Travel around Miami with Bobby
Day 1Arrival and Sunset on South Beach
The moment I landed in Miami, the vibrant energy was palpable. I could feel the tropical breeze as I stepped out of the airport, ready to dive into the city’s beachy, bustling atmosphere. My first stop was The Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive, a beautiful boutique hotel that perfectly embodies Miami’s Art Deco charm. From the rooftop pool with ocean views to the friendly staff, it felt like a slice of paradise. After dropping off my bags, I rented a bike to cruise along South Beach, the iconic heart of Miami. The turquoise waters, colorful lifeguard towers, and sunbathers stretched across the white sandy shore made for the perfect introduction.
By lunchtime, I was hungry and headed to La Sandwicherie, a classic Miami spot known for its fresh sandwiches piled high with tropical ingredients. I devoured their signature turkey sandwich with avocado, surrounded by locals and tourists alike. In the afternoon, I explored the Art Deco Historic District, where I couldn’t stop snapping photos of the pastel-colored, 1930s buildings that line the streets. As the sun started to dip, I joined the crowd on the beach to watch a magical Miami sunset. The sky exploded with hues of pink, orange, and purple, reflecting off the water and creating a postcard-perfect moment.
That evening, I wandered over to The Broken Shaker, a trendy garden bar with cozy outdoor seating and an eclectic cocktail menu. The bartenders here are like artists, crafting one-of-a-kind drinks with local ingredients. It was the perfect way to wind down after a busy first day.
South Beach is a must-see, especially at sunset. Renting a bike is the best way to explore the coastline and the Art Deco district—you can soak up the vibe at your own pace.
Day 2Art, Culture, and Little Havana Flavors
After waking up to the sound of the ocean and enjoying breakfast at The Betsy’s rooftop café (the avocado toast was to die for!), I set out for Wynwood Walls, Miami’s famous open-air street art museum. The murals here are unlike anything I’ve ever seen—vivid, larger-than-life artworks cover entire buildings, each more impressive than the last. Wynwood’s creative energy is contagious, and I spent hours wandering through the alleys, admiring the work of world-class graffiti artists. It’s not just a place for art lovers—it’s a neighborhood full of life, with cool cafes and shops that offer a glimpse into Miami’s modern, artistic soul.
For lunch, I took a short drive to Little Havana, the cultural heart of Miami’s Cuban community. Walking through Calle Ocho, the main street, I felt like I’d been transported to Havana itself. I stopped at Versailles, a legendary Cuban restaurant, for a plate of ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and sweet plantains. The food was authentic and packed with flavor, and the lively, bustling atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable. I couldn’t leave without trying a classic Cuban coffee—strong, sweet, and absolutely energizing.
In the afternoon, I joined a walking tour of Little Havana, learning about the neighborhood’s history, music, and local artisans. I even watched a cigar being hand-rolled in one of the shops! As the day turned into evening, I stumbled upon Ball & Chain, a historic Cuban bar with live salsa music and a dance floor full of locals. I spent the rest of the night swaying to the rhythm of the music and sipping mojitos under the stars.
Versailles in Little Havana is legendary for a reason, but the wait time to get a table was long, and once seated, the service felt a bit rushed. The ropa vieja was flavorful, but some dishes were a bit too oily for my liking. The mojitos at Ball & Chain were refreshing, though the live music made it difficult to hold a conversation.
Food
Returning to The Betsy Hotel was nice after a day out, but again, the small room size and premium price didn’t quite match up to my expectations. The rooftop bar and pool area could use better crowd control, as it was difficult to find a quiet space to relax.
Accomodation
The murals at Wynwood Walls were an artistic marvel, but the area surrounding it can feel a bit touristy and commercialized. Little Havana was vibrant and full of life, but parts of the neighborhood felt a bit run-down, and it didn’t feel as authentic as I had hoped.
Activity
Wynwood Walls is a must for anyone interested in modern art or street culture. Little Havana offers an immersive cultural experience—don’t miss trying Cuban food and, of course, the coffee!
Day 3Day Trip to the Everglades and Evening at South Beach
I wanted a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, so I dedicated my third day to exploring the Everglades National Park, just a short drive from Miami. After booking an airboat tour, I found myself gliding through the unique wetlands, surrounded by tall grass and the occasional alligator lurking nearby. The guide’s knowledge about the ecosystem and the wildlife made the trip both thrilling and educational. The Everglades is unlike any other natural park I’ve visited—it’s wild, untamed, and a stark contrast to the beaches and nightlife of Miami.
By mid-afternoon, I was back in the city and decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing at South Beach. This time, I rented a lounge chair, ordered a tropical drink from one of the beachside vendors, and simply soaked in the sun. The beach was buzzing with activity—volleyball games, music, and people-watching at its finest.
Later that night, I indulged in dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution. The stone crabs were worth every bite—fresh, succulent, and perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s famous mustard sauce. The ambiance was classy but laid-back, a fitting close to my outdoor adventure day.
Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab was a mixed experience. While the stone crabs were incredibly fresh, the restaurant was packed, leading to long waits and service that felt rushed. The prices were high even for Miami standards, and while the food was delicious, the overall experience felt a bit too commercialized for such a famous spot.
Food
The Betsy Hotel continued to be a lovely spot for its location, but again, the high price and smaller rooms made it feel less like a luxury stay and more like you’re paying for proximity to the beach. Noise from Ocean Drive can be a bit overwhelming at night, even with the windows closed.
Accomodation
The Everglades airboat tour was a unique experience, but the tour itself felt rushed, and we didn’t see as much wildlife as expected. Returning to South Beach for some relaxation was nice, but the beach was crowded and finding a good spot required getting there much earlier.
Activity
The Everglades is a fantastic day trip for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city for a bit. Afterward, nothing beats unwinding on South Beach with a cool drink and some people-watching.
Day 4Shopping, Culture, and Miami’s Nightlife
On my final day, I decided to explore Miami’s shopping and cultural scenes. I started at Lincoln Road Mall, an open-air pedestrian shopping street filled with boutiques, cafes, and street performers. After picking up a few souvenirs and a strong coffee, I made my way to Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art was stunning, and the building itself, with its waterfront views and hanging gardens, was equally impressive.
After a quick lunch at the museum’s café, I headed to Brickell, Miami’s downtown financial district, for a change of pace. The sleek skyscrapers and high-end restaurants made it clear that this was the city’s more polished, business-like side. I spent some time window shopping at Brickell City Centre, an upscale mall that felt worlds away from the laid-back vibe of South Beach.
For my final night in Miami, I went all out with a visit to LIV, one of the city’s most famous nightclubs. Located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, the club was everything I expected—glamorous, packed with energy, and with a DJ that kept the crowd dancing well into the early hours. It was the perfect high-energy end to an incredible trip.
Lunch at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District was excellent, but the prices were high for what was offered, and the portion sizes were smaller than expected. The flavors were fresh, but the service was slow, which detracted from the overall dining experience.
Food
By the fourth day, the charm of The Betsy Hotel had worn off a bit due to the lack of space and the ever-present noise from Ocean Drive. For the price, I was hoping for a more peaceful and spacious stay, but the hotel struggled to balance its boutique charm with modern comfort.
Accomodation
Shopping at Lincoln Road Mall and the Miami Design District was fun, but both areas are heavily focused on luxury brands, which might not be for everyone. While window-shopping is always enjoyable, the high-end stores didn’t offer much for a casual shopper like me. The nightlife at LIV was energetic, but the club was overly crowded and pricey. The long lines and expensive drinks made the experience less enjoyable than expected.
Activity
Miami is a shopper’s paradise, especially on Lincoln Road and Brickell. If you’re into nightlife, LIV is the place to be, but make sure to plan ahead—it gets packed quickly.
Summary of My Trip
Miami is definitely a vibrant and diverse city, but not everything was perfect. The beaches and tropical atmosphere were incredible, especially watching the sunset at South Beach—it was truly magical. However, the crowds and high prices were a bit disappointing at times. Wynwood Walls is an artistic paradise for art lovers, though some areas felt overly touristy. Little Havana had a strong cultural vibe, but the atmosphere was more commercial and crowded than I had expected.
Being surrounded by nature in the Everglades was breathtaking, but not seeing as much wildlife as I had hoped was a bit of a letdown. The Betsy Hotel was a nice stay overall, but the rooms were small, and I felt the price could’ve offered more. The food in Miami was delicious, but many restaurants in touristy areas were expensive. Overall, Miami is a colorful, lively city, but you need to be prepared for crowds and higher costs during your trip.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Miami is a vibrant, energetic, and diverse city, but its popularity with tourists also brings some challenges. While the beaches, cultural neighborhoods, and nightlife are world-famous, high prices and large crowds can sometimes take away from the experience. However, with the right planning, the city's natural beauty, art, and multicultural food scene can make for an incredible trip.
Lunch at La Sandwicherie was fresh and flavorful, but the portion size was smaller than expected for the price, especially considering Miami’s usual high costs in tourist areas. The tropical smoothie was the highlight, though I found some of the ingredients lacked seasoning. The cocktail at The Broken Shaker was creative, but the wait time to get a table was a bit too long.
Food
The Betsy Hotel is certainly charming with its Art Deco appeal, but for a boutique hotel, the room size was smaller than anticipated. The rooftop pool was lovely but felt a bit crowded during peak hours, and the overall price was quite high even for South Beach standards.
Accomodation
Cycling around South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District was a great way to see the city, but the streets were a bit crowded, making it difficult to navigate in some areas. The sunset at the beach was beautiful but overly crowded, which took away from the tranquil experience I was hoping for.
Activity