Miami: Posh People Watching and Partying on a Budget

Why go

Ever since being founded, (oddly enough by a woman—the US’s first major city to be started by a lady), Miami has metastasized into a mecca for partiers, tourists, and retired folk alike. Ask any snowbird, Florida is the ultimate getaway from hustle and bustle of the city, from freezing winter temperatures and from the humdrum of life elsewhere. So, follow the advice of the masses who head south for the winter and do so yourself. After all, Miami is hot, sunny, and has a vibrant culture and nightlife to match. It’s got that urban appeal without the concrete jungle aesthetic and it’s on miles of sandy beach.

Insider tips

Head to Little Havana for an authentic taste of Cuban culture. Little Havana has tons of great food, festivals, and Cuban flair. Calle Ocho in particular has good eats.

Check out FreeMiamiEvents.com to find free entertainment, food, and deals going on in Miami.

Miami’s transit system or better, a scooter rental, is a good bet if you don’t want to waste money on taxis.

Park your scooter in between cars if you can; you’re less likely to get a parking ticket.

South Beach’s Ocean Drive is a good place to get ripped off. Look elsewhere to find better food with better prices.

Miami’s a great place to not only people watch, but also to check out boats and houses as well. There are plenty of boat brokers and real estate agents aching for some work.

Watch the Kardashians? Don’t be fooled, their Miami DASH isn’t so dashing. The clothing selection isn’t as glamorous as it seems.

Where to stay

If you're on a budget, look on Craigslist for deals on accommodations. Many people rent out their condos for less than a hotel during holidays and weekends.

If you can afford to splurge or have friends to split the cost with, the white hot Clevelander should not be missed by anyone who’s looking for the definitive SoBe experience. Why? For one, after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Clevelander is fit for any rock star. It’s got an ultramodern feel, two rooftop decks that overlook the strip and feature prime ocean views (not to mention the beds, couches and wading pools), a rockin’ pool bar, dj’s, great food and scantily clothed beach bodies reminiscent of an episode of Baywatch.

Upon check-in, you’re greeted with a complimentary frozen cocktail. The always-obliging staff will help you to your room and give you a free South Beach map for your visit. The rooms are not exactly fit for a king (tiny, really), but have a hip minimalistic design. Also worth noting: the see through glass bathroom that provides perfect view of toilet and shower activities. It’s great for an intimate weekend, but when you come with friends as I did, it takes a little getting used to. If you don’t get a poolside or oceanfront room, the views are somewhat dismal (i.e. nice neighbor building views). And as to be expected, the Clevelander isn’t cheap. The rooms range from around $200 upward to $800, and food and drinks will cost you an arm and leg. That said, if you can go mid-week in January or February 2011, there are rates of $204, so manageable for a splurge.

What to eat

Cuban food in Miami is pretty much a native cuisine by now. The Cuban sandwich is probably by far the most well known Cuban dish. With this in mind, I set out to find the best Cuban sandwich in Miami. I asked a couple of Miami transplants for their thoughts. Their answer? David’s Café, a humble little jewel near Ocean Dr. When arriving at David’s, you’ll realize it’s not so much café as little kitchen booth connected to David’s conveniently located convenience store. There’s a walk-up window where you go to order and seating is outside.

The menu is limited—when I went, there were approximately three entrées to choose from as well as a mix of cookies and desserts to satiate your sweet tooth. The Cuban sandwich (a healthy merger of pork, Swiss cheese, and ham topped with pickles and mustard) came with pile of shoestring fries, and wasn’t disappointing. You do have to wait a bit to get the food. I came for a late lunch and there was only one cook. However, she was friendly and accommodated my all my questions. David’s is also open 24 hours a day on weekdays.

It might seem a bit odd to have French food in Miami, but the relative newcomer Otentic is cozy and serves great authentic French food at unbeatable prices. Try the Farmer Steak a l'Otentic with blue cheese sauce and ratatouille or other vegetable side of your choice, and indulge in the Moelleux au Chocolat (molten chocolate cake) for dessert.

