The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Miami Beach, Florida!
Welcome to the Miami Beach travel guide. I hope this blog post helps you find new places to eat, stay, and explore while visiting beautiful Miami Beach, Florida! 
I’m back with a new travel guide, and I’m so excited to share everything my best friend and I did in Miami! Miami Beach has been on my bucket list for years, and after making the trip, I can confidently say, “it did not disappoint!” Miami is colorful, relaxing but also has a wild side. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll be able to find things you enjoy, whether it’s trying new restaurants, relaxing at the spa, exploring art galleries, sippin’ sangrias on the beach, or dancing all night long! We even went ice skating in Miami! How bizarre, but for us!
Oh, and make sure to look out for the giveaway!
After browsing the internet for the perfect place for us to stay, I came across Loews Miami Beach Hotel and fell in love. It had everything we were hoping for: beachfront, pool, spa, fitness center, restaurant, and a coffee shop that opened as early as we woke up. It’s even more beautiful in person and one of the most conveniently located Miami Beach hotels. You’ll be seeing A LOT of Loews Miami Beach hotels in this post because it’s where we wanted to spend all of our time. Sometimes, it’s nice to travel to a beach hotel and enjoy it rather than explore all over the city. We left this trip feeling rejuvenated, and that was the whole point of us going.
WHERE TO STAY: LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL
Loews is one of the prettiest hotels, and they never skipped out on the details. I usually leave a place saying, “I wish they offered this or that,” but not here! They’ve thought of everything. Did I mention it’s located in the heart of South Beach, Miami? This meant we could walk to most places! We stayed in the ocean view balcony room, and it was gorgeous! At night, the view of the moon lighting up the ocean was breathtaking. You’ll have to check out my video to see it. If we wanted to hang out at the beach, we just had to take a few steps. If I could describe this hotel in one word, it would be: convenient. The hotel staff was there to help you no matter what you needed! I have to say that the people in Miami were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
** Loews Miami Beach Hotel gave us a media rate for our stay! All opinions are my own!
We woke up SUPER early on the first day to grab a coffee down in the lobby at Miami Joe’s and catch the sunrise. Loews Miami Beach Hotel loves to bring local businesses into their hotel, so the coffee, ice cream, and some of the food are all sourced from outside local businesses. Oh, and the coffee was DELICIOUS. It’s sourced from Panther Coffee, located in the Wynwood Art District!
It was pretty hot and humid while we visited, so we took advantage of the cooler mornings and walked along the beach and the boardwalk. 
We decided to explore a bit of Miami Beach before parking it at the beach for the afternoon.
WHAT TO DO: WALK AROUND THE ART DECO DISTRICT
You all know how much I love my colorful things, so Miami was my vibe! The buildings, streets, and sculptures in the Art Deco District were a blast to explore.
We were both super hungry after walking around, so we were hunting to find a quick bite to eat before heading back and getting ready for the beach. We walked passed Chloe’s at the Marseille and decided to give it a try. There wasn’t a wait, and we wanted something quick. I’m happy we tried it out because it ended up being delicious! We ordered peach and orange mimosas to toast our weekend in Miami!
WHERE TO EAT: CHLOE’S FOR BREAKFAST
I ordered fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, and two eggs over medium for my breakfast. Becca ordered the eggs benedict and said it was outstanding! 
We had to stop by A La Folie Cafe. This place looked like it was transported from the south of France! It was adorable, and the owner was super sweet!
WHERE TO EAT: A LA FOLIE CAFE
We ordered an americano, cappuccino, and a chocolate croissant. Espanola Way is pretty calm in the mornings but poppin’ at night! I have to admit; the americano was probably the best tasting americano I’ve ever had!
There’s nothing better than spending the day on the beach. Talk about RELAXATION! We spent two of the afternoons there!
