MIAMI AND FLORIDA KEYS

WYNWOOD ART DISTRICT AND WALLS:

Designated a National Register District since 1979, the historic buildings are in the style of Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and MiMo (Miami Modern).

If spending your day among amazing street art, delicious tacos and trendy rooftop bars sounds ideal, look no further than Wynwood.

If you’ve been on Instagram in the last couple years at all, you might have seen pictures of your friends posing in front of these colourful wall murals that always seem to perfectly match their outfits. Trust me, it’s worth the trip, even if you aren’t an influencer. Almost every open wall in the district is floor-to-ceiling covered in unusual art, which makes walking through the area feel like walking through a living, breathing gallery (entry is free)

There is a street taci ‘Coyo tacos’ (tequila in-house and serves up some of the best tacos in the sunshine state South Beach is known for its art deco and if you are at the WPH, or nearby, you’ll be in the heart of the Art Deco District.  If you’re a huge follower, do a tour from the Art Deco Welcome Center. If you’re somewhat interested like we were, but didn’t want a long explanation of each building, do the self-guided walking tour.  

Especially enjoy the previously owned Versace mansion. It’s now a hotel—costly to see the inside, so the cheapest way is to go for lunch if you have time.  

LITTLE HAVANA:

This Cuban neighborhood, just a 15-minute drive from the ocean, is chock full of personality, live music at all hours and the tastiest Latin American cuisine in town.

There is a Museum called Cubaocho , where you can taste Rum and check out the Art and the events calendar for live music!

If you have been in Hollywood, you must go and spot the Stars at the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame (it commemorates only Latin artists and celebs with ties to South Florida).

Last but not least, there’s one old-school taqueria in the area that’s just as authentic as it is affordable and delicious. Mi Rinconcito Mexicano is frequented by locals and two can often share a huge meal for under $15!

BEACH AREA AND RESTAURANTS:

Walk up and down Ocean Blvd.—enjoy Lummus Park and the beach itself.  Whether in the daytime or with the evening party crowds, it’s a fun place to people watch and have something to eat.  The restaurants always have happy hour with 2- for-1 drinks, which are priced accordingly. About $15 for the regular sized drink and they go up from there to about $25 and $35 for the large drinks that most people seem to be enjoying!

–Astra rooftop bar: This spot has the feel of an upscale bar similar to Nikki beach with its European design elements, cabanas and cool ambient sounds – minus all the spring breakers. With it’s elevator-only entrance, Astra feels particularly like a place you need to be ‘in the know’ to find. The cocktails are good and the views are awesome. It’s a great place to hang out around sunset. 

–Dasher and Crank ice cream shop: this little shop makes all of its flavours in-house and has new ones every single week. 

–11th Street Diner at 1065 Washington Ave across from the WPH has typical diner food

–Café Milano on 850 Ocean Dr is one of the nice Italian restaurants in the area.  

–Havana 1957 has several locations; we chose the one at 1410 Ocean Dr.  Reservations are helpful on evenings when the trio is performing. It was authentic Cuban food.