20+ Things to do in South Florida
1- ROBERT is Here ^
We rented a car in Miami and headed towards the Keys; on the way we stopped by a fruit stand which oddly had no fruit for sale—hmm, but they did suggest checking out “Robert is Here” - a local place with many varieties of tropical fruit. The owner and farmer of all of the fruit (Robert) is quite a personality. The best part of the experience was at check-out -Robert himself prepared our avocado (a little salt, some olive oil - yum!) and even quartered our fruit.
We continued on our journey to the Keys discovering a little piece of beach off of the highway. I laid out my scarf, the water at my toes, and enjoyed my expertly prepared goodies.
Location: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead
2- The Breakers PALM BEACH Hotel ^
The grounds of this five-star hotel are gorgeous. We walked around a little bit (the pool, the palm trees, the solarium, wow!) and found ourselves at the bar for some munchies and drinks. After our meal, we walked around the grounds and took tons of photos. Another tip is to visit during the golden hour (aka right before sunset.)
Location: 1 South County Road, Palm Beach
3- The BEACH at Palm Beach
To be honest this is not the most beautiful beach that I have ever encountered but it does have an allure. “Let's go to Palm Beach, wear a big hat, put a margarita in a shaker and carve out a piece of sand…. Enjoy dahhhlings."
Location: South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach
4- The Sandwich Shop AT BUCCAN ^
Simply put, the sandwiches are yummy! The chicken salad and meatball hoagies were so good. The proprietor was very friendly which is always a plus in my book! It's a little place, so no seating (see #5 on this list for seating option.) They have a glass pitcher of lemon and grapefruit water in the lobby, be sure to try it -- very refreshing. The perfect place to fill your lunch bag with sandwiches or have dinner for when you exit the beach. It took a few minutes to find the place so don’t get discouraged.
Location: 350 S County Road, Palm Beach
5- Eat across from The Sandwich Shop in the COURTYARD
As mentioned in #4, there is no seating for The Sandwich Shop, so we found ourselves across the street in the historic courtyard. A great place to sit, read a book, or simply do nothing but soak up some Vitamin D. If you are traveling with children they could run around the open area, and you could still keep an eye on them.
Location: The courtyard adjacent to the Palm Beach Town Hall
6- PARAMOUNT CHURCH
An intimate courtyard off County Road, this theatre hosted oh so many classic Hollywood movie stars (aka Dean Martin and Judy Garland) I didn’t have the opportunity to physically go into the actual theatre but I did stand in the courtyard and imagine I was there waiting for Judy or Dean. (Download the song “I Wish You Love” by Dean Martin to get the full effect.)
Location: 141 N County Road, Palm Beach
7- Sprinkles Ice-cream and Sandwich Shop
The hubby and I both had the coconut ice-cream, and it was yummy. A sweet parlor situated right on the corner not far from The Breakers. They have a few chairs outside to sit and enjoy your purchase. A favorite place for the celebs as made apparent by all of the photos with famous faces enjoying their goods. This same block also has a few quaint shops.
Location: 297 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach
8- BISTRO BISTRO
If you appreciate anything about good food or espresso than you will enjoy Bistro Bistro. A quaint French Bistro in the quiet town of Northwood city center. We visited every day for our daily fix of espresso, pastries and food special of the day. The owners were friendly (a big plus for me) and were genuinely interested to hear what you thought of their food.
Location: 506 Northwood Road, West Palm Beach
9- Looking at the HOUSES and landscaping in Palm Beach ^
I love to look at homes, and Palm Beach did not disappoint me in this area. The private homes and architecture in general in Palm Beach are exquisite. The streets that are leading out from the beach simply took my breath away.
Location: Australian, Chilean, Peruvian Avenues to name a few
10- RELISH & more
Though I mentioned in #8 that Northwood is a sleepy city center, it was a pleasant area to walk around. If you find yourself in the mood for something sweet, check out the Milkshakes at Relish. I spent my summers crafting milkshakes as a teen, so I know a little something about the art of a tasty milkshake. The place is advertised of more of a create-your-own burger place but being the burger snob that I am; I’ve had better.
Location: 401 Northwood Road, West Palm Beach
11-THE RIVER Seafood Oyster Bar
We came across this place while perfusing the city center. Situated on the corner across from the city center. The place had a bustling (busy non-touristy atmosphere) the ceviche and oysters were excellent. The food was pricey, but as I am okay with paying for exceptional food, this place fits that bill. I could have sat and eaten all night (but unfortunately my mortgage check is due in a few days.) I read they also have a lobster night during the week. We weren't around for lobster night but if you go— let me know!