WHAT TO DO: HAVE A BEACH DAY
The great thing about staying at Loews Miami Beach hotel is that they have all the beach chairs with umbrellas ready to go at your convenience (again, with that word!) They laid out fresh towels and even came by to wait on us. We spent most of the day eating the tastiest food, sippin’ fruity drinks, and relaxing at the beach. This was exactly what we wanted to do on our weekend trip. The point of visiting Miami together was to celebrate Becca’s wedding and take a break from all the stressful wedding planning.
The hotel offered a lot of fun games for the restless **cough me!!**
You could play cornhole, chest, or Jenga! They even had the cutest set up for sandcastle fun for kids. I don’t have kids, but I would say this is a super kid-friendly hotel if you’re visiting Miami with the family.
Who wouldn’t want to spend more time outside by the pool? When we out-beached ourselves, we headed to the pool to park under the shaded umbrellas. We cooled off while sipping drinks in the water, and I even fell asleep because it was so relaxing!
WHAT TO DO: HAVE A POOL DAY
The pool also has service for food and drinks, which makes the pool day so much fun! I highly recommend Frose and french fries! 😋 They also make skinny drinks, if you ask! 
We planned on going to a Greek restaurant the first night, but they didn’t open for a few hours, so we decided to split a dinner at Malibu Farms. This was one of my favorite spots while visiting California, so I was happy to see it in Miami! I love their food.
WHERE TO EAT: MALIBU FARMS
I started with a warm almond milk matcha latte, and we split their organic airline chicken. It was delicious, and I’m so happy we split it because we were stuffed afterward. It came with potatoes, arugula, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and shallots. 
We popped into Rosetta, the Italian Bakery, trying to escape the heat before our 12:30 pm reservation at the Palace!
WHERE TO EAT: ROSETTA THE ITALIAN BAKERY
We thought it looked cute, and we could use some iced coffee to cool us down. It was a hot one! I have to note; we had the best ice coffee EVER. This spot is a goldmine for iced coffee. All of their pastries smelled heavenly, too! 
Brunch at the Palace was the star of the trip. Don’t think twice if you’re visiting Miami Beach; add this to your itinerary.
WHERE TO EAT: THE PALACE FOR BRUNCH
We were there for the show, but even the food blew us away! We had bottomless mimosas and ordered off the special brunch menu. I had their eggs benedict without the hollandaise sauce and bun. The potatoes, avocado, eggs, and flavors were flawless. Beca ordered a frittata and couldn’t believe how good it was.
The show is FANTASTIC! Come prepared to laugh, bring ones for the dancers, and be ready to get called out. We ended up staying for the entire three hours! 
Ice skating and bowling at the Basement is the perfect thing to do on a rainy evening!
WHAT TO DO: ICE SKATE & BOWL AT THE BASEMENT
We hit up the Basement at the Edition hotel to escape the rain and have fun ice skating. I’ve never seen an ice skating rink this cool. We skated for about an hour before getting exhausted, but we loved it! Other than a few teenagers, it wasn’t crowded at all. When you’re done ice skating, you can hit the bowling alley next to the rink. Call ahead and make reservations for the bowling.
We headed to Taco Taco South Beach to have a quick meal before heading back to the hotel. We wanted to grab wine and hang out by the hot tub later.
WHERE TO EAT: TACO TACO SOUTH BEACH
We are total meal splitters on trips because we are usually not that hungry in the evening, and it’s a great way to save money without having all the leftover food go to waste. Becca and I both LOVE fajitas, so we split chicken fajitas, margaritas, and a basket of tortilla chips. 
We decided to wake up super early on Saturday morning and walk the boardwalk down to Pura Vida for breakfast.
WHERE TO EAT: PURA VIDA
Pura Vida is a healthy spot and super trendy. I’m so happy we stopped at this place because they had exactly what I was craving! I ordered the egg salad toast. It was made with pasture-raised eggs, avocado, mustard aioli (SO YUMMY!), fresh herbs, spices, micro-cilantro, served on arugula, and toasted multigrain sourdough gluten-free bread.
I also ordered a super greens smoothie with spinach, kale, granny smith apple, cucumber, celery, pineapple, cayenne pepper, lemon, and extra ginger.
