April 12, 2018
I recently traveled to Miami for the first time. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and wanted to go to a place where we both had never traveled. To be honest, I have heard great things about Miami – but I didn’t want to get my hopes up if it didn’t live up to the hype. I am so excited to say that I LOOOOOVED Miami!! This place exceeded all my expectations and then some! That’s why I am sharing:
The Perfect 3 Days in South Beach
Travel Guide
Where to Hang
Española Way is the best kept secret on South Beach! Whenever I travel to a new place, I love to learn about the history of the area. Española Way served as an artist’s colony in the 1920’s. It was built to replicate the Mediterranean villages in France and Spain. The architecture of these early times still resonates through the buildings and vibrant color. There are several restaurants and sidewalk cafes, a local market, and nightly entertainment. It is a hidden European delight that I enjoyed very much.
Where to Sleep
There are three European inspired hotels on Española Way and I had the pleasure of staying at El Paseo Hotel. I know this may sound biased, but I think it might just be the best one, considering the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. They made me feel right at home, answering any small request that I may have needed.
I had not one but TWO balconies in my room, overlooking Española Way.
It was such a treat to wake up every morning, relax on the the terrace and sip the best coffee in town. The hotel provides a coffee station and library for the guests enjoyment. At night you could hear the beautiful music down below and smell all the great food from the restaurants.
What I loved most about staying at El Paseo Hotel was that the beach is literally TWO BLOCKS away. When I first arrived, I actually didn’t realize the vicinity of the hotel in relation to the beach. The hotel is surrounded by small streets and it doesn’t seem like the beach is so close…. but walk a few blocks and BOOM you’re there!
My suggestion: spend a few bucks and rent beach chairs with an umbrella. You can buy treats from the snack stand or you have the option to order food from your phone and have it delivered to you on the beach.
What to Wear
Miami weather in March is just THE BEST. The temperature during the day was anywhere between 70 and 80 degrees. I was able to wear my swimsuit on the beach when the sun was highest in the sky and at the same time, wear a light jacket in the evening.
Swimsuit: Shirred Macrame Strap One Piece by Merona
Cover Up: Teal Lace Tie Front Layering Top by Xhilaration
I found this gorgeous dress at Eshakti and I love it. It was perfect for my vacation. The dress was made just for my height and exact measurements. I have received nothing but compliments since wearing it. The dress is also very comfortable and I felt as good as I looked!
The Spanish style of my dress was perfect for my trip! El Paseo Hotel is extremely photo worthy and it was fun to walk around the hotel and discover all the hidden nooks. We found this cute little greenery passageway that was perfect for a photo op!
If you’re not at the beach during the day then you’ll want to pack a summer outfit to stay cool.
Top: Floral Print Flutter Short Sleeve Wrap Crop Top by Xhilaration
Skirt: Floral Print Wrap Maxi Skirt by Xhilaration
Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow you. Do not walk behind me, I may not guide you. Walk with me, my friend. – Albert Camus
Where to Shop and Dine
There are several shops to enjoy along Española Way:
- Española Bar and Lounge Cigar Shop
- White Cotton Club
- Contesta Rock Hair
- Solari
- Soleido
There is also an Española Way Market where you can meet local artisans selling jewelry and other authentic South Beach souvenirs.
We loved the proximity of restaurants on Española Way. There is just so much to choose from within walking distance. Right below our hotel I experienced my favorite meal in South Beach, Arroz Con Pollo from Havana 1957. This was my first time dining at an authentic Cuban restaurant. My favorite part about this restaurant was not only the food but the Cuban music and decor.
We also enjoyed an authentic Italian meal from Hosteria Romana. This restaurant is where ‘Italians go for authentic Italian’. Make sure you try the Peach Tea if you decide to dine here!
You can also pleasure your palette with the following options:
- Melani Gelateria
- Tapas Y Tintos
- A La Folie
- Pane and Vino La Trattoria
- Moshi Moshi
- Boteco Copacabana
- Mare Mio
- Oh! Mexico
- Piccola Cucina
- Numero 28 Pizzeria
- Papo Coffee Shop
- Mercato Della Pescheria
More to Do
There is no way to cram all the AMAZING things to on South Beach into one blog post so I’ve come up with a small list of suggestions that I found helpful:
- Make sure you visit the Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive. If you want a picture, go early in the morning when its not crowded. We took this photo in the evening and luckily my boyfriend was able to snap this photo in the midst of the crowd.
Jumper: Floral Print Sleeveless Button Front Jumpsuit by Xhilaration
- South Beach is known for many things and one is that the clubs and lounges stay open until morning. Make sure you spend at least one evening exploring what Miami night life has to offer.
- If you want to save a few bucks, spending an afternoon on the beach is one of your best options.
- Miami is known for fraud, try to use cash whenever you can.
- There are lots of water sports to enjoy on the beach. Instead of booking online, walk the beach and book the vendors that you see are open.
- My boyfriend and I really enjoyed all the formal restaurants we tried but we also ventured off the beaten path and found some really great food stands. One in particular was a small pizza shop that served huge slices of pizza for $4.
- Don’t spend money at the first souvenir shop you see. There are tons of souvenir shops in South Beach so make sure you shop around.
- Three words: RENT A MOPED 🙂 You’ll thank me later.
I absolutely enjoyed my first time in Miami and can’t wait to return! It really was the perfect 3 days in South Beach!
