Scenes from Miami
A city that surprised and delighted me.
I didn’t expect Miami to unfold the way it did. What I found was a city where past and present coexist effortlessly— sun drenched and layered, with history and culture. We spent a few happy weeks there settling into daily routines and experiencing the city more like locals than tourists.
The days began with copious amounts of coffee from, of course, the local shops. Afternoons were spent exploring neighborhoods from MiMo to Coconut Grove to wandering museums, and evenings often revolved around long, lingering meals. It was a way of experiencing the city that felt intimate and unhurried. A little less like visiting, a little more like living.
Miami’s beauty lies in its contrasts, the constant interplay between glamour and lived-in warmth. Streamlined modern towers sit alongside pastel Art Deco facades, tropical foliage spilling into courtyards, while light dances off water, glass, and stone.
What’s so interesting is that just beneath an already beautiful surface, is a rich cultural history shaped by migration, resilience, and reinvention. Its neighborhoods tell stories through architecture, food, and design. Each little pocket becoming a tapestry of a vibrant city that feels alive, expressive, and evolving.
Along the way, I found more than a few favorite places— moments, meals, and memories that stayed with me long after we left. Dare I say I feel a little bit homesick? Consider this a collection of scenes from Miami.
Miami, Miami, you’ve got style. Blue sky, sunshine, white sand by the mile.
-Dorthy, The Golden Girls
MIAMI FAVORITES LIST
STAY
A stay at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club will be quite memorable. Although, I may be a little biased, as the interiors were designed by one of my favorites—Joseph Dirand—and they have maintained the Mediterranean Revival architecture from the 1930s. And, Mr. C in the Coconut Grove neighborhood is simply stunning, as well.
COFFEE (AND BAKERIES)
Basquet | Iced latte with their house-made vanilla maple cold foam or an iced matcha with said foam, either way you can’t go wrong! And, while you wait take a peek at their curated collection of pantry items.
Caracas | This Venezuelan-style bakery is a local favorite and I can see why. Come for the coffee and stay for all the baked goods— palmeritas, golfeado, pastelitos, ham and cheese croissant, tequeños… anything and everything!
Baker and Barista | Like most things I judge a place by the branding. And chances are if the spot spent the time and effort into it, it’s good. And I stand by that wholeheartedly, especially when it comes to coffee shops. B&B did just that. And I’ll have all the coffee and baked goods please!
Pura Vida | If I lived in Miami, this would probably be a daily frequent stop. Iced lattes, warm croissants, the perfect egg sandwich on an everything bagel and Jen’s Herb salad would all be regular line ups.
Navi | Located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, this spot not only serves up a cup, but fresh flowers too! The Honey Tahini latte is where it’s at.
Grove Grocer | It’s a “family-run, mini grocery in coconut grove ”, a little gem in my opinion. You can just tell that everything has been thoughtfully chosen, from the local produce to the selected staples. My coffee choice, the Hojicha Latte with Okinawin sugar— trust me. It’s strong and oh so good!
El Bagel | Now yes, technically this is a bagel place if the name didn’t just give it away and yes, they do serve coffee. I’m here for the salt bagel with scallion cream cheese or the EB Original- maple bacon, scallion cream cheese, roasted jalapeños on an everything bagel.
Panther Coffee | This Miami-born specialty coffee roaster and café is a local spot serving up a delicious cup after cup.
EAT
Joe’s Stone Crab | A Miami institution and a must go! Yes, I know the stone crabs… but honestly the fried chicken, caesar salad, crab cakes and the key lime pie.
Tacos Atarantados | I honestly lost track how many times we had tacos from here. And the one and only taco you need to try is the Cachetada Campechana. It’s a mixed al pastor pork and beef in flour tortilla with cheese crust. Add a side of salsa arrendadora. Beware: she’s spicy.
Chuggie’s | Skip the burger and order Mimi’s sandwich, and thank me later! But you should also have a burger.
Meze | I was quite impressed with the city’s Greek and Turkish food scene, and this is a fave! I’m still dreaming of the hummus, tzatziki, dolmades and cigar rolls.
Miami Slice | Always on the hunt for a city’s best pizza place and this joint is it! The walk-in only concept is simple as well as the menu. No frills! You can’t go wrong with a Pepperoni Proper (minus the hot honey).
Doya | This modern Aegean restaurant serves Mediterranean flavors that are bold yet beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of place you linger. Delicious cocktails, a little mezze, good conversation, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
SEE
Upper Buena Vista | A little hidden corner of Miami that feels like a secret oasis— part garden, part boutique village, and fully stole a part of my heart.
Vizcaya | Once the winter retreat of industrialist and art collector James Deering, the estate channels the old-world elegance and grandeur of Italian villas. An escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with grounds to explore all day.
Books & Books | Hands down the best bookshop! I’d probably be here everyday if I lived in Miami. The Coral Gables location is my favorite!
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) | Built by a Swiss architecture firm, they really took the seaside location into consideration when designing the structure, because it’s stunning. They have quite an impressive collection, including a piece from my favorite guy Cy Twombly.
The Bass | Designed by Russell Pancoast, the architect behind the original Surf Club. The space is both intimate and expansive at the same time. The exhibits invite you to slow down and really look. The city’s energy softens here into something more reflective.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden | The drive along Old Cutler Road is worth it alone. It’s really difficult to put this place into words, truly etherial. For a moment I felt like I was back in Hawaii. The lush greenery and tropical plants are simply breathtaking.
Antiques & Design Mall Miami | Don’t let the fact that this is basically a strip mall deter you. Located on Biscayne Boulevard, this is a true treasure trove for anyone who loves design, vintage furniture, and decor.
South Beach | Wander around between Ocean Drive and Collins Ave… take it all in from the stunning Art Deco architecture to the beautiful ocean. And I got to see one of my all time classic faves, The Webster!
xx, Jacqueline
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I've never visited Miami but after reading your beautiful descriptions, experiences, and thoughts, I feel like I've seen it through the eyes of a best friend.