I picked up a gluten-free guava coconut cookie on the way out, which was the BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. And also the worst because now I’m craving it again, and they don’t ship 😭 
After spending all Saturday bouncing back and forth between the beach and pool, it was time to get ready for our scheduled photoshoot with Focal Point! We didn’t know what to expect but were super excited about having someone take professional photos for us!
WHAT TO DO: PHOTOSHOOT WITH FOCAL POINT
We signed up for the free session online and set up a time that would work best. We met up with our photographer, Felipe, and shot photos around the resort and on the beach. He had us posing in fun ways, and we honestly had such a blast doing this shoot. This is something we are always going to remember! I was happy with how great the photos turned out. I’m excited that I’ll be able to frame these photos of us as a way to remember our bestie vacation!
You’ll be able to have access to all of the edited photos in an online gallery and pay for the ones you want to keep!
This was my favorite one he took!
After our photoshoot, we headed to Espanola Way to explore it at night. There were so many restaurants and a lot happening down there! Unfortunately, we got rained out, but it’s on my list to go back next time! It’s been around since the 1920s, and I know there’s so much left to see!
WHERE TO STAY: EXPLORE ESPANOLA WAY
We headed back to the hotel to pack and head to sleep because we had to be up at 3 am for our flight!
Questions for you!
- Have you ever been to Miami?
- Are you team pool or beach?
- Where was the last place you traveled to with your best friend?
You may also like…
1. Yes, 2. Beach, and 3. Oddly enough, Miami!
That’s too funny! A great place to go, though!!
Yes- I’ve been to Miami and your great post makes me want to go back!!
Going back to Miami is never a bad idea!
I have never wanted to go to Miami till now! Looks so fun! My husband is my best friend and travel partner – and Hilton Head was our last trip! Though my fave getaway location was Chattanooga!
Ahhh! I think many people assume it’s only for night clubs and cheeky beaches (I THOUGHT THAT!) but it’s SOOOOO different, and I can’t wait to go back.
And Hilton Head is NEVER a bad idea!!
Kyle and I were talking about visiting Chattanooga!
I’m on both teams for sure. I love the beach and am a huge fan of a nice pool too. I have never been to Miami but it’s on my bucket list too. Looks like the perfect weekend getaway.
I hope you visit there soon!
I have never been to Miami, but Florida tho. Looks like so much fun.
Florida is never a bad idea 😃
You’re living the dream, Taralynn! Miami looks amazing, just like it does in movies, haha! Hope you enjoyed your stay there. 🙂 I can’t remember the last time I travelled with a friend, but I’m flying to Thailand with my girlfriends this December, so that’s exciting! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
How exciting!!!
I’ve never even considered visiting Miami but you sold it! Definitely a destination I’d like to check out some day! I’m 100% a beach person all the way! And I’ve never been on a vacation with my best friend but she recently moved to IN and I plan On flying down there for a visit! Thanks for the blog post, already looking forward to your next one!
It’s so colorful and upbeat! A great place to visit. I hope you get to visit your BF soon! 😞 I already told Becca she’s not allowed to move away from me 😆 because we already live an hour apart.
xo
Love Miami, sounds like a great trip!
♥️ definitely was!
I went to Miami in college with my two best friends to visit our guy friend (who I was secretly in love with at the time). Had so much fun on the beach!! Still friends with the girls… ditched the guy! Happily married now and looking forward to going back someday with my family!
That is too funny! But crazy how life works out 😉
This looks like it was such a beautiful and special trip!
I’m torn between team beach/pool. I love how beautiful the beach is and it’s great for searching for shells and going for long walks but I’m not a huge fan of being in the ocean so that’s where I love the pool. Sitting in one of those obnoxiously cute floats and sipping on your favorite bev sounds delightful.
Thanks, B!
