Clued In Miami – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to South Beach

 

Grab the 2023 ebook soon!

SPACE

In focus: CVI.CHE 105 Restaurant – June 2023

   South Beach Miami has its very own ‘Ceviche’ 105 restaurant and you need to know about it.  We are usually not a fan of restaurants with several locations, especially ones with color images of their food printed on the menu!  Yuck.  That means this one breaks all of our rules and yet we love it.  This lively award-winning restaurant by chef-owner, Juan Chipoco is located on the famous Lincoln Road and serves up the freshest Peruvian food imaginable. The flavors here are vibrant and seafood is the star of it all. Having said that, we have to give their Lomo Saltado (beef) dish a firm recommendation.  If you’re heading to Miami Beach, or to Downtown Miami, snag a reservation and enjoy.

 

 

The Perk Report – March 2023

   Our readers know that we include a concise but helpful segment in most of our travel books called The Perk Report.  Here is an excerpt from our Clued In Miami which has an especially unique one…

Cuban coffee is a local obsession here because it’s amazing. Whether you visit an authentic coffee counter (found mostly in downtown Miami) or one of the great SoBe spots listed in Clued In Miami, you’ll want to learn the terminology below. Most Cuban coffees cost a dollar or two.  Whether it’s served with a “pastelito” or not is entirely up to you. Try the guava cream cheese one and enjoy!

Cafecito:  A tiny shot of decadent, super strong, super sweet Cuban coffee

Cortadito:  Sweet Cuban espresso with a shot of steamed milk

Café con leche:  Similar to a creamy latte but sweetened in the Cuban way

Espumita: The brownish foam on top of Cuban coffee. (This foam comes from natural brown sugar that is whipped into strong espresso coffee syrup right before pouring the rest of the coffee into the cup.)

Note:  In South Beach you’ll definitely find the green mermaid type coffee that you frequent at home, so don’t fret if you suddenly need a frap. There are at least six locations to choose from.

 

 

Important update – February 2023

   One of our top recommendations for casual dining in Miami Beach was the relatively new Time Out Market where diners could get a Cajun/Vietnamese pho and a chocolate donut without changing tables. Sadly, the place has really lowered its culinary standards. The sweet stuff seems to be okay, but the various savory foods being made are now bland and unexciting. We have removed Time Out Market from our Clued In Miami beginning with books purchased after February 18, 2023.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

 

In focus: The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) – February 2023

  What better place to take your sweetie on Valentine’s Day than the Museum of Erotic Art in Miami’s South Beach! You didn’t know there was such a thing just steps from those warm ocean waves?  Well there is and it’s great. We would even call it romantic.  This place is not a museum of sex; it is an art museum with an emphasis on their sophisticated, well-curated collection of art that just happens to be erotic. Okay -whether that makes sense or not is not important… just go and see it for yourself and than enjoy a delicious meal somewhere. That’s how to celebrate Valentine’s Day!  The WEAM is conveniently located at 1205 Washington Avenue near 12th Street, Miami Beach. 

 

Pastry obsession solved – South Beach – January 2023

   There’s nothing that can fill a cold, empty feeling in the tummy like pastry… really good pastry.  It’s true that our local obsession with it switches around depending on the season, but right now it lies firmly with Rosetta Bakery at 1666 Collins Avenue near 16th Street. This luscious “Italian bakeshop” will quite simply make your morning better.  Try one of their giant lattes paired with a flaky,  custard-filled croissant. Or opt for one of their divine, freshly baked mini-quiches. Yeah, we know it sounds more French than Italian but the fact is they have a huge assortment of goodies and we think you should try them all.  Their focaccia is top notch and worthy of mention.  For convenience, there are at least three locations in South Beach alone.  Open daily from 7:30am.

