Not long ago I visited Miami and the Keys with Ashley and Jared from Sugar & Cloth, and somehow I never published the photos from the trip—until now. These images cover the Miami portion of the trip; I’ll share the Keys photos separately. For anyone planning a visit to South Florida, here are my recommendations and highlights from Miami.
During our first two days in Miami we strolled Ocean Drive repeatedly, admiring the art deco architecture and people-watching. The beach sits just across the street and offered plenty of interesting scenes—beachgoers, lifeguard shacks, and classic South Beach energy. It’s a great area for photography and a candid snapshot of Miami life.
We stayed at Hotel Victor for the duration of our stay and I loved the hotel. It’s perfectly located on Ocean Drive, directly across from the sand, making it easy to walk to many nearby attractions. The rooms had comfortable beds and marble bathrooms, which felt nicely luxurious for the price and location.
We walked a lot on this trip, so the central hotel location was a major perk. On the hotel’s ground floor is a massive candy and restaurant concept called Sugar Factory. We had lunch there and it was an over-the-top, joyful experience—especially if you love sweets. The menu features extravagant cocktails and dessert presentations; one highlight was a show-stopping dessert that included 24 scoops of ice cream and sparklers. It’s a whimsical spot for a fun meal and memorable photos.
Other recommended places to eat and drink we enjoyed include Yardbird, 1930s House, Bodega, Traymore, Cecconi’s, and Verde. Many of these restaurants not only serve good food but also provide colorful, photogenic settings if you like capturing your meals and surroundings.
Verde became one of my favorite meals because it sits on the water and is attached to the Perez Art Museum. The museum itself is worth visiting for the contemporary art, striking architecture, and landscape design—then have a meal at Verde to enjoy waterfront views and excellent photo opportunities of both the building and the surrounding grounds.
We also visited Wynwood Walls, which is often recommended—and for good reason. The neighborhood is full of murals and street art beyond the official Wynwood Walls installation, making it a sprawling outdoor gallery. The art changes frequently and there are endless spots for photos. We took many pictures and found the area visually inspiring.
Although we didn’t spend a lot of time lounging on the sand, we did wade in the water and had a fun moment taking jumping photos in front of a yellow-and-white checkered lifeguard shack. Even those small beach experiences capture the playful side of Miami’s shore.
Photography by Brittni Mehlhoff
Have you been to Miami? Which spots did you enjoy most? Did I miss any must-see places?