Endless sunshine, miles of sandy beaches, art deco architecture, and a distinctive cultural atmosphere have made Miami a popular travel destination for countless travelers, including this travel couple.
Our choice to explore this Floridian gem was made quite impulsively. The Northeast, like many regions across the nation, was experiencing cold, wet, and snowy conditions, and we had reached our limit. Our bodies craved some warmth. A bit of research 🧐 revealed an amazing travel deal, and we were all set!
It didn’t take long, however, for our travel plans to become shaky. Another snowstorm was on its way, set to hit just as our flight was scheduled to depart. My husband, ever the optimist, was convinced we would still take off. I, on the other hand, could see the inevitable. A quick call to our airline confirmed we needed to leave a day earlier than originally planned. A call to our hotel secured an extra night, and we were good to go.
Fortune smiled upon us, and we managed to leave just an hour before flights were grounded.
Day 1 – Hola, Miami!
Upon our late afternoon arrival at Miami International Airport, we grabbed an Uber and headed to our hotel. The charming boutique hotel situated in “mid-beach” was just right for us. We weren’t looking for the lively atmosphere of South Beach.
After settling in, we enjoyed a stroll along part of the seven-mile beach promenade, enjoying the warmth of the Florida sun. An al fresco dinner at The Tavern topped off our first day.
Day 2 – Espagnola Way, Holocaust Memorial, and Beach
Our first full day was all about exploring the area, so we laced up our walking shoes, applied some sunscreen, and set off.
The city is essentially organized in a grid pattern, with streets running both north/south and east/west. If walking isn’t your preferred mode of transport, there’s a complimentary Miami trolley that operates from early morning until late at night. You can check their app or scan any barcode at one of the numerous stops along the route.
Our stroll led us to Espagnola Way, a delightful, Spanish-style pedestrian street famous for its variety of Latin restaurants and boutique shops. After that, we made our way to Lincoln Road Mall, an open-air shopping area brimming with shops, eateries, and galleries. It also showcased several art installations. After enjoying some arepas for lunch, we were all set to keep exploring.
Next on our itinerary was the Holocaust Memorial, which was profoundly moving. It was envisioned by a group of Holocaust survivors in 1984 and took over four years to complete. On Sunday, February 4, 1990, a dedication ceremony took place with Elie Wiesel, a Nobel Laureate, as the guest speaker. The centerpiece is a towering outstretched arm, more than four stories high, marked with a number from Auschwitz, symbolizing the last reach of a dying individual. The Holocaust Memorial Wall features thousands of names, with more being added at the request of family members and survivors.
Following this poignant visit, we returned to our hotel and then made our way to the beach for some time to reflect and unwind.
We wrapped up our day with happy hour at Bar Luca, followed by a delightful dinner at Tiki Fish n’ Burgers.
Day 3 – Art Deco Tour, Bar & Hotel Hopping, and South Pointe Park
After breakfast, we made our way to the Art Deco Museum to join our two-hour Art Deco walking tour. This tour, sponsored by the Miami Design Preservation League, provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning architecture of the Miami Beach historic district. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, giving insights into the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles that can be found in the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District. They also take you inside select hotels, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. I highly recommend it.
To refuel, we savored a delicious Cuban lunch at Havana Vieja before heading to South Pointe Park. Located at the southern tip of the island, this park features a pier, beach access, and beautiful spots to relax, people-watch, and observe the cruise ships.
It was time for some drinks! Our Art Deco tour guide recommended several places to explore on our own. We decided to visit Mac’s Club Deuce, a “dive bar” that gained fame thanks to Anthony Bourdain. Happy hour runs from 8 am to 5 pm every day! Yes, you read that right. Beers are buy one, get one free. It’s a bit smoky, so it might not be for everyone, but we were glad we stopped in.
Next, we made our way back up to Ocean Drive and checked out some hotels known for their interiors, including The Betsy and La Cortana, which is owned by singer Gloria Estefan.
To wrap up our day, we enjoyed a delightful Italian dinner at Piola.
Day 4 – Alligators, Swamps and More, Oh My!
Today, our focus was on alligators, which have inhabited the region’s freshwater swamps, marshes, lakes, and rivers for centuries.
We embarked on a tour of Everglades National Park, which featured an exhilarating airboat ride and an entertaining gator show. During the scenic airboat journey, we had the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including alligators. We zoomed down the canal, capturing moments of wildlife in their natural surroundings, such as soft-shelled turtles, various birds, and both large and small alligators. We also learned about the lifestyle of these reptiles in the swamps and their remarkable recovery from the endangered species list.
In the mid-afternoon, our tour returned, and we made our way to the beach for a few hours before enjoying a Mexican dinner at Piko Taco.
Day 5 – Relaxation Was On the Menu
Our final full day was all about relaxation. We enjoyed a delightful stroll along the seven-mile promenade, did a bit of shopping, and spent some time at the beach. A perfect day.
A delicious Turkish dinner at Sufrat Mediterranean Grill topped off our day.
Day 6 – It’s A Wrap!
A delicious goodbye brunch at Bon Bouquet Cafe before we headed to the airport for a flight home.
Goodbye Miami! Hope to return soon!
