A Budget Weekend in Miami
Day Note:
Start your day with cheap eats at the Dogma Grill, then move on to the beach at Lummus Park, the perfect place to pass some time and catch some rays. Then prowl Ocean Drive for some window shopping and people watching. Spend an evening of song and dance at Automatic Slims before heading to the Clay Hotel, an affordable place to spend the night.
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Clay Hotel & International Hostel
Contact:
- 800/379-2529
- visit website
Location:
- 1438 Washington Ave
- At Española Way
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
With a history dating back to the 1930s, when Chicago gangster Al Capone ran a gambling operation here, the Spanish Mediterranean-style Clay Hotel proves staying in Miami doesn't have to break the bank. Offering clean, decent accommodations at affordable rates, the Clay's dorm-style hostel attracts a young, budget-conscious crowd (many from Latin America) with its rock-bottom prices. But its the guest rooms with private baths, TVs, phones, AC units and mini-fridges that suit tourists best. Granted, the rooms are small. But they're also clean and the hotel maintains a complete kitchen and makes laundry facilities available to its guests.
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Dogma Grill
Contact:
- 305/759-3433
- visit website
Location:
- 7030 Biscayne Blvd
- Miami,FL33138
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Map
Description:
If you find yourself craving a hot dog while visiting Miami, head straight to Dogma Grill. In addition to all-beef varieties that put cart vendor offerings to shame, Dogma also serves chicken and turkey franks as well as soy dogs for vegetarians. No matter what you prefer, expect it to be grilled to perfection and dressed to order with a broad range of topping options. There's a full salad bar with fresh veggies, herbs and salsa, and several types of cheese to choose from. What makes this place truly special are the house staples, which include the Pitchfork (a dog topped with grilled onions, bacon, cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce), Pomodoro (diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese and drizzled with olive oil) and El Macho (a Latin-style offering with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, cream sauce and spicy brown mustard salsa.
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Lummus Park
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- 10th Street and Ocean Drive
- Behind Setai Hotel
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Mention the beach in South Beach and locals immediately think of the long, wide stretch of sand at Lummus Park (which they never refer to by its name) Yes, it's everything you'd expect it to be: warm, crystal-blue waters and fine white sand usually packed with hordes of bronzed, pale and sunburned souls soaking up ultraviolet rays. Volleyball is a popular sport here, as is watching the beautiful people who come from throughout the country and around the world to see and be seen. Most of South Beach's dining and nightlife is only steps away. Looking for peace and quiet? Look elsewhere. This sandy spit is crowded both day and night. And know in advance that finding parking is a pain.
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Ocean Drive
Contact:
- +1 305 539 3000
Location:
- Ocean Drive
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Known as SoBe to the locals, Ocean Drive is quintessential Miami at its finest. Besides being the most picturesque part of the city, this famous stretch of road is the cultural hub of Miami. Trendy hotels, upscale eateries, and beautiful people fill the sidewalks amidst the mass of tourists. Art galleries and clothing boutiques thrive here, offering visitors an insight into one of the worlds foremost fashion and art centers. Ocean Drive is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with over 800 preserved and protected Art Deco Buildings which have put South Beach on the map the world over.
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Automatic Slim's
Contact:
- 305/695-0795
- visit website
Location:
- 1216 Washington Ave
- South Beach
- Miami,FL33119
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Map
Description:
This is the bar where Ozzie and Harriet types become more like Ozzy and Sharon. As South Beach's most popular unpretentious bar, Automatic Slim's is indeed a slim space of bar, but it packs people in, thanks to an exhaustive list of cheap(er) drinks, lack of attitude, great rock music, and a decor that can only be described as white trash-chic.
Day Note:
Rise and shine! Make the trip to the News Cafe for breakfast and a hot cup of something to start the day. Afterwards, take a trip to Bayside Marketplace for a few hours of browsing (and to pick up a couple of momentos of your trip). Have a conversaton over lunch and Shotry's Bar-B-Q before heading to the more sedate beaches of Miami. Cap off your two days with a night at Tobacco Road, the oldest bar in Miami.
