Look I don’t mean to brag but… my friends and I executed the perfect Miami trip. And apparently I’m still in a secret sharing mood, so I’ve divulged our full hit list below. But before we get there - I’ve also crafted a Miami bucket list, because some of our experiences cannot be perfectly replicated, and I need you to go there and seek out your version of these things on your own. Miami is THE place to have a loose plan, and leave plenty of space for spontaneity, surprises, and ridiculousness. I believe in you, godspeed! Let’s talk Meeeeamiiii
MIAMI BUCKET LIST
Get on a boat - bonus points if you aren’t paying for it!!
Go to a club - bonus points if you join someone’s table (& once again, aren’t paying for it!!), triple bonus points if you stay out past 4 AM
Buy a cheap souvenir - or take silly pics in the store
Take a walk down Ocean Drive - this is the “touristy” area but it’s iconic, the architecture is stunning, and the people watching is off the charts
Get a weird sunburn - my personal favorites are on the strip of skin between my chest and my armpit, or a singular shoulder blade
Drink a piña colada next to a pool or on a beach
Drink a cortado or café con leche
Eat a cubano
Eat a guava cheese pastry
Take a picture on the beach looking hot - whether you’re in a bathing suit or all dressed up for the night, Miami will have you feeling yourself
Shazam at least one song at the club - my playlist this month? Unmatched
Meet a DJ - this is how you plant the seed for your future Miami trips, and also hear about new places such as Do Not Sit on the Furniture (?!)
Find medium danger. I will not elaborate, this is up to your imagination
SOME BASIC TRAVEL TIPS
Use Resort Pass to book chairs/towel service at the beach if your hotel/stay doesn’t offer this. We booked at the Savoy and it was $50 for the day, totally worth it!
Miami mimics European culture - people go out LATE. I recommend making later dinner reservations i.e. 8:30-9 and going out from there
Ubers are cheap!
South Beach has plenty to offer, but a lot of the good restaurants, shops, etc are a 20-25 minute ride over to areas like Wynwood, etc. Keep this in mind as you’re making resys and try to combine plans to hit multiple spots so you aren’t having to go back and forth
Not to be your mom but… the sun hits different here! Buy lots of sunscreen and reapply regularly so you don’t get cooked
MIAMI RECS
TTS: The Miami Guide, Mapped (Google Maps)
Coffee & Eats
Tropezón - delicious tapas & a full menu infused gins
Pura Vida - very much a chain in South Florida but great for smoothies, acai bowls, etc (in a place where healthy food can be harder to come by TBH)
Bebito’s - almost like an Alfred Coffee with a Miami flare
Las Olas Cafe - OG OG. Best. Walk up window, no frills. Order your coffee and pastelitos here, or a cubano if you want something heartier. DELISH
Mandolin - Greek food in a stunning setting! Dreamy, tropical patio. Great for a GNO
Bars
Dante’s Hi-Fi - amazing, amazing bar. WOW. Vinyl bar with delicious cocktails and great energy!! Need to go back
Matador Room - the coolest hotel lobby bar, at the Edition
Eagle Room / Broken Shaker - BS for a more chill by the pool vibe, Eagle Room for a later night/more dance-y
On My List for Next Trip (bc yes, this will be an annual endeavor)
Joe’s Stone Crab - a classic
Carbone - iconic, and feel like this one may be more likely than NY?
Zak the Baker - the baked goods look incredible!!
Rooftop at the 1 Hotel
Eleven - THE club, or so I hear. I must experience
I am here for any and all Miami questions! Reply directly to this email or drop a comment on Substack and let’s chat! Xoxo