A Guide To 72 Hours In Miami

I have always liked to think that I’m in several long-distance relationships with several different cities. Constantly growing up between different cities and continents, I have found that each one of them have slowly but surely shaped me into who I am today. Of all the places I call home, South Florida is the one I have known the longest. There is something about the warm humid air that feels like a hug, the sound of salsa on the sandy beaches, the tropical trees and plants that are always in bloom, and the friendships that I hold in Miami that make me fall in love with this city over and over again. The warm Latin flavor of Miami is one that I will always experience with a flow of nostalgia that beams over me like the hot South-Beach sun. In terms of you readers: everything from it’s electric art-deco district to its beautiful beaches really does make it an ultimate trip destination, I cannot recommend it enough.

DAY 1:

One thing to know about Miami is that if you plan to see it- you’ll need a car. Miami is a big city that is built around highways so to get from point A to point B, you’ll need either an Uber or a Rental. That being said, I would recommend staying in South Beach because not only are you on the water, you are close to much of the Miami action.

I’m going to start off this guide by recommending to you a classic Miami experience–breakfast at a Latino cafe. I’ll begin by recommending my local Venezuelan pasteleria which is located in South Miami, The European Corner. Here you will be walking into a family-owned shop where they play salsa and merengue music all day, while the abuelita sits in the corner watching customers order. Each burrow of Miami has tons of pastelerias for you to go to so I would recommend asking your hotel where the best one close to you is. If you end up going to a Venezuelan pasteleria, I highly recommend ordering a Cachapa for a sweet and savory breakfast that you will literally never forget. If it's a Cuban cafe, make sure to get a cortadito for your morning caffeine kick. If it's Colombian, get a Roscon de Arequipa or Guayaba to satisfy a sweet tooth. I could go on for days about what to get at the pastelerias in Miami but it's time to continue the day.

After your coffee and delicious pastry, I would recommend you head on over to Wynwood. Wynwood is one of those places where you can go at night because there are lots of fun restaurants and bars, however, during the day is a great time to take it in visually as the whole area is covered in striking street art. Wynwood is basically the newly deemed ‘artsy’ area of Miami: back in the 80’s, it was a neglected community that had a dangerous rep, however starting in the 2000’s, it became the home of many Miami art galleries in conjunction with its neighboring district: Miami Design District. While in Wynwood, you must go to “The Wynwood Walls” to take pictures in front of the infamous mural walls, however, if you look closer behind the magic, you’ll notice that the back-streets are lined with ambiguous doors which usually span into magical art studios you know nothing about. If you’re lucky enough to have an in, maybe you will get to peak inside. 

After Wynwood, it’s time to eat a late lunch (you’re on Latino time). Best lunch in the Wynwood area in my opinion is Coyo Taco. They serve some of Miami’s greatest tacos which is why there you may have to wait in a line, however, it's well worth it. If Mexican is not your jam- just take a stroll around the area, you’ll find that there are plenty of colorful restaurants to choose from with cuisines ranging from Chinese to American. If you happen to stumble into Wynwood during the evening, Proyecto Tulum is a great nightlife venue if you like the idea of techno and tacos together.

At this point you’re probably going to be tired, which is why it’s time to hit the beach to catch golden hour and take a nap before your dinner reservation. My all-time favorite restaurant in Miami is Planta in South Beach– when staying in South Beach, you should be able to walk there in less than 20 minutes. Planta is a plant-based dinner hotspot that exudes freshness and eccentricity–it's an amazing place to eat late. After dinner, you have got to hit the town! My favorite drinks spot in South Beach is at the Setai Hotel, the outdoor seating area has an amazing ambiance. If you want to enjoy a rooftop, Watr at the 1 Rooftop is great on a Saturday night.

DAY 2:

Since I’m sure you’ve slept in–I can only recommend you start the day off with Brunch at Green Street Cafe in Coconut Grove, make sure to make reservations well in advance as this location is always buzzing. Here you will get the local Miami vibe because Green Street brings in a mix of people. For food, I highly recommend the French toast there. If you’re driving, the Coconut Grove area can be a pain to find parking in, I would recommend trying to park in the mini parking lot located next to Le Pain Quotidian, there’s always a guy there working the spots. 

If you’re in the mood for art, Perez Art Museum in Brickell District is a beautiful contemporary art museum that lies directly on the water of Biscayne Bay. Inside you will find modern and contemporary international art that changes seasonally and outside you will find a beautiful sitting area that’s perfect for taking in the water view. When you’re done, it’s always nice to walk along the bay and take in the sun.

For dinner with a view, I recommend La Mar by Gaston Acurio, a Peruvian restaurant which is also on Brickell Key. The food is absolutely delicious but the real seller is the view of all downtown Miami- definitely ask in your reservation for a table outside facing the water.

DAY 3:

Today is a beach day. Every Maiamero has their favorite beach spot. I obviously have no authority over where you choose to take in the sun, however, if you want a great spot where you miss the loudness of Miami Beach but still get to take in the skyline from afar- its South Point. The South of 5th area (SoFi) is my favorite section of Miami Beach for reasons other than us sharing the same name. This little neighborhood at the southern tip of Miami Beach is its more peaceful version that is home to the beautiful South Pointe Park (perfect picnic area with direct access to the beach) and to several famous restaurants (try Milos if you want to invest in a delicious Greek meal).

Anyways, take your time and lay out on the beach and when you’re ready, walk about 20 minutes along the beach to get to the part of Miami Beach you see in the movies: the neon colors, art deco facades, and souped up cars that all reside along Ocean Drive. It's not where all the Miami locals usually go, but it's 100% worth seeing. 

For lunch, stop and get a sub at the famous French-Owned La Sandwicherie, it tends to run packed however the sandwiches here are delicious and locally praised in Miami. 

To wrap up the second half of your day, head to the northernmost area of Miami Beach to shop and eat at Bal Harbour Shops. There’s no other mall quite like Bal Harbour- the decadent array of stores mixed with the tropical-modern landscaping is a true vibe that only Miami can provide.