Miami Beach, Florida, is an escapist’s dream come true. It’s a place filled with warmth (both literally and figuratively), positivity and love for all things fun, no matter what time it may be — the many nightclubs that keep the party going until the early hours of the morning are proof.
Come spend a few days getting to know this multifaceted beach town and all its best features, from stellar Art Deco architecture to delicious dining and must-see cultural institutions.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take a Colorful Walk
It’s hard to miss the colorful buildings that populate nearly every street in Miami Beach, but it’s still a good idea to take a tour of the area’s Art Deco District, so you don’t miss a thing.
Art Deco Tours offers an excellent (and affordable) tour that includes lessons on the area’s fascinating history, its influences and even digs into how the district’s buildings were influenced by the mob and a few Hollywood elites.
Following the tour, head to the Art Deco Museum for a few more lessons. The museum, run by the Miami Design Preservation League, teaches about the area’s three main architectural styles: Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco and Miami Modern. Who knows, you may even walk away with a few ideas for your own home, too.
After pounding the pavement on a walking tour, begin the end of your day with a sweet treat.
There are endless options for ice cream around Miami Beach, but none as intriguing as Kith Treats. The ice cream shop is located inside a streetwear brand’s shop, which may sound odd, but this is Miami Beach, so really, it fits right in.
For dinner, take a short walk to Sérêvène for Japanese cuisine or Orange Blossom for New American eats. Both set up an upscale vibe for the night ahead. From there, you can continue the glitz at SkyBar at Shore Club South Beach (home to both a hip-hop room and a pool) or Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company for cocktails.
Saturday: Hit the Beach
It’s time to bust out the SPF and head to the beach. South Beach may just be one of the most famous stretches of sand in the world, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not dedicating an entire day for a visit.
Kick things off by either lacing up your sneakers for a walk or a jog, strapping on your skates or renting a local CitiBike for an adventure down the waterfront path. Not only can this act as your workout for the day, but you can also scope out the very best spots on the beach in advance.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, head north up the beach as the neighborhoods tend to transition into the suburbs. The beaches north of Lincoln Road are beyond grand, with far fewer sunbathers.
If you want to visit the beach without the hassle of cleaning off the sand, head to its green patches at both Lummus Park and South Pointe Park. Here, you can still spread out a blanket or towel on the grass and walk down to dip your toes in the water, too.
For a bit more adventure, visit any number of Jet Ski rental companies in the area like Jet Skis in Miami, which offers both rentals and guided tours to help visitors see all the hidden gems lurking in the ocean waters just offshore.
Once the adrenaline wears off, get ready for dinner. Head to La Cerveceria de Barrio Miami on Lincoln Road for tacos, tequila and lively vibes. After filling up, check out Abbey Brewing Company for housemade beers, Groovy’s for cocktails (and late-night pizza) or the rooftop lounge at Mila Restaurant for an upscale environment.
Sunday: Take in the Art
Spend your final day in Miami Beach by focusing your sights on its stellar museums and galleries.
Begin with a walk through the Romero Fine Art Gallery. The wildly colorful gallery showcases the work of Romero Brito, a celebrated visual artist who pulls inspiration from the likes of Pablo Picasso, Matisse and Keith Haring. Guests can come to simply look at the goods or shop for everything from prints to one-of-a-kind paintings, sculptures, home wares and more.
After taking in the vivid Brito works, head to the Wolfsonian at Florida International University. The museum, library and research center focuses on more modern works, specifically from the 20th century.
As the museum says, its mission is to showcase the “persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern and to tell the story of social, political and technological changes that have transformed our world.” A visit here will most certainly change your perspective and leave you questioning the way you see the world.
Finally, see all the natural beauty the city has to offer at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. A visit here is both a figurative and literal breath of fresh air.
The 3-acre garden is an oasis in the dead center of South Beach. Known as “Miami Beach’s Backyard,” the garden features more than 100 palm species, native plants, succulents and flowering fruit trees, all of which also attract gorgeous butterflies and chirping birds. Come meander the paths and take in all the glorious smells you can.
After clearing your head among flowers and fauna, hit up CVI.CHE 105 for dinner — this spot is beloved for its Peruvian fare and over-the-top atmosphere. While the trip may be coming to an end, there is good news: You aren’t far from Do Not Sit on the Furniture, a quirky club with a huge variety of live music.
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