Adventure awaits in Miami – find out where to eat, sleep, and play.
In January, when the rest of the country was in a deep freeze, I headed south to Miami. Miles of stunning beaches, colorful Art Deco architecture, and music drifting from every doorway were just what I needed to chase away the winter blues. With exotic Latin cuisine and cocktails by the pool, a weekend in Miami should be top on your list.
Where to Sleep in Miami
Miami’s traffic is a force to be reckoned with. I recommend choosing a spot to explore and sticking close to your home base. Miami Beach fits the bill perfectly, with miles of bike paths, walkable streets, and a free trolley that serves the island. Ride-share services are readily available and a convenient way to get around if you want to explore farther afield.
Hotel Trouvail – a tranquil oasis
Hotel Trouvail is just close enough to the action of South Beach but far enough away to provide a convenient, tranquil oasis. This 71-room European-style boutique hotel is housed in a restored art deco building with a lush pool garden and front terrace. Located one block from the ocean, you can walk to the beach or hop on one of the hotel’s free bikes. Order a drink and linger in the lounge or enjoy breakfast from the full-service restaurant. Between the friendly staff who shared their recommendations for local spots and the breezy, tropical ambiance, Hotel Trouvail has a personality that’s hard to match.
Ride the Brightline Train to Orlando
A weekend getaway is an easy addition to a cruise or can be combined with a visit to Orlando’s theme parks. The new Brightline train takes passengers from Orlando to Miami in about three and a half hours, with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Savory Traveler Tip: Download the Citi Bike Miami app to rent one of the share bikes. There are miles of bike paths with great views of the ocean.
Where to Play in Miami
Of course, you’ll want to spend time enjoying the 35-miles of pristine white sandy beaches that make Miami famous, but when you’re done with fun in the sun there’s plenty more to do on your getaway.
Visit Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban heart
Take a trip to Little Havana for a taste of Cuba, where you can watch cigar makers in action, sip some Cuban coffee, and watch locals playing dominoes in Domino Park. Looking to pick up a souvenir? Pop into the Havana Collection for a traditional guayabera. This shop on Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s main tourist street, has been selling these traditional traditional Cuban shirts for decades. When hunger strikes, stop for Cuban croquettes and empanadas at Tumba’o, where the live music will keep your toes tapping while you eat.
Immerse Yourself in Botany, History and Art
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, with over 1,200 orchids, is a green oasis in the middle of Miami Beach. Wander through the Japanese garden, stroll past palms, and rest on a shady bench. The best part is that this tropical wonderland is free. And if you enjoy history as much as botany, you can walk next door Make time to see the Holocaust Memorial next door, a haunting but thought-provoking site.
In the mood for some art on your weekend? The Wynwood Walls street art museum showcases outdoor murals from some of the world’s most famous artists. It’s fun for kids too, with plenty of space to run around. Don’t miss the indoor gallery showcasing work by the artist Kai. The subject of his art, an Imaginary Friend (IF) character, will tug at your emotions and perhaps give you pause to consider your own friendships.
If you’re a troll seeker, take the short 10-minute walk from Wynwood Walls to see Joen and the Giant Beetle, a wooden troll made from recycled materials by the famous Danish sculptor Thomas Dambo.
Shop til you drop at Lincoln Road
Take advantage of Florida’s sunny climate to shop outside at Lincoln Road. With over 200 retail shops and restaurants you could easily spend the day popping in and out of boutiques and stopping for a cold drink or lunch at one of the outdoor cafes. You’ll find familiar brands like Apple, H & M, and Zara, along with Ban de Osh, the place to buy eco-friendly, sustainably made breezy beachwear. Sundays bring more fun with a pop-up farmer’s market and an antique market. It’s worth exploring this pedestrian mall just for people watching and admiring the art deco architecture.
Stroll and Shop on Española Way
Española Way is a charming place to stroll and shop (or window shop) the art galleries and boutiques. If this Mediterranean-style walking street looks familiar, it might be from the numerous films and tv shows that have been filmed here. You’ll find everything from cigars and sneakers to designer dresses and sunglasses.
Where to Eat in Miami
If you chose a different spot for every meal, it would take almost a decade to sample all of Miami’s restaurants and cafes. From colorful Caribbean and laid-back Cuban to time honored traditional and dependable diners, it’s no wonder it was voted top food city of 2023 by Bon Appétit!
It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
In Miami, cocktails aren’t something you drink before dinner; they’re an event. A weekend here deserves at least one visit to a poolside cocktail lounge or rooftop bar. If you’ve only got one shot, head to the Broken Shaker. Located inside the Freehand Hotel, this lush, tropical poolside bar sweeps the awards withboasts such awards as Best American Hotel Bar and James Beard Award Semi-finalists. Lavender-infused syrups, chocolate bitters, and mango-kiwi habanero syrup are just a few of the house made ingredients that go into the creative cocktails.
If you want to salsa while you sip, Mango’s Tropical Café offers lessons paired with appetizers and mojitos so you can dance the night away. With a high energy vibe and dance shows, Mango’s is one of the most popular night clubs in the city.
Try these Miami Restaurants
Pastries all day at Zak the Baker
For breakfast, brunch, and all day sweet and savory delights, head to Zak the Baker. This certified Kosher artisan bakery and café offers full service for breakfast dishes, soups, and salads and counter service for coffee and pastries. Whether you go for the decadent Challah French Toast, or a simple, still-warm bagel and cream cheese, don’t forget to pick up some bread (like the seasonal pumpkin turmeric loaf) or cinnamon rolls to take home. If the wait is too long for a table, scan the app to order and take a seat at the picnic table outside. (Closed Saturdays.)
Authentic Latin food at Las Olas Café
If you’re looking for authentic Latin food, look no further than Las Olas Café. This humble neighborhood spot buzzes with activity – cops on duty grabbing a grilled Cubano from the takeout window, and locals enjoying an al fresco breakfast washed down with a cortadito coffee or two. Whatever your mood – healthy and vegan or decadent and meaty – you’ll find a dish to please. Rice bowls are named after countries, and filled with flavors of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Peru.
Eastern Mediterranean in the heart of South Beach at Byblos
Byblos is the place to put on your swanky outfit and prepare to be impressed. This Eastern Mediterranean spot in the heart of South Beach wraps diners in a stunning jewel-toned dining room and woos them with shared meze and wood-fired meats and seafood. Roasted beets are presented on a pillow of creamy labneh and adorned with pistachio; Turkish manti dumplings are stuffed with eggplant and finished with a creamy yogurt sauce. This is a place meat-eaters and vegetarians will both rave about.
Hoja Taqueria – small space, big flavor
Hoja Taqueria inside the Generator Hotel is small on space and big on flavor. The smoky roasted flavor of the Mexican Corn with Chipotle Aioli and Cotija cheese was worth the wait. (They’ll happily sub tortilla chips for the Chicharrons.) The menu focuses on a handful of traditional Mexican dishes – tacos, quesadillas, and sopes – and turns up the flavor by grinding over 12 different kinds of heirloom corn for made-to-order tortillas. The vegan-friendly mushroom sopes inspired me to stick to my plant-based diet, even if just for one more meal.
Savory Traveler Tip: It’s smart to make reservations in advance, even if you just want to have a cocktail. You’ll get a better seat and avoid the disappointment of being turned away.
Book your trip to Miami!
Whether you choose to laze on the beach or tally up the steps exploring Miami’s museums and nightlife, it’s always sad when the sun sets on your weekend getaway. The good news is that it’s never too soon to start planning another adventure. Whether you plan to come back to Florida, or explore another city, like Boston, our Savory City Guides and Restaurant Reviews have all the info you need.