One Weekend in Miami

The Gardens at Vizcaya are a must see for anyone visiting Miami

When we booked our trip to Miami amid all the pandemic madness half my friends thought I was crazy, the other half completely understood. And I think that’s how things are going to be for a long while, yet. There is no one perfect way to do anything anymore but after spending the longest amount of time not travelling in probably my entire life, I needed to get away and a wedding in Miami was the ultimate excuse to do just that. In all fairness, if our friends hadn’t been getting married we would have continued to stay home and follow all the incredibly strict Covid-19 protocols that have been in place here in Seattle for the last year. But one of my boyfriend’s best friends was getting married (after having rescheduled it from it’s original 2020 date) and February in Florida just sounded so much more pleasant than February in Seattle. Even if it was only for a weekend.

We took every precaution during our trip, and that started before we left, finding the perfect place to stay. The Palms Hotel and Spa was easily the safest, cleanest, best choice for us when we were picking where to stay. Not only are they founded on principals of sustainability and mindfulness, winning awards for their excellence in being as green as possible, but they also had the best Covid protocols in place of any place in Miami. With 24hr vacancy between stays in rooms to properly air out and clean each room for the guests, and requirements for all staff and guests to wear masks at all times except when seated at the beach, pool, or farm to table restaurant. I was thrilled with our choice of hotel! But I definitely want to come back when they restart their complimentary yoga classes for guests that are on hold due to the pandemic!

We wore masks the entire trip except to take pictures or when we were eating and there was never a time when I didn’t feel like we were lax about the protocols we’ve been following that have kept us healthy throughout the past year.

That being said, we had a wonderful time in Miami!

I’ve broken the guide up by neighborhood but feel free to pick and choose different places for different days when you go!

South Beach

Our hotel, The Palms Hotel and Spa, was in South Beach, right on the water, and we absolutely loved it! Breakfasts were delicious, the beach was kept perfectly groomed, and the entire complex was beautiful. Not to mention, they’re all about being as sustainable as possible!

Request a table by the pool at Gianni’s if you get the chance

Our first night in town we at at Gianni’s at Versace Mansion and it was such a fun way to kick off our trip! The restaurant makes for amazing people watching, the cocktails are delicious, the food divine, and the staff were all friendly and helpful! Plus, how often do you get the chance to dress up in your Miami cocktail hour finest and eat at such a historic location? Plus, if you order the cicao e pepe they’ll prepare it at your table, twirling the pasta in the wheel of cheese before plating it right in front of you!

We split the tiramisu after dinner at Gianni’s

The Bass Museum of Art is also in South Beach and houses the famous Miami Mountain as well as rotating exhibits of hundreds of years of stunning artwork that focuses on modern art. They have an indoor and outdoor portion to the museum so it’s great for a sunny or rainy day visit!

Miami Mountain is in the courtyard of The Bass

Yardbird was a must when we were planning our trip to Miami, even looking at photos of their food is mouthwatering! And getting to eat at the James Beard Foundation award winning southern restaurant was exactly what my soul needed! Brunch includes Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade, a dozen or so flavors for mimosas, Nutella stuffed piles of beignets, cheese grits, chicken with waffles, lobster mac and cheese, biscuits and gravy all utterly scrumptious and a perfect way to start the morning!

Nutella stuffed Beignets from Yardbird

If I made cheese grits as well as they make them at Yardbird I’d be on My 600lb Life

Sunrise at Miami Beach

Speaking of morning, do yourself a favor and go for a sunrise run along the Miami Beach Boardwalk to watch the sun rise over the empty beach. In winter the sun comes up around 7am and is still warm enough for a casual run so you get the chance to see a truly beautiful sight without having to get up too early to make it happen. We were lucky enough to be staying on the beach so just stepping past the hotel pool and I was right there on the boardwalk!

Wynwood

Wynwood boasts the most colorful walls of anywhere around, famous for their graffiti art which can be found on every corner, building, fence, or door! Everywhere you look has stunning artwork covering the surface, and the art is being replaced and painted over on a regular basis to make sure everything is always looking it’s best and brightest. The same is true for the Wynwood Walls Museum where you do need tickets to get in but you get to see some of the most famous graffiti artist all in one spot.

One of the murals found inside the Wynwood Walls Museum

And just a few blocks over from the Wynwood Walls Museum is KUSH by Lokal where you absolutely have to stop in for lunch! Whether you’re ordering alligator tacos, grilled veggies, or some of their craft beers, you won’t be disappointed!

Black Bean Burger with grilled portobello and peppers from KUSH

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a beautiful neighborhood in it’s own right but it also houses the historic Vizcaya Mansion, a home built during prohibition but designed to look like one of the old European palaces with the manicured gardens that always go along with those beautiful, ancient buildings. Vizcaya is a must visit, part museum, part garden, it’s spectacular rain or shine!

The Gardens at Vizcaya are on ten acres of land and include fountains, a maze, and a theater

Little Havana

Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the most famous section of Little Havana and where you can find Versailles, the worlds most famous Cuban restaurant, which is also one of the largest restaurants I’ve seen in a while. The walls are decorated with etched glass and sparkling tile work while diners are seated at old school 50s style diner chairs and tables while they get to enjoy an extensive menu of classic Cuban foods where anything you order is going to taste amazing.

Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches Cake, and Cubano Coffee from Versailles

Calle Ocho is also home to the famous ice cream shop, Azucar which is an absolute must visit!

We’re already looking forward to our next visit to Miami!

xo,

Kate