Anyone who knows me knows I am a low-key, conservative, traditional person. Anyone who knows Miami knows that the city is exactly the opposite.
At first (okay, still) Miami is very overwhelming. The nightlife, culture, language, traffic, crazy drivers and crowds can make this city seem uninviting. It’s no secret that I don’t love living here, however, I’m glad I had this experience because Miami does have a lot to offer. I ended up making the best of the last 3.5 years by finding activities and places that I enjoyed, despite them not being “typical” Miami activities.
If you ever visit Miami (including Coral Gables, where I live), here are some of my favorite things to do.
Where to EAT + DRINK
JugoFresh tops my list for juices, smoothies, acai bowls and snacks. There are multiple locations across the Miami area so chances are you will be within 5 miles of one. Everything is organic and gluten-free and all of their snacks/grab n’ go meals are plant-based.
My favorite smoothie, pictured below in a bowl with toppings: Happy Kale Belly (probiotic coconut yogurt, almond mylk, kale, banana, blueberry, ginger, mint, honey)
Green Gables Cafe is an organic cafe with gluten-free and vegetarian options located in Coral Gables. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch but breakfast is served all-day. My go-to order is the “Superfood Salad Bowl” (kale, brown rice, spinach, tomato, sesame seeds, scallions, avocado).
Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill is located at The Standard Hotel on South Beach. I went there with my mom earlier this semester and everything on the menu sounded great. The Standard is a great hotel to see (very chic) so might as well eat while you’re there.
Mariposa at Neiman Marcus is in The Villages at Merrick Park (see below) and features fresh, light American cuisine. There are great GF and vegetarian options and the setting (inside Neiman Marcus, obviously) makes it feel elegant.
Sushisamba has two locations in the Miami area: South Beach and Coral Gables. It’s definitely a pricey restaurant but the environment, elaborate menu choices (and separate GF menu) made it worthwhile.
For regular priced, but still delicious, sushi…Sushi Maki is a great choice.
Lastly, Whole Foods, because, how could I make a list about Miami without mentioning my home-away-from-home? They just opened a new location in Downtown Miami but I have been to every single one in a 25 mile radius from campus.
Where to SHOP + WALK AROUND
Miracle Mile (Downtown Coral Gables) is a strip of designer shops, art galleries, restaurants and theatre. There aren’t many stores I personally shop at (other than Barnes & Nobles) but it’s a great place to eat dinner and walk around.
The Villages at Merrick Park (pictured below) is part of the reason I chose to go to school here. It’s a large, upscale, outdoor shopping center with many restaurants. There is a Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Lululemon AND Athleta, Anthropologie, Sephora, Vineyard Vines, J. Crew and a bunch of super pricey stores I don’t go into.
Where to WORKOUT
For yoga, go to Green Monkey. It’s a Baptiste studio that I’ve been going to for more than two years and there are two locations in the Miami area. They also offer slow-flow and non-heated classes, plus tons of specialty workshops.
For running, you have many options. The weather and time of day plays a big factor in where I run, but if the sun isn’t a huge issue, I love running from Coconut Grove over to Key Biscayne (pictured below). I also enjoy running around the Biltmore in Coral Gables as well as the Granada Golf Course. As for South Beach, there is a paved path along the water for most of Ocean Drive (aka right along the water).
Other workouts to try: SoulCycle (if you’ve never tried), Barry’s Bootcamp, JetSet Pilates (a Megaformer class)
Other Miami ACTIVITIES
BEACH IT. I like Key Biscayne because it’s usually less crowded than South Beach, but a beach is a beach is a beach. I would suggest just driving over the bridge leading into Key Biscayne because the view both directions is incredible.
Remember when Kourtney & Khloe took Miami? Well their store (DASH) is still here! It’s not that great and it’s so incognito that you might walk right by it, but it’s cool to visit. I actually bought a candle from there a few years ago and it was ridiculously expensive but smelled amazing.
Hotel hop! One time my family and I just walked along South Beach and went into all the famous/chic hotels for no reason other than to “go to the bathroom.”
The Wynwood Walls are graffiti paintings on walls (duh) all clustered together on one street. So building next to building has unique, life-sized drawings. It’s a perfect spot for Instagrams.