 

The truth about Christmas Day in Miami Beach – December 2022

   If you had the good taste to choose Miami Beach for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Sunday, December 25 when some of the usual sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day.  Fortunately for today’s winter visitors, Miami Beach does not shut down the way European destinations do.  In fact, you may not notice any difference at all especially if you are beach bound.  And with Miami’s average ocean water temperature hovering around a balmy 77°F, it’s definitely the place to be.  Our best advice to travelers is to be aware that some services like e-surfboarding and organized party cruises will not be offered on December 25 but as far as dining goes, you should be fine,  While most of the Sunday Brunches will be on hiatus, the evening hours will see those same restaurants opening up.  Some are offering table reservations so book as soon as you can and have a very Merry Christmas!

 

In Focus: Where to brunch in South Beach – November 2022

    The gorgeous weather in Miami Beach this time of year almost demands you spend a few leisurely hours with loved ones over a tasty weekend brunch. In this town there are literally hundreds to choose from but many tend to be overpriced. For this reason, we turn to one of our favorites near Lincoln Road, Yardbird.  Its modern Southern cuisine never fails to satisfy and we love it more every time we go.  Be sure to make a reservation or you’ll have to wait a long time for a table. They serve brunch on both Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.  Order a dish that comes with their homemade biscuits because they’re out of this world!

 

Enjoy a fall visit to the Vizcaya Mansion– October 2022

   Ah, there’s nothing like a visit to the beautiful Vizcaya estate, and October is the perfect month to enjoy both its fine interiors and incredible gardens. The historic mansion and grounds are located right on the water in Coconut Grove, Miami, which is a thirty-five minute drive from South Beach.  If there’s one sight that’s really really worth leaving South Beach for, this is it!  Details can be found in our book, Clued In Miami.  We think you’ll love it.

 

Important update – September 2022

   One of our top recommendations in our Clued In Miami book, Breeze Helicopter Tours, has permanently left Miami and now operates only in Chicago!  Fortunately, TourHelicopter.com has even more fun options and has been operating in the skies over Miami Beach for years. Readers with an edition of Clued In Miami previous to September 2022 should take note.  For everyone else, the change has already been updated in the newest edition just published on amazon.com. Also note that our included restaurant Como Como (featured in our 2022 edition) is temporarily closed but should reopen soon.

 

Attend a fun workshop while you’re on vacation – September 2022

   You might not have considered booking a class while you’re away from your daily grind but it can provide the perfect diversion from the beach. We’ve found that a special learning experience always becomes a cherished travel memory.  In Miami, that means improving your tennis skills with an incredible tutor.  Professional instructor, Coach Troy Manditch will teach you everything you need to know. Details are in our new Bored in Miami book, but here’s a handy link to his on-court tutoring that’s held at a court that’s convenient to where you’re staying; this will be decided upon when you book the class.  Just contact him through the website above. No matter what your current level, you will leave this instruction a much better player than you were before.

 

Book an e-Surfboarding lesson – August 2022

   Paddleboards can be a little dull and there’s no room for dull during your Miami Beach sojourn. Take things up a notch with the newest craze: e-Surfboarding!  Who needs waves when you have battery power?  Learn how to control turns and speed as you zip around Biscayne Bay all while standing as you go. A trained instructor from Miami Beach Paddleboard will take you through the paces as you learn this new sport. Trust us; they have plenty of experience with beginners.  They offer a seven-day cancellation refund so book it as soon as you know your dates.  It’s super fun!  For more incredible experiences, grab a copy of our new Bored in Miami guide.

 

Where to grab a delicious lunch on the cheap – July 2022

    Any South Beach local will tell you that the most delicious, quick, and inexpensive lunch in town can be found at La Sandwicherie.  It literally seems to be everyone’s favorite specialty sandwich spot. The creative combinations of fresh ingredients is definitely the reason, and the menu choices are seemingly endless. We adore their Frenchie sandwich, layered with Saucisson Sec and Camembert (French dry salami and brie) which can be made on a baguette or croissant and then topped their very own French vinaigrette that’s to die for.  We also get cravings for their vegetarian Tropical sandwich with comes stacked with avocado, mozzarella, and mango. They also offer up some epic salads.  Whether you sit at their outdoor counter, take it all to the beach, or have an order delivered to your hotel room, we know you’ll love their very tasty creations.

