Miami is a vibrant city, but with less than 48 hours and a dire need for some R&R, how do you decide what to do? I narrowed my list down to three big activities for the weekend, and had an amazing time! If you have the chance, check out Wynwood Walls, the beach, and Fairchild Gardens!
Wynwood Walls: The Largest Open-Air Street-Art Installation in the World
When I told friends about my upcoming trip to Miami, everyone said the same thing. You MUST see Wynwood. I didn’t know much about it, other than the fact that there were some pretty murals. I decided to go see for myself what all of the chatter was about. I envisioned a park with walls, but Wynwood is so much more than that. It’s a vibrant community in Miami, full of shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, and more. It’s the perfect way to start a day in Miami. There’s art for everyone, bright, colorful, fun works and darker, deeper, political pieces. There is a small park to walk through and see some murals, but there’s also murals throughout the area, so don’t skip the side streets! That’s where I found my favorite wall! Wynwood has also become a hotspot for nightlife, but I highly recommend being extremely careful in this area as pick pocketing is rampant after dark.
Wynwood wasn’t always like this. The neighborhood recently celebrated its 100th year, but it has only been a booming art center for the past decade. Throughout history, the neighborhood was home to working class folks, the fashion district, and Little San Juan before facing a rapid decline. It wasn’t until 2000 when it began to gentrify and begin showcasing some of the world’s finest art. You can read more about the history of Wynwood here. It’s definitely a side of Miami I didn’t know existed. There is more to this city than SoBe!
The perfect mural for girls who love travel.
Sometimes the stranger on the street might loan you his glasses so you can get that perfect pic!
Nothing brightens your day like a POP of colors!
My favorite of the Wynwood murals!
Miami Beach
You can’t visit Miami without sticking your toes in the sand. After our adventures at Wynwood, we headed to South Point Park to catch some sunshine & waves. We watched the wake boarders, cruise ships, and sailboats and caught a glimpse of the sunset over the city.
Strolling on the beach before sunset.
Sail boat on the Atlantic
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
This fabulous garden is located about 30 minutes outside of Miami and is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to slow down from the hustle and bustle of Miami. The garden was peaceful and provided stunning views of beautiful flowers and creatures. We even saw a crane snacking on a lizard! You could easily spend the whole day here, or just an hour or two browsing the grounds. Here are some of the highlights from our walk. Do not miss the butterfly garden. There are stunning butterflies as well as a glass case showcasing the life cycle of a butterfly. You can see the cocoons at all stages of development, it’s really interesting! We also strolled through Orchid Alley and under trellises of greens and flowers. I definitely found some inspiration for my New York City garden!
A beautiful palm tree by the lake at Fairchild Gardens in Miami.
Some of the unique flowers found in Fairchild Gardens.
Another unique flower from Fairchild Gradens.
Can you believe how large this tree is??
I’m going out on a limb and guessing these are bottle gourd trees.
This transparent glasswing butterfly is fabulous!
These blue morph butterflies have amazing camouflage to protect themselves while eating.
If I had more time, there were endless other things I could have done in Miami. We were so thankful the beautiful weather made it possible to check off these three important things from our list this past weekend. I am looking forward to my next trip to Miami next month.
Love those murals! I have to get down there to see them. I’m on my way to St. Pete Florida at the end of the month and have a mural tour scheduled. Very cool those are popping up every where!
Wow Miami looks like an awesome city. Not how I imagined at all.
I really imagined it as clubbing and tanning!! There really is a lot to offer if you look around! It’s also very diverse! Tons of culture!
Great colors in the mural pictures, I’ll have to go check that out next time I’m in MIA! 🙂
Definitely don’t miss the Walls! You can grab a coffee and stroll the streets!
Very informative and beautiful photos. Nice gardens worth visiting. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!! It was a really lovely trip!
The artwork is so cool! I never really had any desire to go to Miami, but maybe someday I will.
I felt the same way! Especially have a house on 45 min away!! Haha It is definitely worth a visit though!
nice pics. look like you had fun 🙂
I had a great time!! Thanks!
A different side of Miami, well done!
Beautiful photos! I have also heard awesome things about the Wynwood area, hearing comparisons to Brooklyn! I have a few friends in Miami, so I should definitely get down there at some point!
I just love your pictures 🙂 They are full of colors and you always capture so much joy. Great pictures and you are gorgeous.
Keep up the great posts.
Greetings,
Daniela
Thank you, you are so sweet! I try really hard to have fun and share those fun things with all of you!!
Those murals are divine! Love Miami especially the food!
I’ve only eaten at Driftwood Room (which is fabulous!). What ar your favorite places to eat in Miami?
I used to live in Miami, and I definitely feel you: Wynwood and Miami Beach are two places that no one should skip is visiting Miami! I didn’t know about the Botanical Garden, is beautiful!
