In search of the perfect destination for an adult weekend with the girls, guys or that special someone? Miami promises culture, delicious cuisine, the hottest nightlife and some of the most glorious weather in the states. Now that spring break has passed and with it Florida’s peak winter travel season, take advantage of lighter crowds and lower prices and head to one of the U.S.’s most cosmopolitan cities (which just happens to have one of its best beaches too!). Here are the latest places to see and be seen in Miami.
Stay
There is no shortage of phenomenal hotels in Miami. In fact, the city is reported to have the largest concentration of boutique hotels in the world. The Delano and Shore Club are both beachfront, art-deco boutique hotels with sophisticated and modern design.
If you’re looking to splurge, luxury hotels The Setai Miami Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach, and Mandarin Oriental are drop-dead gorgeous and boast unrivaled views.
Eat
To sample the Latin fare Miami is known for, visit the Little Havana neighborhood, just west of downtown. Sample a cup of Cuban coffee and a Cuban sandwich at Puerto Sagua, Versailles, or Las Olas Cafe, and leave room for ice cream made with local ingredients at Azucar Ice Cream Company.
For the perfect hangover brunch or late-night indulgence, head to Big Pink, where you’ll find the biggest menu you’ve ever seen. Don’t be intimidated by the wait; the line moves quickly.
For farm-to-table comfort food (think mouth-watering fried chicken and waffles), check out Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, a popular weekend brunch spot.
If you blink, you may miss Drunken Dragon, coyly hidden behind a blinking MARKET sign. Inside, you’re transported into a funky, Tiki-themed Korean barbecue joint with menu items perfect for sharing.
Where can you go to spot a celebrity and have the best filet of your life? Look no further than Prime 112. Even with a reservation (a must), be prepared to wait. Luckily, the large glasses filled with bacon at the bar are the perfect complement to a martini while you wait for your table. Bonus: You’ll also find some of the best people-watching in South Beach. Don’t rule out Prime 112’s sister restaurants, Prime Italian and Prime Fish, which both feature expansive menus and hip scenes.
Michael’s Genuine, located in Miami’s Design District, another area worth an afternoon, serves up fresh, innovative dishes from local sources in a laid-back atmosphere.
Miami has its share of fantastic sushi spots, including Hiro’s Yakko-San (open until 3 a.m. nightly), Matsuri, Makoto, Katsuya and Zuma. For an uber-upscale sushi experience, the new Nobu at Eden Roc serves its signature dishes in one of the most glamorous dining rooms you’ll see.
If you’re craving Mexican, both Bodega and Coyo Taco have delicious, inexpensive tacos and refreshing tequila drinks.
For stone crabs and seafood that are as delicious as Joe’s but a quarter of the price, check out happy hour at laid-back Monty’s. You’ll feel miles away from the Midwest as you take in the sunset while sitting outside and enjoying live reggae music.
See
For the perfect photo op, head to Wynwood Walls. In 2009, artist Tony Goldman took a large stock of warehouse buildings and used them as his canvas for life-size painted murals. Today, the whole neighborhood is an ever-expanding art explosion featuring street art, murals, and art installations from artists all over the world. Amid the jaw-dropping art, you’ll find galleries, hip boutiques and awesome lunch spots.
Lining the waterfront is iconic Ocean Drive, the backdrop for countless movies, the famed The Villa, Casa Casuarina (the former Versace Mansion) and the magnificent beach. A trip to Miami isn’t complete without a stroll along this famous street.
There’s something for everyone along bustling Lincoln Road, an endless stretch of coffee shops, restaurants and stores. Stop by Serendipity for the frozen hot chocolate the New York outpost is known for. Every other Sunday of the month, Lincoln Road hosts an Antique Market where you’ll find rows of vendors selling vintage and some new treasures. In-the-know shoppers get here before noon to browse the booths without having to push through the crowds.
Shop
Fashionistas won’t want to miss Bal Harbour Shops, where every luxury store from Gucci to Valentino is in one place, surrounded by chic restaurants and contemporary boutiques like Intermix, Calypso St. Barth, and Scoop.
Along Collins Avenue, you’ll find The Webster, a luxury multi-brand boutique that rivals Jeffrey in New York. Even if you’re watching your pocketbook, it’s worth seeing the beautiful, well-curated pieces from high-end labels like Chanel and Miu Miu, as well as up-and-coming designers.
Both men and women will love Atrium, where you’ll find a vast selection of trendy swimwear, accessories and apparel from the most popular designers.
Nightlife
After a drink outside at the stunning SLS hotel, head to Basement at The Miami Beach EDITION, a newish beachfront hotel from Ian Schrager. Nowhere else in South Beach can you go bowling, ice skating and stay out dancing ’til dawn.
For live music and a cool downtown vibe, you’ll love Sidebar in Brickell. Libertine is a luxe speakeasy pouring inventive cocktails in a setting modeled after turn-of-the-century London. If nightclubs are more your scene, groove to the most in-demand DJs at LIV or Rockwell.
The Freehand is a throwback hotel and hostel where you’ll find the Broken Shaker, a groovy outdoor bar featuring craft cocktails, a lovely garden, and what feels like a chill backyard party. Head here on a weekday afternoon or evening when it’s much less crowded. If you’re hungry, 27 Restaurant and Bar, also at The Freehand, serves globally inspired American food in a charming, restored 1930s house.
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