Miami & Key West: Your Ultimate Winter Escape (Florida!)
Dreaming of ditching the cold this year? Miami and Key West in Florida are calling your name! I visited during Thanksgiving, and the weather was absolutely perfect – think warm sunshine, clear skies, and zero chance of hurricanes (hurricane season ends in November!). We're talking temps in the mid-70s to low-80s – pure bliss!
Miami: Sun, Sand, and South Beach Vibes
Where to Stay: South Beach is the Place to Be!
- Ocean Drive: Right on the beach! But be warned, it can get loud at night with the bars.
- Lincoln & Collins Avenues: A great balance – close to the beach (5-15 minute walk) and all the action, but a bit quieter.
- Beach Amenities: Some hotels include beach chairs and umbrellas! If not, rentals are around $20 for a chair and $60 for an umbrella. Or just bring a towel – the beach is public!
I stayed at the San Juan Hotel on Collins Avenue. Breakfast, beach chairs, and umbrellas were included! The service was fantastic, although the hotel was a little older (common in the Art Deco district!).
South Beach Must-Sees:
- Art Deco District: A vibrant neighborhood filled with architectural gems from the 1920s-1960s. Explore Ocean Drive, Collins, and Lincoln! For a fun twist, take a vintage car tour! I used American Dream Tour Miami – they seemed to have the best prices. Ladies, bring your 50s/60s outfits for amazing photos! Tell the driver if you want photos with the car – they'll find the perfect spot!
- Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall: Between Collins and Lincoln, this is a car-free zone packed with shops, restaurants, and nightlife! Perfect for strolling, eating, and shopping.
- Espanola Way: Looking for a romantic evening? This quaint street is lined with Italian and Spanish restaurants, offering a tranquil and intimate atmosphere. Just a short walk from South Beach.
- Wynwood Walls: Graffiti art galore! Drive around and admire the colorful murals if you're an art lover.
- Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture! Think Little Saigon, but Cuban style. Explore the streets and sample delicious Cuban cuisine. Take the bus or a taxi from South Beach. The food is similar to Vietnamese – not as intimidating as Mexican (IMO!).
Miami Eats:
- Gianni's at the Former Versace Mansion Restaurant: A MUST-DO! Explore the legendary designer's former mansion (now a hotel & restaurant) without breaking the bank. Lunch is a steal at $29/person for an appetizer, main course, and dessert! Request a table by the pool or in the courtyard for the best views. The food is decent, but the atmosphere and photo ops are priceless.
- Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina: Authentic Cuban food in Little Havana. Live music, cheap eats, and incredibly tasty! The food is similar to Vietnamese, making it easily enjoyable.
Key West: Island Time & Laid-Back Vibes
Don't miss Key West! It's a completely different vibe from Miami, even though it's not far. You can drive (about 4 hours) or take a bus from Miami.
Key West Life: Duval Street is Where it's At!
Walking down Duval Street feels like stepping into a different world! Rent a bike or scooter (helmets optional!). The street is lined with bars and restaurants, each with its own live music. Pick your favorite genre and dive in! And keep an eye out for chickens roaming the streets – it's Key West, baby!
Hotel Recommendations:
- Old Town Hotels (near Duval Street): If you want to be in the heart of the action.
- Further Out: If you prefer a quieter atmosphere (Duval Street stays lively until 3-4 AM).
I stayed at Havana Cabana – beautiful pool and a free shuttle to downtown! Town is small, so driving is easy or take an Uber for around $10.
Key West Highlights:
- Duval Street: Stroll, shop, eat, and soak up the atmosphere! Lively at night, quieter in the morning.
- Mallory Square: Buy a ticket for a train tour around Key West. Perfect if you don't want to walk.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Take a ferry to this remote island, home to Fort Jefferson (a former military fort). It's a National Park now. Only ONE ferry per day (8 AM departure, 5:30 PM return). Limited to 125 people. Tickets are around $180/person, including round-trip ferry (2.5 hours each way), breakfast & lunch, and snorkeling gear. Explore the fort and swim in the crystal-clear waters. The snorkeling is amazing! Book directly through their website (drytortugas.com) – I got a $25 discount!
Key West Eats:
Honestly, I think you can't go wrong with most restaurants in Key West! But here are three of my favorites:
- Roof Top Café: Go for lunch! The rooftop views are amazing, especially if you get a table near the tree. Great people-watching spot.
- First Flight Brewery: Amazing live Jazz music! Super romantic and cozy.
- Grand Café: Their mussels with the signature sauce are incredible! Go at night for the music and lively atmosphere on the main street.
Don't forget to try the Key West Conch – that big seashell your parents used to hold to your ear to hear the ocean!
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