Miami Weekend Guide Posted on 8 Mar 13:45 , 0 comments
Spring time is the best time to get down to Miami. It isn't too hot yet, but the weather is definitely beach friendly. If you're making your way to Miami anytime soon, be sure to check out our weekend guide for suggestions about where to stay, what to eat, and more!
Where to Stay:
The W Hotel in Miami is the crème de la crème of places to stay in Miami. The hotel has a cool and almost understated vibe, yet totally chic at the same time. Rooms all have gorgeous beach views, spacious penthouse options for groups, and a number of additional amenities in the hotel. The W features a Bliss Spa, a cute Wink boutique in the hotel, and the hotel is pet friendly! 2201 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 938-3000
photos c/o The W Hotel
photo c/o the traveler-online photo c/o belle vivir
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag without sacrificing luxury or style, be sure to try The Standard Miami, located on Belle Isle. This place is bohemian Brooklyn turned tropical. 20 to 30-something year old musicians, artists, models, and the like walk around barefoot, lounge on the secluded hammocks, enjoy traditional Turkish hamams and practice yoga on the sunset yoga dock. This is a spa haven, and the treatment list is extensive. If you aren't feeling hip enough, stop into The Shop, carrying everything from retro shades to beauty products, and which features brands like DVF, Haute Hippie, and Melissa Shoes. Grab some small bites at the Lido for lunch. 40 Island Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 673-1717
Where to Shop:
Baseworld: Blurring the line between art and commerce, Baseworld is a totally unique and innovative lifestyle store. Music, candles, and everything in between, this is a place to shop if you're looking for highly curated items that are different. Located on Lincoln Road and in the Delano. BASE (Flagship), 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-4982; BASE Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-2000
photo c/o The Alchemist photo c/o Vogue.com
The Alchemist: Located in the fifth floor of a parking garage, this ultra-modern boutique features a fantastically curated collection, and has featured brands such as Rodarte, Dries Van Noten, and Isabel Marant, in addition to an evergrowing niche fragrance collection. 1109 Lincoln Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 531-4653
Guy and Girl Boutique: Located in the Shelborne Resort, this store is small but they carry an eclectic collection of beach essentials and home gifts. 1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305)341-1392
What to Eat & Drink:
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: Since opening in 2007, this place has been a hit for a reason. It's a bit far from central Collins Ave. in the Design District, about a 15-minute cab ride, but well worth it. Only the freshest local produce used at this cool and relaxing joint. Dishes are palette-raising, mouth-watering, and simply indulgent, without the pretentious attitude of many high-end restos. For dinner, we recommend the wood roasted double yolk farm egg, cobia ceviche, duck confit, stracciatella, pan-roasted 1/2 poulet rouge, and wood oven pizza. Desserts are created by award-winning pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith, and are seriously out of this world. We recommend the strawberry shortcake and the famous lemon creamsicle pot de creme. It's a gastronomers heaven. 130 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137, (305) 573-5550
Daily Melt Miami: This new sandwich shop in midtown Miami is the perfect place to stop for a casual and delicious lunch. Gourmet grilled cheeses are the name of the game here; try the roasted turkey melt with provolone, spinach, and chipotle mayo; and a garden melt with portobello, Gouda, tomato, spinach, and basil pesto on whole wheat. Open daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at 3401 N. Miami Ave., ste. 123 (305-573-0101).
photo c/o Trip Advisor
Hyde Beach: This ultra hip South Beach lounge should be your go to spot for a luxurious night out. Drinks are pricy but strong, and the vibe is both club-y indoors near the bar, and relaxing on the outside with plush wicker couches and lounge chairs by the pool. A great vibe overall, and kick-ass dj sets (our favorite was one by DJ Derek Walin) SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305.674.1701
photo c/o The Kiwi Collection
Delano Beach Club: This elegant beach club is a fantastic place to grab drinks pre-dinner (we had freshly made French 75's). 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 305 924 4071
Sights To See:
Swim: For an alternative to the traditional Miami beaches, be sure to visit the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Built in 1923 out of a coral rock quarry. The pool is fed by an underground natural spring aquifer, and features caves and two waterfalls. For more information, call 305-460-5306.
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
photo c/o Trip Advisor
Hyde Beach: This ultra hip South Beach lounge should be your go to spot for a luxurious night out. Drinks are pricy but strong, and the vibe is both club-y indoors near the bar, and relaxing on the outside with plush wicker couches and lounge chairs by the pool. A great vibe overall, and kick-ass dj sets (our favorite was one by DJ Derek Walin) SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305.674.1701
photo c/o The Kiwi Collection
Delano Beach Club: This elegant beach club is a fantastic place to grab drinks pre-dinner (we had freshly made French 75's). 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 305 924 4071
Snapshot: For the perfect photo location check out the McArthur Causeway, the bridge that links miami beach to mainland.
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
photo c/o Virtual Tourist
History Buff: If you're a fan of historical architecture, visit Coconut Grove, technically a suburb of Miami, to see the Plymouth Congregational. Built between 1916-1917, the gorgeous church is a fantastic example of Spanish Mission Architecture, with Spanish missions having been an important element of Florida's history.
Art: If you happen to come across bad weather or just need an escape from the heat, the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art is a must see. The stunning structure which houses MOCA has over 12,000 square-feet of exhibition space consisting of a large main gallery with moveable walls, a separate art pavilion, a gift shop, an art storage and preparation area, and administrative offices. An outdoor courtyard is used for performances, evening film screenings and large art installations.
