A Weekend in Miami, FL

Miami is a popping city with so much life and a surprising vibe that it hard to top. During our visit here, my friend, Sara and I explored the gorgeous Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, roamed neighborhoods with wild peacocks, danced the night away at Ball and Chain in Little Havana, and ate a delicious breakfast at The Little Hen.

Below is my itinerary and recommendations however, there is so much more to do! Below I have compiled a list of additional things to do if you have more time, like one of my fav spot- The Miami Botonical Gardens, which is free admission and host yoga and sound bath classes too!

Where To Stay

Today Brickell and Wynwood are considered the safest and most trending neighborhoods in Miami. Although these are my top two areas I suggest staying in, they are not on the beach. If this isn't a make-it-or-break-it thing for you, then go with staying in either neighborhood. Wynwood is known for its artsy wall art, outdoor walking art exhibit of murals, breweries, dancing venues, casual bars, and restaurants. Brickell on the other hand, holds more of an upscale feel. On Brickell's Miami Ave and North-South Ave, you can experience restaurants, entertainment, fashionable boutiques, luxurious homes, and more. Brickell is where you can find celebrity homes, such as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Click here for the best things to do in Brickell.

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at Brickell South. We absolutely loved this hotel as it was super clean, the staff was fantastic, and the pool is surrounded by trees and gardens accompanied by string lights sparkling above you. The only downside was the location as it was not within walking distance to many places we went to however, it was a cost-effective stay. We took a Lyft and most places were about 15 minutes to get to.

Itinerary

Day 1 / Wynwood Walls, Bayside Market Place, & Little Havana

On the 2nd Saturday of every month is Wynwood Art Walk, which is when the neighborhood turns into a late night arts festival. This outdoor art gallery captivates fashion, arts, innovation, creative enterprise, and cultural mecca of ever-changing murals completed by artists from around the world. The Wynwood Walls was once a boring street of empty warehouses and factories but since then it has transformed into a free outdoor art gallery of Murals thanks to a real estate agent, Tony Goldman.

After getting in touch with your artsy side check out Bayside Marketplace, a must do in my opinion. Hugging the shoreline and boat marinas is an energy filled marketplace that has everything you can think of. Restaurants, parks, bars, fun, singing, outdoor shopping centers. You name it, it's got it. Simply walking around is entertaining as you stop and watch people salsa dance (or even join them!) to incredible music on Sunday nights, peer into the trendy bars, and feel the warm breeze from the ocean.

Irregardless of how touristy it is, these gorgeous views offer a side of Miami inside Bayside Market place you won't wanna miss. From a far you'll be able to see the Ferris wheel, AKA Skyviews Miami, which is a staple that offers unparalleled views of Biscayne bay and beyond.

As the evening rolled in, we went to Little Havana where we salsa danced the night away at Ball and Chain- a staple in the latin community! Don't feel intimidated as they offer free salsa dance class before the place turns into an absolute salsa club with delicious food and drinks that flow nicely through your system 👌

Day 2 / Little Hen & Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Make this your first meal of the day! Charming atmosphere, delicious coffee & food, lovely staff, and impressive presentation is what The Little Hen is all about. It is a must do breakfast spot in Miami. Due to its high popularity, a reservation is necessary. We made ours about a week in advance. Totally worth locking it in- I mean you can always cancel! Beyond its chic ambiance and appealing decor, their food and drinks are delicious. I had the Rose pancakes, a popular dish that is unique in flavor and ordinary. Although I love Rose flavored food and drinks, I am picky because it usually tastes perfumey, but not these pancakes! To top it off, the service is amazing and they are super attentive!

Following an unforgettable breakfast, we passed time chilling by the pool. After unwinding by the pool, we decided to get lost in Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a drop dead gorgeous estate located on the water. Feel free to roam, explore, relax, and be in touch with nature here. Admission is $25 for an adult however, they offer free admission to veterans, people with disabilities, their care givers and more! Click here for ticket information.

Additional Things To Do

Miami Botanical Gardens

Miami Botanical Garden gorgeous gardens is free for general admission and offer desirable events such as yoga in the garden, Sunday sound baths, and more. They are affordable prices and provide yoga mats if you don'thave one. Check out there events page here.

South Pointe Park

Located on the south part of Miami Beach is South Pointe Park where you can enjoy long walks along the water, restaurants, bar, live music, smoke shops, and more.

Miami Design District

located 10 minutes away from Wynwood Walls is the Miami Design District offering an array of fashion, art galleries, restaurants, high end fashion, unique public art installations, and unique architecture.

Versailles Restaurant

In Little Havana is the famous Versailles Restaurant for traditional Cuban cuisine. Since 1971 this irreplaceable restaurant has been serving celebrities, politicians, and the latin community. Don't have much time? Then consider their walk up coffee bar.