The Miami Edit: South Beach

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It’s such a joy to return to Miami. It took us a while to feel ready for a long intercontinental flight with Finn. Our little bundle of energy can’t sit still for a moment, so a 10-hour flight felt like quite the challenge.

Category

going places

Date

30/12/2024

Length

9 min read

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It’s such a joy to return to Miami. It took us a while to feel ready for a long intercontinental flight with Finn. Our little bundle of energy can’t sit still for a moment, so a 10-hour flight felt like quite the challenge.

But the journey went well. On our flights to Dubai, we had already noticed that 7-hour trips were becoming more manageable, so I guess we are ready to explore more of the world with him.

I often visited Miami for work as a model and later as a photographer. I’ve always found Miami to be such a fun, vibrant city—very photogenic and charming.

This trip was about warmth, relaxation, and recharging after a grey, dreary autumn in the Netherlands and a few intense, busy months at work. After spending a few blissful days lounging by our hotel pool and wandering around Miami Beach, we broadened our horizons by following tips from lovely AndBloom followers (thank you).

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After nine years, South Beach feels both unchanged and yet slightly different. For instance, there used to be more shops along Collins Avenue, and Lincoln Road was the go-to spot for a diverse shopping experience. Many high-end stores have moved to the Design District, where we spent a morning exploring. It was mostly window shopping—those boutiques are definitely out of our budget—but strolling past such stunning stores was a treat. South Beach remains a fantastic place to stay in Miami, especially with the beach just a short walk from the hotel. As vacationers, a big part of the experience is soaking up the sun, enjoying the beach, and lounging by the pool—or at least, it certainly is for us!

We decided not to rent a car but to rely on Uber instead. You simply download the Uber app on your phone; no matter where you are, you can order a ride. In our case, the car was always there within 10 minutes. It’s super convenient and cheaper than a regular taxi!

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Things We Did While Staying in South Beach:

South Beach truly is the ultimate destination for beach lovers, so we couldn’t resist heading to the beach. The vast stretch of soft, white sand and sparkling turquoise waters create a postcard-perfect setting, ideal for unwinding and recharging. Adding to its charm are the vibrant, photogenic lifeguard towers dotted along the shore—each a colorful work of art that adds a unique flair to the scenery. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun, dip, and capture those picture-perfect Miami moments!

With a 9-year-old in tow, there’s no way you can pass by an ice cream shop with “TikTok Famous” boldly displayed on the window—so, of course, we had to stop by Icy-n-Spicy Miami Beach! We treated ourselves to an over-the-top, incredibly sweet creation. It was super fun, totally Instagram-worthy, colorful, and, most of all, deliciously sweet. The perfect treat for a hot Miami day! 🍦✨

Check out their Instagram for a peek at their amazing creations: @icynspicy

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If you’re in the mood for a fabulous lunch at a stunning beach club, Nikki Beach Miami is the place to be. This iconic spot combines style, luxury, and a laid-back vibe, offering a dining experience that feels like a true escape. From fresh sushi and vibrant salads to Mediterranean classics, the menu is as impressive as the view of the ocean.

Known for its chic white decor, luxurious sunbeds, and swaying palm trees, Nikki Beach creates the perfect tropical ambiance. It’s not just a great spot for lunch—it’s also the go-to place for soaking up the Miami energy, with music from top DJs adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

For inspiration and updates, check out their Instagram: @nikkibeachmiami

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During my time as a model, when I frequently visited Miami for work, Gianni Versace was tragically shot in 1997 in front of his home on Ocean Drive. I remember the moment vividly—it left a lasting impression on the city and the fashion world.

Today, Gianni Versace’s former mansion, the Villa Casa Casuarina, has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel and a restaurant. We’ve had breakfast there once and even dined there on Christmas. Honestly, the food isn’t particularly special, but for a fashion lover, walking through Gianni Versace’s house is a unique and memorable experience.

Over the years, the property has undergone several renovations, and while much of its charm remains, not everything in the house is original or directly tied to Versace’s design. Still, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the opulent world of one of fashion’s greatest icons.

Check out their Instagram for a closer look: @villacasacasuarina

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Lincoln Road is one of Miami’s most iconic spots, known for its vibrant energy, open-air charm, and for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Even though it feels like many stores have disappeared from Lincoln Road over the years, it’s still a charming street to stroll through. As a tourist, everything tends to feel fun and exciting, and an open-air mall filled with cozy restaurants is always a great place to explore.

The lively atmosphere, combined with the mix of dining spots and unique shops, makes it an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re window-shopping, grabbing a bite, or simply soaking in the Miami vibes, Lincoln Road remains a favorite spot to wander and unwind.

Our adventure started with some retail therapy. Lincoln Road is home to a mix of high-street favorites and unique boutiques. We made stops at the Nike store, where we browsed the latest in activewear and sneakers, and Anthropologie, which never fails to impress with its beautiful home goods, fashion, and accessories.

Afterward, we took a break at Starbucks, where we grabbed deliciously warm hot chocolates—perfect for sipping as we wandered along the lively promenade and admired the palm-lined streets.

The highlight of Finn’s day? A trip to the Regal South Beach Cinema on Lincoln Road. We decided to watch Sonic 3, and it was such a fun experience. The theater is modern, comfortable, and located right in the heart of all the action, making it the perfect stop during a shopping spree.

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  • We booked a hotel in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District, which is perfect for wandering around and admiring all the pastel-colored buildings. Our hotel is a beautifully maintained Art Deco property with nearly 80 years of history, offering modern luxury and comfort.

  • We had breakfast at Café Americano a few. times, the cozy restaurant located right below Hotel Victor. It was the perfect spot to start the day, offering a great mix of comfort food with a touch of Latin flair. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, with outdoor seating that lets you enjoy the Ocean Drive buzz.

  • For dining, Espanola Way is a charming street lined with cozy restaurants offering international cuisines, from Cuban to Italian. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy a meal and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • Regarding biking, since Finn isn’t quite comfortable riding yet, we decided to skip renting bikes this time. The boulevard can be quite busy, making it challenging to navigate through the crowds. However, many hotels offer complimentary bike rentals, and there are several rental services available along the boulevard for those interested in exploring South Beach on two wheels.

South Beach offers a blend of historic charm, culinary delights, and recreational activities, making it a wonderful destination for travelers of all ages.

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FAQ

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The best time to visit Miami is between November and April. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, with less humidity and rain compared to the summer. It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.

– South Beach: Famous for its beaches and Art Deco architecture. – Little Havana: A cultural hub for Cuban food, music, and art. – Wynwood Walls: Vibrant street art and murals. – Miami Design District: Luxury shopping and contemporary art galleries. – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A historic estate with stunning gardens.

Miami can be expensive, especially in South Beach, but it offers a range of options for all budgets. Luxury dining and accommodations are common, but you can find affordable hotels, casual eateries, and free activities like beach days or exploring Wynwood.

It depends. If you’re staying in South Beach or Downtown, you can walk, bike, or use rideshare services like Uber. Public transportation, including the free Metromover, works well for short distances. If you plan to visit areas like the Everglades, Key Biscayne, or other neighborhoods, renting a car is more convenient.

Miami is famous for its beaches and nightlife, vibrant Cuban culture in Little Havana, iconic Art Deco architecture in South Beach, a booming art scene including Wynwood and Art Basel, and its tropical weather and outdoor lifestyle.