 

Grab our newest [fun] guide to Miami!  June 11, 2022

   Our new “companion book” to Clued In Miami is finally here. Get your copy of Bored in Miami– Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor before you wrap up your plans and itinerary for that trip to Florida.  It’ll change the way you think about how you’re going to use your time while you’re here.  We think it’s a must-have, even for first-time visitors.  We offer it in both paperback or eBook and you can grab it here.

 

 

Visit something special that’s probably off your radar – June 2022

   This month, all of our City-Extras  will highlight an awesome local sight that you’ve probably never heard of. (If you have, kudos to you!) In Miami that has to be the World Erotic Art Museum. This fascinating museum in the heart of South Beach is not a museum of sex, as many cities have.  Instead, it exhibits a tastefully curated collection from around the world and is the only one of its kind in the U.S.  Its artworks span a timeframe from 300 BC to the present and will give you an entirely different take on the way humanity views its sexuality. This beautiful museum is really something to see and certainly offers something different to do when you’re tired of the heat and the beach.  Open daily.

 

Rooftop cocktails with a view, still rocking at Watr – May 2022

     Watr is the fabulous rooftop cocktail lounge high above South Beach’s “Hotel One.”  You can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and nibble on Peruvian and Japanese cuisine while sipping a truly great cocktail. This is the gorgeous pool deck by day, which means that if you are not a guest you’ll be admitted only after 6pm.  This is where you should spend an evening.

 

Sharing our new spring advertising campaign.

   Yes, you really do deserve one.  Grab a copy of our Clued In Miami interactive ebook today. It’s easy when you download the free Amazon Kindle app first so that your ebook “knows” where to go. This app enables you to actually read the book, turn the pages, connect to the live links, and even adjust font sizes to your preferences. It’s so fun!  Note: If you already have this app on your smart phone (or have a Kindle device) then you’re all set.

 

Where to dine on Easter Sunday in Miami Beach – April 2022

     Are you planning an Easter sojourn in Miami?  If so, we have an extra special restaurant to send you to!  If you want clean food that’s top quality, cooked over flames, and has tons of flavor, head over to the Casa Faena Hotel.  Inside, Chef Mallmann is serving up exactly what you’ve been craving inside the beautiful red dining room of Los Fuegos. You simply can’t order wrong here because everything is amazing. Go for Sunday brunch or for dinner and make your Easter holiday very memorable.  Reservations are being taken now.  

   Born from a passion for the ancient art of South American live-fire cooking, Argentine grill-master Francis Mallmann creates a contemporary asado experience with an open-fire kitchen, local ingredients and a gaucho’s touch to transform traditional rustic recipes into sophisticated, savory dishes.

 

Charter a private yacht – February 2022

    To truly enjoy Miami’s South Beach, you need to stop gazing at the water and go boating instead. What? You don’t have a yacht? No problem. The Miami Yachting Company has plenty of them as well as captains to hire.  They’ll take care of everything including any onboard catering you might desire.  We can’t think of anything more pleasant. Go ahead, live like a millionaire for a day… this is your vacation!

 

Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime  – January 2022

    You might not think so right now, but travel will be returning in a big way and those who plan now will reap the benefits. As the pandemic fades, try to be one of the first to make a trip to Miami Beach and enjoy it in a blissfully uncrowded way. Try making a detailed yet fluid itinerary without precise dates. Pencil in the days of the week only, noting which of your preferred sights are closed on Sundays or Mondays, etc. This will give you a basic framework on which to build your dream journey.  

