Not gonna lie, I get pretty annoyed whenever I tell someone I live in Miami, and they automatically think I live on Miami Beach. There is definitely more to Miami than the beach, but being a Miami native, there sure are a lot of amazing memories tied to it. I figured I would share some of my favorite Miami Beach memories and activities for those of you that may be visiting the Magic City soon and may want something that can’t be ticked off a traditional travel to-do list.
- Watch a show at The Fillmore.
My 20’s were a time for live music. I basically lived in music venues, with a perma-smile on my face and a beer in my hand swaying to my favorite bands’ music. Now I am lucky if I get to go to a show a year and am gluten intolerant, but I digress. The Fillmore Miami Beach is a beautiful Art Deco building situated on Washington Avenue that has intimately hosted many an amazing act. My most favorite memory here is going to a Justin Timberlake after show where we were resting our elbows on the stage watching JT get down with a seemingly endless amount of energy despite having come straight over to perform after his huge stadium show with Jay Z. Fun fact: I later found out that all the members of *NSYNC were watching from premium seating above.
2. See a movie for FREE at Soundscape.
There are not many things you can enjoy for FREE on the beach, so it’s a good idea to jump on this one. Every Wednesday, Soundscape park hosts a free movie viewing on the lawn using a massive outdoor projection wall. In March, the offerings vary from Avengers: Endgame to Dirty Dancing, so there is literally something for everyone. This one is family friendly too, so feel free to bring the babes, some snacks and those cute little cans of bubbly.
3. Wet Willie’s on Ocean Drive
I know what you are thinking if you are from Miami, WET WILLIE’S?!? And I know, I know. My response would probably be, “I KNOW BRO, I KNOW. BUT YOU KNOW.” And then we would just laugh and fist bump, and move on to something else. But for those of you not in the know, Wet Willies can be a little ratchet. It can be a little bit of a place where you get black out drunk. But these things are what add to the charm, plus the amazing balcony that overlooks Ocean Drive giving you the perfect people watching spot as you sip on giant frozen drinks with extra shots (because if you don’t order an extra shot, are you even living, bro?!).
4. The Abbey Brewing Company
Boy did I love to piggy back shows at the Fillmore with either pre-gaming or afterglows at The Abbey. The Abbey is not your typical Miami Beach bar, and for that, I love it. You sit on church pews and order from an extensive beer list, while you shoot some darts or watch sports on TV. It is wonderful and laid back and just makes you feel like all is good in the world. And my gluten intolerance would be glad to hear that it now also serves an assortment of micro-distilled fine spirits. Win/win.
5. The Broken Shaker
OK, so this one may be on those lists I was talking about avoiding, but with due reason. The Broken Shaker is an outdoor bar/oasis found attached to The Freehand Miami hostel. It kind of looks like something out of a Wes Anderson movie, so if you are looking for those instagrammable shots, this is your jam. Pair that with award-winning cocktails and just a vibe, and you will get a different Miami Beach experience, while still being very Miami.
If you are a local, what else would you add to the list?
For more great stories and recommendations, check out the series on ExperienceMiamiBeach!
B. says
There was a Wet Willie’s in San Diego and I LOVED IT. I mean, booze slurpees?? Sign. Me. Up.
Melissa Sanchez says
Yes!!! I love that. Really nothing better.