Miami – 10 days to look beyond the cliché

🛬 Day 1 – Arriving in South Beach and first impressions

I landed in South Beach to spend my first night. I had to book a hotel because, as many people know, you need to give an accommodation address for the visa. And honestly, I have no regrets.

I stayed at The Plymouth South Beach: a lovely hotel, well located, art deco in style and fairly quiet for the area. I didn’t have time to enjoy the pool — a shame — but the atmosphere was relaxed and the service flawless. Ideal if you’re staying 2 or 3 nights and don’t want to be right in the buzz of Ocean Drive.

📍 The Plymouth South Beach – 336 21st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

After dropping my bags, I went out almost running. I wanted to feel the Miami flow. I walked along Collins Avenue, crossed Washington Avenue, then followed Lincoln Road. Palm trees, the smell of the sea, a mix of languages, skaters, humidity… it all swallows you up.

A few minutes later, I couldn’t resist: straight to the ocean. Those who know me know how much the sea calls me. Whatever the city. I need to see it, to feel it. And that day, under the Florida sun, I remembered why.

In the evening, I ate at La Sandwicherie, a very local spot. One of the best sandwiches of the trip, standing at the counter, watching people go by like in an American TV series.

📍 La Sandwicherie – 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 🌐 https://la-sandwicherie.com

🧳 Day 2 – My apartment in Wynwood and urban exploring

That day, I picked up the keys to my apartment in Wynwood. Quite spacious, in a modern building with a pool, barbecue, gym… everything you need to spend a few comfortable days. Supermarket right across the street, bars and restaurants on the street behind: perfect to live like a local.

Wynwood is open-air art. Murals, galleries, shops, cafés with a soul. I visited the Wynwood Walls ($12), but the best is outside. I settled in at Panther Coffee with a cold brew to watch the city go by.

📍 Panther Coffee – 2390 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

At lunchtime, I ate at The Taco Stand.

📍 The Taco Stand – 313 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127

In the evening, I had dinner at Boia De, a small hidden gastronomic gem.

📍 Boia De – 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

🌅 Day 3 – South Beach, Ocean Drive and South Pointe Park

Back to South Beach, but in chill mode. I walked along Ocean Drive, admired the art deco style, passed cyclists and rollerbladers, and felt the constant rhythm.

A short break at Lummus Park, then on to South Pointe Park for the sunset. A suspended moment. Orange sky, the ocean reflecting everything. Later, dinner at Pura Vida, perfect for a healthy break.

📍 South Pointe Park – 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

📍 Pura Vida – 803 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

🌐 https://www.puravidamiami.com

🐓 Day 4 – A trip to Key West

A day trip booked through GetYourGuide. Early departure from downtown by bus, along the Overseas Highway. A legendary road above the water. Arrival in Key West in the late morning.

A walk down Duval Street, a visit to Hemingway‘s house, a stop at the famous Southernmost Point buoy, then sunset at Mallory Square. A quick, simple lunch at Conch Shack.

📍 Southernmost Point – Whitehead St & South St, Key West, FL 33040

📍 Ernest Hemingway Home – 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

📍 Conch Shack – 118 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

🎺 Day 5 – Little Havana and a taste of Cuba

That day, I took the bus to Little Havana. First stop: Café Versailles for a cortadito standing at the window counter.

📍 Versailles – 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

A stroll down Calle Ocho, a stop at Domino Park, Cuban music, the smell of grilled food… and lunch at El Rey de las Fritas for a well-deserved frita cubana.

📍 El Rey de las Fritas – 1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

🌧️ Day 6 – Brickell, Downtown and a good lasagne

Rain. The only grey day of the trip. Perfect for the city. Bus to Brickell, a walk around Brickell City Centre, then the Metromover (free!) to Bayside Marketplace.

📍 Brickell City Centre – 701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33131

📍 Bayside Marketplace – 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

A comforting lunch at Fratelli Milano: homemade lasagne, red wine and rain in the background.

📍 Fratelli Milano – 213 SE 1st St, Miami, FL 33131

🐊 Day 7 – Alligators and wind in the Everglades

A trip booked through GetYourGuide. Minibus ride, an airboat tour, alligators in their natural habitat, and a visit to a small education centre.

📍 Everglades Safari Park – 26700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194

A moment apart: wind, silence, wild vegetation. Another side of Florida.

🚌 Getting around Miami

Bus (Metrobus): cheap, but irregular. Allow plenty of time.

Metromover: free and handy in the centre (Downtown & Brickell).

Miami Beach Trolley: also free, perfect to explore South Beach.

Useful apps: Google Maps + Transit App for live timetables.

🌇 Days 8, 9 and 10 – Last walks and wanting to come back

Last days with no pressure. Back to Wynwood, wandering through the Design District, breaks at Bayside, coffees on terraces.

📍 Design District – 3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

I saw one part of Miami. Not the most hidden, nor the rawest. But a first picture. And a clear wish to come back, with more time, to see the real Florida. From Jacksonville to the forgotten corners.

Conclusion: it was only a beginning

I didn’t see “the real Miami”, but I saw enough to know I want to come back. I walked, looked, listened. And I made myself one promise:

This trip was not an ending. It was a beginning.