Miami, Florida. A gem in the Southeastern corner of the United States that's lovely to visit year-round, but particularly special between November and March when the weather drops in most other parts of the country. A favorite, especially amongst New Yorkers and groups of friends who don't hesitate to hop on a three-hour flight for a weekend getaway or extended stay (thanks to remote work). I’m no exception and have enjoyed several trips to the Sunshine State to seek warmer temperatures and vitamin D.
Miami isn't all beach, though. The city has a rich history of art deco architecture, an impressive contemporary art scene, fantastic food options, and so much more. The Latin influence is abundant in the city, particularly with Cuban flair that enriches the neighborhoods and local businesses. The atmosphere sets the stage for a rich interior design scene full of color, pattern, and texture.
If you’re looking for a design-forward itinerary of what to do, see, and eat in Miami, here is our list of favorite places and things in “The Magic City”!
This South Beach spot is a dream for design lovers. Every corner is thoughtfully pieced together with gorgeous checkered tiles, curvilinear furniture, and velvet fabrics. The rooms are on the smaller side, so I recommend asking for an upgrade or booking a deluxe room to be safe.
If you’re looking for the best budget option, the Freehand is a great choice. Although there is a hostel-like feel, there are a variety of rooms, so you can still book a private, traditional room if a shared space is not your preference. Beware: It can get noisy downstairs because of the Broken Shaker, their hotel bar.
What pink tropical dreams are made of. Maximalists will love the Goodtime Hotel and all its bright colored furniture and patterned decor. Fun fact: This is Pharrell's hotel, designed by Ken Fulk.
Unsurprisingly, this (primarily) outdoor restaurant continues to be popular—the atmosphere is lovely, the food is delicious, and the staff is kind. This is a must-visit on every trip.
Our go-to food joint whenever we're hankering for something healthy (and delicious).
Unique seasonal menu with rotating dishes and amazing cocktails. Some of our favorites include the fresh fish, coconut rice, and burrata. They also have a wine club you can join, if you feel inclined!
Italian food so authentic that you feel like you're in Italy for a moment! Come here for delicious pasta and live jazz.
Very hip cocktail bar, and the perfect place to grab oysters and other small plates.
An upscale Italian restaurant that we'd save for a celebratory meal or something special.
Pop over to the Bass when you need a break from the South Beach sun. This museum has lots of color and pops of contemporary fun. Take a photo in front of the replica of the Seven Magic Mountains Rock.
An immersive, light-based art installation and gallery. You don't really know what to expect when you walk in here, and that makes it even better.
Take a step back in time by touring this beautiful 1914 mansion turned museum. Pro-tip: Choose an area or two you want to focus on exploring. The place is huge and you might have a hard time getting through it all in just a couple of hours.
A treasure trove of local artists' unique zines and beautifully curated reading material. Beyond that, Dale Zine is a community and event space for locals.
A retail experience paired perfectly with the brand — colorful, luxurious pieces worth seeing even if you’re not in the market to purchase anything.
Your one-stop-shop for shopping in Miami. The shops here are a bit of a splurge, but we love coming here for inspiration and daydreaming.
For another unique shopping experience with colorful home decor and funky accessories, come to Frangipan. Their home goods are as fun as their name sounds.
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