TRAVEL GUIDE TO MIAMI, FLORIDA

Last week’s trip was Adam and I’s first time visiting Miami and while it was originally booked largely due to the warm forecast and cheap flights – I can’t say enough good things now that I’m back. The international flavors, art deco architecture, miles of beaches, endless nightlife and dynamic art culture all mixed together to create a daily feast for the senses. If you’re on the East Coast (or elsewhere) and just survived a winter – it’s the perfect escape. Here – a must visit/eat/see list if you are thinking of saying ‘Bienvenidos a Miami’ anytime soon:

No matter what neighborhood you end up staying in – Miami Beach (the island just off the coast that boasts a majority of the city’s hustle and bustle) is a can’t miss. Specifically South Beach, which is home to rows of boutique hotels and their matching umbrella filled beachfronts, plus rows of great restaurants and bars. I suggest you hit the beaches first (we staked out a spot on the public beaches near 21st street), grab lunch at nearby Moreno’s (the classic Cubano sandwich is a must) and then later clean up and go straight to happy hour at The Broken Shaker. My favorite bar we visited by far, it’s housed in the back of the Freeman Hotel and the mood is more like a rad late 1960s backyard pool party than South Beach club scene. And if that doesn’t sell you – the cocktails were out of this world good. Afterwards, head to Coyo Taco – hidden inside the Shore Club Hotel for delicious shrimp tacos and margaritas, then end with a night cap at The Continental for a hit of ‘Mad Men on Vacation’ vibes.

SHOP THE SOUTH BEACH LOOK:

(Aerie Sweater & Bathing Suit, Charming Charlie Panama Hat c/o | Madewell Jean Shorts, Aviators, Boden Lace-Up Sandals c/o)

If you’re more into the pool than the beach – I suggest you try to hop along through some of the incredible hotels that line Collins Avenue. First stop? The Raleigh Hotel in all it’s Art Deco splendor. Adam and I grabbed breakfast at the pool bar one morning (one of those simple menus that offers just a few insanely good dishes) and took in the retro decor and luxe touches. There’s a coffee bar and a cocktail bar too that we didn’t try, but I venture to say they’d be just as great.

SHOP THE HOTEL HOPPING LOOK:

(Accessorize Floppy Hat c/o, Boden Sunglasses c/o, Monsoon Cover Up c/o, Boden One Piece Swimsuit c/o, Boden Lace-up Sandals c/o, Charming Charlie Cuff Bracelet c/o, Accessorize Clear Pouch c/o, Essie Nail Polish in Lapiz of Luxury)

While there are a lot of great hotels throughout South Beach, there’s one that sits apart. Actually, quite literally on it’s own small separate island. We spent a day at the Standard Hotel and Spa (for those who aren’t staying at the actual hotel you can purchase a day guest pass for full access to the pool/spa) and between the saltwater infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, bay view bar and sunset happy hour – we basically never wanted to leave. It was easily one of the best days we spent in Miami.

While we spent a lot of time on Miami Beach, we actually stayed in Wynwood near the Arts District. The neighborhood is comparable to Brooklyn in a lot of ways – currently in the midst of a major resurgence. While the street our AirBnB was on felt quiet with palm tree lined streets and colorful Spanish style homes – the heart of Wynwood was full of activity. The Wynwood Walls are the epicenter and a can’t miss stop. Blocks and blocks of graffiti filled walls make it an instagram dream and local bars and restaurants (try pizza at Baccano, lunch at Wynwood Kitchen and a craft beer at Wynwood Brewing Co.) make it easy to spend any entire day in the area.

SHOP THE WYNWOOD LOOK:

(Sole Society Boater Hat c/o, Lulu Frost Daisy Bracelet & Pendant Necklace, Madewell White T-Shirt, French Connection Trousers c/o, GigiNY Saddle Bag c/o, Franco Sarto Flats, Sunglasses, Essie in Marshmallow)

Planning a trip and want to know more? Feel free to ask me anything in the comments below or contact me here.