[Travel Advice] South Beach Miami

Chilling and feeling baller in South Beach Miami

May 15, 2026

Random Observation/Comment #934: I definitely need to travel to Miami again to see some other parts. Let’s go for Art Basel.

//This is uniquely South Beach relaxing (and not the full Miami experience)

Things to pack

Sandals - I think this is the day-to-day footwear along Ocean Drive. It at least saves room for packing socks. I did not see any socks and sandals.
Sunglasses - This is a must. For some reason, I think everyone is secretly people watching behind their sunglasses.
Sunscreen - Absolutely necessary. The sun is so hot and it’s terribly humid. Strong sun all around.
Sleeveless shirts - If you want to fit in and you workout, then you’re probably wearing this. I seriously have never seen so much skin and such a dichotomy of either workout everyday or eats way too many snacks.
Cooler fan - You may not look cool, but technology could be pretty great.

Things to know

South Beach is not Miami - It’s a super touristy area that’s great for spending money on expensive food and walking around the beach. The real culture is downtown and near the arts district.
Miami tends to follow Latin time - This means waking up after 11am, breakfast/lunch, siesta, 10pm dinner, and 1-4am clubs. I could definitely get used to this.
Hotel amenities and pools were really great - As someone who thinks the beach is way too sandy and hot, I really did love the hotel pool and random pineapple drinks.
Expect it to be expensive - I was spending at least $30 per plate and $20 per cocktail.
18-20% tip is included at all restaurants in South Beach area - Some waiters don’t tell you. This is pretty insane because you’re basically spending a bare minimum of $50 per person with a plate and a drink.
Amazing seafood and specialties in Cuban/Mexican - I basically ordered the seafood special at every restaurant and it did not disappoint. I’m really surprised I didn’t get any allergic reactions.
Don’t forget to hydrate - I can add this to any travel advice, but I think it was especially important here because we were spending 5+ hours outside and even in the shade you feel the tiredness that comes from the humidity and sun.

Itinerary

Thursday

Check-in at Marriott Stanton South Beach - Using that extra Bonvoy night!

Chilling at the hotel pool, beach, and having a snack

Meet Dalia - Random Cuban place on Ocean, but it turned out to be extremely delicious. I loved the branzino.

Friday

Who doesn’t love sleeping in? Hotel pool and beach. Ordered the pineapple drink for $35, but wound up using it as a cup for the rest of the day until it got gross.

If you’re staying at the Marriott, the resort fee includes 2 chairs and an umbrella for the beach.

Snacks while playing pool and some vodka in the room.

Dinner at Alma Cubana - This place was absolutely delicious. Lots of hits with the seafood paella and catch of the day, but we definitely over ordered.

Saturday

Art deco tour at 10:30AM - This was a 2 hour tour walking through a few blocks and hearing stories about the different styles of art deco architecture.

Lunch at 11th St Diner - Delicious 3 amigo burrito. The key lime pie didn’t have enough key lime. We liked the cute little diner though.

Espanola Way - If you didn’t eat at the diner, this street has a bunch of awesome restaurants.

Lincoln Mall area walking around to buy new linen clothes from Zara and H&M. Note that H&M was converted from the Lincoln Theater.

Fancy dinner at Matador room - This was the restaurant inside of the Miami EDITION hotel. I didn’t think the taste matched the price, but it still tasted good.

Azabu at the Marriott hotel - There’s always time for another drink!

Bottle service at Club M2 Miami - Dancing until 4AM. It really didn’t get busy until 2AM. I think I’m way too old for this, but the large amounts of vodka did help.

Sunday

Happy Mother’s day!

Motek - Mediterranean lunch with delicious oven made pita. The pastrami was really delicious. I didn’t eat all of it and it quickly became “forbidden pastrami” at midnight.

Chill at the beach and take naps where needed.

Bal Harbour Shops - Fancy shopping with huge koi fish. Damn this place was fancy.

Dinner at Carpaccio - Classic Italian restaurant with great wine and seafood pastas. Obviously I didn’t eat all these dishes, but I did photograph them.

Monday

Wake up late and chill out