Offering a selection of unique experiences year-round, Miami Beach gives millennial travelers a cheat sheet to plan a weekend getaway
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 6, 2018 — Miami Beach is a one-stop vacation destination for travelers in need of an out-of-the-box escape from the day-to-day. According to The Innovation Group, millennials crave memorable experiences, and their travel plans are expected to increase by 36 percent increase in 2018.1 With this in mind, Miami Beach continues to develop new, year-round experiences to cater to travelers including communal and organic dining options, trendy hostel accommodations and interactive experiences that make Miami Beach truly like no other place in the world.
“As an international hotspot for tourists, Miami Beach welcomes millennial travelers seeking impactful experiences that celebrate the art of travel,” said Grisette Roque, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “From our rich Art Deco history and evolving cultural scene, to our diverse food scene, there’s something for everyone here, no matter their traveling style.”
Miami Beach caters to millennial travelers with endless options set amongst the world’s most famous stretch of sand. As a way to help globetrotters create the perfect getaway, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority has curated a weekend guide to help get the vacation planning started:
What to Do:
Art Deco Tour: Walk off lunch or dinner with a $25 tour and learn about Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco District—which includes infamous Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and Española Way.
Sing Sing Karaoke: Staying “in” on the weekend has a whole new meaning in Miami Beach. Instead of hitting the dance floor, grab the crew and sing the night away to classic hits while sipping on refreshing well drinks, beer, or wine.
Farmers Market: If fresh fruits and coco Frio whet your appetite, then head over to this market for handpicked food options and vintage souvenirs on the cheap.
New World Symphony’s WALLCAST Concert: Put away those heels and dress shirts, and opt for blankets and lawn chairs while enjoying a free concert at SoundScape Park—featuring soothing sounds from the New World Symphony.
Where to Eat:
Big Pink: Sleeping in on the weekends doesn’t mean missing out on tasty breakfast options. Big Pink serves breakfast anytime. Enjoy juicy steak and eggs, fluffy pancakes, or an omelet filled with bacon, onions, and scallions topped with sour cream and salsa. Wash it down with freshly squeezed orange juice or the restaurant’s infamous smoothie.
Bacon B*tch: All bacon lovers will appreciate this sassy establishment as the menu boasts sweet, salty and savory brunch options for the entire crew. With everything from hash browns to turkey sausage, eggs, and, of course, bacon—leaving satisfied is an understatement.
Sriracha House: Have one last hoorah with friends before reality hits and enjoy the Pan-Asian cuisine, unique rice dishes and bubble tea at this crowd-pleaser of a restaurant on Washington Avenue.
Where to Stay:
The Freehand Miami: More than just a place to stay, The Freehand Miami houses an award-winning bar, the Broken Shaker, and is conveniently located one block away from the endless sun, sand, and surf. In addition to these perks, guests can enjoy complimentary happy hour, bicycles, Wi-Fi, and curated activities, like yoga and disco Frisbee—making this the hostel that keeps on giving.
SoBe Hostel: Just two blocks away from the beach, SoBe Hostel provides travelers with a lively atmosphere to create unforgettable memories. Guests can enjoy a 24/7 open bar, pool parties, bike rentals and welcome gatherings that offer a traditional Miami Beach experience, complete with tropical cocktails.
Bikini Hostel Café & Garden: Located in the heart of Miami Beach, the Bikini Hostel Café & Garden hosts weekly pizza parties, ping pong tournaments, free breakfast, and weekly socials featuring endless BBQ for all guests. For those looking to travel in large groups, the hostel offers group discounts and spacious accommodations perfect for the whole travel team.
Fun in the Sun: A Traveler’s Guide to Summer in Miami Beach
The summer season is in full swing, which means longer days, hot nights and more fun, making it one of the best times to visit Miami Beach. Travelers can start packing their bags now and head to Miami Beach’s pristine sands thanks to a few tricks-of-the-summer-trade to keep beach-goers safe and protected from the seasonal elements. From free sunscreen to spa treatments, it’s easy to get a summer glow safely when visiting Miami Beach with these easy-to-follow tips:
Be sun savvy. Everyone enjoys a little time in the sun and there are ways to decrease the risk of sunburns. The American Cancer Society reports that people who are heavily exposed to UV rays, found in sunlight, are at greater risk of skin cancer and that putting on sunscreen, a hat or even sunglasses are easy ways to help decrease sun exposure risks.
In support of sun safety, The City of Miami Beach launched the first free Suncare dispenser program for its residents and visitors. There are 50 dispensers offering free Miami Beach Suncare SPF 30 Sea Kelp Sunscreen Lotion throughout the city’s public beaches, pools, and parks allowing users to enjoy fun in the sun safely.
“Summer is one of the best times to visit Miami Beach and we are dedicated to making it safe and easy for tourists and locals to enjoy the variety of activities available during this time of year with the Miami Beach free Suncare Dispenser Program,” says Peggy Benua, Chair of the MBCVA. “We are a leader in this initiative that is extending to other cities across the nation, including the Town of Hempstead, NY and City of Long Beach, NY.”
Apply early and repeat. The strongest hours of the sun are between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Re-applying sunscreen is key throughout the day, no matter where it takes you. From strolling Lincoln Road boutiques to breezy ocean walks, be sure to set an iPhone or watch alarm to sound every 2 hours as a reminder to lather! And remember, it’s just as important for visitors to load up on SPF on cloudy summer days as well!
Take Cover. Sound impossible to stay indoors during the day on Miami Beach? July is the start of Miami Spa Month (runs through August), offering the best excuse to stay indoors and indulge in luxury spa treatments focused on keeping skin hydrated and refreshed.