Source: Wynwoodwalls.com
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Goodbye to the 305
Obviously there are many other things to do depending on your interests. Museums, clubbing, fine dining, high-end shopping, art, local cuisine, outdoor activities, sporting events, concerts, etc. Trust me, you’ll find something you like. While I’m definitely not in love with the 305 like Pitbull is, I managed to make it my own during college.
On that note, I’m happy to say “adios” and leave the chaos of a city for now.
I FREAKING LOVEEEE MERRICK PARK. One of my favorite malls of all timeeee. You’re making me miss my hometown </3 I love running through coconut grove. So gorgeous! Love love loved this post girlfran
Christina recently posted…Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup
I spend hours at Merrick. It’s heaven!
Miami is definitely known for being wild, but the good thing about big cities is that there’s usually something for everyone! And it’s beautiful in your pictures.
I’m not wild about Memphis where I’m living now like I was about Nashville or my college town, but like you, I’ve definitely found places that I love! It’s all about making the most of where you are while you’re there and you’ve done that!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…When Running Makes Me Mad + Y&R Reader Survey
Good point…there is something for anyone of any age. I’ve only been to the airport in Tennessee (actually, Memphis!) but I’ve heard great things about Nashville. Need to visit one day.
I went to Miami for spring break my second year of college. Such a vibrant city, and love your guide to it!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Reader Support, Healthy Living, and other Suz Thoughts
Vibrant is a PERFECT way to describe it.
I’m glad you made the most of it while you were there. I felt (and still feel) the same way about Maryland/Baltimore as you do about Miami. It doesn’t mean there’s anything inherently wrong with the cities, they just aren’t for us. I have to say, Miami looks gorgeous and I could totally get on board with that shopping mall!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Let’s Catch Up
Perfectly said. Nothing wrong with it, just feel more comfortable and happy somewhere else.
Hahah I lol’ed at your reference to Pitbull. I’ve never been to Miami, I’ve only been to Orlando and Clearwater once on a vacation. If I do go to Miami sometime I would LOVEEE to go to Merrick Park! I should go there just for that itself :) haha
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…My life with 0 roommates.
I (normally) live about 20 minutes from Clearwater and an hour from Orlando. When most people think of “Miami” they think of South Beach, but there are so many other great areas!
I need to visit Miami! I love all of the places you mentioned, especially all the FOOD!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…What I learned training for a half marathon
There is food from every culture here! Tons of options.
I loved running on that boardwalk the one time I visited Miami. And I definitely hit up SushiSamba for the GF menu :) Such a sunny place to go to school!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Giving Back During the Holiday Season
Except for this last week when it’s been non-stop rain! I guess Miami is sad I’m leaving… ;)
Sometimes I wish I took that acceptance to Miami U…. ;) Hahaha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Chocolate Candy Cane Crunch Cookies
Miami U in Ohio? People confuse the two :)
I would LOVE to visit Miami and would definitely take up your recommendations- that outdoor shopping mall looks incredible :)
The thing I love so much about London is that every district has its own personality and you never run out of places to explore.
Best of luck with your exams xx
I know nothing about London but want to visit so badly. So many of my friends studied abroad there and didn’t want to come home after the semester!
The Villages at Merrick Park… WOW. That is stunning! I could not even know it is an outdoor shopping center! It’s just beautiful.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…What it Means to be a True Friend.
It feels very “California” to me. Which is something I love, because I love California :)
It looks like you have some beautiful running paths! I don’t envy the summer heat in Miami but those views look incredible :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…The Time I Accidentally Ordered Some Beets & Radishes Online
Beach running paths + hot weather do not mix. The views do overcompensate for the heat though :)
We often fly into Miami on our way down to the Keys, so I’ve spent a decent amount of time there. From my experiences, it seems overwhelming! Though, as it seems you’ve found, I would think there are a lot of hidden gems. I’m originally from St. Louis and growing up I thought it was the most boring place ever but now that I’m away at school most of the time, I appreciate it a lot more!
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It is overwhelming, especially if you just go to the airport and Downtown/South Beach. There are less crazy places that I’m thankful for! I’ve never been to St. Louis but I can relate to appreciating home a lot more after leaving.