     The more you can plan beforehand, the better it will be. At Clued In Travel Books we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Dinner reservations are especially likely to fill up if not made in advance. As for the best sights, well, these must be booked ahead (due to the requirements of contactless service.) And with absolutely everyone now booking ahead, these too are more likely to sell out.

    Travelers visiting our particular website probably understand this so we won’t beat a dead horse. If you are the type of traveler who likes to go somewhere with no plans or reservations in order to just see where fate takes you, we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”

    So, grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a city you knew nothing about is suddenly as familiar as can be.  It’s almost magical.  

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

    The folks here at Clued In Travel Books wish you and yours a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with lots of love and lots of food. If you avoid conversations about religion, politics, and mask mandates you’ll be just fine! Let’s hope we get back to some normalcy in 2022, especially in regard to travel. It’s what we live for.

All the best to all of you, Dean & Andie

 

Our brand new edition for 2022 is on Amazon now! – December 2021

    Some things have changed in Florida, but much has stayed the same.  We think it’s actually better than ever and are very happy to announce our brand new version of Clued In Miami for 2022. Use the link above to see its dedicated product page because it’s super-fun and has some new surprises.  Let’s just call it the best one  we’ve ever written!

 

Fall for Miami Beach / November 2021

   It’s that magical time of year, when Miami goes into its high season and becomes the perfect “summer experience” for the rest of the world. This is when you want to go there. Swim and splash in the warm ocean waves, enjoy a Mojito, and forget that the past year and a half ever happened. Miami is about reviving your spirit, and allowing visitors to kick up their heels for a change. Go ahead, rent that paddleboard or book a scuba lesson. You know you want to. 

If relaxing is not enough for you there’s always the Night-Garden Magical Light Spectacular at the Botanical Gardens, tons of shows and concerts, world-class spas, and award-winning nightclubs. And the stone crabs are back at Joe’s. Grab our fall edition of Clued In Miami and you’ll be all set.

 

Summer Happenings / July 2021

   It’s not everyday that Miami Beach gets a new restaurant, especially one the caliber of Como Como. This hot, new, sexy Mexican seafood restaurant is definitely worth your time and wallet. Tucked inside the Moxy South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue near Ninth Street, this one will give you and your loved ones lasting memories. Wow!  Try their amazing Mayan heritage preparation of a whole branzino fish cooked in banana leaves with orange, habanero, and achiote and then unwrapped at your table. Other menu delights can be found at their website here. S 

 

Where to have breakfast when you don’t like the offerings at your hotel – June 2021

    C’mon, you’re in Miami.  You have to have a Cuban breakfast, right? Of course right. Lucky for you there are several locations of Havana 1957, one right on the centrally-located Lincoln Road, and one on famous Española Way. There you can savor Cuban flavors as they meld with your breakfast favs. For a smaller, lighter breakfast that focuses more on the coffee, check out the Cuban hole-in-the-wall called Playa Café  (no website) at 1515 Washington Avenue.

S 

We’re back!  May 2021

    Clued In cities all over the place are beginning to come back to life. Because of all the recent positive changes, we have just updated our travel books to be current for summer 2021. We will continue to update them as things change further.  In anticipation of future travel, we welcome you back to Miami’s South Beach and to the world!

 

Taxi Clues for Miami Beach – March 2020 

     Since some travelers are looking to avoid crowds and mass transit this spring, we’re providing at-a-glace info regarding official taxi cabs in Miami. While certainly not as inexpensive, a taxi will make you feel more confident and get you where you’re going in style. And if your party is more than a single rider, it can be a great value.  We always budget it in, and also like San Francisco’s Lyft services. 

