How New Yorkers can maximize the tropical refuge of Miami 🌴😎
Published January 28, 2021
New York and Miami are a pair of cities that have just enough in common (energetic nightlife, artistic flair, tastes for the stylish side of luxury), and just enough contrast (looking at you: year round warm Miami beaches) to make Miami a frequent getaway of choice for New Yorkers.
From rooftops overlooking the ocean, street art museums, white sand beaches and the absolute best stone crab around, here’s a New Yorker’s guide to a rejuvenating trip (or extended stay) to Miami.
The buzzing, upscale Tulum-import, Gitano, is a traveler magnet for hosting the happiest happy hours. Come with friends to see and be seen, drink tropical cocktails and be infused with clubby island music. If you're looking for more of NYC Gitano's vibe, head upstairs to the roof for a surplus of tropical plants, daybeds and disco balls.
Where: 3500 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33140
Juvia provides the trifecta you didn’t know you needed: Japanese-French-Peruvian dishes, atop a sleek rooftop, coupled with a sweeping view of South Beach.
Known for its themed cocktails, including alcoholic juice boxes with floating ducks, and its glowing decor—this place matches the city’s electric energy that will feel right in a New Yorker’s wheelhouse. Juvia’s design doesn’t rest on its view either, as their dining room also features a luscious vertical garden.
Where: 111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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The infamous NYC eatery, with highly coveted reservations and celeb-sightings galore, has recently transferred its mouth-watering spicy rigatoni to South Beach. With a swanky retro-glam space and a menu full of red sauce delights, Carbone’s Miami outpost will have you coming back again and again.
Where: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Located in the heart of South Beach, MILA’s rooftop lounge will instantly transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean and Japan. Yes, both. The restaurant and mixology bar features flavorful MediterrAsian dishes and a most vibrant atmosphere.
Where: 1636 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Inspired by the tavernas of Aegean coastal towns, Mandolin Aegean Bistro sets the stage for refined versions of Greek & Turkish cuisine. Taking over a restored 1930s-era home in the Design District, Mandolin and its open-air patio prioritizes simplicity, authenticity and quality – the best trifecta.
Where: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
For over 100 years, no visit to Miami has been complete without a stop here. Channelling, dare we say, the tastes of the Hamptons, the legendary “Miami's Most Popular eatery” draws impressive crowds for their—you guessed it—delicious stone crab, (as well as popular key lime pie and diverse full menu). Arrive early to avoid crazy long wait times, or try the next-door take-out cafe if you need. Note: Open seasonally only October—May.
Where: 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Enjoy refined Greek cuisine in an airy, elegant waterfront garden setting at Kiki on the River. The frosé and icy pictures of Don Julio might make your nights, but we recommend coming back in the morning for their artful lattes as well.
Where: 450 Northwest North River Drive Miami, FL 33128
A vibrant spot for late-night tacos (voted best tacos in Florida by USA Today) as well as rounds of tequila shots in the buzzy, live music bar hidden behind its bathroom door.
Where: 1220 16th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Visitors from the concrete jungle can appreciate the brand new jungalow (and partially Pharrell-owned!) cocktail lounge located upstairs at the Swan in the Miami Design District.
The spot is decked out in Moroccan-style zebra stripes, rich velvet seating, and eclectic artwork. But the real gem has to be the vast outdoor deck that overlooks Swan's lush garden.
Where: 90 NE 39 Street, Miami, Fl 33137
The self-described “compact, romantic watering hole” accounts for some of the best craft cocktails in Miami. Come with a group and try one of their punch bowls (you choose a spirit, fruit and botanical, the bartenders do the rest) in their tinkling backyard.
Where: 2727 Indian Creek Dr Miami Beach, FL 33140
Joia brings us so much joy (sorry, we had to). This popular restaurant and beach club is the best spot for a weekend sunset sesh. Offering the ultimate all-day venue for chilling and relaxing, Joia is a must for locals and visitors alike.
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Barry’s is leveling up your beachside workout. Get some fresh air and a full body burn before tackling the rest of your day’s activities.
Not your average central park, South Pointe Park is the way to spend a sunny day in Miami. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, the greenery provides stunning views of the South Beach Shoreline, Fisher Island and Downtown Miami’s skyline all at once.
Whether you’re looking to explore the South Pointe Pier (a popular spot for fishermen, kayakers and surfers), picnic and swim on the beach, hike the lush walking trails, or take the little ones to a water playground—you're covered.
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Bonus: Smith & Wollensky steakhouse is located inside the park with dine-in and takeout mouth watering options! Best enjoyed with a tropical cocktail in hand.
We know that NY fine art museums are second to none, which makes the splashy, graffiti-focused Wynwood Walls an exciting diversion to experience on vacation.
The open-air museum is one of the best venues in the world to see dazzling, cutting-edge murals of leading graffiti artists; plus it regularly hosts musical concerts, poetry readings, film and video screenings.
Miami’s “museum of the streets” attracts thousands of international visitors and currently houses over 40 breathtaking murals by respected artists from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.
Speaking of complimenting the NYC art scene, welcome to ARTECHOUSE's Miami branch. The ARTECHOUSE Museum system is currently providing a 3 city elemental exploration of the Pantone Color of the Year—Classic Blue—in New York, D.C. and Miami.
New York features a journey beyond the skies in “Celestial,” and Miami’s Aqueous continues the blue theme with a deep dive into the waters of the world. Whether embodying the vast horizon of the ocean or listening to the bubbling flow of streams, this exhibit instills an otherworldly sense of peace and relaxation.
We covered some ground-level gems, but exploring means going big right? May we submit for the adventurous traveler: a Miami helicopter ride! Choose a day, sunset or night flight to see Miami’s shoreline and hottest spots by air or even to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and engagements.
“Golden encounters” are around every turn at this 5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach.
Delight your senses at Paul Qui’s award-winning restaurant, Paofaena, with stunning views of white sand and turquoise waters, and unmatched modern-Asian cuisine. And, make sure to see what's playing at the Faena Theater. Inspired by Europe’s grand opera houses and the glittering allure of Old Hollywood, the intimate gilded theater showcases ambitious artistic productions and Faena’s very own cabaret performances.
Where: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Miamians and New Yorkers are both known for infinite energy, making this next pick a relaxing change of pace.
The stunning, scandinavian inspired Standard Spa features tropical gardens, breezy rooms with terraces, and an uber-instagrammable infinity pool. Located on Belle Isle, this holistic and hydrotherapy playground is inspired by global bathing cultures, and encourages stress-free socializing in a tropical, contemporary setting.
Where: 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
A revolutionary chain located in both New York City and South Beach: 1 Hotels is the first mission driven luxury hotel brand. At 1, sustainability inspires every part of their design. From the calm comforts and natural amenities in every room, to the freshest market inspired menus in their restaurants–every detail of 1 is focused on natural plants and materials.
But perhaps the most fun aspect of all? 1 has the only oceanfront rooftop on all of South Beach.
Where: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Plymouth Hotel is a newly renovated art deco hotel in the heart of Collins Park. It boasts award-winning, design centric amenities—like the patterned floor and cream colored seats around their pool; and free standing claw bathtubs in their boutique-luxe hotel rooms. In other words, instagram gold.
Where: 336 21st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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