Location: 650 S Miami Avenue, Miami (Brickell)
12- PERRICONE's Marketplace & CafÉ
Perricone’s is apparently a trendy place for date night (especially Valentines.) Their property is huge and has so many great areas to enjoy a meal. My favorite was the garden, seems like an ideal location to have a small gathering. We instead got a nice bottle of $45 wine, and some take away hoagies which were very good. On Tuesdays, they have a 2-for-1 sandwich deal!
Location: 15 SE 10th Street, Miami (Brickell)
13- MY CEVICHE
My Ceviche has a few locations around South Florida. This place had some of the best ceviches I have ever had (and for a seemingly chain type establishment.) The location in Brickell has a few tables outside to enjoy the hip scene that is Brickell.
Location: 5900 SW 73rd St., South Miami (Brickell)
14- Brickell KEY WALKING PATH
This roughly 1.5 mile walk takes you along the waterfront thru Brickell and Brickell Key. We spent our first few nights in the hip town of Brickell. Being that it was the middle of February and we were visiting from New Jersey, we were happy to wake up to sunshine, and the best way to take advantage was to stretch our legs and experience a walk. Along the dock, a popular place for runners and seeing the skyline of South Beach was lovely. It's a flat, well-paved walk. You’ll pass by some green space, some beautiful hotels, see some iguanas and pelicans.
Location: We started at 12th and the Bay, followed the path along the water, pass the boat docks, over the Brickell Key Drive bridge, and the loop of Brickell Key
15- The town of BRICKELL
I had never heard of Brickell, but it’s bustling with high-rises, restaurants, bars and young entrepreneurs. It was easy to get around to all places listed from Brickell as I found it a great launching pad to what South Florida had to offer.
Location: South Miami (Brickell)
16- WYNWOOD WALLS
This place is unique. I commend what the artists have done to revive a somewhat fledgling town. Though I feel that it’s a neat thing to see, I would have like to have known the following before going as to be prepared (as all of the research I found on the place, just boasted how great it was, not the tidbits that would have made the experience a little bit better.) I suggest doing some more research and finding a guided tour, the art is concentrated in certain areas but is spread out in others.
Apparently some of the art is changes from time-to-time, so I was disappointed that some of my favs that I head read about had been painted over. Be wary of online suggested walking tours as they will take you off the beaten path and may not be current. Bring water and a hat, it was a Saturday in February, and it was very humid, and many of the restaurants were closed or crowded. Oh, and there wasn’t a lot of shade. Apparently once a month there is a free walking tour of the walls.
Location: 2520 NW 2nd Ave., Miami
17- NAKED TACO
Tequila shot (not the drink, the shot) The shot had the perfect concoction of tequila, and whatever else was in it. The full-size drink, unfortunately, did not. We stumbled into this place (out of character for me) with no research beforehand. They have an antique car that you can have your picture taken in (Oh! Just do it). A great location for people watching. The tacos were excellent as well.
Location: 1111 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
18- DOLORES but can you can call me Lolita
A great place to have brunch, we sat outside. The cornbread was delicious. I had a tuna dish that was excellent, and the hubby enjoyed his tacos.
Location: 1000 S Miami Ave., Miami (Brickell)
19- LITTLE HAVANA
We ventured out to visit Little Havana one night. A great section of town that while offers some tourist shops but in my opinion not sacrificing its Cuban lineage. The cigar smoke puffing out of the stores and the smell of spicy Cuban sandwiches on every corner was intoxicating. Although I wish we were there on a busier night, the Ball & Chain bar was excellent. We had mojitos on the back patio by the Pineapple Stage (photo op!). After a few tasty mojito's I forgot about my admittedly two left feet and hopped up on the stage and channeled my inner Magna Gopa. If you go on one of the Salsa nights, please let me know, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear about your experience.
Location: 1513 SW 8th St., Miami
20- BOATERS GRILL restaurant
After a peaceful walk we wound up at Boaters Notch. A small, laid-back eatery that overlooks "No Name Harbour." We chowed down on a few dishes of Ceviche while we pretended that our yacht was docked and waiting for our return. Scenery is A+
Location: 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
AND A FEW MORE.....
21- Watch the SUNSET ^
After a satisfying meal of ceviche at the Boaters Grill; we kept on walking and followed the path to the shoreline and positioned ourselves along the seawall, over rocks, just a few feet up from the water. A beautiful spot watching the boats come and go out of the harbor (add the sounds of the water splashing against the rocks for full effect.) The real star of the day was the gorgeous sunset. See for yourself the photos of the sun and the boat (yeah I was a hit on Facebook ;)
Location: 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
22- BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK ^
Our second trip to Key Biscayne was on a Saturday. We made our way over to the lighthouse. The walk was picturesque following the seawall. So many fisherman and families were out on this beautiful day. After about a mile of walking, we ran into an ice-cream truck and had a very welcomed coconut popsicle. The path is nice and flat. Your friends back home will LOVE your photos of you standing with the lighthouse and palm tree backdrops. A little museum, beach and picnic areas flank the lighthouse. A definite must see. Note that this area is very crowded on the weekends.
