3 days in Miami: The perfect summery getaway!

The first time I visited Miami was during Thanksgiving break, and I have to say – I will recommend visiting exactly then, to escape the harsh winter that just begins to settle into the rest of the East Coast around that time. What Rohit and I both loved about Miami is that there is something to do for everyone, it is a very walkable and accessible city, teaming with great food spots and culture, and you can your trip as chill or adventurous as you like! Just soaking in the sunshine and taking a walk by the beach with an iced latte in hand alone had me in the vacay feels. 🙂

Where We Stayed: We decided to stay in Brickell for more of the big-city feel and walking access to great food spots. The riverwalk and high rises give it a great feel – South Beach is also a good area to stay in but frankly, I found most of the hotels to be very dated, while Brickell had newer properties. We stayed at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel and it was a fabulous experience!

That being said, since we were in Brickell, we did Uber to most other spots which can quickly add up. Also, something I wish we’d have known before our trip is that in Miami, they add a 20% service charge to your checks at almost every food establishment – and an additional tip is optional.

Below is a list of things to do and the best eats – hope this helps as you plan your Miami trip. Wishing you safe travels and sunny days ahead! 🙂

• Brickell: walk around taking in the sights, lots of restaurants and great for shopping when it rains! Cafe Bastille in Brickell was hands down my favorite spot for brunch during this trip! Get the Turkish eggs and French toast. Another brunch favorite was Pura Vida – clean eats, the egg sandwich, acai bowls and coffee were all fabulous. For a fancy dinner, I’d recommend Boulud Sud by Chef Daniel Boulud – some great food! Motek Cafe in the Brickell City Center is great for a mediterranean lunch – the ambience and food were both incredible. If you’re looking for Asian food – Zuma and Komodo both come highly recommended. Sugar at the EAST hotel was a rooftop that my cousin recommended (we did not check it out).
• Wynwood District: incredible wall murals, artsy shops, and lots of food options – including Smorgasburg Miami! Get the fresh coconut water outside Wynwood Walls.
• South Beach: walk along the strip taking in the old hotels, music and vibes – a lively and buzzing neighborhood. The beach is crowded and I would recommend it only for walking around, not spending the day. We had Naked Taco for a quick bite here and quite enjoyed it!
• Versace Mansion: the former designer’s mansion is now a boutique hotel. Get lunch at Gianni’s at the Villa – great food and vibes. Since the mansion is located right by South Beach, I’d recommend clubbing the two.
• North Beach: peaceful, clean & recommend spending beach day here. Check out the Buenos Aires Bakery and Cafe if you’re around – get the cafe con leche and churros!
• Little Havana: get the famous Cuban coffee at La Colada Gourmet – the house of Cuban coffee!
• Nightlife: not really a clubbing gal anymore, but we went to Cafe La Trova for dinner and dancing and had THE BEST TIME! The food and drinks were both phenomenal – get the Spicy Guava cocktail, mushroom croquettes and the flan for dessert. I’d highly recommend a reservation as they are popular, and have dancing on Saturday nights. THE VIBES were top notch. R T
• Design District: great for shopping day with fancy buildings & designer stores. We visited the Dior cafe while we were here, it was nothing extraordinary but good vibes and upscale!