Sparkling sandy beaches, glitzy nightclubs, luxury cars, shimmering glass high-rises, and flamboyant wealth on display at every turn make Miami a fascinating spot for a weekend getaway.
Sun-soaked days give way to nights filled with happy revelers enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing Latin cuisine.
Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
Things To Do In Miami
There is so much to do in Miami that narrowing down the options will be the most difficult part of your adventure. With the city’s plentiful sunshine, outdoor activities are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Play Golf
Chasing that little ball with a bag full of sticks has never been more fun than at one of the many golf courses in the Miami area.
For a luxe resort with 36 holes, opt for a stay at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa and play one of their two courses, the Miller Course or the Soffer Course. Beautifully manicured from tee to green, these courses feature wide-open fairways and forgiving greens. They are a peaceful oasis amidst the modern high-rise buildings that stand as an interesting backdrop.
There are lots of great public courses to choose from as well, such as the Miami Beach Golf Club. As a visitor, you can book a round up to five days in advance and still find early tee times that will keep you out of the midday heat. Pretty, wide-open vistas and challenging shots await on the verdant fairways and fast greens.
Hit The Beach
Miami is blessed with beautiful beaches that call to locals and visitors alike to relax in the sand or walk for miles. A visit to South Beach is a must; however, take time to explore the other beaches up and down the coast. The options available will delight even the most experienced beachgoer.
The quintessential Miami beach is South Beach. Stop by for an afternoon of sunshine and people-watching, or join the in-crowd and stay for the glitzy nightlife. South Beach is the place to see and be seen in Miami.
If you are looking for a clothing-optional beach, look no further than Haulover Beach. It’s the perfect place to get rid of those tan lines and save money on your swimsuit purchases.
Sample Cuban Cuisine
You can’t leave Miami without exploring the local cuisine. The Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour by Miami Culinary Tours will take you to the heart of the Calle Ocho (8th Street) area for authentic Cuban food. Enjoy the cigars and dominoes while sampling delicious nibbles. Sip a mojito — you’ll never have a better one! — while learning about the history of the neighborhood.
Shop Till You Drop
Miami fashion is all about luxury brands. One spot that exemplifies the Miami shopping style is the Brickell City Centre. Shop Chanel, Coach, and Rolex, and then enjoy a Häagen-Dazs as a reward for a hard day’s work browsing the stores.
Enjoy The Water
Whatever on-the-water activity you can imagine, you will find it in Miami. From luxury yachts to jet skis, there are plenty of water play options.
Chartering a yacht and exploring Miami by water is easy with YachtLife, which has everything from a 38-foot Chris-Craft to a 128-foot Oceanfast that sleeps 12. Experience living on the high seas under the care of a dedicated captain.
If you want to take your water exploration a day at a time, head to Miami Water Sports for day rentals. Jet skis, stand-up paddleboards, and equipment for parasailing and windsurfing are available, plus much more. Flyboarding is the latest trend, and Miami Water Sports offers rentals and instructional classes. If you’re not ready to give it a try, no worries — you can still watch others struggle to master the high-flying balancing act.
Take A Tour
The Big Bus Miami Tour is an easy way to see the city’s highlights if you are short on time. The tour offers 33 different hop-on, hop-off stops around the city, including stops at top tourist spots like South Beach, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, and Downtown Miami. Spare your feet and get straight to the heart of the action.
Pro Tip: Upgrade your tour to include a boat tour of Biscayne Bay for a view of this gorgeous city from the water.
Best Restaurants In Miami
Dining out is part of Miami’s culture, and the plethora of options can leave you overwhelmed. Below is a selection of first-class restaurants that offer elegant dining, fun eats, and bountiful breakfasts.
Area 31
Fine dining and drop-dead-gorgeous city views define Area 31. Local seafood and produce are the hallmarks of the menu. On a sunny Miami morning, brunch on their 16th-floor patio is the perfect way to kick off your getaway. You can enjoy everything from oysters to burgers to traditional breakfast fare. Toast your vacation with a classic brunch cocktail like a bellini or mimosa, and immerse yourself in the Miami glitterati lifestyle.
Havana 1957
The five Havana 1957 restaurants, located in hot spots across the city, offer diners modern Cuban cuisine in a fun and festive setting.
Start with a classic mojito, served with the traditional slice of sugarcane. The Pollo Havana 1957, their signature dish, is a perfectly roasted chicken served Cuban-style with rice, black beans, and plantains. Stop by for a drink or dinner, and enjoy the party atmosphere.
Wayku
Elegant Wayku offers diners fascinating dishes paired with luscious cocktails. Try the pork cotoletta served with truffled mashed Andean potatoes, or the kanka cauliflower served with a mango-and-coconut curry sauce. Be sure to sample one of their signature cocktails — a standout is the Latin Lover, made with rum, vermouth, pecan honey, and Aztec chocolate bitters. Wayku is the perfect spot for a relaxing, sumptuous meal.
Osteria Morini
Osteria Morini in the Kimpton Hotel Palomar brings a taste of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy to Miami. Sip on a Morini Classico Negroni or an Aperol Crush, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting at a cafe in Parma or Ravenna. The enticing cuisine is anchored by gorgeous pasta dishes like truffled ricotta ravioli served with prosciutto, and rigatoni served with a wild mushroom ragu, rosemary, and black truffle. The elegantly casual atmosphere is perfect for a date night.
Best Hotels In Miami
Hotels and resorts in Miami cater to the weekend getaway guest. The options below are located in trendy neighborhoods that you can explore without needing a car.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Sleek design meets casual elegance at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, which embodies the sophisticated feel of its downtown location. The waterview rooms with private balconies, on-site spa, 16th-floor infinity pool, and multiple dining options come at a relatively affordable price. For a pampered, luxurious Miami stay, the EPIC is a top-notch choice.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
A getaway weekend where you never have to leave the resort is a relaxing and stress-free experience. The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers everything you need to make your stay perfect. Book a tee time at one of their two championship courses. Dine at the acclaimed Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, sip a cocktail in the Soff’s Lobby Lounge, or grab a bite at Surf House Bar & Grill by the pool. The grandkids will love Tidal Cove, the resort’s family-friendly water park. Whether you are planning a family reunion or a romantic weekend, this resort will keep everyone happy.
Stiles Hotel
South Beach is where the Miami nightlife action explodes. The Stiles Hotel is a tropical oasis close to all the action. Cozy Florida style with clean lines and art deco details gives the Stiles a comfortable, urban feel. The Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery is the perfect spot for a nightcap to end an adventure-filled day.
Pro Tip: Driving in Miami can be challenging. The roads are crowded, and there are often four or more lanes in each direction. Parking can also be complicated and expensive. Ridesharing options are the best ways to get around.
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