Miami is one of the cities that you can always find something new to do but it can be hard figuring out what to do in Miami. I enjoy that it is a multicultural city with lots to do and a vibrant nightlife. Growing up in the south, Miami was the go-to vacation place for spring break in college. Since college, I have gone with friends a few more times and each trip I have a very different experience. Keep reading to see a non-traditional weekend guide to Miami.
Where to Go:
Wynwood is an up and coming neighborhood with lots of street murals (perfect for Instagram) and restaurants. Go here for an artistic walk through the neighborhood and a bite to eat. After dinner check out one of the many bars in the area such as Brick for a good club alternative with great music.
Coconut Grove is a more residential part of Miami just outside of South Beach. I was into for a wedding in this neighborhood so I spent the first part of my trip here. I would definitely recommend checking out this neighborhood if you have a rental car and want to see a less tourist area of Miami. If you do go I recommend staying at the Arya Hotel or going there for their rooftop poolside brunch. The views are amazing and it is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon poolside.
South Pointe Park is a bit off the beaten path in South Beach. It’s a great place to go for a morning workout (on my previous trip to Miami I did an awesome yoga class there). It is also a great spot to walk along the water or just to hang in a more relaxed environment.
Related: 5 Place to Get Cute Cheap Swimsuits
Where to Stay:
One of the hardest things about traveling is finding the right place to stay. For my most recent trip to Miami, I wanted the boutique hotel experience. We stayed at the Rivera South Beach for the second half of our trip and it was exactly what we wanted. The hotel felt artistic and cozy. The staff were all polite and made sure to provide towels and a chair voucher for guest wanting to go to the beach. They also had complimentary drinks and live music for their guest from 7pm-8pm at the Mas Cuba restaurant.
Where to Eat:
Before my trip, Miami blogger Marissa from GoChicyourself.com gave me a long list of great recommendations. On my first day, I went to Morgan’s restaurant for brunch and Beaker & Gray for dinner (both in Wynwood). Morgan’s is a traditional American style restaurant with typical brunch offerings. Overall the food at Morgan’s was average with the French toast and Club Sandwich being the two best options in my opinion. It was a large group and while the wait was a bit long, we were seated in a brightly decorated private room, great for big groups.
We ended up back in Wynwood for dinner at Beaker & Gray. Beaker & Gray is a tapas style restaurant with craft cocktails. Several of the items on the menu had dairy which I try to avoid so my options were pretty limited. I ended up getting the steak which was delicious but somewhat pricey considering it came with no side or garnish. Since tapas are generally meant to be shared, the items are severed with that in mind. I also enjoyed a craft cocktail that was definitely worth making a return trip for.
Inside of the Riveria Hotel is the Mas Cuba Cafe. We went there one night for the complimentary cocktail hour and a light snack before dinner at K Ramen Beef Burger. The live music was a special touch that made me feel like I was back in Cuba. My bright yellow swimsuit happened to match the fun colorful decor perfectly!
Related: Cuba Travel Guide for Americans
Overall Miami has quite a long list of activities to suit whatever mood you want for your vacation. In the past, I hung out more in the heart of South Beach but now I enjoy slightly less touristy areas. Comment below and let me know if you have been to Miami. What was your favorite thing to do?
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