• Official city cabs are yellow. Never accept a ride from an unauthorized driver.
• Metered fare is $4.50 for the first 1/6 mile and $.40 each additional 1/6 mile.
• There is no fixed rate between the MIA Airport and the city center so expect to pay the metered fare plus a $2.00 “airport origination fee.”
• If you’re on the street trying to hail one yourself and persevere, one will eventually come. An easier way is to just hire one…  
• You can also have your concierge or bellman call one for you, or before you pay your dinner check, have the host or maître d’ call one.
• Call one yourself from your cell phone (Try one of these reliable SoBe companies, open 24/7, at telephone number 305-444-4444 or 305-999-9990)
• Go where taxis go…stroll to the nearest hotel or hotspot and wait your turn in their active taxi line.
• Tips are expected but do not need to be more than a dollar or two unless your driver is lifting your luggage in and out of the trunk.  
• Uber and Lyft are currently in use in Miami and Miami Beach!

 

Our Miami NTK – February 2020

     Every so often, we like to add a Need-to-Know for our favorite cities. With a new year and new decade upon us, it’s time to mention -and celebrate- a real crack-down by city officials on several dining scams that have plagued Miami Beach for a long time. This will make visits there better than ever!

     What were the scams? Well, first of all there was the surprising practice of adding a 20% tip onto the bill unbeknownst to the often tipsy patron who then would leave a second tip on the table. While common enough in Europe, Miami was the only US city where we’ve seen this practice and warned about it in our Clued In Miami. Now, restaurants trying to sneak this in will face a fine as well as temporary closure for multiple offences.  Other scams that have been curtailed were ones where hawkers in front of restaurants, especially along Ocean Drive, would tout a special cocktail or plate to get the customer in without telling them that the drink is $50 a person or that the “special” dish is $110. The hawkers should all be gone now, and the prices for everything must be transparent. Even so, it never hurts to ask the price when ordering so don’t be too proud to do so. This is a good practice in any  city.

 

Finding that perfect spa – January 2020

     Readers of our Clued In Miami will know that our top spa recommendation in South Beach is at the Standard Hotel, but there are a multitude of great spas to choose from in the area.  Whether you’re feeling the winter onslaught of dry skin or just want to have a really good massage, one of these will certainly fit the bill…   

The Spa at The Miami Beach Edition is an elegant place to relax and unwind. Their draped, candlelit room will astound you with its dramatic effect and their grapes and jasmine body treatment will make you feel like a new person.

The Acqualina Spa by ESPA features the style of a Mediterranean villa. Their gorgeous spa pool has a Roman fountain, and you’ll marvel at their detoxifying body wrap. Located about ten miles north of South Beach, this one is definitely worth the short drive.

And our favorite, The Standard Spa remains one of the best. Their Turkish hammam, special mud baths, and extensive variety of treatments will make you feel as if you never want to leave.

 

Where to enjoy an amazing holiday dinner – December 2019

     We love having a meal with a festive menu at holiday time, and in Miami Beach that means Le Sirenuse at the Surf Club hotel. As an official offshoot of their famous location in Positano, you can come here expecting the best in fresh Italian cuisine. Their special  four-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix fix menus offer something for everyone in your party including Lobster with cucumber and lime, Truffle risotto, Rosemary-smoked filet mignon, and mandarin orange seven layer cake. Their website doesn’t allow you to make reservations on these days so just give them a call at (786) 482-2280. 

 

Visit an underwater necropolis – October 2019

   Our recommendations for Miami Beach in autumn would normally include the annual re-opening of Joe’s Stone Crabs or music events, but our new series of “Bored In” travel books have inspired us to go in a stranger direction this year. Below is one of the unusual things you can do that will be included in the upcoming Bored in Miami–Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor:

If you love to scuba dive, don’t miss Key Biscayne’s underwater necropolis of paved roads, Romanesque columns, and carved lions. Based on the Lost City of Atlantis, the Neptune Memorial Reef will astound you. This man-made structure forty feet beneath the surface of the ocean is a memorial and final resting place for famous divers. Any experienced diver can visit the site for free, but you’ll need a boat and gear to get there. You can arrange transport with these dive operators.

