Miami Art

I started my first day in Miami heading to the Design District for breakfast. I chose OTL (unfortunately closed), a stylish breakfast spot ripe for people-watching while sipping a coffee or matcha. Since my trip was limited to three days, I aimed to squeeze in as much as possible. I next headed to Little Havana, the heart of Cuban diaspora culture in Miami. I strolled down Calle Ocho, lined with stores, markets, parks to play dominos, and most importantly Azucar Ice Cream, which serves delicious ice creams and sorbets.

I had made a reservation ahead of time for lunch at SexyFish, a swanky dining experience not to be missed. Located in the Brickell neighborhood, this Asian restaurant offers a seafood- and sushi-oriented menu. I opted for the mushroom and truffle tempura, and I doubt I will ever eat a more satisfying tempura dish. Beyond the upscale atmosphere, the restaurant boasts a mind-blowing aquatic décor. Mosaic designs and wax replicas cover their elaborate bathrooms. A bathroom attendant was kind enough to take photos of me since I was traveling alone. She was extremely sweet and took some great pictures!

Next I headed to Vizcaya Museum & Garden, a stunning, sprawling estate built in 1916. The mansion and grounds are meticulously maintained, and captivating enough to stroll for hours. The mansion overlooks the Biscayne Bay where the breeze blows off the water. Before checking into my Airbnb, I stopped at Midtown Creamery for a scoop of ice cream. My Airbnb was located in Edgewater, farther north up the Biscayne Bay. I grabbed some tacos and headed to a bench to eat dinner along the water.

I spent my second day in Miami Beach. The day began at the southern tip of the island at Pura Vida for a smoothie-based breakfast. My main draw to the city was viewing the Art Deco architecture found around Miami Beach. I took a walking tour with Miami Design Preservation League, where we passed by dozens of examples of Art Deco buildings. I lunched at Gianni’s at the former Versace Mansion. For the best economic value, opt to visit for a three-course lunch for the price of an entrée at dinnertime. I chose the burrata caprese, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and a small cake from their rotating dessert menu.

Amidst the incomparable ambience, the mosaic, 24k gold-lined pool acts as the focal point of the décor.
Though it rained on and off most of the day, I strolled along the beach so I could catch a glimpse of the unique, neon-colored lifeguard stands that speckle the coast. I grabbed an amazing dinner at Byblos Miami. I dined on a falafel-filled salad and their thrice-baked fries, that are possibly the best fries I’ve ever had.

On Day 3 I returned to the Design District to explore the neighborhood further. I grabbed a light breakfast at Mr. Baguette to fuel me through some shopping. This area has plenty of shady spots where you can stop and relax for a few minutes before continuing your day. I had lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro where I ate baked feta and falafel to my heart’s delight.

I next headed to Wynwood, an up-and-coming neighborhood known for the Wynwood Walls, a stunning collection of eclectic murals. The whole neighborhood is covered in a diverse number of artistic displays. In between the murals, the streets are lined with cute shops and cafes. For a quick bite before my flight, I headed to 1-800-LUCKY, an Asian market that has everything from bubble tea to dumplings.