My first trip to #SouthBeach was fantastic, and it was Hot.
We arrived with a non-stop flight from Pittsburgh to Miami, as soon as we landed, we could feel the heat and it took our breath away (this was in September too!). We took a car service to our boutique hotel, The Betsy. I recommend this hotel to everyone. It is a beautiful hotel built in 1942, and has the beautiful Lummus Park across the street, right on Ocean Drive with no hotels blocking your view.
We arrived early, so we checked-in, dropped our bags at the front desk since the rooms weren’t ready, got a coffee at Starbucks, and went for a stroll around the area. Already the beach bums were out. The park was full of people laying down, reading a book, playing with dogs, and the beach was getting filled up. We took a walk over to Washington Ave, grabbed some liquor and water for personal use, and got an early lunch- a Cuban. I am still craving another one now. It was delicious. A Must eat in Miami.
We headed back to the hotel, walked inside, got a view of the 2 pools, the Library, peeked into The Alley (a modern trattoria), went into our room, changed, and headed to the beach.
Since we were guests of The Betsy, we had an area of the beach for us, along with towels supplied and chairs. We opted not to get an umbrella since we wanted to enjoy the sun. This was a mistake! The combination of all sun, no clouds, high heat, and bath seawater was almost unbearable. I spent a lot of time in the water, and I love the sun. Will Smith was right; Miami heat is real.
Overall the beach at South Beach was great. People of all ages, lots of butts, every now and then jet skis would go by, club promotors would walk and scout out for partiers, all while the same aerial advertising was going on.
The beach eventually got too hot, and shade was needed, so we went to the rooftop pool at The Betsy. We grabbed a drink, a much-needed umbrella, and hung out. At the top of our pool, you could view the ocean, and see the main port for all of the cruise lines and ships coming in and out. This also started the first of many Miami Vices. Now in Miami, there is an extra shot you receive in your Miami Vice, either pour it in the drink or take it on its own. You will be dancing in no time.
We did the same thing the next day, but took some time during the short daily rain shower and walked to Lincoln road for some shopping, this was all after we work up for Yoga on the Skyline deck (inclusive with your stay), FYI they do offer a Peloton spin class as well, but we had stayed prior to Pelotons coming out.
For dinner, we walked to #YardBird. This place was delicious (we also went to their location in Vegas, and was just as good!). Yes, we walked, but the cute outfit drenched in sweat I had on was worth if when we got there. The bartenders were fantastic and kept the bourbon flowing. The food was mouthwatering. We got the chicken pot pie. Yes, it was very strange eating it with 100-degree Fahrenheit temps. BUT it was so good. Again, still craving it to this day. The next night for dinner we went to Beachcraft (big fan of Tom Colicchio here). I was underwhelmed, the food was OK, we were just not in the mood for that kind of dining atmosphere and experience. I’m still a fan of Tom though, no hard feelings.
Each night after dinner we headed out. We went to the bars along the main strip and Ocean Drive. Everything was open to the outdoors and full of life, music, and drinks. The Clevelander is a popular spot and a must go to, along with a little spot called Wilde on the Porch, but you really can’t make a wrong choice, even if you wanted to people-watch at 2 am.
Final thoughts: I can’t wait to go back to Miami, Will Smith must be in your playlist, get that thong bikini (yes men and women of all shapes and sizes), Eat a Cuban, fill up on a Miami Vice, and get the umbrella.
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