Miami, the city where the heat is on, claims Will Smith. I believe him! I come down to Miami about twice a year to soak in the culture, art, cuisine, and ocean. Most people don’t know that I was planning my move to Miami back in 2011. Had I not met my now husband that year and started my career in Texas I guess I would be writing to you from Miami. This is an art loaded blog because my most recent visit I made stops in Wynwood, the Miami Design District and The Bass Museum. See below for my tips on visiting the Magic City.

Wanderlust Hotels

SLS LUX Brickell - This was our first trip to Miami staying in Brickell. It’s a breath of fresh air if you’ve stayed on South Beach multiple times. I would recommed staying in this area if it is not your first trip to Miami. This hotel is in great walkable location to and from shopping and restaurants. They have a great modern decor and fantastic service.

Fountaine Bleau - This is our go to staple when visiting Miami. This resort is large and offers great amenities as well as multiple pools and restaurants on property. The contemporary design throughout is truly giving you Miami vibes. Famed LIV nightclub is also located within this property if you are into the Miami nightlife. Check out their website for special events happening within the hotel when you are traveling as they are always collaborating with partners in the art, fashion and cuisine world.

1 Hotel South Beach - A nature designed contemporary hotel with a long stretch of south beach and four pools. They offer prime dining on property such as STK and Watr Rooftop. You are right in the center action of south beach here.

The Betsy South Beach - This hotel is a beach-side haven located in the heart of South Beach. You will have top of the line amenities and ocean views will staying at this top Conde Nast listed hotel, only one of 3 listed in Florida. You will have world-class cuisine at LT steak and seafood. I you want an ultra luxurious experience chose this world class spot.

Wanderlust Experiences

Beach - Take a day and bask in the sun on Miami’s beautiful beaches.

Wynwood Arts District - You can’t miss the opportunity to visit the instgram worthy arts district. Full of graffiti walls, vendor shops, cool food and art studios. You can spend a day in this district shopping for unique gifts, strolling through the Wynwood Market place and posing in front of you favorite wall murals.

Rent a yacht - There’s no better way to feel like a celebrity than to rent a yacht and cruise the bay while sipping on champagne. There are so many companies in Miami that offer yacht rentals. A few I have used are Miami Yacht Charters and Prime Luxury Rentals.

Cruise Collin’s Avenue - Renting a convertible and cruising down collins on a Friday afternoon is a great way to check-in to Miami. The people watching and restaurant partying you’ll pass are worth the view!

Everglades - This is one for the adventurous type. Head out to the everglades and ride on an airboat and scout for alligators or watch the sunset down on the everglades safari.

Key West - You can take a day road trip to Key West from Miami in just a little over 3 hours. Visit the dry tortugas or Ernest Hemingway’s house. This is a great local beach town with a ton of history.

Bass Museum of Art - Great boutique museum in South beach that displays modern art installations. They have some great artists coming up including Sheila Hicks and Haegue Yang.

Wanderlust Cuisine

Joe’s Stone Crab - No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at Joe’s. This famed restaurant is known for hosting the who’s who in town and serving up delicious fresh seafood. They don’t take reservations so go early or just be prepared for a bit of a wait, but the wait is worth it! Don’t skip this Miami staple.

Komodo - One of the new kids on the scene is this three story eatery and lounge serving up Asian cuisine. The vibe here is just want you want before you head out for the night. They have the signature outdoor floating “birds nests” seating, which creates a cool treehouse feel perfect any night!

B Bistro Bakery - An urban oasis serving up delicious pastries, desserts, breakfast and lunch cuisine. They were voted Best Croissant in Miami. They are whipping up some unique coffees and shakes too. Great morning stop while in Brickell.

Cabo Wine Bar - If you love wine you will need to visit Cibo, they carry over 3,500 bottles of wine in their two story wine room complete with a harnessed wine angel to retrieve your favorite bottle. Their 12,000 square foot restaurant is serving southern Italy inspired cuisine and artwork from Mr. Brainwash and Randy Cooper.

The Bazaar - Located right on south beach developed by the world renowned chef Jose Andres. This restaurant is sophisticated and playful with an incredible latin inspired menu. You can visit The Bazaar here or also in Beverly Hills or visit his new restaurant in downtown Miami, Bazaar Mar.

Quality Meats - Ok, you know by now I have a charcuterie restaurant recommendation for every city I travel and this is it! Great vibe, drinks and meat and sometimes that’s all you need!

Mr. Chow - This international gem is located in the W hotel South beach. This is an entertain and dine kind of place. You’ll find chefs showing off their tricks at the open kitchen while enjoying some great Beijing cuisine. Don’t forget to look up at the 123 foot Gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier.

Bagatelle - This place is famous for their party brunches and I love dining here when I am in Miami. The parisian chic decor is bold and the DJ gets your brunch party going. You can also dine here for dinner and enjoy French Mediterranean cuisine.

Wanderlust Luggage

Wanderlust Itineraries

Day 1

12:00pm: arrive, check in hotel

1:00pm: Lunch at your hotel

2:00-5:00pm: Shopping and walking along Collins Ave

7:30-10:30pm: Dinner at Quality Meats

Nightlife suggestions: (LIV, Story, Space)

Day 2

11:30am: Brunch at Bagatelle

2:30PM: Visit Wynwood Arts District, Miami Design District or Museums

8:00pm: Dinner at Komodo

Nightlife suggestions: (Basement, Electric Pickle, Do Not Sit on the Furniture)

Day 3

Day Trip to Key West

Day 4

9:00am: Hit the beach for some R&R

1:00pm: Pick a spot on Collins Ave for lunch and people watching

3:00pm: Spa time at your hotel

8:00pm: Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab

Day 5

Depart

Miami is a center for culture, flare, and art. This city welcomes people of all walks of life and I would be living here if I wasn’t such a proud born and raised Texan. I hope I have inspired you to visit or return to the city of Miami. As always, feel free to email me with any questions about this destination. Stay Wandering!