Hi everybody! I just returned from a mini-vacation. My friend, Ellen, flew all the way from the U.K. to meet up for a few days in Miami, Florida. I had the pleasure of planning an exciting adventure for my friend and me while also catching up! Naturally, I wanted to share our travel itinerary. This itinerary may benefit solo travelers, girls trips, and non-American tourists who want to enjoy the sunshine and excitement of Miami! Please enjoy and leave any feedback!
Friday, April 8: Arrival in Miami, Little Havana, Dadeland District
5:00 am: After my NYC flight landed at the Miami International Airport, I rode in the car for thirteen minutes. Ellen let me into our room at the Ponce De Leon Hotel in Coral Gables.
11:30 am: After sleeping for a few hours, we walked to our first stop in Little Havana, Versailles Restaurant. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant since 1971”, there is a wide selection of food choices and even a bakery. We each picked 3 combo Omelettes and a cup of Cuban coffee.
1:30-4:00 pm: After brunch, we headed out to explore the rest of Little Havana. We took a ride to the Little Havana Visitors Center and walked along Calle Ocho. We saw the iconic rooster statues, stopped for drinks, and admired the amazing artwork.
Little Havana Visitor Center
El Pub – We walked by this restaurant because they have a few roosters displayed in front. I also heard that this place has great food and drinks.
Maximo Gomez Park – named after Cuba’s military commander in that country’s War of Independence, this park, aka. Domino Park, is where elders of Little Havana play dominos.
Ball & Chain – Ball & Chain was not only a recommended spot that came up in my research but it was also recommended by a few of my friends. Since 1939, this restaurant/bar has had a great selection of Cuban food choices and cocktails.
Azucar Ice Cream Company – This scoop shop has an iconic ice cream cone on the store front. They use natural flavors which are inspired by the culture of Little Havana.
Little Havana Mural and Artwork – Little Havana is home to a huge selection of street art, mosaic tiling and murals, including ones that artistically display the words “Little Havana”.
4:30-8:00 pm: Ellen requested to visit the Dadeland Mall since this had been one of her childhood destinations. We spent time shopping at places including Macy’s (no locations in the UK) and stopping for an authentic American meal at the Cheesecake Factory.
Dadeland Mall – There are several American brand stores and restaurants in this mall. Although we took a Lyft to get here, it is also convenient to come here via Miami’s metrorail.
The Cheesecake Factory – They have a huge selection of cheesecake and some great meals as well!
8:15 pm: Our final stop of the evening was Trader Joe’s in Coral Gables so Ellen could pick up some American souvenirs to bring home. I even convinced her to pick up everything-but-the-bagel seasoning!
Trader Joe’s
Saturday, April 9: Miami Beach – When visiting Miami, keep in mind that Miami and Miami Beach are separate areas. Miami Beach is what people tend to show off on social media and cable. We do not regret staying in Coral Gables (away from the beach) since it was safer and more affordable. Plus, catching a Lyft ride to from there to Miami Beach was about $20.
9:30 am: Our first stop was a brunch spot along Ocean Drive.
Cafe Americano – Because Ellen wanted American-sized pancakes, I thought dining at Cafe Americano would be appropriate.
11:00 – 3:00 pm: First, we walked along Ocean Drive to check out the buildings of the Art Deco Historic District. Afterwards, we lounged around on the famous South Beach.
Colony Hotel – This was considered the first hotel that set the standard for hospitality and style since 1935 on Miami Beach. It is the most photographed Art Deco hotel.
Congress Hotel – Another Art Deco Hotel that was designed by the same architect who designed the Colony Hotel.
Breakwater Hotel – Designed in 1936, this is still known as one of Miami’s most iconic buildings in the Art Deco District. It is also home to the Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine which has a desirable menu and Happy Hour!
The Clevelander – This place is considered one of the best nightclubs and venues for daytime celebrations on Miami Beach. We just passed by though it looked like a lively place!
Palace Bar – This place is known for being the top Drag bar and restaurant on Miami Beach. When we passed by at 10ish, it was already full of people ready to have a good time.
Versace Mansion – This iconic mansion is now known for being owned by and the place of the murder of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. It features fine dining and a highly photographed gold lined pool. Their restaurant will not accept walk-ins. I tried making reservations two weeks prior to our trip and there was no availability.
Fortunately, they allowed us to enter the bar and walk around the pool. However, they do not allow beach attire so we had to hunt for closed-toed shoes for Ellen! Once we found her a nice pair of vans, we were welcomed in! We met a Pasadena mother with her teenage son, a traveling couple, and two Bitcoin employees who were in town for a conference.
South Beach – After walking along Ocean Drive, we rented two chairs on the beach and basked in the sun. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and beautiful the beach was.
