take a walk (or a seat) along the water edge of Bayfront Park
As simple as it seems compared to all the other things available in the area, this spot was a big highlight for me, especially the second time when my partner got to join me. It is so nice to sit, get a view of the body of water, the towering buildings, and watch the yachts, jet skis, and cruises go by. The vibe is ever changing from the peaceful water, to the happy partying people onboard. This is a great place to walk from Bayside Marketplace, take a little stroll, and find a bench to take a breath and relax before continuing on to your next activities.
3. wynwood walls
Step into the warehouse district and get ready to take in all the breathtaking art by going to the Wynwood Walls! There are seven destinations within Wynwood Walls to walk through with currently 47 artists. See the creativity run wild with no limits to the paintings and sculptures you'll come across, before ending with the last gallery and the gift shop which has a ton of cool stuff to bring back home!
4. the oasis
Just a 10 minute walk from Wynwood Walls is The Oasis, an outdoor experience for different food and beverage spots, as well as events! After our nice trip from Wynwood walls (and an ice cream stop), I got to relax at the Tower Bar with a frozen beverage and enjoy the music. Next time, we will definitely come at night so I don't overheat, then I can try all the foods I've been seeing on TikTok, and I can see what the events are like, but given the artists that are performing I know that it would be an awesome experience!
5. Little Havana
Get a taste of Cuban culture at Little Havana, walking the beautiful streets full of art, food, music, and more! We chose to spend the end of our Miami time here and wished we had more time, so arrive with time to shop, and explore the popular spots in Little Havana.
Tip: Check out the Miami and Beaches website for more information on Little Havana, neighborhood highlights food and drink recommendations and more!
Coffee: I am not a coffee drinker, I prefer tea, yet when given the chance I still end up trying different coffees to see if I get any energy, or at the least can enjoy the flavor. My partner enjoys coffee, so while in Little Havana he wanted to try La Colada Gourmet - The House of Cuban Coffee, and let me just say I was bummed that I decided not to get my own because this was the best I have ever tasted hands down (photo above)!
6. coconut grove
Coconut Grove is a neighborhood that definitely gives off a more tropical vibe for me, and I was fortunate enough to stay here my first visit to Miami, allowing me to explore the area and the cool things to check out there. Downtown, you can find restaurants, bars, historical stops, an art gallery, boutiques/shops, and more!
Unique stops:
Check out Books & Books. Grab wine at the café they have inside, walk around and check out some books, and even ask the staff the amazing story of how they came to be!
Celestial Treasures is a beautiful metaphysical shop. From both Miami visits, I just love the energy there, and the beautiful crystals I got to take back home to California.
Food:
If you're looking for a cool place to grab food and drinks check out Greenstreet Café. The scenery is lively with good music, and the food hit the spot for us!
view from the mayfair house hotel and garden
7. Ocean Drive
Right across the street from South Beach, you can find the famous Ocean Drive, a road full of Miami's Art Deco Hotels, restaurants, and bars. This place is live at night with all the lit up buildings, as well as music and live performances.
Here are a few cool places to check out on Ocean Drive:
Mango's Tropical Cafe South Beach:
Mango's was worth going to more than once because it is a bar, restaurant, and club that has live performances all through the night, which can explain why the line to get in that wraps around the corner of the street. You can expect a good dinner and a show there.
Clevelander South Beach Hotel and Bar:
When you walk through Ocean Drive you'll know when you walk by the Clevelander from not only is brightly lit up sign on the corner, but from the music, dancing and outside bar scenery that really welcomes you in!
Palace Bar and Restaurant:
Though I haven't eaten there I've walked by Palace a couple of times and there are amazing Drag shows that really make you stop and watch! We stopped each time through passing and the performers really engage with you if seated. It's definitely worth checking out!
Gianni's at the former Versace Mansion:
Make reservations to eat (or stay) at the former Versace Mansion. We dined here for lunch and the food and scenery was so amazing, I look forward to returning!
