Miami is a transient place. You go there for a good time, and, it is pretty intense if you don't throw yourself in wholeheartedly. However if you pace yourself and do some planning in advance, you will be able to find some culturally interesting sights to balance out your trip.
With the Latin Americans making up more than 50% of the population, this place is full of diversity and don't be alarmed if you don't understand what they are staying. Note that majority of them are pretty proficient english speakers, but some of the Uber drivers i came across did speak no word of english. Therefore you may not be able to change your location mid way. An always keep small notes with you in case you need to tip people, the locals relies on this for the majority of their income.
Accommodation
America as whole is expensive with tax and what not. However I do think it is worth paying extra to stay at a more well kept place. I couldn't help but to feel the accommodation owners lack the incentive to maintain the Art Deco heritage to their fullest glory, since Miami Beach is ALWAYS going to be a popular destination for tourist regardless.
On this occasion I stayed at an AirBnb on the 8th in South Beach and I will not recommend anyone to do so. I stayed during the Super Bowl Week in Miami so all the prices were abnormally distorted.
I have 3 recommendations for the Miami Beach. The Betsy Hotel is located on the top end of the South Beach Art Deco Heritage District and certainly has the best location out of the three. With the grand entrance and lobby the Betsy caters for the older and more sophisticated crowd. On the edge of northern South Beach you have Life House. A boutique hotel which caters for a younger and design savvy. Beautifully curated nautical theme rooms over looking the Collins Canal, giving you a calming version of Miami you wouldn't expect in Miami. Finally you have Soho Beach House located in Mid-Beach. Soho House is a private members' club with rooms opened to public to book. The hotel is impeccably designed as the club is catered for the creative industry. Furthest from all tourist sites, but you do get to hang out with some pretty cool people by the Pool(s). It also has its own private beach.
Restaurants
I will only be outlining the restaurants in Miami Beach in this section. Miami is a big place so for more site specific venues I will be mentioning them in the Attractions section along with the points of interest.
Pizza Rustica
No matter you are looking for a causal meal during the day or a late night snack, this locals approved gourmet pizza joint will not disappoint. There are a few locations dotted around Miami and the one I went to on Washington Ave closes at 3:00am.
Mama Joon
This relax eatery serves up some interesting Mediterranean fusion flairs and its located in the Life House Hotel. The food was delicious but it is a bit out the way.
Joe's Stone Crab
This place is an institution for seafood lovers. They serve the crab leg in a set weight and the options are just really the size of the individual claws. Don't worry about how to order as the seasoned waiters will know how to look after you. This is not a formal place but I would suggest you to dress up so you don't look too out of place. They have a takeaway section as well but its the same price as eating in so you may as well enjoy the service (beware of tips if eating in). Also head there around 6:30pm latest if you don't want to wait a long line. If you are not hungry yet you can always drop you name down first and have a drink at their bar or the garden.
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
I like me some fried chicken so there is no way I will not try some Fried Chicken and Waffles whilst I'm in the US of A. This place has one of the highest ratings so here I am. This restaurant is a little tuck away from the touristy area, so you can tell the crowd here definitely expects higher standards from this establishment. I cannot tell if this is the best in town but it was pretty damn good. I would strongly recommend you to pair it with their signature Old Fashioned made with their home smoked bacon bourbon.
Puerto Sagua
This is a rustic cuban diner favoured by the locals and tourist alike. Opened in 1962 it continues to serves no frills comfort-food staples. I cannot tell you if their menu was authentic or not but I am certainly happy to have this as my last meal in Miami.
11th Street Diner
Retro diner housed in a railroad-style car with all-day breakfast & American eats. Opens 24/7 hours & has a bar.
Time Out Market Miami
Miami’s destination for eating and drinking, featuring the city’s top chefs, most-talked-about restaurants and the buzziest bars—plus the latest in arts and culture all huddled together under one roof. I have tried Wabi Sabi and Pho Mo. Pho Mo I'm not going to bother as it lacks everything a pho should have. However I was pleasantly surprised by the delicacy of the seemly ordinary Sashimi Bowl at Wabi Saibi. Each component from the bowl was prepared separately with their distinct added flavours and you really can really appreciate the thoughts Chef Shuji put into it.
Green Green Miami Juice Bar
A great little breakfast hangout to people watch towards the south end of Washington Avenue.
Attractions
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls and its surrounding is a newly developed art neighbourhood. Expect hipster shops and interesting, yet commercial, art pieces. It is a nice place to spend a few hours before or after lunch. If you want a proper seat down venue I would suggest the Wynwood Diner and Cocktails which is just across the street of the Walls entrance. Food is decent but nothing to scream about. However if you are looking for allegedly one of the best taco places in town you can head to Coyo Taco. Try it and be the judge for yourself!
Little Havana
I'm glad I made the effort to come here but I do feel this is more of a tourist trap than an authentic cuban experience. Full of 'cuban' restaurants and cigar shops this could be a nice place for souvenir. If you are looking for a decent snack you can head to Sanguich de Miami a few blocks away for their famous milkshake and sandwiches.
South Beach
South Beach is really where most of the tourist attractions are. The Art Deco Historic District is a display of iconic architectures. During the day you can really see the details in all its glory, but against the neon light during the evening it gives off a totally different vibe. Espanola Way is a short pedestrian street filled with al fresco dining restaurants. I personally don't think you should eat here.
Miami Beach
It's a long beach.
Design District
Miami main land is a relatively newly developed area. Design District is one of them. To be honest I was hoping to find more local design talents but it turns out to be just your standard designer fashion shops. If you are here though go and try the alcoholic ice cream at Aubi & Ramsa. Each of their ice cream is made with premium liquor.
LGBT Nightlife and Social
I did come to Miami with an LGBT crowd so I'm afraid these are the only places we went to.
Palace
Palace has monthly drag brunch which seems fun but to be honest the drag quality is not that great. Whether you like drag or not thought you should visit their roof top bar which has a nice view of the beach.
Gathering Bar
Gathering is a bar/hotel/sauna. It has a very mixed crowd and everyone is friendly. If you like commercial music this is the place to be.
Twist
This is the main gay bar/club in Miami. It has various rooms with different music and go go dancers. Again bring small notes for tips.
Floppy Rooster
An inclusive adult entertainment venue with male exotic dancers and private shows. It's not as seedy as people think.
Surroundings
Royal Caribbean Cruise
If going on a cruise is your thing Miami maybe a good starting point as any many of the cruise operators departs from Miami for the Caribbean islands. My personal journey was from Miami - Labadee (Haiti) - San Jose (Costa Rica) - Sint Maarten - Maimi. There is not a lot to see in Labadee as it is just a privately own beach resort by Royal Caribbean. San Jose is an interesting place with many iconic landmarks. If you have a chance I think it is worth spending some time to explore areas outside San Jose. It rained badly in Sint Maarten when we were there so I can only recommend Holland House if you want some decent food and a nice lounge to relax.
Everglades Safari Park
I don't think I can say I visited Florida without seeing the crocs. There are plenty of tours that takes you to the Everglades and back and I booked mine via Klook.
Key West
Key West is made up of a series of outlaying islands to the south of Miami. The drive is beautiful but as the journey takes 4 hours each way it is not really worth it if you don't stay over night. I was not able to stay this time so this is all I have for this area.
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