Miami Beach 2018 is an Instagram Lover’s Paradise Destination
Collection of Public Art Work, Stunning Ocean Views, Art Deco Design and Enticing Dishes Make for a Picture-Perfect Instagram Feed
A destination truly like no other place in the world, is ready for a “close up” thanks to a variety of Instagram-worthy hotspots and hidden gems. From historic Art Deco buildings and hotels dating back to the 19th-century, to iconic landmarks like the Miami Mountain and South Pointe Park, travelers and locals will find picture-perfect backdrops to liven up any Instagram feed.
“Miami Beach offers world class accommodations, restaurants, art installations and naturally beautiful beaches that are meant to be captured by travelers in 2018,” said Grisette Roque, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “We look forward to seeing our iconic destination shared through the lens of the visitors and locals who plan to travel and experience Miami Beach this year.”
Miami Beach has set the standard as a true sun-kissed vacation spot and to help visitors socially discover and share the city, the destination has hand-selected 12 Instagram-worthy backdrops to snap a picture or two in 2018:
The Bass Museum of Art: Spend the day on Collins Avenue and bask in an exclusive art collection featuring the scenic Miami Mountain, composed of five colorful limestone boulders stacked sky-high, or Good Evening Beautiful Blue, which features 45 life-sized clown figures dressed in stripes and polka dots—adding a sense of playfulness and vibrant colors to any Instagram feed.
The Standard Spa: Yoga on a waterfront setting with the sunrise as a backdrop is a recipe for the perfect Instagram photo—no filter needed. And, the hotel’s pool is a must-see-and-swim during any Miami Beach stay. After yoga, relax in the outdoor mud lounge or bathe in a reinvigorating Scrub and Tub that’s sure to leave skin glowing for the perfect selfie.
Española Way: Escape to the French Quarter without leaving Miami Beach and visit A La Folie Café. Snap photos of gigantic crepes dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with creamy chocolate sauce and served with a lemon and strawberry for a pop of color. After the picture posts, dig in!
The Villa Casa Casuarina: Travelers can take their Instagram story to the next level with a dip in the Million Mosaic Pool, designed by Gianni Versace, dripping in 24k gold tiles. For a sweet, post-worthy treat, dine at Gianni’s at The Villa and enjoy a chocolate bomb surrounded by strawberries, chocolate, and caramel swirls.
Rosetta Bakery: From classic Panettoni’s to almond cakes, Rosetta Bakery is an institution with a collection of fresh-baked goods made to perfection and placed on a granite countertop for all to see and snap.
The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS South Beach: Find gastronomy at its finest when dining at The Bazaar by José Andrés. Capture this world-renowned restaurant and a number of artsy dishes like the Scallop Ceviche and Octopus Romesco, both prepared with fresh seafood and colorful additions that pop.
Plant the Future at 1 Hotel South Beach: Environmentally-conscious travelers can take a trip to a live moss art mural, designed by Plant the Future and strategically placed in the hotel’s main lobby. Capture a fresh and green selfie by the mural or the hanging orchids and assorted terrariums to document this bright and beautiful indoor oasis.
Sugar Factory: Take a stroll down Ocean Drive to Sugar Factory—one of the most Instagrammed places on South Beach. Satisfy any sweet tooth at the wall-to-wall candy store or enjoy a large goblet-shaped cocktail filled with delicious goodies, like sour gummy worms, lollipops or cotton candy.
Basement at the Miami Beach EDITION: The ice-skating rink beneath The EDITION is one of Miami Beach’s best kept secrets. Un-lace your skates and after, head to the hidden bowling alley to snap the ultimate underground photo.
Faena Hotel, Miami Beach: This eclectic and award-winning hotel is sure to fill up camera space as art is showcased throughout, featuring the highly photographed gilded mammoth skeleton encased in glass in the courtyard. Travelers can also check out Sensatia and post live stories of acrobats and dancers as they sashay across the stage.
The Marlin Hotel: Discover the beauty of art-deco at The Marlin Hotel, developed in 1939 and a signature South Beach Landmark this hotel is a must-see. The combination of the bright Miami Beach sun and the pastel hues of this iconic building make for an ethereal photo.
Iconic Lifeguard Stands: Along the shore of Miami Beach, vividly painted lifeguard stands make for the best “Welcome to Miami” photo to share with soon-to-be jealous followers. Head to candy-colored lifeguard stands located on the sand at 1st street, 5th street, 10th street and 30th street and say cheese.
ABOUT MIAMI BEACH
Recently named the World’s Leading City Tourist Board in 2016 and 2016 North America’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards, first place in the 2017 and 2016 edition of the Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia in the categories of “Best LGBTQ Destination” and “Best Wedding Destination, U.S. & Canada” and a winner of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly in the categories of “Destinations | Mobile App”, “Overall Spa Destinations| U.S and Canada” and “Overall Beaches Destinations| U.S and Canada” respectively, Miami Beach is a favorite destination among travelers worldwide. Renowned for its unparalleled culinary offerings, extravagant nightlife, rich culture, luxe shopping and plush hotels, Miami Beach is home to unique museums, the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Convention Center, international festivals and art exhibitions, boat and auto shows, over 187 boutique and resort hotels and 12 public parks; it is no wonder the beautifully diverse city is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has been named one of the top cities worldwide for ‘walkability’ and is equally easy to navigate by bike or boat. Known for its year-round sunny skies, the vibrant destination has been ranked by TripAdvisor as a Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations, Top Romantic Destinations, Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world!
For more information on ways to enjoy the perfect weekend getaway in Miami Beach, download the Miami Beach Information App at www.miamibeachapi.com/app/
1 J. Walter Thompson Intelligence Innovation Group’s The Future 100: 2018. SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. (PRNewsfoto/Miami Beach Visitor and Convent)