There are a few places I cannot miss when I go back for short visits: Miami Beach and Brickell are among them, also Little Havana and Coral Gables. Even though I have a love/hate relationship with the city, I always try to make the most of my visits!
Totally loved your list!
I am headed back next month, I will have to check out Little Havana and Brickell. I definitely didn’t do any foodie things this weekend, which is another Miami Must!
Great pictures!
Really nice! I have been to Miami a few times and haven’t been to the botanical garden or Wynwood Falls. Will have to remember for next time 🙂
Oh lovely..!! It was such a nice experience of being at Miami beach…. Me & my girlfriend enjoied a lot!
Really I we coudn’t not do these 3 big big activities we can never njoy our weekend in Miami!!
Thanks for sharing!!
I was wondering where everyone was taking these fantastic photos in Miami! The Wynwood walls- good to know!
The botanical gardens look amazing. I particularly love the huge tree that you are pictured by. I love a good botanical gardens so will add this to my must see list!
They were really awesome! Perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday!
I’ve only been to Miami once and I hated it! I will have to go again though because these places all look incredible – especially Wynwood. I love seeing street art while travelling and Miami looks like it has some great pieces to see! Thanks for giving me hope that Miami isn’t as horrible as I thought!
I used to feel the same way…and maybe I still do. Miami is a whirlwind and has some awesome things, but it is also not a safe city. Might make sense to stay somewhere more low key and just drive in for a nice activity and dinner.
Thank you for the tips! I haven’t been in Miami since I was a kid, and lately, my boyfriend and I keep talking about going there and then out to the Keys. I’m bookmarking this right now so that I don’t forget to see the street art or the butterflies while we’re there (and I never miss a gorgeous beach, if I can help it).
I’m ashamed to admit that I stereotyped Miami a bit and this is not how I imagined it! But that mural is gorgeous. I’ll make a point to go whenever I visit Miami!
I’ll be the first to admit that Miami is not safe. We spent plenty of our time dealing with the aftermath of theft. Avoid Wynwood after dark. There are definitely some worthwhile sites though and Miami is close enough to several other beaches, so you could always just day trip for lunch and art.
Hey, I have been to Miami and I did stick my toes in the sand, but the other two beautiful places you visited seem incredible, especially the Botanical Garden! I will have to check them out.
Wow, whenever I think of Miami I envision a concrete jungle… on the beach. Instead what I’m seeing is a vibrant artistic scene and stunning greenery. Thank you for bringing in a more holistic view of this city. I’ve really judged it poorly and now I’m more excited to learn about it!
I have been to Miami several times…but only at the airport! So, it definitely doesn’t count. I had always wanted to go because of the beaches but the Wynwood walls look like they are definitely worth a stop as well. Good tips for a short getaway.
I’ve only been to Orlando and didn’t like it that much – I hope Miami will be different. It’s so HOT and STICKY! If Miami is anything like that, I will probably have to pass even with these great places to visit. Well… maybe I’ll make an exception, maybe…
I went at the end of February and the weather was perfect, maybe even a little too cool. A little beach time was great, but it really was perfect for those non water activities!But it Could be 30 or 90 in January, you never know!
Wynwood looks like a fun place to visit. Street art can be so incredible. I live when it is more than tagging. The murals make a city come alive.
I used to be kind of anti graffiti. Went to a museum exhibit on Banksy and didn’t leave impressed. But knowing more of the story, hearing from the artists, and learning that these were abandoned buildings changed my opinion. Now artists are actually asking for a wall, and legally getting permission to do it, which makes it pretty cool for a follow the rules kind of nerd like me!
Great post – I too have been hearing SO much about Wynwood Walls, and your post has definitely inspired me more! The botanic garden looks interesting too – and definitely makes for a good break from the beach, and great pictures!
Thank you! Wynwood is definitely worth a stop. Some of the best street art in the world!
Looks gorgeous! The Blue Morpho’s remind me of when I was in Costa Rica. The street art looks amazing!
wow this is amazing and yes the street art is awesome, i heard of the street art there but it lives up to the expectations, actually more than that, amazing place to be
Love Miami! I’ve spent a few weekends there and find something new to do every time! Next time you are in town you should check out Calle Ocho for some amazing Cuban food. I’ve never heard of the botanical gardens before so I will have to check them out next time 🙂
I love visiting Miami but I have not seen the Wynwood Walls or the Botanical gardens. So will put those on the list for my next trip. Your photos look great!
Hey ,
I am planing to visit Miami next month . thanks for sharing such a informative content about it .
Regards,
Ashley
Hey,
I liked this information….I like travelling very much, last year had chance to Visit Miami but I lost that…..but the way have explained it , seems a heaven to me…..especially the beaches and botanical garden….I love nature…..
I must say , this is an awesome post…keep posting….