 

Fall Fun in South Beach – September 2019

     As the weather cools (a bit) and October nears, it’s time to start thinking about which Miami events you can time with your own travel schedule.  Miami Beach goes into full swing at the end of September and continues partying through the spring. There’s so much going on between now and April that it’s mind boggling.  If you intend to be there in October, don’t miss the fabulous South Beach Seafood Festival. It’s a huge, week-long event on Ocean Drive that culminates on October 26th.   Lobster, stone crabs, shrimps, crayfish and more await you! 

 

In focus: South Beach’s newest darling – July 2019

     You’ve heard of Time Out Magazine but what about Time Out Market? From the folks who give tons of advice about food and drink, this giant new food hall seems like someone decided to put their money where their mouth was, or vice-versa. Located on Drexel Avenue in the center of all the South Beach action, this 18,000 square foot behemoth is not what we would call a market. It’s a food Mecca of sorts, and a very tasty social experiment. Inside are eighteen eateries, many of which are the creations of notable chefs or food artisans, and the three cocktail bars mean you’ll never be lonely. From fresh oysters to fried alligator, and smoked meats to Cuban-style ice cream, it’ll make you glad to be alive.  There’s so much to it that we hardly know what to say, except that you should definitely go there with a good appetite. 

 

Where to enjoy a picnic in South Beach – June 2019

       As National Picnic Month (July) approaches, people all over will pack up delicious goodies and head to a favorite park. This happens year ’round in shining Miami Beach but is usually on that wide expanse where the white sand meets the sea. So where to go when you want to picnic and not get sandy? Where to enjoy a lunch or sunset meal when you’re not in your beachwear? In South Beach that’s an easy question to answer: head to Lummus Park. You didn’t know that the grassy, palm tree dotted park along Ocean Drive actually had a name? Yep. And it’s just close enough to the ocean to let you know you’re in Miami. We like to pick up a few of our favorites at the truly amazing La Sandwicherie located at 229 14th Street.  The place is like a picnic waiting to happen! From there you’ll be in the park within three minutes.  Remember, alcohol is not allowed at Florida’s beaches and parks so take care.

 

The Air & Sea Show, Miami Beach – 2019

     South Beach will again showcase the US Military and first responders over the entire  weekend of Memorial Day with a series of spectacular events like powerboat racing demonstrations, fly-overs, extreme water sports, interactive recruiting exhibits, an Action Zone, a Kid Zone and more, all on or near the beach. Visit their official website for more information.

 

ace

In Focus:  Bodega Nightclub – March 2019

          This month we’re featuring local sights that are lesser-known but which are a must-see in our very opinionated view.  In Miami Beach, that means a hidden nightclub, speakeasy-style.  Haul on over to the Bodega Taco stand in South Beach and after a taco or two (they’re really good) walk through their blue porta-potty door and enter a hidden nightclub that rocks cocktails and tunes until 4am.  You can’t get more secret than that.  Location and details are listed in our Clued In Miami.  Cheers!

 

Update – February 2019

     There’s nothing like a winter party when the temperature is 75 degrees outside, so if you’re gay or just want to party with them check out the annual Winter Party Festival being held this year in South Beach from February 27 through March 5th. This huge event features special cocktail parties, brunches, unique entertainment, nightclub soirees, and pool and beach parties. Some events require a ticket which can be booked ahead at this website:  Winter Party South Beach

 

In Focus: Where to shop the sales – January 2019

      Like many cities across the U.S., Miami Beach puts its best designer items on sale after the holidays and begins presenting its spring collections. If you’re visiting Miami in January and have the urge to do some shopping (or just want to come home with one really special item) now is the time.  The most famous shopping area in South Beach is the Lincoln Road Mall, a long pedestrian-only street flanked on both sides by shops and restaurants. It’s perfect, especially if you didn’t feel like going farther afield to Bal Harbour or to the new Miami Design District.  Lincoln Road offers up the island’s most varied boutiques, as well as several larger stores. For those who are unfamiliar with South Beach, this means that its best shopping can be found near its main stretch of sandy beach. This type of information may be helpful to know even if you don’t plan on hitting the boutiques… being aware of it tells you precisely where a city’s most desirable area is located.  That’s often where you’ll also find some of the best hotels, and some top-notch restaurants too.

