South Beach is one place in the United States where I literally feel as though I’m in another country, in other words, there is such a major Latin influence here that you may almost forget that you are still in the United States. Being a lover of all things Latin, I absolutely love the vibe in Miami. Beautiful palm trees, inviting beaches, gorgeous Latin men, shopping & strolling on Lincoln Road, kickass nightlife, and authentic Cuban food are among some of the highlights of my trip to South Beach.
Contrary to popular belief, South Beach is NOT all about skinny women parading around in skimpy bikinis, in fact I happened to see a significant amount of locals who were full-figured while walking on Ocean Drive and Collins Ave, and these women walk around with the utmost confidence which I love. Having said that, if you are staying in a non-family friendly hotel, you will see those skinny women parading around in skimpy bikinis, quite a few of them are part of the hotel staff while the rest of them are tourists. In comparison to life in and around New York City, the pace in Miami is much slower. While walking along Lincoln Road, I observed quite a few people walking painfully slow. It certainly is refreshing to see the locals/tourists taking a leisurely stroll, but this was like OMG SLOW as I found myself overtaking small crowds. In terms of cost, South Beach is very expensive! Drinks at any major hotel bar will run you about $16 to $20, and they will include an additional 18% to 20% in tip. In South Beach, you don’t just tip “whatever you want” at the bar… nope! The prices here are very comparable to New York City, however I have yet to pay $20 bucks for a drink in NYC!
While visiting South Beach, if you are looking for a overall fun experience that includes nightlife and easy beach access, I highly recommend staying on Ocean Drive or Collins Ave which are right along the beach. Additionally, definitely check out the famous Delano for a drink at sunset, and look your best because a strict dress code is highly enforced. For a quieter experience however, head over to the west side and find a hotel along the bay or in Miami Downtown. Overall, I had a really fun time hanging with friends, clubbing, and enjoying some fabulous meals. Just like New York City, Miami is one US city that will have me coming back for their mouthwatering food and vibrant nightlife, and the best part is, it is only a short 2 hour flight.
Recommended Days:
at least 3 nights.
Main Streets:
Ocean Drive – dining & near the ocean
Collins Ave – dining & clubbing
Lincoln Road – shopping
Espanola Way – historic Spanish Village
Washington Ave – shopping & clubbing
Here is a 4 day recap of our South Beach getaway…
Morning city view from our room! Although there were rain predictions, I got super lucky with the weather.
A delicious Continental Breakfast at our hotel, simple and elegant. Yes, I actually ate fruit in the morning. 
Our first day, succulent afternoon drinks by the pool, delicious, but pricy… a once in a while thang. 
Gorgeous private cabanas that appeared to me as very Moroccan inspired at the Mondrian where we stayed (details coming soon).
The pool scene… I’m glad there was eye candy for the women too and not just the men, haha!
And since I just came back from a vacation, I’ll share a few pictures of myself since I usually never do. This is me hanging by the pool… I’m always so happy being around water and on vacation.
Strolling on Ocean Drive.
The Beach makes me happy, however I found the Miami Beach waters to be rough, not very shallow, and it contained a lot of seaweed. As someone who can’t swim I didn’t go in, for now I’ll just have to stick to the calm Caribbean waters. 
My feet in the sand, classic me.
First Cuban meal at Puerto Sagua… Camarones de Enchilados… I love shrimp in Creole sauce!
Lovely city view from our room during twilight.
First night out! I love pairing a white linen blazer with short shorts, so chic, and Miami! 
Strolling on the immaculately clean Lincoln Road… so relaxing and pretty.
I absolutely loved this Van Dyke Café building on Lincoln Road, it reminded of the architecture in Barcelona.
Lunching near the lovely Espanola Way, I fell in love with this street which looks like a Spanish Village, just lovely and somewhat European.
Lounging & Clubbing at the romantic Delano. Love the sheer curtains. If you ever visit Miami, you have to stop at the Delano for a drink, or at the very least just to scope it out, it is gorgeous! 
The night we had the most amazing drinks at the Delano also marked my late brother-in-law’s 8 month death anniversary, we all partied it up and celebrated his life because that is what he would have wanted us to do. We also requested the Punjabi MC song “Beware of the Boys” featuring Jay-Z in his memory. Being that he was such a crazy party animal, he would have loved it!
