Happy Monday! I have a very exciting travel guide for you today. For my birthday this year, I went to Florida. I kept thinking about what city I wanted to go to. I was torn between Miami and Siesta Key. Ultimately, as you can tell, I decided on Miami. We stayed in Miami Beach right on the ocean; however, we drove back and forth to Miami as well. That is why I wanted to combine Miami and Miami Beach into one travel guide. We stayed for 3 days, so I saw and did everything I wanted to do for the most part. I will share everything I did then recommend some other fabulous places to check out as well.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the Best Western Plus Atlantic Beach Resort. This hotel is amazing. We had an ocean front room with a wraparound balcony. The view was perfect. We were on the sixth floor. Hearing the ocean waves every morning when you wake up and while falling asleep, so relaxing. There was no free breakfast, $20 a person. You have to pay for parking as well. The hotel parking was full when we check in, so we had to park at a parking garage just 2 blocks down. The walk is not far at all; however, be prepared to spend over $35 a day for parking. The pool was so much fun. It is open from dawn until dusk. Fresh towels on the chairs every morning and a nice long boardwalk you can bike, jog, walk, etc. on. There is a bar next to the pool as well where you can enjoy a drink. The beach is not even a minute from the hotel. Amazing view of it from the hotel room. You can see the ocean while lying in bed. Next time I come back to Miami Beach, I would definitely stay here again. Just be prepared to spend a lot of money on food and parking.
Other Places To Stay
The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club- The hotel is also right on the beach with a spa, 2 pools and it occupies 2 art deco buildings. There is a lobby library where you can curl up with a good book. A spa where you can relax. There is a bar next to the pool where you can order food and drinks. Valet service available Also, this hotel is pet friendly.
The Ritz-Carlton- A very fancy and luxurious hotel. This hotel is inspired by its rich history and iconic building. All-day dinning, a luxury spa and a beautiful pool for all to enjoy. This luxury hotel experience includes a classic cocktail lounge that celebrates the intriguing stories of the city’s past. In and out valet service. Wedding packages also available for celebrations big or small. If you are looking for a 5-star hotel, this is the one to choose.
What To Do
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens- The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, previously known as Villa Vizcaya, is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay in the present-day Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Open Wednesday through Monday. Beyond beautiful mansion and garden. Must-see in Miami.
Wynyard Walls- Since opening in 2009, Wynwood Walls has evolved into a globally renowned street art museum whose impact will be felt for generations. These remarkable Walls have transformed the definition of modern art and become a career-defining moment for contributing artists, all while helping to make Wynwood one of the world’s most celebrated urban revitalization projects and an oasis for cutting-edge creativity. There is art featured by my favorite street artist, Kelsey Montague, so I had to go here and see her work.
Coconut Grove- Coconut Grove is an upscale, leafy neighborhood with relaxed sidewalk cafés and chic shops in and around the CocoWalk mall. One of the places I had to stop in was LoveShackFancy. A bucket list place I have been wanting to go to, and it did not disappoint. Be prepared to spend well over $500 for a piece of clothing though. The store is very beautiful though.
Bayside Marketplace- Located in the heart of Downtown Miami at the foot of the Miamarina, overlooking Biscayne Bay. Bayside Marketplace is a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca that has been going strong for more than three decades. Home to nearly 70 shops and 30 restaurants, it’s also the embarkation point for several boat tours. It also features the Sky Views Miami observation wheel. Presiding over it all at 180 feet above Downtown Miami’s glittering skyline.
The Beach- This idea is pretty obvious, but when you are in Miami do not forget to enjoy the warm sand and clear blue ocean right in front of you. The lifeguard towers make for a really cute Instagram photo as well.
Where To Eat
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar- I went here for my birthday brunch. They offer a wide range menu of delicious options from espressos to salads to bowls. A European style café. I got the breakfast sandwich and a chocolate chip cookie. Both were absolutely delicious. I would go back again and again. You can choose from sitting inside or outside, and they deliver the food right to your table. This restaurant is very classy and chic.
Extra Virgin Bistro Miami Beach- Extra Virgin is an American, Italian Miami Beach restaurant that attracts diners from all across the globe. Their menu features an all-day menu with fresh local organic ingredients where possible directly from their scratch kitchen. I love the calm, relaxing feeling of this restaurant. I got a spinach pizza, and it was so yummy. I could tell all of the ingredients were fresh. You can choose from sitting inside or outside. We sat outside and it was so much fun. The lights hanging from the trees, the soft jazz music playing and the warm feel of the air. Going to this restaurant was such an enjoyable experience.
Gianni's At The Former Versace Mansion- I totally wanted to eat here if we had more time. The stunning atmosphere of Gianni’s as night in the former Versace Mansion rivals the best locales in the world to dine. Gianni’s offers a delicious blend of Italian Mediterranean food and wine selections, served in a one-of-a kind historic setting. When I go back to Miami, I am eating here in this iconic place.
Bagatelle Miami- Bagatelle brings French Mediterranean Cuisine and Joie De Vivre to South Beach. The food on the table is sophisticated, generous and authentic. All dishes on the table are meant to be shared with family and friends, in a festive and convivial atmosphere.
Fast Food Options Miami Has- Checkers, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell & Wendy's
Fast Food Options Miami Beach Has- Burger King, Raising Cane's, Subway & McDonald's
That is my complete Miami/ Miami Beach Travel Guide. We had the best time. I highly recommend staying at least 4 days because when we were leaving on the third day, we wish we would have stayed a fourth. 2 days for the beach and then 2 days for exploring Miami and Miami Beach. Cannot wait to go back one day. I cannot recommend taking a summer vacation to Miami/ Miami Beach enough.
Xoxo,
Chey