North America

Miami is Always a Good Idea…

So I temporarily suffered from a mild case of the birthday blues. This year, I had planned to spend my birthday at an all-inclusive resort in Haiti. Those plans changed quickly when I calculated my PTO and realized that I didn’t even have enough hours for my trip to Iceland next month. FML! For the past few years, I had been celebrating my birthday out of the country, but I was forced to settle for expensive ass glamorous Miami. Miami was not at the top of my list because I used to live there and have celebrated many birthdays in the city. What would make this trip so different? Let’s just say I had the time of my life and was reminded of why I love this city so much. I enjoyed myself so much that I’ve even started searching for jobs there to move back!

Miami Nights

One of my favorite pastimes is cruising the streets during the wee hours of the night, while listening to the likes of Teddy Pendergrass and Alexander O’Neal. Sometimes we’d cruise for hours. We’d start in North Miami, make a pit stop in Coral Gables, and then head to Kendall. I prefer to do this at night because I’m a sucker for city lights, and there aren’t as many cars on the road. During the day, traffic is insane, horns are blaring, and pedestrians are running out in the road. Nothing therapeutic about that experience.  While you can capture beautiful photos during the day, they don’t compare to the gems  captured at night. Don’t believe me, look for yourself.

 

Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami

Beaches

Now, a trip to Miami is not complete without hitting the beach. While there are several to choose from, a few of my faves are South Pointe, Crandon Park, and Surfside. We actually went to South Pointe this trip to soak up a little sun, hit the waves, and people watch. If you don’t mind mingling with the tourists, then you can mingle until your heart is content on South Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always rent a jet ski, boat, or hobie cat and ride them to a party at the sandbars. A tour of the Everglades will provide you with that Swamp People experience. Word of advice…take earplugs.

Nightlife

 If you’re thinking about stepping out and painting the town red, there are a ton of nightclubs on south beach. You can always head South to Coconut Grove or North to the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood. You can hit up Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale, but that’s about a 30 minute drive. Now, if you want that real South Florida experience, hit up Cafe Iguanas on a Friday night, but make sure you arrive early. Parking is a bitch! Oh and how can I forget about Wynwood!! Wynwood offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and street art! If you’ve never been, I definitely recommend it. If gentlemen’s clubs are your thing, you have several options in South Florida to choose from as well – The Office, King of Diamonds, G5, VLive and many more!!

Restaurants

I’ve dined at my fair share of restaurants in South Florida. Below you will find a list of some of my faves!

  • Jackson’s Soul Food- Overtown
  • American Social – Brickell
  • The Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant – Ft Lauderdale
  • Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita – Downtown Miami
  • News Café – South Beach
  • People’s BBQ – Overtown
  • Chart House – Ft Lauderdale
  • Casola’s Pizzeria – South Miami

As you can see, I was not thrilled about spending my birthday in Miami because my heart was set on Haiti. Every cloud has a silver lining, right? My most recent trip did nothing but unveil the love I have been suppressing for years. It’s time for me to go home. What is your favorite thing to do in Miami?

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Miami

32 Comments

  • MsNub

    It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Miami, but looking at your pictures makes me want to take that trip real soon! Lol. I would love to try a few of the restaurants on your list! Thanks for the information! Beautiful pics!

    • Miss A&P

      Yes, we definitely have to hit those spots up when you return. I’m sure your friend wouldn’t mind chauffeuring you around. That’s what we do! Lol

  • Esse D

    So, while I only got to experience one part of your trip, this entire recap is accurate from someone who lives in Ft. Lauderdale. Yes, come back “home” because you bring everywhere you go to life!

    • Miss A&P

      It looks even better in person. Crowds scream inflation!! On a regular day, a parking garage will cost you about $10. When there’s an event that is guaranteed to attract a large crowd, parking garage rates are ridiculous! Non-peak times are favorable.

  • Elisa Subirats

    I have never been to Miami and it looks like a cool place to be! That said, I understand your feelings, I also like to spend my birthday in an exotic place. Haiti will be for sure next time!

    • Miss A&P

      Right! Once you’ve celebrated in another country for the past few years, it’s difficult to stay in the States. I enjoyed myself nonetheless. If you ever make your way here, you’ll love it!

  • Sarah

    You have got the Will Smith song stuck in my head now! Never been to Miami, just Disney in Florida when I was about 8. Sure I’ll be back one day though!

    • Miss A&P

      Lol. I forgot about that song! It sounds like someone is overdue for a visit!! Miami is only a three hour drive from Orlando. Maybe you can take a road trip the next time you come!

    • Miss A&P

      There wasn’t a large crowd at Crandon. That’s probably because it’s a small toll you have to pay before entering. I’m sure this may deter a lot of people from visiting. For the most part, I don’t think any beach in south florida is safe from crowds. It just depends on factors like time, season, etc. Spring wouldn’t be the best time because everyone goes there for spring break.

    • Miss A&P

      Regardless of the time! I have roamed the streets in search of something to do, even at odd hours, and I was never disappointed.

  • Sara MacIntosh

    I have never been to Miami but have seen it in a lot of movies and tv shows! It looks like such a beautiful place as you have the beaches and canals as well as the great food. I will definitely be putting this on my travel list, thanks!

  • hopelessromanchick

    So wonderful to come across someone else that loves to celebrate their birthdays out of the country 😀 Your city lights photos are incredible!! Haven’t been to Miami yet – looks like a treat.

  • Asmita

    Omg you just brought back memories 🙂

    I used to live in Florida and have spent some crazy overnight weekends in Miami. It’s a magical vibe over there. Thanks for capturing it perfectly. Now I wanna go back! 😀

  • sg

    I have only visited Miami briefly and the weather wasn’t great. I would love to go back and visit those beaches. Love the photos you took at night. Such a different way of seeing the city.

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