Miami: A Weekend of Wellness
A local's guide to all things Miami by Allison Bucheleres
Guest post by Allison Bucheleres, @allison.buch
The elevator pitch: Miami is the perfect place to relax, party, adventure, and sightsee all in the same day. There is no city quite like it. With the city and the beach all within arms reach, your activities are endless.
When to go: I suggest going November-May. All of the other months get too hot and humid, however the summer months will have less tourists.
Where to stay: If you’re looking for a more upscale experience I recommend staying at 1 HOTEL ($500+ in low season / $700+ in high season, check prices here), Nobu Hotel ($280+ low / $400+ high, check prices here), or Fontainebleau ($300+ low / $400+ high, check prices here). Hotel Greystone ($200+ low / $300+ high, check prices here) is also an adorable boutique hotel and the Four Seasons at the Surf Club ($1k+ low / $2k+ high, check prices here) is great if you’re in need of a spa getaway!
How to get around: You can’t go wrong with Rebel Motorbikes, Birds, Ubers, or CitiBikes!
TRIP OVERVIEW
What this is: a healthier & holistic take on Miami
What this isn’t: a south beach drinking fest
Day 1: Explore The City
Breakfast at The Lido Bayside Grill
Visit Crandon Beach
Lunch at PLANT
Drinks at Gitano’s Rooftop
Dinner at Gitano
Day 2: Foodie Fiesta
Breakfast at Dreamer Cafe
Hit up the beach & beach Bar at 1 Hotel
Lunch at Planta
See epic views at Joia Beach Club
Dinner at INTIMO
Day 3: Relax & Stroll
Breakfast at Under The Mango Tree
Shopping in the Design District
Lunch at Call me Gaby
Drinks at Faena
Dinner at Taquiza
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Beach & Food Tour
The Lido Bayside Grill
Breakfast in Miami Beach
map | reserve | site
Serene and relaxing. This is located in the Standard Hotel on Miami Beach. The view is breathtaking and you will eat right on the water. I ordered the gluten-free avocado toast and fruit plate and it was so fresh and delicious!
Crandon Beach
Beach day in Miami
map | reserve | site
Local and adventurous. Crandon beach is more of a local spot, as it is located off of Miami Beach where most tourists go. It’s secluded and feels like Florida in the 70’s.
PLANT
Lunch in Midtown
map | reserve | site | @plantmiami
Calming and inviting. This is an amazing vegan and organic restaurant located in Midtown. The food is some of the best I’ve ever had and the service is unmatched. It is located in a spiritual event space so the vibes are mellow and calm.
Gitano Rooftop
Drinks in Miami Beach
map | reserve | site | @gitano.miami
Entertaining and upbeat. This is one of those spots you have to visit during your stay. Originally from Tulum - just imagine how good the vibe is. The rooftop turns up on Thursday-Sunday with a DJ and fire-spinners. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a good time!
Gitano
Dinner in Miami Beach
map | reserve | site | @gitano.miami
Fun and exciting. After rooftop drinks, head back downstairs for a proper Mexican dinner. The food is outstanding and caters to vegans too! Order the crispy potatoes and a mezcal margarita.
Day 2: Foodie Fiesta
Dreamer
Acai, Juice & Matcha in Miami Beach
map | site | @dreamer_miami
Healthy and tropical. Great for acai bowls, coffees, and small bites. The inside of the cafe is really cute and a great place for photos! This is a very casual and laid back spot but it’s one that will allow you to really ease into your day! Especially if you had a late night at Gitano.
1 Hotel Beach Bar
Visit the beach & beach bar at the 1 Hotel in Miami
map | site | @1hotel.southbeach
Relaxing and fun. If you aren’t staying here, you might not be able to get beach chairs, but the beach surrounding the hotel is public so you can still go. The beach bar on the sand level is such a vibe and has great food and drinks. I highly recommend trying to get in here!
Planta
Healthy Lunch in South Beach
map | reserve | site | @plantasouthbeach
Vegan and happy. Planta is 100% vegan, but trust me, even non-vegans LOVE it. The food is exceptional and the menu really has something for everyone. Order the bang bang broccoli and any of the sushi rolls. Great cocktails too!
Joia Beach Club
Explore the beach in Miami
map | reserve | site | @joiabeach
Upbeat and vibey. The location of this beach club is amazing. The views are so pretty and the food is great if you like seafood. It’s a lounge club on the sand with live DJ’s every night.
INTIMO
Dinner in South Miami
map | reserve | site | @inti.momiami
Romantic and trendy. This is an Asian-fusion restaurant with amazing seafood and sushi. I usually sit outside, but the inside has music and is a great vibe as well. I definitely recommend coming here with a big group or for a date night!
Day 3: Relax & Stroll
Under The Mango Tree
Breakfast in Miami Beach
map | site | @underthemangotreemiami
Happy and colorful. This is an acai bowl and smoothie place. It’s super casual and has great vibes. It’s great for vegans and non-vegans alike. There’s a huge mango tree in the middle of the shop which makes it feel really cool and unique.
Design District
Shop around the Design District in Miami
map | @miamidesigndistrict
Elevated and lively. This area has a lot of high end shops. It’s always fun to walk around and explore the area while window shopping. There’s usually live music and great food spots like the Fendi Cafe!
Call me Gaby
Lunch in Miami Beach
map | reserve | site | @callmegabymb
European and classy. Mediterranean cuisine with great vibes. The outside seating area is super cute and great for people watching. They also have great salads! Try the watermelon salad or the little gem!
Faena
Drinks in the Faena District
map | reserve | site | @faena
Classy and stunning. Drinks at the Faena hotel before dinner is always a great move. The views are stunning and there is always a fun crowd. The luxurious ambiance is also just really fun to be a part of!
Taquiza
Dinner in South Beach
map | site | @taquizatacos
Trendy and fun. This traditional taco joint is one you don’t want to miss. The homemade salsas and tortillas are so delicious! Carnitas & the impossible tacos are a must try.
What didn’t make the list?
For next time…
Soak up the vibes at the Broken Shaker bar!
For a night out you can’t go wrong at LIV.
Stroll along South Pointe Park beach for an epic sunset.
If you love Miami, you’ll also love
Barcelona. Jaunt coming soon!
Mykonos. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
St. Petersburg, Florida. About a four hour drive north of Miami.