A Day in Miami Beach

Miami Beach has always had a stigma represented by party going youth and a year around night life scene. Though this sort of entertainment is ample, the city (which is separate from the city of Miami) also hosts a more low-key vibe.  From great options in the culinary scene to a lengthy beach path that goes on for miles, here is an ideal way to spend a day in Miami Beach.

The Esme

 Morning

You awaken in your plush bed at a recent renovation called The Esme. The Esme is a couple blocks from the ocean and right in the heart of South Beach.  The area of the hotel has been renovated to make you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a tile laden alley in Mexico rather than Florida.  The hotel rooms are simple, yet beautiful, and quite affordable compared to the rest of the beach, with plenty of food and drink options connected to the hotel.  If you’ve booked a room with a balcony, take in the morning sun with a cup of coffee made from the expresso machine which comes standard in your room. Or walk within 100 feet anywhere and grab a Cuban coffee to enjoy back in the paseo of the hotel.

Lilikoi

After you’ve had your fix of caffeine, it’s time to find some breakfast, and what better way to earn your first meal than a bike ride down the beach path. The Esme has limited bicycles you can check out, but even if they’re all being used, there are bicycle kiosks called CitiBike all around the city.  You can locate a CitiBike location on your phone and return the bicycle to any of the kiosks around the city that have open slots. 

Once you have your bicycle, make your way to the beach and ride south on the beach path down to South Point Park.  Near South Point is a great spot for breakfast/brunch called Lilikoi.  This casual organic spot has nothing bad on their menu.  You can go big or go light depending on what your feeling, they’ve got options for all pallet types.

Afternoon

The Beach Path

After you’ve finished breakfast (or brunch if you opted to sleep late), grab your bike and make your way back the way you came.  The beach path runs all the way from South Pointe Park to Bal Harbour, which is about a ten-mile jaunt.  There’s plenty of bike posts at multiple entrances to lock your bike up and head out to the beach to ground yourself in the sand. 

Miami Beach can be busy.  If you go with the expectation that it’s secluded, you’ll be gravely disappointed.  The city in general has a diverse crowd, so part of the fun is hanging out on the beach and taking in the views with different languages heard about.  And unless interested, be prepared to politely waive off beach solicitors who roam the sands selling everything from soda to homemade margaritas.

If the beach really isn’t your thing or you’re looking to cool down in a quieter environment, head back to the Esme and take the elevator to the rooftop pool.  With a small dipping pool and plenty of shaded bedding, you can find comfort hanging out with a book or taking an afternoon siesta.  The rooftop has an excellent full-service bar as well if you’re needing a snack or beverage.    

Evening

The Drexel

Do yourself a favor and keep dinner close to the hotel.  Dress up a little too.  Just because you’re at the beach doesn’t entitle you to flip flops and board shorts for an evening out.  The Drexel is located at Casa Matanza, a connected property to The Esme on the corner of Espanola Way and Drexel Avenue.  Experience delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful environment with attractive furnishings and lots of candlelight.  If you’re ever staying across the water in downtown, check out their sister restaurant, Mandolin. 

You’re already in stumbling distance to your bed, so if you’re in need of a night cap stray no further than the paseos of the hotel and stop by El Salon.  This intimate cocktail bar differs from most in that all their spirits are house blends.  This means no name-brand bottles scattered across the backdrop of the bar, instead all spirits are custom made recipes in each bottle.  Find comfort in the fact that your room is in the same building, and the only place left to finish your day is in the comfort of your bed where it started.

Other Recommendations:

• Taquiza: Tacos of all kinds, by land or sea.

• Las Olas Cafe: Best Cubano on Miami Beach.

• Full Bloom: Delicious gourmet vegan cuisine.

• Carillon: Luxury wellness resort on North Miami Beach with innovative health treatments.