 

In Focus: New Year’s Eve in Miami Beach – December 2018

     Are you going to Miami Beach for New Year’s Eve?  Be sure to make dinner reservations now because the best restaurants will fill up quickly. We love being somewhere on New Year’s that’s actually warm, where you can dress like you’re ready to party rather than like you’re going on an arctic exploration.  Miami Beach gives us this, and is more welcoming than ever during this time of year.  As usual, the city will feature its free, annual fireworks display at midnight, best seen from one of the many fabulous rooftop bar parties in South Beach, or more casually from a spot on the sand near the beach entrance at 9th Street.  The beachfront hotels will be in full party mode too, giving those choosing the beach a handy place to continue their celebration!

 

Update: Autumn in Miami Beach – November 2018

      If you simply must escape the cold for some perfect 80 degree weather, head down to Miami Beach for an autumn vacation. There’s so much going on that it may be hard to decide what to do- when you’re not suntanning, of course. Grab tickets for a special rosé wine tasting, learn how to make your own chocolate truffles, or increase your appreciation of art at the Scope exhibition on Ocean Drive, or at the Basel House Mural Festival. Before you go we hope you’ll grab a copy of Clued In Miami.  It has info not found in other guides which is exactly why it stands apart from the rest! 

 

Update – October 2018

     Planning a spa weekend with friends? Check out the gorgeous, holistic Bamford Haybarn Spa located at the 1 Hotel in South Beach.  The Bamford Haybarn has proven itself to be one of the top spas in town and will be featured in our next edition. In the meantime, check out their website or call 305.604.6792 and be sure to book early. You will be renewed in body and spirit!

 

September 2018 Event Announcement – SEINFELD LIVE

    A Jerry Seinfeld comedy event is being held on Friday, September 21st at 7pm.  Jerry will present his unique point of view to a large audience inside the Ziff Opera House which is just a quick taxi ride from South Beach. Check it out the Arsht Performance Center’s website here.

 

In Focus: The Hotel National, Miami Beach – July 2018

     This summer we’re featuring some of our favorite hotels and in Miami that means The National.  This art deco original from the 1940’s sits along the famous stretch of vintage hotels on Collins Avenue and is right on the beach. Boasting a kind of casual elegance, it has everything a South Beach hotel should have. Cabanas, a gorgeous pool, an entertainment lounge, and full concierge services will all help keep the fun going day and night. Their central location alone is worth the very affordable prices. Visit the website above for exclusive deals! 

 

In Focus: Miami’s Rooftop bars, the place to be in March

     Miami weather in March is usually glorious and what better way to enjoy it than on a rooftop.  Three in South Beach and one in Miami have caught our eye and we are excited to bring them to our ardent readers. The first is Juvia (featured in our Clued In Miami eBook) which boasts fabulous nighttime views over Lincoln Road. It’s a comfortable place, with overstuffed sofas and a full dining menu as well as great cocktails. The next is atop the Gale South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue, and while it is only four stories high (a fashionable height in the 1940’s when it was built) its renovation includes an infinity pool, a 5,000 sq ft deck, and full circle views of the area. Another in South Beach worth trying is Ocho where tacos, guac, and margaritas are the stars. A private club, you will have to be a guest of Soho Beach House to get in (unless you have a friend who is a member!)  We also love Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita which is a bit farther afield in the Brickell area.  Its lively weekend dance parties a la rooftop should not be missed! 

