The Perfect Weekend in Miami: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, and What to Do in Miami, Florida.
Soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach is only one of the things you can do in Miami! There’s so much to see and do in South Beach and beyond.
Here’s How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Greater Miami & Miami Beach!
What can we say about Miami? South Beach is the ideal hotspot for a holiday on Florida’s hippest coast. Make the most of its wide beaches and endless sunny days. In Miami, it’s not just about relaxing — there’s tons of shopping, great restaurants, and tons of great music in Miami’s best-known nightclubs and bars. For a weekend or longer escaping to Miami, here are our top recommendations of where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what to see and do in one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Where to Stay in Miami
Axel Beach Miami - South Beach: A Stylish Retreat in Miami’s Art Deco District
Located just a block from the beach at 1500 Collins Avenue, Axel Beach Miami - South Beach offers the perfect base to explore South Beach's vibrant nightlife, and shopping scene. This exclusive LGBTQ+ hotel is in the heart of Miami’s iconic Art Deco district. The hotel’s vintage bohemian charm includes a large a pool, gym access, and a lively bar. On Sundays, the pool area transforms into a huge party-space for locals and travelers alike. The hotel is also fully accessible, with rooms and services for guests with reduced mobility and special needs. With convenient parking and beach access, Axel Beach is an ideal choice for a stylish, inclusive South Beach getaway.
Where to Eat & Drink in Miami
Get Asian-Inspired Streetfood at 1-800-LUCKY
Wynwood’s first Asian-themed marketplace, 1-800-LUCKY offers a vibrant mix of food, music, and entertainment. The enormous venue features seven food vendors serving a range of Asian-inspired recipes, from sushi and dim sum to ramen, Peking duck, and Taiyaki. As an added bonus, after dinner, head to 1-800-LUCKY’s karaoke bar for some extra fun. 1-800-LUCKY is not just about great food—it’s also a hub for live performances, featuring world-class DJs and music programming every week. This dynamic spot brings together global flavors and Miami favorites in a lively atmosphere perfect for both foodies and nightlife enthusiasts.
Enjoy Peruvian and Gourmet Ceviche at CVI.CHE 105
CVI.CHE 105 is a must-visit for fans of Peruvian cuisine. Known for its customary ceviche recipes and exremely fresh seafood, this gorgeous restaurant offers a true taste of Peru. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes like tiraditos, causa, arroz con pollo, lomo saltado, and aji de gallina… all paired with exsquisite cocktails. Whether you're enjoying a classic ceviche or trying something new, CVI.CHE 105 delivers an unbelievable dining experience right in the heart of Miami. Highly recommended to make a reservation!
Drinks at Twist
This iconic cornerstone of South Beach’s gay nightlife, offers a welcoming space for locals and tourists alike. TWIST has become a must-visit venue in the heart of the action of South Beach. With no cover charge, two levels of entertainment, three dance floors, and an inclusive atmosphere, it’s no wonder TWIST has earned awards as South Florida’s best gay bar for over 25 years. Make sure to put this on your itinerary for a weekend or weeknight visit!
Have a Night Out at Willy’s Neighborhood Bar
There are so many great neighborhoods to explore throughout Miami, including Wynwood! This neighborhood truly comes alive in the evenings, and it’s am ust to include Willy’s Neighborhood Bar on your list of places to check out. This lively community hub recently opened offering fantastically strong cocktails, a great open event space, and dance floor. Willy’s welcomes a diverse crowd with performances by drag race alums, local DJs, and relaxed nights out. This venue is quickly becoming a staple for the Miami LGBTQ+ community.
Breakfast at Blue Lavender
When staying around South Beach, Blue Lavender is a charming café with great and healthy breakfast options. The fresh and clean space serves dishes like avocado toast, overnight oats, açai bowls, and deliciously fresh smoothies. The coffee and pastries are also worth enjoying! The cozy, stylish setting makes it the perfect spot to unwind before a day of exploring the city, with a calming lavender-infused atmosphere that sets the tone for a relaxing morning in Miami.
