Despite growing up in Florida, I never spent that much time in Miami. You’re on a peninsula, where a beach is never more than an hour away (and rarely more than 20 minutes), so I never felt that compelled to make a 5-hour road trip. But whoa, was I missing out! After a few trips over the years — and some excellent recommendations from friends in the area — here are the places I’d recommend hitting up again and again.

FOOD:

Bodega 
1220 16th St., Miami Beach

Oh. My. Burritos. If you’re looking for a creative taco or burrito, look no further. All the classics are here — carnitas, baha fish, chicken — but you can also find surprising mixes, like a Philly cheesesteak-inspired taco. Hands down, though, my favorite dish was the Cubanito, a combo of refried black beans, roasted pork with ends crisped to caramelized perfection, oaxaca cheese, pickled onions and stone ground mustard. There’s a tanginess that hits you with every bite and leaves you wanting more, more, more. Until you’re about to burst. Plus, at night, there’s a secret bar in the back — through what looks like a Porti-Potty door. Sounds scary, but it’s actually amazing.

 

Airport Cafe & Liquors 
4427 NW 36th St, Miami Springs

Nobody makes more creative burgers than Chef Reuben. Every day’s a new special, and the toppings range from jalapeno mac & cheese and chorizo to cherry-Jack Daniels glazes and Doritos-crusted, deep-fried cheese. It’s right by the airport, so make it your last stop before you catch that flight.

 

Bazaar 
1701 Collins Ave, Suite 100, Miami Beach

If you splurge on one meal and one meal only, grab drinks and appetizers at the outdoor bar at Jose Andres’s restaurant. The Salt Air Margarita has a frothy, salty top that reminds you of foam caps on the ocean, and the marg is perfectly balanced without being too sweet. The papas fritas are more like creamy, salty wedges of magic, but the true standout are the ham and cheese croquettes. Crispy on the outside, pure gooey, cheesy, salted pork bombs on the inside.

 

FUN:

Museum Of Ice Cream
3400 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

From now through April 29, you can catch the Museum Of Ice Cream’s Miami outpost, which features its iconic sprinkle pool, along with four floors of fun, interactive, pastel-colored exhibits. It’s not so knowledge-heavy — more made-for-Instagram eye candy — but it’s a heck of a good time. Plus, every floor features a frozen treat, from chocolate-covered frozen bananas to key lime pie ice cream cones.

Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
2818 N Miami Ave, Miami

Straight-up food porn. Every single dessert fits the bill here with its OTT decadence. There’s no defined menu, because the whole idea is to order with your eyes. Look at the display case, full of brownies the size of your whole hand, three-layer cakes in every flavor imaginable (sold by the slice, of course), and pies of all flavors. The ice cream sundae pie is a doozy, with a thick layer of ganache atop its graham cracker crust, sliced bananas, and a Funfetti cream pie top layer that’s as creamy as gelato. It’s the perfect mid-afternoon hangout, when you just want to catch up with a friend. And take some outstanding ‘grams.

 

South Beach

C’mon, it’s Miami! You have to go to the shoreline, even if it’s only to stick your toes in the sand. While there, hit up Nautilus for a frose (AKA a rose slushy). It’ll be pricey, but you deserve one frozen drink during your trip, and theirs isn’t a syrupy sweet mess, like some spiked slushies.

 

FULFILLMENT:

Wynwood 

Take in some killer art — all for free. This district, about 15 minutes from South Beach, features an outdoor museum you can explore any time of day. Wynwood’s streets are covered in mind-blowing murals by renowned artists. Plus, it’s a great way to get your steps in. Especially after downing a slice (or pie-topped shake) from Fireman Derek’s nearby.

Little Havana

Take a walking tour one afternoon, explore the shops, order a cafe con leche, and uncover the incredible Cuban culture that gives the city so much of its vibrance and personality.

 

Looking for other getaways?

Check out our guides to:

• Florida Keys, FL
• New Orleans, LA
• Austin, TX
• Dallas, TX
• Nashville, TN
• Portland, ME
• Chicagoland, IL
• Bruges, Belgium
• Brussels, Belgium
• Sydney, Australia