Travel Pictures / AlamyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowDay 1
Never mind the sunrise, Miami is all about seeing the sunset. That being said, get a late start. When you wake up, head over to the SLS Hotel in South Beach and have a bite prepared by Chef José Andrés at Hyde Beach. The pork belly sliders with Serrano ham and Swiss cheese are delicious.
With a few extra calories to burn, take a stroll down to Lincoln Road and immerse yourself in the heart of Miami shopping. Though it may be tempting, don't spend a cent in the touristy T-shirt traps; save your splurges for more upscale options, like Alchemist, down the way. Alchemist has two locations: one on Lincoln and one in a nearby parking garage. At the boutique, you'll find none of the bedazzled wares typical to South Beach, but rather clothing and accessories from labels like Rick Owens, Dior, and Céline.
More From ELLEA few blocks from all the shopping, the restaurant Juvia sits high above in its penthouse location. Order an afternoon caipirinha and take in the amazing views of South Beach.
Now that you've had a pick-me-up, it's time to continue shopping. The Webster on Collins Avenue is a brief cab ride from Juvia. Spread over three floors, it is without question the crown jewel of shopping in Miami. With its supreme service and highly edited selection of items from brands like Tom Ford, Valentino, and Chanel, the store makes it challenging to leave its premises without smiling, purchase in hand.
Wind down your day with a walk on the beach, and work on your tan. When your appetite has returned, head back to Lincoln Road and dine at Meat Market. Start with the cedar-scented hamachi and the I Love Gold cocktail, a concoction of tequila, brown sugar, cinnamon, and citrus. For your main course, dig into the Kobe filet mignon with a side of truffle creamed corn.
Hemis / AlamyDay 2
Miami's Design District is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the sometimes overwhelming glitz and din of South Beach. If you're staying in South Beach, you have to cab it here. The Buena Vista Deli opens early, and is the perfect spot for grabbing an on-the-go pastry before starting your day. This neighborhood nook is home to stores like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Marni, and Prada, with a laid-back atmosphere.
If you're not feeling the stand-alone stores, APT 606 stocks looks from Alexander Wang, Thom Browne, and Helmut Lang in a small boutique setting on the northern part of the Design District. For lunch, duck into Egg & Dart for delicious Greek food. The restaurant on North Miami Avenue serves culinary favorites like grilled orange-flavored sausage and lamb chops.
After lunch, stop by the velvet shoe Shangri-La, Del Toro. The brand's boutique is decorated in graffiti art, which serves as a playful backdrop for its posh Italian-made accessories.
If you are interested in seeing more art, visit the Markowicz Fine Art gallery. The gallery hosts up-and-coming names, and sells works by legends like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Keith Haring.
To finish the day, have dinner at The Cypress Room. The restaurant offers inventive dishes within an eclectic atmosphere reminiscent of an English hunting lodge. Start your meal with the lamb tartare or beet salad, and order the antelope for your main course.
Getty ImagesDay 3
Enjoy breakfast and open views of the ocean at the Atlantico in the St. Regis hotel. When you finish your eggs Benedict topped with key lime truffle hollandaise sauce, skip over to the Bal Harbour Shops, which are directly across the street.
The metropolis of luxury brands might be overwhelming at first, but the tropical setting of the property makes for fun window-shopping and easy spending. Swing by Trina Turk and pick up something colorful to wear.
Located on premises, Makoto serves up, without question, the best sushi in Miami and is the perfect place to break for lunch. You can't leave without trying the watermelon ceviche or tuna tataki.
Catch a cab and spend the afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The art scene in Miami is thriving, and MoCA is the source of it all. The 23,000-square-foot space is more than just a place to escape the heat. It houses sensational pieces that will leave you inspired.
Finish your trip off right, and have dinner at The Dutch located within the W Hotel. The seafood-centric menu is both refreshing and delicious, and the vibe is relaxed. Order the crispy lamb belly couscous or the Collins Platter, bursting with oysters, little necks, shrimp, yellowtail ceviche, crab salad, lobster salad, and tuna tartare.