Welcome to Miami!
Those of you who know me, know that I am (almost always) down for a spontaneous weekend getaway. So, when Mike and I noticed our Delta plane ticket credit that had to be used ASAP, I didn’t hesitate to book us a quick 48-hour getaway to Miami Beach.
Miami met of all of our criteria (1) quick flight, (2) easy to do in a weekend without taking any time off work, and (3) somewhere neither of us had ever been.
We lucked out with the most perfect weather and had the chance to try out some amazing restaurants and sights around town. Although a quick trip, I’d say we both felt pretty accomplished with how much we did in our two-days and left feeling relaxed and recharged.
Below is my guide on where we stayed, ate, drank and explored (with a touch of health & wellness throughout the weekend).
Where to Stay:
There are so many amazing hotels and resorts along the coastline. From mid-Miami Beach to South Beach, the options are endless and the atmosphere varies widely … along with the price tag on the rooms. We weren’t looking for an expensive weekend but we still wanted to stay somewhere with a unique Miami feel.
Freehand hotels has multiple locations; New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and our stop, Miami Beach! When you step into Freehand Miami, it is almost like you’ve stepped back in time. The feel is that of a trendy, vintage hostel; colorful, full of young and relaxed guests, and an award-winning bar.
For what we were looking for on our weekend getaway, Freehand did the job. The front desk was very accommodating and held our luggage until we were able to check-in, provided us with beach towels, sunscreen, and beach cruisers at no additional charge. The location was great; although not beachfront, it was a quick 5 minute walk to the beach with easy access to surrounding South Beach / Miami Beach hotels.
There is a restaurant on-site called 27. Once again the moment you step inside, you feel as though you are stepping back into the 70’s. Unfortunately we didn’t make reservations in time but their upstairs lounge is first come-first serve so if you get there early you are in luck.
You can also eat at the outdoor pool area next to Broken Shaker. Here you’ll receive a shorter bar menu but still lots of delicious options like the brussels sprouts, brisket tacos, and plantain chips. Treat yourself to one of their many refreshing cocktails with ingredients grown right on the properties garden. Fresh herbs, muddled fruit and fresh-squeezed juices are hard to beat after a long hot day in that Florida sun.
^^ Complimentary iced coffee served daily for guests
Other places we highly considered staying:
- 1Hotel South Beach ($$$$): As you’ll notice through this post, we spent a lot of time at 1Hotel between the rooftop and the healthy restaurants. This is on the (much) pricier end so we didn’t make the splurge but I can 100% see what all the hype is about. There is a huge, upscale gym; complete with fresh fruit infused water, boxing bags, yoga, etc. There are multiple healthy restaurants and bars around the hotel; Plnthouse, Sandbox, Habitat, Drift, and Watr at the Rooftop bar (just to name a few). Oh, and there is an award-winning spa on-site. Basically if you are looking for a wellness retreat and you are up for a splurge, this is your spot.
- The Confidante- Hyatt ($$-$$$): If you are a loyal Hyatt guest or want to use your points; this spot is located right on the beach and is super family friendly. The colorful cabanas and beach umbrellas are enough to lure you in. There is also a highly rated restaurant on-site full of southern specialties called Bird & Bone.
- Miami Beach EDITION ($$$$): Another spot that would have called for a splurge. I read all about this trendy hotel on fellow travel bloggers pages and for what the hotel has to offer, it was definitely a tempting choice. The rooms look like my dream come true; not to mention the Matador bar, dining options, and wellness amenities on-site.
Where to Eat and Drink {my healthy-ish guide}:
- Cecconis: I could have eaten here every single day. Eating out on the patio made me feel like I was stepping into an Italian courtyard and the food was amazing. Strawberry-pistachio french toast, acai bowls, and multiple Americanos made for the perfect lunch upon arrival in Miami. I wish I had a chance to try all of the other menu items but we will definitely be back. The charming ambience and wonderful service puts this spot at the top of the list for me so make sure to visit!
- Watr on the Rooftop: I’ll try not to harp on 1hotels restaurants and bars TOO much but honestly everything about this hotel was right up my alley. Watr on the Rooftop is the hotel’s rooftop pool and bar/restaurant. It is open to guests-only during the day but open to the public after 6:00pm. We enjoyed delicious sushi rolls and skinny Pina coladas by the glowing pool overlooking the surrounding Miami skyline.
- Plnthouse: Okay, okay. Another 1hotel restaurant. I always love finding a good vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant that also has options for Mike. This was that perfect mix. I would HIGHLY recommend the poke bowl, SB club, and grain bowl. Oh and they have boozy ice cream for all you sweet lovers like myself.
- Coyo Taco: I can’t say no to tacos and the tacos at Coyo Taco were no exception. There are multiple locations but if you are looking to explore the Wynwood district then I’d recommend checking out Coyo Taco Wynwood to fuel up before exploring the artsy neighborhood. This is also where you can find more affordable food options compared to all of our options in South Beach.
- Broken Shaker: An award-winning bar located footsteps from our hotel room stay. Broken Shaker is the bar at Freehand Miami and they serve up all sorts of yummy cocktail concoctions. There is a garden on-site where they use fresh herbs and ingredients to shake together the most refreshing beverages by their colorful poolside.
- Pura Vida: Located closer to Ocean Drive in South Beach; Pura Vida was the perfect healthy, clean-eating spot for our Sunday morning breakfast. We rode bikes from our hotel down to Ocean Drive and capped it off with their Brazilian PB superfood smoothie, salmon avocado toast, and coconut milk lattes. YUM.
What to Do:
- Rent bikes and cruise from mid-beach to South Beach
- Visit the iconic Ocean Drive
- Walk through Wynwood Walls: If you love art, especially talented street art and tasteful ‘graffiti’; definitely make your way over to the Wynwood district. There is free entry into the Wynwood walls where you can stroll through, taking in all the crazy surrounding artwork.
- Explore Little Havana: We didn’t get the chance being tight on time but I’ve heard Ball & Chain in the Little Havana district is the spot to go for a taste of Cuba and some serious salsa dancing.
- Hotel hop along the beach: Faena, the Confidante, 1Hotel, the Clevelander... the list goes on and on. Each hotel has it’s own unique style along with their signature restaurants, bars and pool sides to check out.
Oh yeah, and get up for a sunrise because you never know just how magical it might be….. ^^^
