Things To Do
Food
Chicken Kitchen ($): Okay, listen. We all know Allison and Nick love Chipotle. The only thing that rivals their love of Chipotle is their love of Chicken Kitchen. We are convinced there is no better chicken on the planet. For a quick, DELICIOUS meal, you've found the right place. Smith & Wollensky's ($$$): Allison and Nick discovered their favorite lunch date during Nick's first trip to Miami! Drive down to the most southern point of South Beach and prepare for an incredible lunch with great views (sit outside if there is availability!). Their favorites include lobster roll, tuna tartare, and truffled mac & cheese. Greenstreet Cafe ($$): Allison's absolute favorite brunch spot! From the best breakfast potatoes, Nutella-stuffed french toast, and cinnamon roll pancakes, you can't go wrong here. Joe's Stone Crab ($$$): Right across from Smith & Wollensky's is another South Florida gem. Get ready to throw on a bib and devour the yummiest stone crabs, hashbrowns, and key lime pie!
Cuban Food
Casavana: We may be biased, but Casavana is our favorite Cuban spot. From brunch after Mass with the del Castillo family to shipping 50 croquetas to D.C., Casavana NEVER fails. Try our favorites: croquetas, palomilla, and vaca frita de pollo. Versailles: A Miami staple for Cuban food! Havana 1957: With several locations, there are plenty of opportunities to try this fun, delicious Cuban spot with the best drinks selection! Other Cuban spots: Casa Cuba (where Allison would get croquetas in the morning during high school) La Carreta Holiday Bakery & Vicky Bakery Looking for Cuban food but not a sit-down meal? Check out the "ventanita," or "little window," at any of these restaurants/bakeries. Here's your guide: Cuban coffee: Cafecito = Cuban version of espresso; Colada = large serving of cafecito for sharing; Cafe con leche = mostly milk with shot of Cuban coffee Must-try pastries: croquetas (ham or chicken); pastelitos (meat, cheese, or guava); tequeño (cheese or cheese + guava)
All-Day Fun
Wynwood: We recommend a trip to Wynwood and exploring the street art and famous Wynwood Walls. Must do's: coffee at Panther Coffee, check out antique shops, lunch at Coyo Taco, and make sure to get donuts from The Salty Donut! Museums: Miami is home to some INCREDIBLE museums! Here are some faves: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Frost Museum of Science, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (where Allison took her quinces photos!) Everglades: One of the most fun, spontaneous afternoons Nick and Allison have had was a trip to the Everglades. Stop by the Visitor Center and then walk or bike along a trail. Don’t forget to bring water and a camera for pics of alligators! Lincoln Road Mall: An outdoor mall in Miami Beach, Lincoln Road is a fun way to break up a beach day with plenty of shops and food options! (Havana 1957, from the Cuban food list, has a location here) Brickell City Centre: Shopping, food, and cool vibes! We recommend eating at Casa Tua and Pubbelly.
Beaches!
South Pointe Beach/Park: South Pointe is the southernmost beach along South Beach. South Pointe is an extremely reliable beach option, and a great choice of beach after a lunch at Smith & Wollensky’s! Make sure to go early if you’re hoping to find parking. Mid-Beach: If you’d like to stay a little further north than South Pointe, Mid-Beach is the place to be! Some cross streets with public access and parking include: Collins & 36th St, Collins & 46th St (Indian Beach Park) and Collins & 22nd (further south, technically South Beach) Ft. Lauderdale: A bit further away, Ft. Lauderdale also has great beaches to offer! Las Olas is a great change of pace with a great beach and boulevard.