South Beach, Miami

Welcome to Miami; the place of partying on the beach all night long, beautiful scenery, and beaches. This is a great tourist destination, Miami is a close getaway for those in North America; everyone should visit at least once in their lives. I've been to Miami 7 times within the past 4 years- after all it is my second home, hot weather, great clubs, pool parties, good food, celebrities, Miami has it ALLLL

WHERE TO STAY?

Typically, when I visit Miami I am budget conscience. I look for budget hotels, but more recently I have been using airbnb which is so much better than hotels.

Airbnb is a website where you can rent apartments, condos, rooms or even a whole house from the owners. It is usually cheaper than getting a hotel room and feels more like home. In Miami you get what you pay for, budget hotels aren't usually the nicest. Hotel prices reflect the season, so Spring break=higher prices.

South Beach Hostel $
Airbnb  $-$$
The San Juan Hotel $$
The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club $$-$$$
Cavalier South Beach- $$
Boulan South Beach $$$$
Fontainebleau Hotel $$$$

GETTING AROUND

It is pretty easy to get around Miami. There are 3 easy and inexpensive ways to get around town:

Walking- On South Beach walking is the best thing you can do. Its free, it's entertaining and everything is close depending on where your hotel is located. I usually walk EVERYWHERE, the weather is beautiful plus you burn calories from all the good food.

Taxi- Taxis are super cheap! I've paid about $10-15 for a 15 minute taxi ride. As long as your staying on South Beach you won't be paying a lot for a cab.

Bus-  Taking the bus can be helpful if you want to go to downtown Miami or to the Bal Harbour shops. The buses and cheap and the bus stops are easy to find.

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EAT & DRINK

South Beach can actually be an affordable place to eat meals and drink. Make sure to go for breakfast, lunch and dinner happy hours (brunch-10am-12pm, and dinner 3pm-6pm); that was you can get a meal for under $12. But when ordering water make sure to say "Tap water" unless you want to get charged $12 for a bottle of water. 

Pizza Rustica- With multiple locations on South Beach, Pizza Rustica is one of the top pizza eatery's on the beach. Slices are bigger than a usual slice of pizza. There is also a variety of different pizza's which are always fresh! A slice of pizza is made to be a meal.  $

The Clevelander- Located on Miami's hottest street, Ocean Drive, The Clevelander is a great spot to eat and drink. This is a great place to get happy hour meals for $5 as well as enjoying live entertainment. Drinks are included on the happy hour menus as well. For $5 you can get a daiquiri drink, make sure to sip slow they are stronger than you think! $-$$

Wet Willies- The home of the best daiquiris on the beach. Many combinations to make. Located at 8th and Ocean. Try Superman or Call-a-cab. But Be careful! This drinks are very strong, so drink slowly. The food here is not worth the price to me, I usually just come for the daiquiris. Drinks range from $10-12. $$

Moshi Moshi- Located on Washington Ave, 2 blocks away from the beach, Moshi Moshi is one of the best sushi places on South Beach. Moshi Moshi has great atmosphere, food and free wifi. $$

Mango's Tropical Cafe- Located on Ocean Drive, Mango's always draws tourists in with their live music and dancing. Everyday there is live singing and dancing. The food is a little more expensive but worth the money because of the entertainment. I suggest going here for dinner, it is a lot more busier, but a lot more fun!  $$

Mia Bella Roma- Locate don Ocean Drive, Mia Bella Roma is an Italian eatery. They have great happy hour prices for food as well as drinks. Try a take mojito here at the bar for just $5, I get at least 2 a day whenever I visit! $-$$

Prime 112- Located at the beginning of Ocean Drive, Prime 112 has housed many celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Simon Cowell and Basketball player Dwyane Wade. Prime 112 is a steakhouse with lots of positive reviews, but is not cheap.
$$$$

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SEE & DO

Go to The Beach- Miami is known for their beaches. Just go to Ocean drive and take a stroll along the beach.

Walk around South Beach- Walking around south beach is the best way to get to know the area. It is easy to navigate around without getting lost. There are many colourful buildings to see. Lots of souvenirs as well so make sure to stroll around.

Downtown Miami- Downtown Miami during the day is where lots of people work, which is why it is very busy. At night it is filled with people having dinner at restaurants, going out for drink, catch a sports game or going to a club. There is lots to see downtown Miami; tall buildings, reptiles, etc. Its a nice place to walk around and it is only 10 min away from South Beach without traffic.

Go to the Everglades- Going to the everglades is a fun way to spend a day in Miami. You can go on an air boat and see alligators in their natural habitat. A must do in Miami!

Pool party- There are so many pool parties that happen during the day which you might not even know about. Many hotels on Ocean Drive have rooftop pools where the parties are held. Check out Fontainebleau, The Catalina, Clevelander, etc.

Versace Mansion- The Versace Mansion is located on Ocean Drive at 10th and Ocean. The most iconic mansion on the beach. The Versace mansion hosts celebrities as well as other rich tourists. You will always catch people taking pictures outside the mansion.

Rent a Jetski- What better way then to experience the ocean than on a jet ski! Jet skis can be expensive but they are very fun and a great way to experience being out on the ocean. This is something you should try at least once!

The Wolfsonian- The Wolfsonian is a museum showing American and European art between 1885-1945.  Best time to go is Fridays after 6 because its FREE! Those of you who are interested in history and art this is something you should see! 

Bahamas- Always wanted to go to the Bahamas but it was too expensive? Miami is so close to the Bahamas that they offer 1 day excursions. Plus its a lot cheaper,  you get to explore for 5 hours!

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SHOPPING

Espanola Way- Spanish village, great for one of a kind collectibles and art.
Washington Avenue- Lots of different boutiques
Collins Avenue- Lots of different shops 1 block away from the beach. More upscale clothing boutiques from Kenneth Cole to UGG.
Lincoln Road Mall- This is a pedestrian mall between Lenox and Washington Avenue. It has shopping, dining, cultural activities. Restaurants are great for indoor and outdoor seating.
Aventura Mall- Large shopping center with a variety of stores like H&M, Louis Vuitton, Forever 21 and Michael Kors. There is something for everyone.
Bal Harbour Shops- Expensive designer boutiques
Dolphin Mall- Largest retail value mall with brand name stores at affordable prices.

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NIGHTLIFE/CLUBS

Miami has some of the best night clubs I have ever been to. They all play different genres of music depending on the night. Make sure to check out the website to see what music they will be playing that night. Also, for ladies it is easy to get into the club, and usually for free, you will probably meet a promoter somewhere on South Beach they are all over the place! Guys will most likely be stuck paying anywhere from $20-50 cover. Drinks are very expensive on South Beach, I advise pre-drinking or getting a club package:

*If you are travelling with a big group or you are male I suggest you get a Go Miami Card. This gives you unlimited access to nightclubs with no entrance free, VIP, free drinks, and more!

Dance Clubs
LIV- Various days throughout the week
Mokai- Various days throughout the week
Mansion- Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays
Story Nightclub- Various days throughout the week
SET- Everyday except Monday and Wednesday
Space- Wednesday- Saturdays
Bamboo- Fridays and Satudays

Hip Hop
LIV- Sunday nights! But arrive early very long line up and dress to impress, very picky!
Mokai- Pretty good on a Thursday night
Mansion- Monday nights
Cameo- Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturday nights
Dream Nightclub- Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Story Nightclub- Huge new night club. Good on Thursdays
Room Service- More of a lounge feel but good on Friday nights
Bamboo- Sundays

Latin
Mango's Tropical Cafe- This is a restobar. Really fun!
Dream Night club- Fridays