Breakfast and Coffee at Cortadito Coffee House
For a true taste of Miami, head to Cortadito Coffee House for a quick and easy breakfast experience. This beloved spot is famous for its Cuban-inspired menu, offering strong, smooth cortadito coffee and tasty breakfast bites like croquetas, pastelitos, and cuban sandwiches, and avocado toasts. This local chain has super affordable items, is quick and easy, and centrally located.
Indulge at STK Steakhouse
Known for its top-quality steaks and innovative menu, STK delivers a unique twist on the classic steakhouse experience, perfect for those looking to indulge in fine dining with a vibrant atmosphere. This South Beach staple is the perfect spot for a date-night, a group of friends to start a night out, or just a high quality dinner to treat yourself. The macaroni and cheese is to die for. The best steak along Miami’s South Beach, so don’t miss out on this decadent experience!
What to See & Do in Miami
Hit the Beach with Boucher Brothers
For a seamless beach experience in South Beach. Head to the beach at 12th Street & Ocean Drive (next to Rainbow Lifeguard Stand) for a refined and relaxing time right next to the ocean. Leave the stress behind when you reserve beach lounge chairs and am umbrella with Boucher Brothers. You can also order from their beachfront food and drink service. Boucher Brothers ensures you’re pampered while soaking up the sun. Their attentive staff takes care of the details, so all you have to do is unwind and enjoy the stunning Miami views.
Tour the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
One of Miami’s most iconic locations, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is known for its stunning Italian Renaissance-style mansion set amidst 10 acres of lush, formal gardens. This is one of the most epic spots in the city for incredible photos. The architecture is almost unbelievable. Completed in 1916, this historic villa offers a glimpse into both Miami’s past and the grandeur of European design. There is also a Farmers Market across the street from the mansion open on Sundays that is definitely worth checking out!
Note: Vizcaya is closed on Tuesdays. Admission closes at 4:30 p.m, the Main House closes at 5:00 p.m. and the gardens at 5:30 p.m.
Watch a Show at the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theater
Actors’ Playhouse is a nonprofit cultural institution that prides itself in featuring the best of the best in musical theatre. Head to the historic Miracle Theater in Coral Gables to watch a show and admire the architecture of this Miami cornerstone. The stage settings are so intimate and personal, getting you right up close to the action. It’s a great experience to see a show while visiting the city, and truly gives you a sense of the local arts community.
Take an Evening Stroll along Ocean Drive
Stroll down Ocean Drive between 9th and 15th Streets to soak in the vibrant energy of the city. As the sun sets, the iconic Art Deco buildings come to life with neon lights, casting a colorful glow across the street. You'll pass lively cafés, busy restaurants, and bars with music spilling out onto the sidewalk. The ocean breeze adds a refreshing touch, and might even beckon you to walk to the warm ocean water. Whether you're window-shopping, people-watching, or simply enjoying the scene, an evening walk along Ocean Drive is a quintessential Miami experience.
Visit the Everglades with Tigertail Airboat Tours and Love the Everglades
Visiting the Everglades has been on our bucket list for as long as we can remember. We watched the old shows on Animal Planet way back in the day — so it was kind of surreal finally going to this renowned National Park for a visit. To visit, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a rental car to drive to the Miccosukee Indian Village about an hour and a half away from South Beach, Miami. We joined a tour from Tigertail Airboat Tours to speed across the waterways, explore the vastness of the Everglades with small on-foot excursions off the boat and onto the tree-islands. It was a fascinating experience, and we learned quite a lot from our guide from Love The Everglades. The Love The Everglades initiative is helping to preserve and restore the Everglades ecosystem while also maintaining the Native traditions and customs.
There’s More to Explore!
There’s something magical about Walla Walla. Maybe it’s the way the golden light spills over the rolling vineyards at sunset, or the way the town feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Whatever it is, this little corner of Washington’s wine country has a way of wrapping you in its warmth and making you feel right at home.
I recently spent a few days exploring Walla Walla, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. From the cozy accommodations to the incredible food and wine, every moment felt like a celebration of the “good life”. If you’re planning a trip (and you absolutely should), here’s my personal guide to making the most of your time in this enchanting town.