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News Cafe
Contact:
- 305/538-6397
- visit website
Location:
- 800 Ocean Dr
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Since opening its doors in 1988, this South Beach landmark has been serving up meals, drinks and international publications 24/7, having counted the late fashion designer Versace among its regulars. A combination sidewalk cafe, bar and newsstand, it's popular with tourists and locals, featuring a round-the-clock menu of morning favorites like bagels, pancakes, pastries and omelets, as well as a selection of salads, sandwiches, pasta, burgers and Middle Eastern platters. Although known for its indifferent servers, what it lacks in service with a smile, it more than makes up for in cachet and European style. The perfect place for people-watching, why not grab a house signature espresso and a newspaper and soak up some sunshine here?
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Bayside Marketplace
Contact:
- +1 305 577 3344
- visit website
Location:
- 401 Biscayne Boulevard
- Suite R106
- Miami,FL33132
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Map
Description:
To get the quintessential Miami experience, visit this lovely open-air market, where you can browse the artist's carts, sip an iced drink and stroll along the pier. More than 100 shops and 30 restaurants make this a wonderful place to shop. This is more than just a mall—it is a sweet slice of south Florida life. Located next to the American Airlines Arena and the Port of Miami, this is a great place to spend a few hours.
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Shorty's Bar-B-Q
Contact:
- +1 305 227 3196
- visit website
Location:
- 11575 Southwest 40th Street
- Miami,FL33165
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Map
Description:
The ranch-style decor and the oh-so-casual atmosphere leave you hankering for a hayride. But are you ready for some down home cookin'? Shorty's serves up some serious barbecue including Baby Back Ribs, chicken, pork, and beef plate specialties. The eatery also features lunch specials, family platters, and a children's menu for kids 12 years and under. A la Carte and take out is available. There are two Miami locations.
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Miami's Beaches
Contact:
- 305/539-8070
Location:
- 4601 Collins Ave. and 201 21st St.
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Families concerned about risque behavior on South Beach's packed swathes of sand will find more G-rated places to bask slightly to the north. Both Collins Park (201 21st St.) and Indian Beach Park (4601 Collins Ave.) have more room to roam and are generally much less crowded that beaches located right in the thick of things. Both have ample parking lots and facilities and are ideal for a jog, walk or romantic stroll. Collins Park marks the start of the Miami Beach boardwalk, which stretches for 20 blocks and allows for easy access to areas of the beach that are blocked by the string of condos built along Collins Avenue.
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Tobacco Road
Contact:
- 305/374-1198
- visit website
Location:
- 626 S. Miami Ave
- Over the Miami Ave. Bridge near Brickell Ave., Downtown
- Miami,FL33130
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Map
Description:
Al Capone used to hang out here when it was a speakeasy. Now locals flock here to see local bands perform, as well as national acts such as George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars, Koko Taylor, and the Radiators. Tobacco Road (the proud owner of Miami's very first liquor license) is small and gritty, and meant to be that way. Escape the smoke and sweat in the backyard patio, where air is a welcome commodity. The downright cheap nightly specials, such as the $11 lobster on Tuesday, are quite good and served until 2am; the bar is open until 5am.
Miami
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The Standard
Contact:
- 305/673-1717
- visit website
Location:
- 40 Island Ave
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
If you can do without the noise in the heart of South Beach, this trendy hotel along the causeway between downtown and Miami Beach is the ticket. A creation of hotelier Andre Balázs, this boutique property retains some vestiges of its mid-20th century past—white-marble walls, terrazzo floors and stainless-steel elevators—but today it's all about clean lines, supreme comfort and a modern sense of style. Rooms are creatively named, bearing labels ranging from the risqué "Missionary," given to the straightforward smallish basic rooms to the descriptive "Wet," "Dry," and "Lush," respectively referring to rooms with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, courtyard and gardens. The hotel's spa has outdoor tubs, waterfall shower heads, a cedar sauna and pools with underwater music. Plus, guests can count on luxuries to please tech-savvy types: free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, DVD players and cordless phones.