Lummus Park – This 74-acre park is right along the beach. There are several food vendors ready to sell great cuisine. The weekend we were there happened to be the same weekend as the Pride Festival which featured a live music festival.
3:30-5:30pm: We gave ourselves a break from the sun and headed to the Lincoln Road Mall to check out the area.
Lincoln Road Mall – When we walked along Ocean Drive, we noted by how much of a party scene it was. Lincoln Road on the other hand was a completely different change of pace. There were several families walking around and enjoying the shops and restaurants. We thought that the prices on Lincoln Road were cheaper than on Ocean Drive.
7:00pm: After we rested at the hotel, we grabbed dinner at Monty’s in Coconut Grove.
Monty’s Coconut Grove – This spot is known for its amazing Happy Hour. When we arrived, there was a line of people waiting to put their names on the waitlist. Luckily for us, a party of two, we were seated within twenty minutes. The food was tasty and the atmosphere was fun.
Sunday, April 10: Coral Gables
7:30 – 9:30am: Before Ellen left, we had time to sit down at Starbucks for breakfast and coffee. We also did a quick American Target run across from our hotel!
10:30am – 3:00 pm: Once Ellen left, I ordered a ride straight to the Venetian Pool.
Venetian Pool – This is the largest freshwater pool in the US. A Miami local told me that because the freshwater is very cold, it is desirable for people to visit in the summertime since apparently the Miami Beach is very warm in the heat. I paid $16 to enter and spent most of the day there. I definitely recommend arriving early because the crowds build up in the afternoon.
5:30 – 8:00 pm: After showering at the hotel, I walked around Coral Gables and visited Giralda Plaza and Miracle Mile.
Giralda Plaza – This is one of Miami’s well-known pedestrian shopping streets filled with local shops, music and restaurants. Before walking to Miracle Mile, I stopped for dinner here.
Divino Ceviche – This was a great place for Peruvian cuisine and to listen to music in Giralda Plaza.
Miracle Mile – This is a half-mile strip of shops, art and restaurants in Coral Gables. One of my favorite features were the iconic murals representing Coral Gables.
Monday, April 11: Wynwood, Departure
9:00 am: As soon as I checked out of my hotel, I left my duffel bag with the receptionist and started my last full day in Miami. I dedicated the day to exploring Wynwood.
11:00am-12:30pm: My first stop was at the Wynwood Walls.
Wynwood Walls – This is an outdoor collection of murals created by artists around the world. I arrived at 10:30 am, which I thought would be crazy. However, by the time I found the entrance, there was already a line that formed. Thankfully I booked my $12 ticket in advance. As an artistic person, I was blown away by the beautiful murals. I spent a good hour and a half exploring and enjoying myself.
12:30-1:45 pm: Because I had some extra time before I planned to head to the airport, I went next door and checked out the Museum of Graffiti.
Museum of Graffiti – This is Wynwood’s only art museum and explores and spreads awareness of the history and development of graffiti. Since I had some time, I decided to check it out. It is a daily new museum (founded in 2019) but is home to collections of graffiti from the 1970’s.
3:00-5:00 pm: My final stop was the Airport Cafe & Liquors to enjoy my last meal in Miami.
Airport Cafe & Liquors – I wanted to enjoy one last Happy Hour before going home and this place came up on my search results. It is right behind the airport so I was able to relax and eat before my flight.
7:20-10:36pm: My Miami flight landed in LaGuardia Airport on time.
Reflection: Out of all the cities on my travel bucket list, Miami was not very high due to the party scene that I’ve seen online. However, I was pleasantly surprised by what there was to do. It was a great spot for Ellen and I to catch up and decompress from our adult lives. I would definitely go back with friends or my boyfriend. However, you will not catch me there during Spring Break!
Recommended places I did not visit:
Coral Gables:
The Bar: A bar on Giralda Ave with happy hour and other activites.
Copper 29 Bar: A retro, chemistry-themed bar with fun décor.
Biltmore Hotel Miami – A 95-year-old hotel known for beautiful architecture.
Little Havana:
CubaOcho – A Cuban Bar that houses an art collection and live music. Their specialty is rum.
South Beach:
Pink Taco – Great food and drinks. Happy Hour is Friday 4-6 pm
Icy-N-Spicy – a Tik-Tok famous ice cream spot.
Finnegan’s Way – An Irish Sports bar with happy hour 4-7 pm
La Cerveceria De Barrio – A Mexican restaurant along Lincoln Road with happy hour from 3-7 pm.
Santorini by Georgios – A Greek restaurant at the Hilton Bentley located closer to the southern point of Miami Beach. The restaurant is designed just like Santorini in Greece.
Serena Rooftop – A rooftop bar on Collins Court with beach views.
Social Club – An American-style hotel space with artsy decor along Collins Ave.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach – A late night club with Latin music.
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