After a night of “too much fun” and a hangover later, all I wanted was coffee, bread, and an Advil. It’s pretty sad that I ordered “bread” for Room Service, but the simplest things in life bring so much pleasure once you sober up. At this point I can’t even look at alcohol. 
I think this may just be the BEST Mac & Cheese I’ve ever had, insanely delicious at Yardbird.
Meeting up with my blogger friend, Parita (myInnerShakti), at her favorite Gelato place, 4D. As I was talking to Parita, I totally felt as though I’ve known her for a while, and this is probably due to the fact that I’ve been reading her blog for a couple years now. It was so fun and nice to finally meet you, Parita, and I hope you visit the New York area soon.
Watching a gorgeous sunset while we talked and hung out by the pool. 
The swanky Fontainebleau Hotel, I have my eye on this hotel for my next visit. 
Dinner at Hakkasan in the Fontainebleau Hotel, gorgeous restaurant, but so overrated.
Our last meal in Miami at Havana 1957, a restaurant with so much charm, character, and amazing Cuban food, absolutely adore places like that. 
Flying over Miami Beach. This was such a horrible flight and a bumpy journey due to the storms in the Midwest. When we landed, I started clapping {I SWEAR}, and everyone else followed. Every pilot deserves an applaud for getting us home safe and sound regardless of weather conditions. These guys are our true heroes, along with all those who risk their lives every single day to keep all of us safe. Thank You!
More coming on South Beach… meals, drinks, and lodging! Stay tuned!
TELL ME: Have you been to Miami? What are some of your favorite sights or things to do?
A foodie who is passionate about living a healthy-ish lifestyle, cooking, and traveling. You'll find a mix of everything here and lots of seasonal content. I moved from Jersey City leaving behind my family & friends to beautiful Southern California for love. I'm adjusting to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and learning a lot about myself along the way. Come join me on a soul searching journey and I'll tell YOU "what's cooking" through my love for food, fashion, and travel.
Hope u enjoyed gr8ly…. Nice to see ur pictures
Akila – I did..thanks.
So glad y'all had an awesome time…and that the weather cooperated! I'm also so happy that we finally got to meet! It really was like meeting an old friend. 🙂
And I can't wait to try some of the restaurants you mentioned, esp. the Delano!
Thanks Parita.. we got so lucky with the weather. It really was like meeting an old friend.. it was nice to meet you too. Def visit the Delano for a drink, but OMG I LOVE the Cuban food in Miami, you're so lucky, I'd be there every single day!
I love that white blazer! I've never been to Miami but definitely want to go someday!
Thanks Bianca.. you would love Miami, it is your kinda place. Just so fun!
You look stunning in those shorts and white blazer, you really need to be able to pull that off nicely and you do. Classy, chic, and sexy at the same time. You are very pretty!!!
Awww.. thanks Ashley. That's really sweet of you, I was a bit hesitant to wear the short shorts, but whatever, it's now or never, right?
I lived in the Miami area (Coral Gables) for years and you did a good job of capturing the feel in your post.
Thanks Karen.. coming from a fellow Miamian, I really appreciate that!
Glad you enjoyed our hometown!!!! We actually have been wanting to go to Hakkasan for dim sum… =(
Thanks Mr & Mrs P.. I thought Hakkasan was a bit overrated, but it's good for drinks and apps, definitely NOT dinner. Will do a post early next week.
Wow, it's amazing how you were able to do so much and do great venues in such a short period of time in South Beach. I would love to go to Miami and be able to capture the same experience you had. The food and drinks look amazing. I'm glad that you were able to celebrate your brother in law's vibrant memory in Miami. JC
Thanks JC!!! I would love to do Miami again with you, I think it's my spot in the USA…lol. I wanna go there every winter to getaway from the cold. Yup, we celebrated Atul's life.
I haven't been to Miami in ages…looks beautiful. $20 for a drink! That's insane. I can't even imagine how much you enjoyed those drinks. 🙂
I've been wanting to try Hakkasan…so it's overrated?
Great pictures of you…love the white shorts.
You would love it, aside from the humidity. 🙂 I know, $20 for a drink is so high, I'm glad I'm a cheap drunk, all it takes is 2 drinks. 🙂
Hakkasan is overrated, but good for dinner and drinks.. will do a post. It's gorgeous though.
THANKS!
Obviously I mean white blazer…sorry. I need to focus!
Are you sure you didn't drink? Just kidding.
I know what you mean. Thanks!
