36 Hours In Miami, Florida

Day 1, afternoon: Ocean Drive, Collins Venue and world-class architecture

There’s no better way to begin your introduction to the city itself than on wheels. Check out Ocean Drive, your streamlined introduction to authentic architecture like only Miami can offer. Along the way, you’ll familiarize yourself with so many of the sights and sounds that the region itself has to offer! Considered by many respected architects to be the capital of Art Deco, Miami’s Ocean Drive houses attractions like their Front Porch Cafe, as part of an iconic, action-packed experience you need to see to believe.

Another drive well worth your while is Collins Avenue, a unique Miami sight worth your time if there ever was one. home to respectively unique architecture, even from that which can be found on Ocean Drive. and when you’ve had enough of the many buildings, each unique in its own right, find a parking spot and take to the streets for your own brand of retail therapy. A cultured habitat that hosts everything from graffiti art to high-end fashion, together with stores that cater to every demographic under the sun, Collins Avenue is uniquely capable of demonstrating just how different Miami is from any other location on earth.

Ocean Drive

Address: Ocean DrMiami Beach, FL 33139

Day 1, evening: Slip into one of the Spanish-style cafes on Espanola Way

After you’ve had your fill of world-class architecture, you’ll likely be searching for a place to placate your healthy appetite. If that’s the case, allow Miami’s Espanola Way to guide you on a culinary journey of authentic, Spanish-style proportions. No matter where you elect to settle along Espanola Way, their attention to indigenous detail and reputation for sensational, edible hospitality is a virtual lock to leave you satisfied and smiling.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for the culinary exploits of Tapas and Tintos, a culturally traditional restaurant along Espanola Way that offers all the finest Spanish flavors you’re looking to make your own. The synthesis of tapas, Spanish-style wine and locally sourced live entertainment is a truly thrilling combination, no matter when you elect to visit. Sample their happy hour beverages and diverse flavors alike, all from a diversified menu characterized by local favorites like Huevos Rotos, Calamares Andaluz and Croquetas de Jamon.

Another well-respected eatery along Miami’s Espanola Way is Havana 1957, packed with flavors and characterized by readily affordable rates. One of five locations across the region, Havana 1957 impresses with a menu that promises to offer something for everyone, regardless of individual preferences or dietary needs.

Tapas and Tintos

Address: 448 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website: Tapas and Tintos

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm; Friday-Sunday 12 pm-12:45 pm

Price: Approximately 75 USD for two people with alcohol

Day 1, night: Shop along Lincoln Road and stop for an aperitif in one of the pubs

Friendly to tourists and foot traffic, seemingly at every hour of the day, Lincoln Road is certainly home to its fair share of shopping outlets. Customize your retail experience according to your own individual preferences, with shops that offer everything from athletic wear, high-end fashion and beach accessories to donuts. Stay up to date on the latest in clothing sales, to maximize your dollar whenever you visit Lincoln Road. Whether it’s Athleta or Havaianas, Happy Place Donuts or Desigual, you’ll find something you’re dying to take home whenever you set foot on the retail path that is Lincoln Road.

Don’t let your feet have all the fun! Settle down for a spell at any one of the local pubs, bars or eateries, to sample for yourself an authentic aperitif. Try Irish-themed Finnegan’s Road on for size, a local pub that delivers world-class flavors from a winning bar menu. At Finnegan’s Road, you can watch the people pass by from expansive outdoor seating options, or enjoy professional sports from any of their flat screen televisions, drink in hand. Other local pub options include Segafredo L'Originale and Bar Gaythering, each of which offers respectively unique beverage options, for an altogether fantastic out of town experience.

Finnegan's Road

Address: 942 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website: Finnegan’s Road

Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Price: Approximately 60 USD (with alcohol)

Day 2, morning: Hit the beach at South Pointe Park

It’s easier than ever to wake up at your own pace in Miami, thanks to your capacity to drink in an awe-inspiring sunrise. Catch sight of a brilliant, uninterrupted sun over the waters at Miami’s South Pointe Park, a public access beach that offers simply breathtaking views of the water and natural landscapes alike. Decorated with tastefully placed palm trees and almost always frequented by friendly foot traffic and passerby, South Point Park is a popular workout and hangout spot alike, a virtual social epicenter like so many other must-see venues that Miami has to offer you. There’s also a sidewalk that runs much of the park itself, perfect for runners and walkers. Benches are placed at focal areas all around the park itself, allowing you the freedom to relax whenever you’re given the inclination. Allow your children to play on the child-friendly playground while you relax on the greenery!

South Pointe Pier is also entirely worthy of your discovery, given its ability to set you out over the waters. Stave off the heat with consistent ocean breezes, and don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way. Take to any one of the fishing areas nearby, to try your hand at some catch-and-release recreational fun. All in all, South Pointe Park deserves to function as your Miami wake up call.