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Indian Creek Hotel
Contact:
- +1 305 531 2727 / +1 800 491 2772
- visit website
Location:
- 2727 Indian Creek Drive
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Just a block from the ocean facing the Intracoastal Waterway, Indian Creek Hotel manages to pull off be secluded while close to everything. Considered by many to offer the best value of any hotel in the city, it's housed in a elegantly restored circa 1930s building that provides a nod to its Golden-era without overdoing it. Its public spaces have a tropical theme and guest rooms are bright and comfortable, with thoughtful refrigerators and convenient Wi-Fi service. If you crave more than standard accommodations or plan on an extended stay, the hotel also has six well-appointed suites and four one-bedroom apartments that allow you to settle in for a homey experience. Creek 28, one the Miami's Beach most lauded restaurants is on-site.
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The Setai
Contact:
- 305/520-6000
- visit website
Location:
- 2001 Collins Ave
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Anything but cheap but supremely lavish (in a Zen-like contemporary minimalist Asian sort of way), the Setai offers two entirely different lodging experiences: sleek, modestly-sized rooms with all the creature comforts and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites (some are actually full-size condos) boasting with floor-to-ceiling windows, full kitchens and huge Jacuzzi tubs made for extended soaks. And if you happen to be musically-inclined and are in the mood to really splurge, there's a four-bedroom penthouse suite with access to the Lenny Kravitz–designed rooftop recording studio (one night there will set you back the price of nice new car or SUV).
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Gansevoort South
Contact:
- 305/604-1000
- visit website
Location:
- 2377 Collins Ave
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
As of this writing, this was understandably the "It" place of the 2008/2009 season. One of NYC's hippest hotels opened on South Beach in January 2008 much to the delight of hipsters, jet-setters, and the scene-obsessed. This 334-room hotel features the flagship David Barton Gym and Spa, a lounge, restaurants by Philippe Chow, and, inexplicably, a shark tank with 27 types of fish and sharks that spans 50 feet of the terminally trendy lobby. A 26,000 rooftop playground (complete with a 110-ft. elevated swimming pool, Plunge bar, and lounge) offers divine views of the ocean, the bay, and downtown. On the main level is a 40,000-square-foot semicircular oceanfront pool plaza with infinity-edge pool, teak decking, and cabanas. Room furniture screams hot pink, magenta, and yellow, set against charcoal gray suede walls dotted with pictures of 40s pinup girls. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean.
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Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center
Contact:
- 305/949-6722
- visit website
Location:
- 1300 Biscayne Boulevard
- Miami,FL33132
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Map
Description:
The jewel in the crown of Miami's entertainment scene, Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center (formerly the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts) is a 570,000-square-foot facility that happens to be the country's third-largest performing arts center. There are two principal venues in the center: a concert hall and an opera house, both of which can seat more than 2,000. Additionally, there are two smaller spaces for more intimate seating of around people. Hosting year-round Broadway and Disney performances as well as acting as the home of the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera, and the Concert Association of Florida, the center also hosts a full slate of year-round events put on by a combination of nationally-known personalities and talented local groups.
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Wynwood Arts District
Contact:
- 305/576-1278
- visit website
Location:
- 167 Northwest 25th Street
- Miami,FL33127
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Map
Description:
Once a rundown industrial wasteland, the Wynwood Art District today boasts the largest concentration of art galleries in the city, with close to 50 creative establishments scattered throughout the neighborhood of Wynwood (known as "Little San Juan" by longtime Miami residents). On the second Saturday of each month, the district hosts an art walk, an event that provides art lovers with an opportunities to explore galleries like the urban realist Paredes Fine Art Studio (2311 NW 2nd Ave., 305/219-6688) and the contemporary photo-based installations of Abba Fine Art (233 NW 36th St., 305/576-4278) as well as the insightful exhibits at Dorsch Gallery (151 Northwest 24th St., 305/576-1278) and the vast offerings of the sprawling 3.2-acre Bakehouse Art Complex (561 NW 32nd St., 305/576-2828).
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Barnacle State Historic Site
Contact:
- 305/448-9445
- visit website
Location:
- 3485 Main Hwy
- 1 block south of Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove
- Miami,FL33133
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Map
Description:
The former home of naval architect and early settler Ralph Middleton Munroe is now a museum in the heart of Coconut Grove. It's the oldest house in Miami and it rests on its original foundation, which sits on 5 acres of natural hardwood forest and landscaped lawns. The house's quiet surroundings, wide porches, and period furnishings illustrate how Miami's first snowbird lived in the days before condomania and luxury hotels. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable state park employees provide a wealth of historical information to those interested in quiet, low-tech attractions such as this one. On Wednesdays from 6pm-7:30pm they have sunset yoga by the sea. Call for details on the fabulous monthly moonlight concerts during which folk, blues, or classical music is presented and picnicking is encouraged.