8. South Beach
Care for more of a beach vibe and day activities? Visit South Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. In my opinion, when it's colder out, the water is warming, and when it's warmer out, the water is cooling, but not an extreme difference in temperature for me. At South Beach, you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and water activity equipment.
I suggest to plan thinking through the of the time of year you want to visit because I went in 2020 when things were opening back up and it was such a peaceful experience, however, we unknowingly visited my second time right after Spring Break ended, which did not allow me to nap as planned or truly relax from work, but be in the scenery of music being played off different people's speakers + partying, promoters inviting us to events, and finding myself before leaving picking up some of the loads of trash that was left on the sand. There is a lot of beach here though, so if you find yourself in this situation you can drive down in the direction of Fontainebleau Miami Beach and hopefully find a more peaceful experience in that direction if you prefer.
It was cool though because it was still different than our cold water beaches at home- here you can see the cruise ships moving in the distance, promo boats on the water with large LED screens, and the occasional blimp or helicopter, somethings I have never seen at any beach I have visited.
Current rentals at the available huts:
Umbrella: $20 until 6pm
1 chair: $20 until 6pm
Tent/Cabana: $30 to face away from the beach farthest from the water
Tent/Cabana $109 to be close and facing the water with 2 chairs. (2 chairs are required to rent the tent/cabana facing the water)
As long as the water isn't choppy, water sports equipment is available at certain locations. The main company we were introduced to is called BouYah Watersports that is connected with a couple of the resorts on Miami Beach, and affiliated with them is the company we rented the umbrellas and chairs with from one of the huts on the beach, Boucher Brothers.
9. art deco musem
Learn the the architectural history and culture of Miami Beach at the Art Deco Museum. It's so great to experience Miami after getting an understanding of it's history in a fun and interactive way!
Tip: Check out the Miami Design Preservation League website for other exhibits as well as resources. There is also an Art Deco Welcome Center there that will give you tour information and resources for visiting the Miami Beach area.
10. Española Way
Dine, stay, shop, and play at Espiñola Way in Miami Beach! This romantic road is a piece of history, and a beautiful spot to take photos and enjoy your time. I recommend arriving later in the afternoon/evening because that's when everything tends to open and everything lights up!
11. Lincoln Road mall
Enjoy an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Lincoln Road Mall. Neighboring Espiñola way, Lincoln Road Mall is there to give you all the shopping you could ask for with over 200 retailers, plus attractions like art galleries, and awesome outdoor dining spots! You can expect a lively environment with music and of course, plenty of people!
12. Showfields miami
Labeled as the most interesting store in the World, we had to go see what Showfields had to offer, and I have to say this was the most coolest interactive shopping experience I have ever had! From a room full of clothing to a room with innovative technology such as kinetic sand tables for wellness, you don't know what to expect at each turn, but each turn is enjoyable just like the last. Find yourself playing arcade games in one room, or admiring 3D art in the next, you can expect it all, and even make a purchase if you want to bring something cool home.
*Items and experiences are subject to change*
Find us on camera on a couple of the TV screens above!
13. South Pointe Park
We visited South Pointe Park at the end of our trip at night, so those Iphone photos did not do it justice, but I absolutely recommend checking it out on the Miami and Beaches website for their photo gallery and an awesome 360º virtual tour where you can see what this place has to offer!
We walked the beautiful, cool lit up water path surprised to find that there is a whole pier and a beach at the end! So if you come during the day, you can have a cool beach day, your kids can have a fun time in the splash zone next to the BBQ and picnic area, and dry up while watching for boats, yachts, kayaks and Jet skis on the water. There are conveniently nearby places to eat that's walking distance, as well.
In summary, Miami has many options in store for you, and aside from this list, there is no shortage of things to do no matter the weather. It's all what you make of it so you can choose whether you want a relaxing trip, or if you want to party, because Miami can offer you both! Have fun!