Location: 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
23- EASY CARD Miami-Dade train and buses
We traveled all thru South Florida using trains, our feet, Uber and Google Maps train schedule. Except for one day when we rented a car and drove to the Keys. The car rental process was acceptable and comparable to every other city I’ve rented. The buses were timely and very cheap. I just wish the trains and fees were as reliable and budget-friendly in my hometown as they are in Miami-Dade. On a side note, your wallet will thank you for not paying the exuberant parking fees!
Location: Any train station
24- The MIAMI BEACH WALK ^
We hopped on in Bal Harbour and spent the day walking along this boardwalk, some areas are paved, some are just sand, but was an excellent way to spend a day (or two). You can get on and off at various points, we did and enjoyed the stores along Collings Avenue and had brunch. You’ll pass the Fontainebleau and a slew of (insert oogle eyes emoji here) hotels. You can’t enter on this side unless you are a hotel guest, but you can catch a glimpse of the insane pool areas. Tip: Enter on Collins Avenue, check the lobby out, grab a coffee, see the pool area and walk out thru the gate onto the boardwalk (just don’t act like a moron and respect the space you are in.) A great place to run, enjoy a bike ride and have a photo op at the popular lifeguard stands along the way.
Location: Bal Harbor to South Pointe, on the beach (we entered at 96th Street)
25- Beach Bar at Newport Pier
Amazing place to sit. (forget about paying the entrance fee to go on the pier, save the money to sit at the restaurant and look at the same view.)
Location: 16501 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach
26- Sit on the beach at South Pointe
South Pointe beach is beautiful. A nice pier to walk out on. You can look down the (lagoon) and see the cruise ships. I didn’t see any beach chair rental places but if you have a towel or scarf or just go all natural and plop yourself on the sand.
Location: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
27- The Greek Place
Hummus, grape leaves, gyro - yum
Location: in Bay Harbor - 96th and Collins.
28- GRAND Beach Hotel
We were lucky enough to have friends staying here who brought us up for cocktails to their hotel's fabulous rooftop patio and bar. We saw an amazing sunset and pretended we were the Kardashians living it up! Again if you are so inclined to ask the concierge if you could get a drink at the rooftop bar or just simply check the place out for a future stay.
Location: 9449 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154
29- Lifeguard stands and umbrellas along MIAMI BEACH ^
As you walk along the Miami Beach boardwalk there are so many hotels that line this South Beach section and apparently each one tries to outdo each other. The beach chairs are so gorgeous each one will make you swoon. I only saw two places that are open to the public and would rent a chair to you for the day (mind you they aren’t the typical 50’s glamour goddess ones as the expensive hotels.) The lifeguard stands that dot the beach are majestic, each one is designed by a different artist. They are also the backdrop for the much coveted Instagram post. Don’t be shy, hop on on one and show the Instagram world what you are made of. A word of caution the ramps that you walk up to get onto the stand are quite steep so be careful.
Location: add a spot of one we took a photo of
30- Airbnb
We spent 15 days traveling around, and I only had reservations for the first four nights of the trip. It was easy to use Airbnb and book at the last minute. Other folks have plenty of posts on Airbnb, but the best advice I can offer is “Trust your gut” “Read the reviews” “Ask questions beforehand” and again “READ THE REVIEWS!!”
Location: Various
Wander around:
If you pretend like you belong or ask nicely and don’t act like a complete moron, there are many gorgeous hotels in the Miami, Brickell, Palm Beach areas that you could walk around in. They are decorated phenonoumely and deserve to be seen. Most have open to public restaurants or bars — if not, simply ask if you can check things out for a future visit. Take the elevator or follow the signs to the pools or rooftop decks immediately for the best views.
Hello
Whenever I come back from vacation and tell people all of the things we did and that we didn’t have any reservations or major plans they always ask me -"Did you have a travel agent?" No, I love to explore the places I am in and to research online about the best places to go. I spend a decent amount of time doing just that. It's time I share my trip reports of top things to do with the rest of the world. I travel with my husband who basically just goes where I point. He trusts that I won’t overwhelm with the shopping, offer lovely scenery and always find a good place to eat. So basically, my advice is husband friendly. Enjoy oh and P.s. I'm also a writer, so click on over to my www.WrittenByTara.com page and have a browse. Who knows maybe you’ll find something interesting to read ;)