South Pointe Park

Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website: South Pointe Park

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Day 2, afternoon: Fuel up with Mexico City-inspired fare in Lolo’s Surf Cantina

An indoor-outdoor space that you’ll easily fall in love with, Miami’s Lolo’s Surf Cantina is without question a staple of the city’s reputation. Consider Lolo’s Surf Cantina less of an eatery, and entirely more of an experience. Given Miami’s typically perfect weather, look to sit outside while you dine, to take in even more of Miami’s city beauty.

No matter the time of day, it’s safe to assume that Lolo’s Surf Cantina is serving up hot food. Thanks to their diversified breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, there’s never a time when you can’t stop by for a bite and a smile. Their lunch and dinner menus are typified by the likes of Hamachi Ceviche, Tortilla Soup and Grilled Spicy Shrimp Tacos, something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Better yet, pair a winning cocktail with your entrée, with selections like Casa Dragones and Maestro Dobel. Especially for those locals and visitors who aren’t afraid to sample new flavors, Lolo’s Surf Cantina is uniquely qualified to deliver a culinary experience you deserve.

Lolo's Surf Cantina

Address: 161 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website: Lolo’s Surf Cantina

Opening hours: 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Price: Approximately 35 USD

Day 2, evening: Sample some Asian cuisine in KYU

Don’t do yourself a disservice: make sure that you get to KYU in Miami before you leave. Some of the finest Asian cuisine you’ll ever put in your mouth can be found at KYU, a restaurant that specializes in grilled meats and perfect sashimi items, plus a healthy assortment of varied menu selections.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike for its widespread menu and attention to detail, KYU is a true upscale, Asian cuisine experience that Miami enjoys calling its own. Sit down to friendly, expedient service at KYU, after you choose from a menu that sports options like an Avocado Salad, Crispy Tuna Tartare, Tuna Tataki and Smoked Bone Marrow. No matter your selection, you’re undoubtedly in for a rewarding, edible experience. KYU also offers an interesting spin on ecological sustainability: for every tree burned down while fueling their fire pit, the restaurant itself commits to planting five.

KYU

Address: 251 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127

Website: KYU

Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday, 12 p.m. to 12 midnight Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday

Price: Approximately 60 USD

Day 2, night: Go bar-hopping in Wynwood

Join the social scene at Wynwood, for a bar-hopping night out that effectively perfects your holistic Miami experience. Start with a bar like the Wood Tavern, which delivers inspired cocktail flavors and a food menu unlike to those out late into the evening. At the Wood Tavern, you’ll enjoy a spacious floor, with room enough for everyone to spread out and make the place their own. Typified by a distinctive, artistic feel, Wynwood’s Wood Tavern is the perfect starting point to your unforgettable night out. Keep the evening energized with a visit to El Patio, where you can sample beverage selections that include both rum and tequila varieties, together with vodka, scotch and whiskey options for whatever you’re craving. Supplement your cocktail with a hearty burger or Turkey Club Wrap, and watch as the evening comes together nicely.

Another happening place nearby is Gramps, a trendy spot with a warm ambiance and healthy craft beer selection. Better yet, Gramps succeeds in offering locally sourced live entertainment on a nightly basis. You never know who is going to stop in, whether it’s a comic, artist or entertainer!

Wood Tavern

Address: 2531 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Website: Wood Tavern

Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Price: Approximately 25 USD

Day 3, morning: Get in some last-minute shopping at the new Brickell City Centre

Before you leave Miami, why not stop by the Brickell City Centre to take advantage of some last-minute retail opportunities? Newly constructed and already optimized for the foot traffic of locals and visitors alike, Brickell City Centre offers all of the cutting-edge retail venues you’re looking to make your own. More than 120 individual eateries and shops characterize Brickell City Centre, with constantly rotating offerings no matter how frequently you elect to visit.

Activewear and athletic gear comes your way from stores like Nike and Adidas, while upscale fashion is made your own at Adolfo Dominguez and AllSaints. From there, feel free to take the Brickell City Centre by the reins, and search through elegant watches, clearance racks, shoes of all varieties and much more! Stop by any of the restaurants for a quick bite to eat without ever leaving the site itself. all in all, this epic shopping centre is the conclusion to a worthwhile Miami experience.

Brickell City Centre

Address: 701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Website: Brickell City Centre

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Miami is a place not to be missed

Miami, Florida, is a place worth exploring for all it offers from food to retail. You will love being here and exploring the city, even if it is just for 36 hours. So, be sure to book your next exciting vacation soon! Don’t forget to check out the FAQ Miami page for important information as well.