A Floridian’s Guide to Miami

Vintage shopping, thrifting & sustainable fashion

It’s no surprise that such a large city would have a fantastic shopping scene, but if you’re into sustainable fashion, look no further than Miami. Vintage and secondhand stores are aplenty here, selling at every price point imaginable. Three of my favorite stores in Miami are the Fly Boutique, Peachtree Revival, and the House of Findings. The Fly Boutique is a curated collection of luxury consignment, vintage everyday wear (men’s and women’s), and antique furniture, while the Peachtree Revival is a kitschy rainbow boutique filled with vintage and secondhand women’s clothing. Lastly, the House of Findings—located inside the Upper Buena Vista outdoor mall—has not only many unique vintage pieces, but also a selection of handmade and upcycled clothes and accessories.

Embracing Miami’s Hispanic heritage

After the Cuban Revolution, many Cubans chose to emigrate to Miami, and thus the Hispanic culture of Miami was born. Today, that Hispanic presence is deeply rooted in Miami’s cultural identity and can be found throughout the city. A location not to be missed is the well-known Cuban neighborhood of Little Havana, where you can pass your time eating Cuban sandwiches, drinking a delicious espresso and snacking on pastelitos at Versailles, or watching a show at the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center. If you’re visiting Miami in early March, also consider attending the Calle Ocho Music Festival, which happens every year on the second Sunday of March. Calle Ocho Music Festival is the largest Hispanic festival in the US and sees a million attendees each year. It’s a blend of food, art, and music, with folk, jazz, reggaeton, salsa, and more. The party lasts all day—and some keep partying all night long!

Exploring Miami’s history and museums

When visiting a city so rich in history and culture, it’s an absolute must to go to one of Miami’s popular museums or cultural centers. For a kid-friendly option (that’s fun for grownups, too!), check out the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Located inside Maurice A. Ferré Park, the campus consists of the aquarium, the Frost planetarium, the North Wing, and the West Wing. Along with exhibits about dinosaurs, sea life, and scientific developments, you can schedule a show inside the Planetarium to experience its one-of-a-kind 67-foot screen. Farther away from the hubbub of the city is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, nestled along the coast in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. Villa Vizcaya was originally built for businessman James Deering between 1914 and 1922 as a winter estate, but it’s now open to the public as a museum. The grounds consist of 50 acres of native forest and Italian Renaissance formal gardens, while the villa has over 70 rooms filled with antiques, art, and 15th to 19th-century furnishings.

Visiting Miami’s LGBTQ+ cultural hotspots

Known for one of the biggest LGBTQ+ communities in the USA, Miami has a prominent gay nightlife scene. However, if you’re not into nightlife, there are still many events to attend. If you happen to be in Miami Beach in late March or early April, be sure not to miss the annual Miami Beach Pride festivities. Being a two-week-long festival filled with events, parades, pageants, and more, this celebration attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. Also located in Miami Beach is the famous Palace Bar & Restaurant, Miami’s leading LGBTQ+ bar that has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for more than thirty years. Known for its extravagant (and I mean extravagant) drag brunches, rooftop pool bar, and delicious food, this is one place that you’ll never forget.

Relaxing at the beach

Miami Beach boasts over seven miles of beach divided into several neighborhoods with weather that is sure to be perfect year-round. Almost all of the beaches are public, such as South Pointe Beach and Lummus Park, and some are even dog-friendly, like the beach near 81st Street (nicknamed “Bark Beach”). Don’t forget to stroll through a few of Miami Beach’s historic neighborhoods, such as the pedestrian street of Española Way and the colorful Art Deco district, on your way to the sand. However, if you’re looking for a more upscale beach retreat, try out the Joia Beach Club, a private beach on Jungle Island with daybeds and cabanas for rent, a lounge, and a restaurant on property. Order a cocktail and some tapas from your chaise lounge and relax in the Florida sun!

Taking a personal wellness day

When on vacation, I always make an effort to schedule “me time.” For those who love the outdoors, I recommend taking a leisurely hike at Anhinga Trail in the Everglades, just an hour away from the heart of Miami. The trail consists of both boardwalks and paved paths, making it accessible even to wheelchair users. If you’d prefer to stay indoors instead, book a service at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach. The services offered include manicures, massages, acupuncture, and more. Each booking also includes access to the spa’s hydrotherapy grounds (including but not limited to a Turkish-style hammam, sauna, steam rooms, and treatment baths).

Zak the Baker

A bakery in the heart of Wynwood, this Kosher establishment has not only delicious pastries but also breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a meal here with family or stop in for a quick cup of coffee and a pastry. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, I recommend the flourless chocolate almond cookie or the double chocolate babka slice.

Monterrey Bar

An intimate bar and lounge tucked inside The Standard hotel on Miami Beach that serves light bites and a wide selection of cocktails playfully grouped by element. With its umber velvet couches and Amazonite stone bar, this lounge has all the makings of a perfect cocktail hour or late-night indulgence.

Doya

This dinner restaurant in Wynwood, which describes itself as modern Aegean, has mouthwatering mezze-style plates along with craft cocktails inspired by the Mediterranean. While there, sit on the patio surrounded by lush tropical plants and enjoy a crisp “Chios Collins” while you share kofte and shakshuka.

Sanguich de Miami

Located in Little Havana, this Cuban sandwich bar is a popular spot, oftentimes with a line out the door! Known for its selection of delectable classic Cuban sandwiches, this spot has a Bib Gourmand designation for a reason.

Sexy Fish Miami

In a restaurant this opulent, your entire group is sure to be pleased. Sexy Fish Miami is one of three locations worldwide, serving flavorful Japanese cuisine along with creative cocktails. The food may be good, but the setting is even better—be sure to say hi to the life-sized Daniel Craig statue in the men’s room!

Caracas Bakery

A little farther north, in Biscayne, you can find Caracas Bakery, a traditional Venezuelan bakery with French influences. Serving sandwiches, platters, pastries, and coffee, this café is a great place to have lunch and a sweet treat. I recommend a Venezuelan Golfeado, a sweet sticky bun with cheese inside (trust me, it’s delicious!).

Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine

Another iconic Cuban restaurant in Miami is Versailles. Located in Little Havana, this restaurant touts itself as the “most famous Cuban restaurant in the world.” With its authentic decor and traditional dishes, this is a fantastic spot to get a taste of Miami’s Cuban history.

Tâm Tâm

This Vietnamese restaurant, located in Downtown Miami, serves authentic Vietnamese dishes in a quaint retro-style dining room. If you’re seeking unique flavors in the heart of Miami, this is the place to be. With its incredible wine selection and succulent offerings, this restaurant has certainly earned its Bib Gourmand.

Delirio Tiki Bar

For the fun-loving, this poolside tiki bar is a crowd-pleaser, night after night. Located on South Beach inside the Stiles Hotel, this rum-forward menu is carefully curated to please all. Stop by for a Polynesian-inspired bite and a tiki cocktail, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music and tropical atmosphere.