Miami was unexpected. I would never have thought this city like this. You don’t have to visit anything, you just have to enjoy life. It’s crazy to think that 2 hours flight can take you from 5 degrees to 31. Miami is a gateway from a winter crazy reality. It’s about beaches and parties and people drinking 24/7. The sun and the heat will bother you but take the most you can of it because you probably won’t go back soon. Miami doesn’t even seem the United States of America, but a little island on itself, especially if you spend your entire weekend in Miami Beach. Miami Beach is the best part, don’t bother to go to downtown Miami, at least an Uber driver told me this.
Lincoln Road
Miami Beach is Spanish people, Cuban precisely and salsa. I think I improved my Spanish during the weekend! The atmosphere is so different from what you live in other American cities that makes you want to visit some Caribbean Island or Central America. The Art Deco district is colorful and joyful, as well as whole Ocean Drive, the Main Street of this little peninsula, where you can also see the famous Versace Villa, where Gianni Versace was murdered in 1997. If you keep walking down Ocean Drive you will arrive at the very south of Miami Beach and you can take a walk to South Pointe Park. Stop here for a magic sunset on the Wharf Marina.
South Pointe Park
Don’t waste time trying to do something else if not hitting the beach as soon as you get out of the airport. I flew from Baltimore Airport (40 minutes from Washington) to Fort Lauderdale Airport (40 minutes from Miami Beach); I know it’s not the best but it’s cheaper than other options. For my stay, I was couch surfing in a very cool flat near Lincoln Road and just 10 minutes away from the beach!
Shore Club
So let’s talk about the important stuff: clubs. To enter clubs for free (otherwise paying will cost you more than a flight) you have to find promoters. These people will let you in for free if you dress nicely. I know it’s not fair but it’s mostly how it works, either you are someone who can afford more than $200 for a club or you dress nice, you are a cute girl and you enter for free. Clubs you can’t miss are:
- Rockwell Miami
- Liv
- Story
- SLS Hotel – pool area Hyde Beach Miami
South Beach Miami
The beach is really amazing and the water of the ocean is not that cold. You can simply stay at the beach with no umbrella or you can rent one for the whole day for $20. If you also enjoy the pool one can be the Shore Club: great cocktails and music I must admit! In front of the Shore Club, there is a really tasty place for brunches called Orange Blossom. Other great places where you can drink a good espresso and have a good breakfast are Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar and Rosetta Bakery in Collins Avenue. Other places where you can have dinner are:
- Rustica Pizzeria on Lincoln Road
- Naked Taco (great tacos and guacamole)
- Marion Miami (expensive but sensational!)
So this weekend in Miami definitely hit the spot. I hope you can make it once in your life because it will be one of the best memories of your life!