Haha I’m NOT an ocean swimmer that’s for sure. I watch way too much shark week. Like you, I also enjoy the morning beach walks!
xo xo
Hi, Brittany! You won the giveaway! Please send me an email! 😃 taralynnmcnitt@gmail.com
Thanks Taralynn!!! The coffee will go to good use and hopefully help me ace my exams coming up🤓🔬
Yay! Sent it your way! 😃
Nope, never been to Miami but did visit Hollywood Beach this summer which is close by!
Ohh I bet that was fun!
I have never been to Miami, but my dad was born there!
I am team beach. Nothing quite like sitting Oceanside reading a book ❤️
Last place I went with my bestie (hubby) was Lake Michigan for our babymoon ❤️
You must go!
What a fun trip. Michigan is great in the summer!
During our trips, we hang at the beach!
The perfect place to soak up the rays!
Miami is on my to-see list! I’m definitely a Team Beach person because I cannot sit still! My travel bestie and I went to San Francisco a year ago this weekend! We’re currently in the midst of determining what our next adventure will be!
Love your blog and follow IG, too!
Hi, Patti!
Love that you’re planning your next trip! No matter where you go with your best friend, I’m sure it’s going to be a blast!!!
xo xo & thanks for the kind words!
I love, love, love Miami! My hubby was born and raised there so we are lucky to visit there every few months! So much good food, its unbelievable!! Looks like you 2 had a blast! I bet you will definitely be back!! Did you make it to Wynwood?
We never made it to Wynwood, but totally doing it the next time!!
I moved to Miami 2 months ago and I’ve been avoiding South Beach like the plague! This post just might convince me to face the traffic! Thanks!
Hi, Lexie!
Luckily we didn’t have to deal with traffic as tourists! 😆 But, it’s totally worth any time spent in the car! xo
I’ve never been to Miami! But I’ve always wanted to check it out! We only ever make it as far as Orlando for Dinsey lol. It looks like you had a blast! Love your pictures!
Thanks, Heather!
The photos you took of Becca are stunning — I mean all your photos are fantastic but some of the ones of her made me stop in awe. So glad you guys had such a fun weekend.
SHE’S GORGEOUS!
A few of the ones at the bottom of the post were actually taken by Focal Point! 😀
I’m both a team pool and team beach 😂 They’re both winners in my book. Sometimes I want to feel the sand between my toes but then days I don’t want to be all sandy i want to lounge by the pool with a drink in hand 🍹
Every with ALL of that!
Wow what an incredible bestie trip! Miami looks beautiful, also what an awesome idea to have professional photos done, they look stunning. I haven’t been to Miami yet, if all goes to plan I will be there next year!!. I have taken some notes from this blog for when I get to visit Miami. Definitely Team both, I love the beach but chilling by the pool with drinks is always fun. The last place I travelled overseas with a friend was, Europe we explored 14 countries in 29 days, it was the best trip ever! Have a great week!
Thanks, Harriet!
It was cool that the hotel offered that.
You should totally add Miami to your list!!
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TRIP
What a fun and relaxing trip! You girls look gorgeous. I went with my best friend to Miami a few years ago. We also stayed at the Loews. It is a beautiful hotel with wonderful service. I don’t know what scent they use in the lobbies, but it smells so amazing! I wasn’t blown away by Miami. The service everywhere besides the hotel wasn’t the friendliest and it just kind of has a dirty, depressing vibe. We still had lots of fun though and enjoyed hanging out at the pool and beach.
Thanks so much, Lauren!
OMG!! We said the same thing about the lobbies!!!! 😂 Never have we ever loved a hotel smell so much!!!!
Sad you didn’t have a good experience with the service at the other places!
But seriously Loews was the place to just hang out!
1) I haven’t been to Miami but it’s on my list of soon to go places 🙂 2) team beach! 3) New York City 🙂
That’s where we’re going this weekend!
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and I’ve never been to Miami! I would love to plan a trip though! Also, I’m team beach! We have some of the prettiest here in Florida!
You definitely do!
1. .Sadly no.
2. Team beach.
3. Last place I went to with my friend was Virginia Beach where we had a blast. Oceanfront hotels are the best!
Yes they are!
