I’ve lived in South Florida for most of my life, but I have to admit, the number of times I have been to Miami are pretty low considering I only grew up about an hour away. But I finally started making the drive down a bit more frequently because there is just so much to see and experience. In this post I’ll take you through one day in Miami, visiting some of the most Instagram-worthy places. I hope this post inspires you to get some bangers for your feed and plan a fun and unique adventure for the day! This page has affiliate links and if you purchase something from this page I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 5% of this blog’s revenue to the Environmental Defense Fund, so you help donate to a great cause if you click on any affiliate links or ads that may be on this page.
Miami, Florida is a city like no other. Bursting with different music, foods, cultures, and experiences, Miami puts a hot, spicy spin on the unique meld of flavors that make their way here from all different corners of the world. Miami radiates on its own frequency and it really is a melting pot of different sights, sounds and colors, overflowing with its unique flavor.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
In 1910 James Deering purchased land on Biscayne Bay, in the present-day Coconut Grove neighborhood, and built the Mediterranean Revival style villa from 1914 to 1922.
The estate, now called Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, is absolutely magnificent. The more than seventy room villa and gardens sprawl across 50 stunning acres containing the Italian Renaissance formal gardens, as well as 40 acres of the surrounding native hammock vegetation.
The narrow path to the property is marked by two grand limestone pillars greeting you and providing a sense of the grandiosity that is to come. As you continue driving through the property, you’ll pass stunning fountains and statues as you are directed to park your vehicle. Walking to the museum, you’ll wander through winding paths of the tall hammock trees that surround the property and provide a dreamy, romantic setting for the looming Mediterranean Revival style villa that appears in the distance. The museum – once villa – is absolutely breathtaking with ornate architecture influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models
The gardens are vast and stunning, featuring native plants that thrive in the sub-tropic climate and strategically placed Cuban limestone stonework that incorporates Floridian coral architectural trim. The whole property provides a perfect landscape to take some stunning shots for your feed!
Side note – South Florida is currently overrun with invasive iguanas. They thrive in South Florida’s subtropical climate and have no natural predators here. Floridians and groundkeepers find them to be a nuisance, but I honestly love seeing them. I also saw a bunch of these beautiful blue and orange lizards I had never seen before this trip to Vizcaya. You’ll find both of these all over the property and I honestly got a huge kick out of them.
Read more about visiting Vizcaya in my post here, Explore This Stunning Historic Villa in Miami, Florida where I give you more detailed information about the Museum and everything you need to know before you go.
Wynwood Walls
Just minutes from Downtown Miami, near Midtown and the Miami Design District, this thriving neighborhood centers around the Wynwood Walls. Created in 2009 by community revitalizer, Tony Goldman, with the foresight of creating a space where people could gravitate to, explore, and develop the area’s pedestrian potential, the Wynwood Walls is a collection of giant wall murals covering six buildings. The Wynwood Walls has since attracted famed artists from across the globe.
I highly recommend paying the small entry fee to explore the Wynwood Walls, there’s plenty to see throughout this space and its so fun to wander around and appreciate the art. However, keep in mind that throughout the whole Wynwood area of downtown there are interesting murals and art installations to take photos and soak in the urban arts vibe.
Where to Eat – An Instagramable Day in Miami, Florida
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Café
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has a little café and gift shop right on property by the pool and I do recommend stopping and enjoying a bite in this beautiful setting before you leave. The food is actually quite good, they have sandwiches, soups (which looked good but I don’t recommend in the Florida heat) and salads.
Harry’s Pizzeria
One of my favorite stops in Miami is Harry’s Pizza, a specialty pizza place in the heart of the Design District in Miami. Don’t leave without trying their chocolate filled cookies!
I hope you find this post helpful in planning your trip to Miami or Vizcaya! If you liked this post, please leave a comment below! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @amanda_meets_world_ 🙂
