from miami, with love
Miami. South Beach. Art Deco. Nightlife. Tan. Culture.
These are just a few things that first came to mind before we set off to Miami on my randomly booked, cheap flights found on Google Flights (The explore feature is my best friend).
I found the flights in October 2022, booked right away for about $200 CAD and in January, 2023, we jumped on an Air Canada flight and were off for the next 5 days to sunny Miami.
As someone with a bit of obsessive tendencies when it comes to planning for travel, the week or so leading up to the trip I was RESEARCHING. Where is the best place to stay? Which area? Is it safe? Cheap eats? Best eats? Best, cheap eats…
I settled for South of 5th in South Beach. Consider this the “wealthy” boho-hippie vibes with artisan matcha lattes, yoga on roofs and boutique hotels. This is my vibe, I am in love.
Side note, check out Lifehouse Hotel, I wanted to stay here to bad, everything from the architecual details, the vibe, the evenings with music and the food was calling my name, but the rooftop pool at Local House won me over. You can read my full review and photos of our stay here. I did extensive research on every boutique hotel along the beach, these two were the top for that sort of experience and well worth the money. South Beach is expensive, these two are worth it.
As someone who grew up well below the poverty line, by my late twenties I have thrived in that wanna-be rich hippie style of living. Yes, it is a facade, yes, I can barely afford it.. and yes, I love it.
On that note, best “budget” “cheap-eats” on the Miami Beach strip is Taquiza Tacos hands down. Decent priced margaritas and tacos that are QUALITY!
Foregoing renting a car (traffic can be brutal and parking rates are though the roof), uber was easy, safe and decently priced. Also the boardwalk goes pretty much end to end along Miami Beach, if you are feeling ambitious on your feet (or on a bike!).
There is so much I could say.. But the sunrises are a thing of wonder in Miami.. Don’t sleep on it (literally). I will always remember the early mornings to chase that sunrise.
Is Miami worth it with it being so expensive? YES! Can you do it on a budget? I am not sure.. Food was very expensive, cut that cost by making your own food? Does it rain in January/February, YES! 3 of the 5 days it was raining heavy, but more of a tropical rain that lasts a few hours off and on. I went to the beach the first morning and it was hot, sunny, gorgeous, 10 minutes later I was running back in my flip-flops under torrential downpour.. Laughing like a mad woman of course. I love tropical rain.
Miami, I will be back soon.. There was so much to explore and see. I didn’t try a single Cuban sandwich and have regretted it to this day.