Currently sitting here on the plane from Miami, with barely a brain cell left haha 😵😵 Sure…yes…FINE, there was a lot of drinking but also just sooo much stimulation, I about exploded everywhere we went. From the Webster, to Le Sirenuse, to yes..even Mango’s, I literally popped a few braincells from all the visual stimulation and need to absorb every last sight and sound. Thank god for iPhones and their unlimited photo capacity, am I right?!
I felt compelled to write a blog post travel guide because I actually think Miami is super underrated, at least on the West Coast. I even texted my best friend when I got there saying how unbelievable Miami was and her response?? …”Why?” – Just a WHY! Well, I’ll TELL YOU WHY.
Where to Stay
We somewhat randomly ended up staying at The Betsy just because they have a gym and piano bar, two things my dad can’t travel without. 😂But mannn am I thankful we did. The hotel was perfect.
- Couldn’t have asked for a better location, right at the end of the Ocean Drive beachfront strip
- Not 1 but 2 pools, one of which is on the roof with epic city views, made better by a glass of rosé
- A greattt restaurant (that we literally had dinner at twice in 4 days haha oops…do yourself a favor and get the popovers, crab cake and spicy tuna roll – best I’ve ever had. 🙌🏼
- A piano bar with live music, different styles every night #classy
- Malin + Goetz products in the bathroom (oh come on, you know that’s a perk lol).
I’m already plotting my return stay. I’m coming back for those hot popovers dammit.
Where to Eat
LE SIRENUSE
Straight out of a movie set I’ve never seen such a beautiful bar. Even the food and drinks held up to my high expectations, they’re outstanding. The cocktails alone are a spectacle, with their intricate ingredients and “essence” sprayed across the top of each glass. Ugh probably my favorite place of the whole trip but it’s priceyyy. If anything, go for just a cocktail.
VERSACE MANSION
My most important PSA: Anyone can go into the Versace mansion for dinner or drinks! 🙌🏼 Dinner takes a reservation that apparently needs months lead time but drinks is an on the spot kinda deal. Their only requirement is that you look nice, no beach attire. 😛The food and cocktails are amazing, but being in there is more amazing. It’s magical.
MILOS (left) / Villa Azur (right)
As you can see from the fresh fish, Milos has maybe the bestttt greek food I’ve ever had. Villa Azur is definitely a “different” dining experience, somewhat like a club atmosphere with it very dimly lit and music playing…as your meal goes on the vibe escalates. Tables start getting sparkling bottles of champagne and it starts to turn up and up (def go thurs-sat though for the fun crowds).
LA SANDWICHERIE
Where you go for your traditional cuban, and to make your drunk dreams come true 😋. Because yes, it’s open late night…late, late night. The biggest and best sandwiches in town.
Where to Drink
BROKEN SHAKER — I didn’t actually get to go here, so sad (it looks V instagrammable haha). But, I can speak to the one in LA and the cocktails are inventive, beautiful anddd tasty. So you should and have a drink for me!
MONTY’S
Great views and live music. 👌🏼 Monty’s overlooks the harbor, so it’s a great place to watch the sunset. Super chill vibe, raw bar (and great sushi), plus live music at 5:30 on weekends. Tossing back an Aperol Spritz, outside watching the sunset, listening to reggae is a pretty damn good first day in Miami.
SMITH & WOLENSKY
This place is also overlooking the harbor and bike path, which not only makes it super fun to people watch, but also watch the GIANT cruise ships pass by as they sail out of Miami. Grab a glass of rose and hang outside, but definitely don’t skip out on the bread and butter, for real.
MANGO’S TROPICAL CAFE
Totally cheesy and the drinks are sweet (stick to the basics like a vodka soda or champagne hah) but I have to give it to my dad, it was pretty entertaining. Lots of high energy, costumes and feathers galore – salsa, tango, you name it. Mango’s is an Ocean Drive piece of history. 💃
What to Do
THE WEBSTER
Walking into The Webster is not like walking into a boutique, it’s like walking into a museum. The clothes so intricately arranged in their displays, each piece hand selected for the store by the best buyer in the world (IMO). Unfortunately, you pretty much can’t go in there without spending over $500 lol, 😬 but I promise, if you’re into fashion it’s worth a look. The styles are just beyonddddd gorgeous and super unique; the BEST of fashion, and TBH, where I believe I’ll go to heaven. 😇🛍😛
HOTEL HOP
There are a series of hotels along south beach that are fun to pop in and out of for different drinks and vibes. I like seeing the design and architecture of each one, (along with grabbing a cocktail, let’s be honest haha). Something about walking into a new cool hotel excites me! I guess I like the promise of fun experiences ahead.
BIKE ALONG THE WATER
Theres a long biking and walking path that runs all down the beach and wraps around to the harbor. Rent Citibikes and hit it! Seriouslyyy interesting people watching. Psst: the path hits Smith & Wolensky’s and Monty’s eventually 😉
I feel like Miami is never really talked about as a vacation destination, but I’m here to put it on BLAST! I’m literally obsessed with the vibe. The heat, the culture, the aesthetic, the vibe it’s just such an inspiring place… I thrive in. 💖🌴
If you have any questions about my stay, please ask away in the comments below! ☀️
