The El Camino Travel Guide to Miami
Written by Katherine Harrison
Near the southernmost tip of Florida, you can find Miami. This coastal city has the Florida Keys, a string of tropical islands, to the southeast and the Everglades National Park, a wetlands preserve, to the southwest. In Miami, you get the best of both worlds: the tropics and a thriving downtown. Miami has been named the “Magic City'' because of its rapid growth in population and popularity, yet the real magic of this metropolis is its rich multicultural makeup. As a majority Latinx city, Miami is also referred to as the Capital of Latin America. From the delicious cuisine to the unique art scene, you will find diverse Latin American and Caribbean influences throughout the city, including Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan. With white sand beaches, year-round warm weather, vibrant culture, and infamous nightlife––who wouldn’t want to enjoy the infectious energy of Miami firsthand?
You may think of the 5-star hotels in South Beach where celebrities frequent or the big-name stars performing in exclusive clubs downtown, but we’re taking you beyond the glitz and glam to discover this culturally complex city on a deeper level. We’ve tapped our ECT community for where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and play to show you how to truly get to know this beachfront city. Welcome to Miami 😉.
Eat
Savor a sourdough pizza and unique vegetable dishes (looking at you: zucchini, pumpkin seeds, and balsamico starter), at La Natural in Little River. With the large garage door often propped open in their aesthetic indoor-outdoor seating, you can soak in the sun while cooling off with a glass of natural wine.
Also included in the guide:
A waterfront table that offers a modern take on Argentinian cuisine
An eatery in North Miami dedicated to bringing the best of regional Indian cuisine to the city
Mouthwatering Caribbean food with a Creole twist
A brightly decorated venue serving large portions of delicious Nicaraguan staples
Courtesy of Los Felix
Stay
Enjoy yourself at The Goodtime Hotel located in South Beach, whose focus is on a simple state of mind: having a good time. The founders created every space based on fond memories, knowing the impact that good design will have on your good time 😉. With lots of pink and turquoise, the 266 stylish rooms are beautiful, beachy oases from the city bustle. Don’t miss Strawberry Moon during your stay, which is both an indoor and outdoor restaurant serving Mediterranean bites. Their fabulous pool is located at the center of the hotel on the third floor and is designed with Miami Beach Art Deco, old-world Havana, and Beverly Hills in mind.
Also included in the guide:
A 1900s Spanish-inspired residence that combines modern Art Deco, colonial Mediterranean influences, and tropical nightlife
A curated tropical mansion in Little Havana with 33 rooms and an unbelievable Miami cityscape
A true hidden gem with a strong Spanish-Mediterranean influence and artfully decorated rooms
Courtesy of La Natural
Drink
Catch nostalgic yet modern vibes at Los Félix in Coconut Grove, a natural wine and record bar. Try their Como Margarita, which is a sake-based spin on the classic margarita, with a hint of blood orange liqueur. Dedicated to honoring their indigenous heritage, they support Milpa farming, an ancestral tradition, as well as featuring fresh, time-honored native ingredients.
Also included in the guide:
An intimate vinyl listening bar inspired by listening rooms in Japan.
A winebar with old New Orleans parlor vibes, live nightly music, and classic American fare
A neon-lit, disco ball celebration of the 80s Miami lifestyle
Courtesy of The Good Time Hotel
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