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Carel Gallery
Contact:
- +1 305 534 4384
- visit website
Location:
- 922 Lincoln Road
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
Established in 1963, this exquisite gallery, the first on Lincoln Road, offers an eclectic collection of oil paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculptures by post Impressionist masters of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Owned and operated by a charming Parisian, Michel Carel, the gallery features works by such featured artists as Bernard Buffet, Michel Kouliche, Salomon, Bodes, Daniel Peccoux, Leni-Dael and others on display. Browse and shop via the company's website or, better yet, drop by for some warm, old fashioned French hospitality.
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Greynolds Park
Contact:
- +1 305 945 3425
- visit website
Location:
- 17530 West Dixie Highway
- North Miami Beach
- Miami,FL33160
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Map
Description:
This North Dade park has come a long way from its origins as a rock pit. These days, it offers nature Hike/Walks, a fun-filled playground for the kids, fishing out of a rock quarry, picnicking, bird-watching, and the Greynolds Golf Course as well. Those who would like to get back to nature and learn more about the area's history, flora, and fauna can take a guided tour on Saturdays.
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Joe's Stone Crab
Contact:
- +1 305 673 0365
- visit website
Location:
- 11 Washington Avenue
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
So committed are they to their mission of serving the some of the best and freshest stone crab anywhere, this restaurant doesn't even bother to open its doors until fishing season (from October through May) for its namesake crustacean. But when it is open to the public, this establishment swarms with crowds lining up for seats and a chance to indulge what many feel are some of the finest crab anywhere. Dining here requires more than a little patience and a few dollars, but there are few who complain about the crab, or any of the other seafood offerings, for that matter. It's not hard to understand why this place has been around since 1913.
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Emeril's Miami Beach
Contact:
- 305/695-4550
- visit website
Location:
- 1601 Collins Ave
- In the Loews Hotel
- Miami,FL33139
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Map
Description:
This is the real deal. In a city where restaurants pride themselves on celebrity sightings and snooty service, Emeril's is a spicy breath of fresh air. If you've never dined at Emeril's original restaurant(s) in New Orleans and you're craving gourmet Creole cuisine, dine here ASAP. Elaborately designed by David Rockwell, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant is reminiscent of a bustling and cavernous New York City hot spot with chandeliers, massive wine cellars, and a very inviting open kitchen in which Emeril himself sometimes stars. Call the restaurant ahead to find out when he's in town, and book your reservations immediately. Portions are massive and signature dishes include New Orleans barbecue shrimp with a petite rosemary biscuit; Niman Ranch double-cut pork chop with tamarind glaze, caramelized sweet potatoes and green chili mole sauce; and banana cream pie with banana crust, caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings. Service is stellar and should serve as an example to other area restaurants. A 3-hour Sunday Jazz Brunch is worth breaking the diet for, too.
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SET
Contact:
- 305/531-2800
- visit website
Location:
- 320 Lincoln Rd
- South Beach
- Miami,FL33119
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Map
Description:
If you're looking to hobnob with the likes of starlet Lindsay Lohan or New Moon actor Kellan Lutz, head straight to ultra-luxe SET, a see-and-be-seen club steps away from world-class boutiques, restaurants and lodgings. It burst onto Miami Beach's nightlife scene in February 2007 and has been an "it" place to be ever since. Recalling the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, it has a heady mix of cut crystal, Pucci-spun fabrics and honest-to-goodness Tinseltown artifacts (adding an air of authenticity). From Thursday through Sunday, A-list celebrities, the international jet-set and mere mortals flock here to sip champagne and mixed drinks, party hard and people watch. The door policy is very strict so ask your hotel concierge for help with reservations to make sure you have no trouble getting past the velvet ropes. And, bring your American Express Card...you'll need it.