Love all the photo’s! I haven’t been to Miami, but it’s on my list! I really want to go to Key West though. I am definitely Team Beach being from Seal Beach… I like pools but only if I don’t have to share lol. My last bestie trip was to Las Vegas we went dancing, and hung out at some tiki bars. It was a blast! But we are talking about going to Portland or Seattle next,
Thanks, Ashton!
I agree about making it down to Key West! I want to go.
Sounds like the best trip!
I went to Miami on spring break my senior year of college and had so much fun! I’m trying to plan a girls trip there for next spring, after reading this blog post I really hope it works out!
Perfect for a girl’s trip!!
I love Miami! My husband & I met there while doing a teaching program. 💙We made it a point to go to the beach every Sunday (it’s where we got engaged!) but I also love the pool (and hot tub!). Did you try any Cuban coffee??
My besties & I took a trip to Michigan last fall. Great time for apple picking! We’re going to Santa Cruz in February.
Yay!!!! you’ll love Santa Cruz!!!
I’ve never been to Miami, but it looks like so much fun!
💜
Such a fun girlies weekend, you two are lucky to have each other’s friendship!
London and Paris was the last place I went with my best friend, so many memories.
💜
I agree!! ♥️
And that sounds like a dream trip with your friends!
I am going to Miami for Thanksgiving! It has always been on my boyfriend and my bucket list so we are super excited. This travel blog was perfect timing and super helpful!
That is awesome! Have so much fund!
What a beautiful trip! I love that you guys focused on relaxation but also had some low key activities, and how great that your hotel had so much to offer!
I went to Miami a few years ago for a work trip but definitely didn’t get to experience anything like this!
I would say team beach for laying out and team pool for swimming!
Agree! I never like leaving a vacation-style trip feeling exhausted. I’d rather feel refreshed! I think trying to fit everything in is great, but so is laying on the beach doing NOTHING!
I hope you go back and get a vacation-style experience in Miami!!
I have never been to Miami, but these pictures make it look so fun! I love all the color! Will you be doing a bestie and the bride trip before your own wedding too? So happy for you and this new phase of life! 🙂
I think I’ll do a trip with all of my friends to celebrate 🙂
Loved this post <3 I have never been to Miami, FL AND did not know I wanted to visit there until now! I love how bright and colorful Miami is!
It’s the most colorful!!
My kids really want to go somewhere tropical and warm next spring for our family vacation and I think Miami fits that bill. I want to start pre-planning a few of the activities that we can do so something like walking down the boardwalk in the morning sounds really peaceful. Of course, we will plan some more exciting activities as well and try and get out in the water somehow.
Thank your for thsese guide !!! In two months I travel there and it will be great
Awesome blog on Miami for our trip.
Great post!
Miami is so colorful, I love it! I have a layover there about twice a year, but never leave the airport. Perhaps next time I’ll opt for a day in Miami and finally leave the airport!
Lisa
Beautiful miami guide
Taralynn,
Thank you for this blog. I am from Miami and now live in Atlanta and I haven’t been home in 10 years. However, seeing this just made me smile and laugh at all the familiarity. Miami is a beautiful city. I can’t wait to be able to go visit after this pandemic is over.
Awww, so happy you enjoyed this blog! 🙂 Hope you get to visit soon!
As a Miami native I have to say you did Miami right girl! Good choices and super happy to hear you think we are so friendly not a common compliment given to us but I also have found friendly people while traveling to NY which also has a bad rap lol
OMG! I’m so happy and honored to hear you say that!! thank you!!!
A great guide!
That cookie looks delicious!
Great hotel!
Great!
You are a great skater
Love this guide
Thanks
This was extremely helpful. We’ll be traveling mid august. Taking direct flight from Tampa to San Diego. Didn’t travel anywhere since a year now, lol. We’re fully vaccinated.
Love your tips so much, I love Miami
Amazing tips, Miami beach will always be beautiful!