Miami is one of America's Great Under-Appreciated Cities. Yes, New York, L.A. and San Francisco are all legends for a reason. Sure, Miami's population — which hovers under half a million — is less than a 16th of NYC's. But that doesn't mean the international Florida hub isn't also diverse, fascinating, and jam-packed with things to do and see — just like its more populous northern sisters.
We're pretty well-versed in all that the Magic City has to offer, from Little Havana vibes to Art Deco hotels to that famous nightlife. But we wanted to provide you with a true insider's take, so we hit up a quintessential Miami It Girl — Annie Vazquez, a.k.a. blogging pioneer The Fashion Poet — to give us the lowdown on where the locals really eat, drink, shop, and hang in the city.
Vazquez' motto is "styling for the soul," and her roundup of Miami hotspots reflects just that: a soul-infused approach to Magic City living that is vibrant, varied, and surprisingly Zen. From coffee to kayaking to cocktails and everything in-between, this is the only guide you need in order to enjoy Miami like the locals do. Who knows? You may blend in so well, the tourists will start asking you for recommendations.
For Your Caffeine Fix: Vice City Bean
Hit up this cool coffee and tea shop situated off North Miami Avenue for standout brew and "plenty of sweet items to nosh, like blood-orange doughnuts and cinnamon buns," Vazquez says. "They also offer healthier, more substantial options like the 'rainbow bowl.'"
Plus, Vice has one hell of a wise and straightforward motto: "Drink Good Coffee." Don't mind if we do.
Vice City Bean, 1657 N. Miami Avenue C, Miami; (305) 726-8031
Photo: Courtesy of Vice City Bean.
For Supporting Local Designers: Nurbana 305
"One of my go-to boutiques for loading up on locally made items," says Vazquez. "This shop carries a hodgepodge of pretty, feminine apparel mixed with some edgy, rock-'n'-roll staples. There are also home goods like soaps, candles, and beauty products." The fact that the artsy Wynwood shop (which also houses a gallery and event space) stocks local artists is just the icing on the boho-chic cake.
Nurbana 305, 2601 NW 1st Avenue #8, Miami; (305) 985-2411
Photo: Courtesy of Nurbana 305.
For Your Next Vinyasa: Prana Yoga
This is not your average yoga studio. "With four different yoga rooms, this Coral Gables studio offers everything from vinyasa to Kundalini, as well as special classes — it's everything you need to get your Zen on. Think meditation classes, fire ceremonies, and more," explains Vazquez. One of Prana's upcoming workshops is Meditation for Beginners — and we know we all need that.
Prana Yoga, 247 Malaga Avenue, Coral Gables, FL; (305) 567-9812
Photographed by Kava Gorna.
For Ice Cream With A Cuban Flair: Azucar
Did you know Miami temps can approach 90 degrees Fahrenheit in April? Yeah, ice cream is never going to be a bad idea here. "Feed your sweet tooth at this ice cream parlour in the city's Little Havana 'hood, where all flavours are concocted from Cuban desserts like Mamey, Abuela Maria (a mix of guava, cookies, and cream cheese), and Cafe con Leche," says Vazquez.
Azucar, 1503 SW 8th Street, Miami; (305) 381-0369
Photo: Courtesy of Azucar Ice Cream Company.
For Relaxing In The Sun: The Standard
"This is my Sunday spot for spa treatments that balance your chakras, plus sunshine and views of the Atlantic," Vazquez says. "Sip on some coconut water straight from the coconut, take a dip in the pool, take a yoga class, or rent a paddle board — there's always something fun to do here. It helps me jumpstart my week feeling rejuvenated." Chakra-balancing plus paddle-boarding sounds like exactly what our Miami weekend needs.
The Standard Miami Beach, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; (305) 673-1717
Photo: Courtesy of @thefashionpoet.
For Relaxing (Out Of The Sun): Tierra Santa Healing House Spa
Or you can get your spa fix with a similarly New Age-y Sound Bowl Massage at Tierra Santa Healing House. The massage, Vazquez explains, involves "tiny sound bowls that are played at the start and finish of your treatment and are rested on your back to penetrate body, mind, and spirit. The simple, yet elegant Healing House spa is nestled inside Faena Hotel in Miami Beach."
Tierra Santa Healing House, 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL; (786) 655-5570
Photo: Courtesy of Faena.
For Drinks & Dancing: The Anderson Bar
Is there anything more Miami than a tiki-meets-'80s tropical bar that also sells nacho fries? Vazquez says The Anderson is "a must-stop. I love the '80s tropi-cool retro vibe. There are red vinyl couches, boom boxes hanging for decor, and arcade games. Plus, there's an outdoor patio and bar that has that 'island life' feel to it."
The Anderson Bar, 709 NE 79th Street, Miami; (305) 757-3368
Photo: Courtesy of the Anderson Bar.
For Walks & Walls: Wynwood
A city's street art — or lack thereof — can make or break its cultural vibe. In Miami, there's no better spot for stunning wall murals than the artsy Wynwood area. "Also known as Miami's Art District, this neighbourhood is one of my favourites to visit," says Vazquez. "I love the colours and walking around absorbing all the street art on an early morning for inspiration. There's always something new opening up here, like a restaurant, gallery, or bar." Fuel up for all that walking with a hearty meal at local indie eatery Kush.
Wynwood, north of Downtown Miami & Overtown, adjacent to Edgewater
Photo: Courtesy of Wynwood Miami.
For 100 Years Of Modern Art: The Wolfsonian Museum
Of course, street murals aren't the only works of art worth visiting in Miami. The Wolfsonian collection focuses on art and design from 1850 to 1950 — the height of modernism. You'll find everything from abstract expressionism to historical propaganda prints, all "best enjoyed with a healthy dose of critical thought," the museum advises. What a wise and witty museum.
"On South Beach, this museum is a great date spot," Vazquez suggests. "And Friday nights are free, so get your culture on. Plus, there's an indoor café."
The Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami; (305) 531-1001
Photo: Courtesy of @wolfsonian.
For Souvenirs & Sweet Smells: Golden Bar
"Owner Leslie Ames has a few locations now, but my favourite is the flagship shop in Coconut Grove," says Vazquez. "This indie store is carefully curated to be a one-stop shop for clothing, home goods, perfume, jewellery, and eyewear." Golden Bar also offers quite a few wacky books, an adorable kids' section, and a solid stock of Herbivore products, so count us in.
Golden Bar Coconut Grove, 3092 Fuller St., Miami; (305) 444-4474
Photo: Courtesy of the Golden Bar.
For Nature Lovers: Oleta River State Park
Miami may be an urban icon, but it has its fair share of greenery, too. "I love being outdoors," says Vazquez, "and this enormous park in North Miami is the perfect place to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and glide through the water and the mangroves." (That's a shrub or tree that grows in saltwater, for those of you landlubbers like me who were going, Through the what?) BG Oleta River Outdoor Center is a popular option for all your watercraft-rental needs.
Oleta River State Park, 3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL; (305) 919-1846
Photo: Courtesy of Florida State Parks.
For Searching For Nirvana: Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple
If you're looking for some peace and quiet (and who isn't?), Vazquez suggests visiting "this really cool temple in Homestead that is open to the public. You can meditate with the monks or just chill on the outside grounds." Just make sure to dress appropriately for the religious space — and don't try to shake the monks' hands.
Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, 15200 SW 240th St., Homestead, FL; (305) 245-2702
Photo: Courtesy of Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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