Richard checks in to one of the worlds hottest destinations for a rip roaring whistle stop 2 day stay.
Day 1: Sun, Sand, and Skyline
9:00 AM – Arrival and Check-In Touchdown in Miami, a city synonymous with sun, sand, and an alarming number of people who look like they belong on magazine covers. I check into a boutique hotel in South Beach, where the decor screams “art deco chic” and the staff are unnervingly enthusiastic.
10:00 AM – South Beach Stroll I kick off my Miami adventure with a stroll down South Beach. The sand is pristine, the water is turquoise, and the people-watching is unparalleled. I quickly learn that my British complexion is no match for the Miami sun and seek refuge under a strategically placed palm tree.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab For lunch, I indulge at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution. The stone crabs are a delightful mess, and the key lime pie is a revelation. I leave the restaurant feeling full and slightly sticky, but wholly satisfied.
2:00 PM – Art Deco Historic District Next, I explore the Art Deco Historic District, a visual feast of pastel-colored buildings and vintage cars. I opt for a self-guided wander, armed with an audio guide app and my questionable sense of direction. The architecture is stunning, and I feel as though I’ve stepped into a very stylish time machine.
4:00 PM – Wynwood Walls A quick drive takes me to Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum of street art and murals. The creativity and vibrancy are astounding, and I spend a good hour pretending to understand the deeper meanings behind the graffiti.
6:00 PM – Biscayne Bay Boat Tour I hop on a boat tour of Biscayne Bay, offering stunning views of the Miami skyline and celebrity mansions. The guide points out homes of the rich and famous, and I make a mental note of which ones I’ll buy when I inevitably win the lottery.
8:00 PM – Dinner at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Dinner is at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, where I sample their famous fried chicken and biscuits. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I leave feeling like I’ve consumed enough calories to sustain a small village.
Day 2: Culture and Cuisine
9:00 AM – Little Havana The next morning, I head to Little Havana, exploring Calle Ocho. The street is alive with the sounds of Cuban music and the scent of cigars. I stop by Ball & Chain, a historic bar with live salsa music, and even try my hand (or rather, feet) at dancing. It’s not pretty, but it’s fun.
11:00 AM – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Next, I visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a stunning estate with beautiful gardens and an impressive collection of art and antiques. It’s a bit like stepping into a European palace, minus the jet lag.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Versailles For lunch, I dine at Versailles in Little Havana, a Cuban restaurant famed for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. I order the classic ropa vieja and enjoy a mojito or three. The lively chatter and music make me feel like I’ve been transported to Havana itself.
3:00 PM – Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Post-lunch, I head to the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The modern art exhibits are both baffling and intriguing, and I pretend to appreciate them while secretly wondering if I could create something similar with a bit of glue and glitter.
5:00 PM – Crandon Park I spend the late afternoon at Crandon Park. The beach here is less crowded than South Beach, and the water is perfect for a leisurely swim. I rent a kayak and paddle around, feeling adventurous yet sufficiently safe.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Prime 112 For my final meal, I head to Prime 112, a high-end steakhouse in South Beach. The steak is cooked to perfection, and the ambiance is suitably glamorous. I half-expect to see a celebrity or two, but instead, I settle for eavesdropping on the fascinatingly mundane conversations of the rich.
10:00 PM – Departure As my whirlwind 48 hours in Miami come to a close, I reluctantly head back to the airport. It’s been a trip filled with architectural wonders, culinary delights, and cultural enrichment, all underscored by a persistent sense of bewilderment. As I board my flight, I can’t help but marvel at the city’s charm and contemplate a return visit