What to do

Miami’s always hopping South Beach has the fiery charm of its Latin pedigree and the feted notoriety of being Party Central. Indeed, at SoBe life is a party. At the heart of Sober is the always-throbbing Ocean Dr. Expect to find restaurants, bars and shops, with heavy emphasis on restaurants. Often touted as the “It” destination in Miami, it can be a little heavy on the superficial side and has quite the reputation for being a rip-off. All that aside, SoBe is constantly changing and growing—probably the secret to its youthful vibe— and it never grows old.

Let’s face it, exotic cars are hot in Miami. Maserati’s are commonplace, BMW’s are more so and even a Murcielago isn’t a rarity. Thing is, most people in Miami want to see and be seen, and one of the best ways to do so is to go out in a whip. Which is great if you can afford it. But on that off chance, you can’t, I recommend renting a scooter. There are a number of places that you can rent from. I rented two at 5^th Street Scooters about two blocks away from the Clevelander on Ocean Drive. I dealt with ChuChu (yes, he has a card to prove it ), You’ll have to leave a deposit and go through a brief training session, but afterwards you’re free ride throughout South Beach. Just be mindful of traffic and try not to injure the bike (or yourself for that matter). Insurance isn’t cheap.

You can’t go to Miami without hitting the beach. Nikki Beach is a good bet for some sun and fun. Located on One Ocean Dr. Nikki Beach consists of an oceanfront complex and beach area complete with stylish white lounge chairs, private beds and even teepees. While at Nikki Beach, take advantage of their tasty, but lite menu items (the raw bar offers remarkable fresh seafood), or simply quench your thirst with a cool cocktail. Daytimes, there’s ample opportunity for catching a tan or going for a swim. Of course, thong gawking is always available. At night, Nikki Beach turns into Club Nikki with its own champagne bar, LED screens, deejays and sexy entertainment. Go on Sundays for the ultimate party.

Skimpy attire. Lots of skin. Animal prints. Well-toned bodies. Reggae. Salsa. Dancing. Booze. That’s pretty much the heart of the famous (or infamous rather) Mangos Tropical Cafe on South Beach’s Ocean Drive. The place is quite noticeable from the outset. Girls clad in said skimpy attire greet you at the door. Flat screens showcase the festivities going on inside (non-stop live entertainment—eye candy for guys and gals alike). The drinks are strong and delicious: the food isn’t half bad either and it’s always packed. Private VIP rooms (the Mojito, the Vodou, and the Jungle) are available for parties and private rentals. This a must if you want to have a good time.

Easily one of the hottest clubs on Miami’s ever-changing club scene, Mansion Miami is a nightspot, you’ll want to catch before leaving the Sunshine State. Though, the club scene was a bit dead during my stay, Mansion still had a notable line (easily bypassed for a femme) out front. Mansion often hosts celebrities, and deejays. During my visit it was no different; a deejay rocked the stage with an entourage of dancers by his side. The interior does, in fact, resemble a mansion with multiple floors, crystal chandeliers, loads of mirrors, exposed brick, and cozy couches. If you want to treat yourself, go VIP and get a booth with bottle service. Music ranges from hip-hop to dance to techno. Dress to impress.

Don’t forget to shop when in the 305. My favorite Miami shopping locale runs from 6^th St. to Lincoln Road. This stretch of fabulousness houses boutiques aplenty. You’ll find the likes of Armani Exchange, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Diesel to name a few. If you’re lucky enough to happen upon a sale, take full advantage. The shopping street ends in a small pedestrian-only mall that houses many eclectic shops, cool cafes, and art galleries. Even if you’re not the mood for shopping, Lincoln Road has a myriad of other activities to enjoy. In particular, the area is one of Miami’s finest people watching spots. Or, you can simply watch a movie at the Regal movie theater.

If you're not so into the beach or nightlife, don't despair. One of the most beautiful and romantic house and gardens to wander around in is Vizcaya, the winter residence of industrialist James Deering in the early 1900s. Built to look like a 400 year old Italian estate, it's surrounded by gorgeous Renaissance-style gardens and fountains.