Loved visiting Miami vicariously through you- your trip looks like such a blast and you are look uber chic, especially in the Zara dress! I didn't realise Hakkasan is in Miami- it really is all over the world! The one in Mumbai is super overrated, and overpriced..in my ever so humble opinion ;)!
Aww.. thanks K! Don't live vicariously, come visit.. forget London. 🙂 Hakkasan just opened up in Vegas too, it closed in NYC, not sure if the one in Mumbai is part of the same chain. It's in London too.
South Beach is my FAVORITE spot in the US! I try to go as often as I can, and I have been to many of the places you have listed.
When I went the first time, I stayed at Fountainbleu but it was undergoing construction – but that was in 2006. I definitely agree with your recommendation to stay on Ocean. Fountainbleu was so far out!
The last time I went I rented a condo on Ocean and it was to die for!
Your pictures are amazing and really do give off the vibe I get when I go visit.
B Dav – South Beach is a lot of fun. The Fountainbleau looks so hot, but I'm not sure I'd stay there given that it's so far from the action, agreed! What condo did you stay at? Will check out your site.
Looks like fun! I've never been to Florida before.
Florida is like vacationland in the US… definitely worth a visit.
So gorgeous! I wish I was there now!
I know.. me too. 🙁
Great pictures and eats! I have been to South Beach once and loved it!!
This was my second time, and I love it even more. Such a fun place.
Pretty ladies! So nice to meet blog friends in real life. And I can't wait to try Delano's — you made it tempting!
ps: totally relate to your sigh of relief upon touch-down. A moment of appreciation is always great 🙂
Thanks Kiran. You're only 3 hours from Miami, you should definitely drop by the Delano for a drink, but don't drive back. 🙂
It was such a rough flight, I was scared, and there was a woman not too far from me crying. The only thing that kept me going was it was daytime, I don't know, I think less drama happens during the day.
Have to admit, I do love the confidence that girls seem to have in South Beach to just walk around, proud of who they are, no matter their shape!
Right! Some of these girls walk around like they own it, and they are overweight too, I love that! I wish everyone, every size could be that way, just OWN IT!
Gorgeous pictures, the view from your room is amazing!
Thanks.. appreciate it, I wanted a bay view, but I got stuck with a city. Oh well.
I passed through Miami when I was taking a Carribean cruise out of there. Stayed in South Beach for a couple of days. It's quite the vibrant night life! Sounds like you had a fantastic time Honey! 🙂
Anne – isn't it? I love it.. thanks.. I did have a fantastic time. 🙂
Miami is such a fun city! Heading there next weekend for a bachelorette bash and I'm ready for the sun and sand!
Ashley, it is a fun city. Bach Parties are the best… hope you check out the rest of the posts on where to eat/drink. 🙂
This is such a fun city to party in and explore – great review!!
Thanks. Appreciate it.. yes indeed, very fun city!
Puerto Sagua is one of my favorite restaurants in Miami! We went last fall and had a blast. We also enjoyed a hole-in-the-wall place called Cafe Charlotte. Can't wait to go back someday!
OMG Eva… Puerto Sagua was my favorite restaurant there… weren't the tostones awesome? I read up about Cafe Charlotte, but didn't venture out since we were staying on West Ave. Great picks. 🙂
Hi! I'm glad you had a great time down in Miami. As one of SoBe's advocates, I love hearing about other people's experiences in the city I call home whether they be first timers or regular visitors (am not sure as to which one you are but no matter). Eye candy for men and women and everything in between, great scenery, awesome nightlife, and semi-pricey-ness indeed encapsulate what is Miami but from what I hear time and time again, it is all worth it. =D
Thanks Peter.. this was my 3rd time in Miami.. and I loved it even more than the first two times. It is all worth it… it's a vacationland, and it's become one of my favorite US cities. Thanks!
South Beach Florida looks very inviting. Its actually somewhere my husband want to move to one day (not visit, move to!)You look smokin in that pic!!
Happy holidays 🙂
Amelia – It's definitely a great place to move to, I think, the humidity is something else though. Thanks girl… you're so sweet, I love dressing up when on vaca! 🙂
Hello,
Wow!! lovely items are there. In Miami food items are very attractive & tasty. The way its garnishing it just Wow! That's Why Miami is best evergreen tourist place. So Attractions in Miami means to attracted for Miami. Thanks..
Thanks Ellien. The food was amazing in Miami.