No matter what time of year you visit, Miami is the perfect place to have a girls weekend. Between the beaches, dining, shopping, and nightlife, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Be prepared to splurge, though. This itinerary is ideal for a long weekend packed with activities or relaxation, depending on your preferences.
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Eating in Miami
Miami has so many places for you and your girlfriends to dine, so we’ve included a few options for each meal. This section includes restaurants known for their light options and a few with more decadent menus. Prices range as well.
Breakfast
Cecconi’s– First thing in the morning is the best time to experience this airy restaurant at Soho Beach House. Bowls, pastries, lattes, and juices are all on the menu. Choose a table in one of the plush booths surrounded by plants.
Itsi Coffee– The nickname for “I Think She Is,” Itsi is a cozy, artsy café and neighborhood favorite in Miami’s Brickell district, great for avocado toast and patio views. It’s also artsy and pet-friendly.
Zak the Baker– The kosher bakery café in Wynwood serves pastries, babka, croissants, avocado toast, and light breakfast dishes. It began as a small Kickstarter-funded operation and has since been named one of the nation’s best bakeries.
Lunch
Juice & Java– Expect to find both of the namesake items at this local chain, along with acai bowls, sandwiches, and other light bites. Perfect for dietary restrictions, Juice & Java has vegan cheese and gluten-free options.
Pura Vida– Founded in 2012, Pura Vida is a South Florida café chain celebrated for its wellness-focused menu that includes avocado smash, breakfast sandwiches, and acai bowls. It has several area locations, including in South Beach and Coconut Grove.
Skinny Louie– The smash‑burger hotspot started in Wynwood and has turned into a Miami favorite. Enjoy the thin patties, paired with fries and three varieties of milkshakes.
Dinner
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink– Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite for over a decade. It’s been honored with a James Beard award for items like its raw bar, burgers, and craft cocktails.
Versailles– Easily the most famous restaurant in Miami, Versailles is another 24-hour spot. Opened in 1971, it’s become a pillar of the Cuban community for its strong coffee, authentic fare, and unique atmosphere.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar– Whether or not you consider Florida to be a part of the South, you’ll find fresh favorites like chicken and biscuits at this restaurant. Portions are large and cocktails come in Mason jars.
Drinking in Miami
There’s no denying that Miami is a party city, whether you’re seeking dive bars or all-night dance clubs. But in case neither appeals to you, we’ve also mentioned cocktail bars, wine bars, and the all-important coffee shops and juice bars.
Ball & Chain– Originally opened in 1935 on Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain became famous during the 1940s and ’50s as a jazz palace hosting icons like Billie Holiday. It reopened in 2014 and continues to host live music nightly.
The Broken Shaker– Also located at The Freehand, this small bar is rated one of the country’s best cocktail spots. Imbibe one of their signature creations in the backyard vibe. Grab a table early as it becomes crowded quickly.
Cafe La Trova– Founded by Julio Cabrera in partnership with James Beard Award‑winning chef Michelle Bernstein, this spot is recognized for its incredible cocktails, named for the “La Trova” music style.
Gramps– The quirky Wynwood institution is steeped in Old-Florida charm, vintage memorabilia, mismatched furniture, and the coldest beer in the neighborhood. You can even get New York–style pizza by the slice.
Panther Coffee– Be prepared for strong Cuban coffee before you down that espresso from this mural-covered Wynwood location. They roast their own bean,s so order your drink iced to combat the South Florida heat.
Relaxing, Beauty, and Fitness in Miami
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Free yoga– On any given day of the week, there’s at least one free yoga class happening in the city. The 3rd Street Beach yoga is a favorite, along with the Lincoln Road Athleta store and Concrete Beach Brewery in Wynwood.
Blo Blow Dry Bar– With two locations in Miami, this is the perfect spot to get a blow out or beauty treatment before hitting the town. They also offer nail treatments, waxes, and makeup. Hair treatments start at only $40.
The Betsy – South Beach– Where better to enjoy a spa treatment, therapy, or yoga than with your closest pals on a rooftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean? The zen-inspired space uses natural materials like bamboo and stone.
Shopping in Miami
Shop until you drop at one of Miami’s designer stores, hip boutiques, or vintage shops. Certain areas are known for their shopping, so check out a few of our suggestions.
Books & Books– Every city needs a good bookstore, and this is Miami’s. Browse the independent books or catch an author reading. They have three locations around the city, each with a cafe inside.
Lincoln Road Mall– Any store you’ve ever needed to visit is probably here, which is also lined with restaurants and bars with patio dining. Anthropologie, Forever 21, and H&M are just a few of the places to browse.
Sightseeing in Miami
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
The Wolfsonian-Florida International University– If you only visit one art museum in Miami, make it the Wolfsonian, which has free entry on Friday nights. The Art Nouveau building has design pieces and unique exhibits.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens– This was home to the former tycoon James Deering but has now become a museum to his life there and has stunning gardens.
Wynwood Walls– This area is full of art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops, and is also the center of the yearly Art Basel event, which brings in artists, photographers, and art enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Wynwood district also hosts monthly art walks.
Venetian Pool– Unlike anything you’ve seen before, these lush 1924 pools are open to the public in Coral Gables. The rates vary seasonally but are $20 in high season for all-day use for adults.
City Cruise to Millionaire’s Homes & Venetian Islands– Admire the homes of Miami’s rich and famous on a boat tour of the canals and islands throughout the city. The two-level boat offers unparalleled views of the residences of Gloria Estefan, Phil Collins, and more.
Sleeping in Miami
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay in the Magic City, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations. Groupon has great deals on hotel stays.
Circa 39 Hotel Miami Beach– We stayed at this mid-range boutique hotel in buzzing Miami Beach and loved the brightly colored decor, tasty cafe breakfasts, and beach chair access. There’s also a pool and cocktail lounge. Read our review here.
Freehand Miami– Don’t let the hostel title of Freehand fool you. Even the dorms are stylishly furnished with plush bedding and privacy curtains. They also have private rooms, a pool, and a bar and restaurant. Read our review here.
The Miami Beach EDITION– This Ian Schrager-designed chain hotel is located on bustling Collins Avenue. The beach resort boasts ocean view rooms, an in-house spa, a restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and an entertainment complex with a bar, bowling alley, and ice skating rink.
Vagabond Hotel Miami– For a blast from the past, stay at this vintage-inspired boutique hotel. Formerly a Rat Pack hangout, rooms have 1950s furniture, WiFi, and flat-screen televisions. It also has a pool, cocktail bar, and a restaurant.
Airbnb– For a larger group, rent an apartment or house in one of the funky neighborhoods like Wynwood or Little Havana. Use our link for a first-time credit.
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