WHERE TO STAY
The Miami Beach EDITION - Where I would have stayed if I could. All white decor, marble pool table, lush greenery… The lobby alone is worth the visit.
1 Hotel - A little too big for my liking, but the rooftop is beautiful and they have a healthy restaurant and nice gym.
Soho Beach House - We didn’t stay here but we did spend a whole afternoon by the beach and pool. I could see why many would want to stay here - convenient food options, beach access with lounge chairs and food service, and day beds by the pool.
Palihouse - With booking so last minute, we had limited hotel options. Palihouse is definitely a great (and less expensive) choice. It just opened in late 2019 and the staff was so friendly and wonderful. The pool isn’t great, but our room was nice and spacious, and the property as a whole was more intimate and boutique.
WHERE TO EAT
Versailles - Iconic and traditional Cuban restaurant. It’s closer to MIA airport than the city center, so I’d suggest going straight there from the airport if you can. Don’t leave without ordering the Tres Leches.
Mandolin Aegean Restaurant - A must!!! It was the most recommended restaurant and for good reason. Fresh, mediterranean food in a cute, rustic patio. Felt like I was in Greece again. Just make sure to book a reservation early as it fills up. Make sure to end with the Pistachio Baklava.
Joe’s Stone Crab - An iconic Miami restaurant that’s been around for more than 100 years. Some say overrated, some say worth it. I say worth going to. They don’t take reservations, so make sure to arrive 30 minutes before open to get your name on the list. Order the stone crab claws, obviously. ;)
Swan - Pharrell’s restaurant. Not mad that we went, but think it’s more of an IG trap than anything :)
Puerto Sagua - Comfort Cuban food. We only ordered a couple things so I can’t tell you much, but it did seem like a go-to place for locals and tourists alike.
Other suggestions: Zak the Baker, Ghee, Boai de, Versace Mansion, Vicky Bakery, The Broken Shaker, La Sirenuse, Coyo Taco, Cecconi’s at Soho
WHAT TO DO
Shop and walk around the Design District
Lounge by the beach. There are many spots where you can rent lounge chairs. I’d suggest the ones at Soho Beach House (if you’re a member) or the EDITION
Roam around the Institute of Contemporary Art at no cost. Only one floor was open, but it was nice to have something to do while waiting out the rain
Look at the Wynwood Walls. I’m not a fan of graffiti art, but I did enjoy finding all of the Kobe Memorials around the area. There are lots of great food options and little shops in this area.
Take in the Art Deco District - the nation’s largest concentration of Art Deco architecture
There are lots of places to party but we didn’t do any of that this time :)
Other suggestions: Vizcaya Gardens, World Erotic Art Museum, Little Havana, Bass Museum of Art
ART DECO DISTRICT
WHAT (MANY) SPOTS DID I MISS?
Comment below so I know where to go on my next visit x
