Although this started out as just the port city for our cruise, we ended up staying a couple days after we returned and I’m so happy we did! Miami is such an amazing city!

After disembarking at port, we were lucky enough to check in early at the Conrad Miami and loved it at first sight. Besides being located in the heart of the up-and-coming Brickell district, it was a short walk to local faves and a quick Uber ride to South Beach and downtown. We were upgraded to a corner room with floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom and bathroom with beautiful views of the bay. After recouping for a bit and trying to give our sea legs a break, we headed up to the lobby on the 25th floor (yes, you read that right! The views are killer from up there!) and asked for local recommendations and maps of the area. We couldn’t have been happier with their customer service and willingness to help and would definitely recommend it to anyone– I’m sure we’ll be back!

We Ubered to South Beach and walked through the Art Deco district on Ocean Drive and took in the brightly colored and vibrant scene that complemented the quirky lifeguard stations across the street by the shore before we headed west towards Lincoln.

Blocks of restaurants, shops, boutiques and local stores line the sides of outdoor patios and fountains centered in the social atmosphere. Given a local tip for Cuban food, we kept our eyes open for Havana 1957 and luckily stumbled upon the 20-person eatery decked out in bright colors, large murals and the most delicious food! Snacking on plantains until our meals arrived, we sipped Mojitos and took in the surroundings. The Ropa Vieja and criolla sauce won me over in a heartbeat and Rob’s yucca root was matched perfectly with tangy onions and pork. It. Was. Delicious. I still get cravings for it!

From there, the Design District beckoned. There’s inspiration everywhere you turn, whether it’s on the side of a parking garage in the materials used with textures and colors or the repetition of balconies on glassy, high-rise condos to create an asymmetrical pattern. There’s incredible dimension to everything and unique takes on what’s normal- like the perforated, metallic side of the parking garage that glistened in the sun and became an instant favorite. Large wall art murals take up entire sides of buildings- you can barely even notice Rob at the bottom of the urban jungle mural! Throughout different areas, you’ll see buildings covered in all colors– and some all on the same building! Multi-color and fun-loving, the creative geniuses behind these buildings helped Miami capture my heart.

We spent another morning brunch at local hotspot, American Social. Also in Brickell, we felt completely at home and loved the atmosphere! With tons of character and style, there are also tons of TVs for Sunday football games (which is what got us there- go Packers!), amazing food and drinks, and beautiful views of the river and high-rise structures. We could have sat there all day enjoying our surroundings 🙂

All in all, we had an amazing time and loved exploring the city together to cap off an incredible first year of marriage!