A Sunday in Miami and The Beaches
Sundays are sacred. Whether you spend the day exploring local art and architecture, browsing market stops, or indulging in culinary delights, there’s no denying the seventh and final day of the week is reserved for discovery as a ritual. This Sunday, we explore the best of Miami.
Famous for its Art Deco architecture, stucco homes, vibrant nightlife, and burgeoning culinary scene, and home to Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami has it all. Neighborhoods like Wynwood and Little Havana are dynamic social hubs and home to diverse influences and cultures. These areas are ground zero for some of the best cuisine in the city, jam-packed with art galleries, boutique shopping, and museums.
Across the water in Miami Beach, this Mediterranean-style oasis is situated on a curve of the Sunset Islands, with views of the tranquil lake and waving palms. An ivy-covered courtyard leads to 6,630 square feet of vaulted ceilings, traditional tiling, and social areas that include a spacious kitchen and breakfast nook, formal dining room, and an elegant great room with exposed beams. Lounge poolside, with or without company: with eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an outdoor covered kitchen, and a two-story guest house, this home is more than prepared to host all comers to the Magic City.
Morning
Starting your day in one of Miami Beach’s most exclusive gated communities puts you directly on a path to experience South Beach. First, pass by Panther Coffee and indulge in an espresso or latte.
Then hop a bus to visit The Local House, which is known as much for its Bloody Marys as its proximity to the beach. Stroll along Ocean Drive for a taste of the region’s historic Art Deco district, and visit The Wolfsonian-FIU for a window into the rise of modern art and design.
Cross over into Miami proper for a splash of the European at the Vizcaya Museums and Gardens, where the verdant grounds and ornate interiors will transport you to an even more bygone era. Built as James Deering’s subtropical winter home in the 1910s, and officially finished in 1916, this sprawling property, now turned museum, has maintained its beauty over the last century. With over 20 acres of land, an extensive orchid collection, and over 2,000 art objects, this is another museum with a unique history and gorgeous architectural charm.
Afternoon
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in Miami’s popular Wynwood neighborhood for a bite to eat. With the only rooftop bar in the area, Chef Norman Van Aken’s Three is worth the trip for the food and the views. Or pull up a chair at KYU, where the atmosphere is laid-back and the food is Asian fusion with a dash of artistry.
After lunch, walk or Uber to the Miami Design District, where there is public art and shopping to be had. Choose from Balenciaga, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Miu Miu as you wander the district’s well-decorated alleys.
The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami is close by, featuring the work of emerging artists, and for an afternoon snack, try the intoxicating flavors at AUBI & RAMSA 21+ Ice Cream Co.
Evening
After a day soaking up the best of Miami, spend the night painting the town red in the Brickell district. For genuine Mexican fare in stunning, artisanally-crafted environs, stop in at Cantina La Veinte, where the menu blends traditional offerings with the methods of the avant-garde. Or for a hint of Uruguay, head to Quinto La Huella, the stateside outpost of Parador La Huella, where simplicity and fire cooking make dinner an event.
For the perfect end to an extraordinary day, finish your night at Sugar, where the authentic Chinese and Hong Kong flavors and panoramic views are a can’t-miss. Dip into the steamed prawn and scallop dumplings and sip on a dahlia: a mix of Avión Silver tequila, elderflower, thai chili, cucumber, and lemon. Note that the dress code is enforced; break out your best for your Sunday night.
Miami is full of flair, and spending a Sunday getting to know this colorful city will leave you inspired and refreshed. The best of South Florida is within reach in Miami; come for a Sunday and kick off a fascination for a lifetime.
