Travel,  United States

Bienvenidos a Miami

August 23, 2019 /

The reputation of Miami definitely precedes itself. While I was a Teaching Assistant in France, all of my students wanted to know if I had been to Miami or LA. They were very disappointed to hear that I had not! Last month, I finally took my first trip to Miami with my fiance. I can now understand why Miami is so popular! It is an expensive destination, but it is well worth the trip. Between the cuban influence and the glamour, this city is definitely one-of-a-kind!

We spent every day relaxing on South Beach, dancing to latin music, and people watching on Ocean Drive. Before leaving, we spent an afternoon exploring the Wynwood District! We unfortunately didn’t have time to check out the Bayside Marketplace or Key Biscayne, so that is definitely on our list for the next trip!

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Β 

If planning your first trip, I’ve compiled some great hotel options around south beach. Below are the can’t miss spots in Miami:

Ocean Drive

This pastel Art Deco filled street is absolutely iconic. Ocean Drive is such a great place to grab a drink and people watch! Most of the bars and restaurants play latin music and even though the prices are steep, there is endless entertainment with passing cars and pedestrians.Β 

As lively as this street is during the day, the street truly comes alive at night! There are clubs and restaurants just exploding with energy! I love the neon lights lining the drive at night.

South Beach

It was sadly storming our first day in Miami, but it cleared up by midday. Due to the storms, I didn’t get to fully appreciate how CLEAR the water is until the second and third day! The ocean is basically a pool in Miami. The clear water is very still and the sandbars stretch out far.Β 

Each lifeguard stand is painted different vibrant colors. A lot of hotels offer beach chairs and towels included with the cost of your stay, which is very convenient. You can rent umbrellas for a price as well.

Miami, Florida | Adventures with Shelby

Wynwood District

This former warehouse district is filled with colorful murals and great bars and restaurants. Everywhere you look you will see art!Β 

Though you can see murals throughout the neighborhood, the Wynwood Walls are probably the best-known. This outdoor art park features large-scale murals and installations by artists from around the world. The artwork changes over time, making each visit a little different.Β 

I was confused when researching it beforehand because so many websites offer tickets to the Wynwood Walls. Don’t be fooled – the Wynwood Walls are open to the public and free to enter!Β 

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in street art and makes for some of the most colorful photo opportunities in Miami. We spent awhile inside the Wynwood Walls and then walking around the surrounding area. There’s lots of great food spots in this area to check out as well.Β 

Nightlife

Miami is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with everything from lively bars and rooftop lounges to energetic clubs and beachfront spots. South Beach is one of the most popular areas for going out, particularly around Ocean Drive and the surrounding Art Deco District.Β 

Miami | Adventures with Shelby

The Clevelander is a classic spot to check out, but I also quite enjoyed some smaller spots with live music and dancing!

I look forward to returning to Miami and exploring some of the other neighborhoods that we didn’t get to!

XoXo

Bienvenidos a Miami: South Beach, Ocean Drive, & Wynwood | Adventures with Shelby

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