FRIDAY
First things first – you’ll need to book a hotel. Miami is home to some seriously stunning places to stay. We recommend checking into the Shore Club, a contemporary take on bohemian style. The clean lines of the hotel’s architecture are warmed by the beautiful choices of textiles, oversized lanterns, and pops of color throughout the property. The Shore Club attracts Miami’s most fashionable clientele, so you’ll fit right in. It’s also centrally located, so you’ll be able to walk to popular Miami spots like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive.
We’re thinking you’ll want to spend your first afternoon lounging by the pool on oversized day beds with patchwork details and bright colored pillows. For dinner, make your way to 27 Restaurant at the Freehand Hotel for your first meal. This restaurant captures the essence of the creative and diverse community within Miami. The delicious food is made from many ingredients that are grown in the on-site garden, and the decor is diverse and fun. Make sure to order the local catch of the day cooked in a coconut-curry sauce. Thank us later. Afterwards, have a few craft cocktails out back at the Broken Shaker. The drinks are made with fresh-pressed juices from the garden and exotic spices and ingredients. You won’t want to leave once you see how cute the decor is – think string lights, colorful seating, and lots of tropical trees.
SATURDAY
If you can manage to drag your butt out of bed at a reasonable time, we recommend venturing out for brunch. Don’t fret – you’ll still have time to nurse that hangover on the beach all afternoon. Check out Yardbird Southern Table for some delicious chicken and waffles.
Looking for something to do besides lounging by the pool? The Wynwood Art District houses a ton of art galleries and events to check out. If galleries aren’t your thing, head over to the Wynwood Walls to take some selfies in front of the incredible street art and graffiti.
If you do decide to wander over to Wynwood, we recommend stopping by Mandolin for a bite to eat. This spot is a little out of the way if you’re staying in South Beach and not interested in the art scene, but the food is literally to die for. We’re huge fans of the Mediterranean fare here, especially the chicken kabobs and grilled octopus. Did we mention the adorable backyard setting?
Miami is foodie heaven. For dinner, there are literally so many good options that it’s hard to choose just a few of the very best. Our favorite staple is Joe’s Stone Crab. The environment in this classic Miami joint is upscale and classy. Be sure to come ready to wait in line because, unfortunately, they do not take reservations. It’s worth the wait, we promise.
The bar scene obviously offers a ton of options as well, so it really depends on what you’re in the mood for. Our favorite thing to do is to grab a drink over at the Delano Beach Club late night and play life-sized chess in the secluded backyard. It’s fun and romantic, and we kinda don’t want to tell you about it so we can have it all to ourselves. P.S. The daytime pool scene is pretty noteworthy here as well. Hang here for a bit if you don’t end up going over to Wynwood for the day.
For an upbeat night out, don’t miss Rec Room. This lounge has a 70s retro vibe that we’re totally digging, especially because it’s a little more low-key than other Miami mega-clubs like Liv or Story. Yes, those mega-clubs can be fun, but we’d only recommend going if you can manage to flirt your way into bottle service.
SUNDAY
If you went out clubbing last night, we understand that you probably don’t feel like taking a long walk, but the culture down Ocean Drive is unique and a trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without it. Please ignore all of the servers doing everything they can to convince you to eat at their restaurants. Trust us, they are tourist traps and must be avoided at all costs. The place to brunch on Ocean Drive is the News Cafe. Grab a seat outside and enjoy some mimosas. On your way back to the hotel, take a peak down Espanola Way and admire this adorable little street full of restaurants. If you’re feeling like shopping, don’t miss Lincoln Road to satisfy your every need. When you’re ready for lunch, the seating at one of the outdoor cafes is perfect for people watching as well.
Miami is without a doubt one of our preferred destinations for a quick weekend getaway. Click here for a list of all of our favorites including places to eat, drink, and stay during your next visit!