 

 

Your Miami NTK – October 2017

     Ah fall! The leaves turn gold in New England, the swallows return to Capistrano, and the stone crabs return to Joe’s  in Miami Beach. October is the true, seasonal awakening of South Beach, when the sweltering temperatures are gone and the more faithful, regular visitors swarm in. It’s Miami getting back to business, as it were. Why miss out on all the fun this amazing place has to offer? Book a spa day at The Standard, or plan a 1930’s style cocktail night at The Regent Bar.  If you plan on being there November 2, don’t miss the Burgerliscious Festival!  And that’s your October Need-To-Know.

 

 

In Focus:  How to jet ski/ August 2017      

      As Miami gets pumped for its upcoming busy season we thought some tips on making your Jet Ski experience the best it can be were in order…

The first thing you need to know is that’s it’s easy, and so fun that you’ll wonder why you never tried it before. (If you are one of the lucky ones who have tried it before, good for you.) You are not going to fall off and even if you did it’s no problem because the machine stops immediately when you do. We try to go as fast as we can, full throttle, in a straightaway to avoid leaning into a sharp turn. While both the ocean side and the Biscayne Bay side of  Miami Beach offer safe, fun, water-scooter experiences, the ocean will definitely give you more thrills because of the waves. Come ready to go; a bag that can hold all the things you want to leave ashore is a good idea (the rental folks will keep it safe for you) and be sure to leave on a tee shirt unless you want those water-reflected rays on your skin for 30 minutes straight. A life-vest then goes on to make this one of the safest things you ever did.

The most important tip we can give you however is to wear goggles. Buy some cheap ones, bring some along along your trip, steal them from your children– whatever. It will make ALL the difference in your experience. Why? When on a water-scooter the spray hits you in the face which is not a problem until the salt starts to get to you. Then you suddenly find yourself trying to skim over the Atlantic Ocean with one eye closed and the other stinging. Avoid this, wear goggles!

You can rent water-scooters right on the beach with Boucher Brothers Rentals. 

ace

 

Update: Summer in Miami Beach/ June 2017

    As South Beach heats up, its crowds definitely lessen. That’s your reward for braving the summer weather which can include tropical storms and the like. Enjoy the off-season while you can, because millions of visitors will descend around the same time that the stone crabs return to  Joe’s  –sometime in October.

 

Update: New info/ May 2017

  Miami visitors have a treat in store. Beginning May 8, 2017, the much touted and highly anticipated Museum of Science will open in a four-acre Museum Park. New state-of-the-art buildings will include both a Planetarium and an Aquarium. There will be interactive exhibits, an urban farm, and a Lunar Terrace boasting a telescope.

Just across from South Beach on Biscayne Bay, it’s the perfect excuse to take a water taxi! For museum details, click here.

 

In Focus: Gay Pride in Miami/ April 2017

     Springtime in Miami’s South Beach brings the festive and colorful Gay Pride Festival. This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshall will be TV comedian Ross Mathews, and the three day event will run from April 7 to April 9.  Most of the festivities can be found on Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th Streets.

 

Update: Halloween/ October 2016

      Miami’s fortunate near-miss of Hurricane Hermine means good times for South Beach. The beaches, hotels, and restaurants are busy getting ready for the autumn season, always with a fresh sense of excitement this time of year. You had better start working on your Halloween costume…the fabulous South Beach Halloween parade will be here in a snap. No time? That’s okay…the Miami Twice Modern & Vintage Boutique will set you and your loved one up with the perfect get-up.

 

Update: Summer 2016 

      Miami’s South Beach takes a nod from Europe and closes many of its restaurants for an August vacation. Don’t get us wrong; you will never starve in Miami. But you might want to double check on those opening hours before getting your taste buds up. (The stone crabs at Joe’s are already on hiatus until mid October.)

 

 Update: Fall 2016

 

      The fall and winter months are when Florida shines. Everything there is in full swing and plenty of folks from the northeastern US will head south in search of warmth and sunshine. That means you need to get working on those hotel and restaurant reservations! Early planning using our Clued In Miami e-guide will give you a distinct advantage.