Your guide to a classy weekend in Miami
I’ve just returned from a delightful classy weekend in Miami—a charming girls’ trip with a dear colleague that left me completely refreshed and inspired.
While Miami is often associated with vibrant nightlife and endless parties (and it certainly lives up to that reputation), my experience was quite different. I’m not one for clubs or late-night scenes.
Instead, we embraced a more serene, feminine version of the city—one filled with beauty, calm, and simple pleasures.
Our days were spent enjoying the sunshine, savoring exquisite meals, and spending time at the beach. It was the kind of weekend that nourishes the soul and makes you eager to return.
If you’re planning a visit to Miami and are looking for something a bit more refined, I’ve curated a selection of restaurants and accommodations that I truly loved—and I’m excited to share them with you today.
Packing for Miami
I packed the entire weekend in a very small duffel back that was considered a personal item on my flights.
I made sure to bring as many bright colors as I could, as well as several swimsuits. I loved all of the outfits that I brought and it was the perfect amount of clothing.
Important details to note when planning a classy weekend in Miami
We traveled during the first week of May, which turned out to be an ideal time. The weather was beautifully warm, with daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s and comfortably mild evenings.
If you’re sensitive to heat, I would recommend avoiding the peak summer months, as the temperatures can become quite intense and, in my opinion, less enjoyable.
While the city was lively, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded—exactly what I anticipated for this time of year.
If you’re planning to dine at upscale restaurants or spend time at popular beach clubs, I highly recommend making reservations at least one month (ideally 4–6 weeks) in advance to secure your preferred times and locations.
One important note: nearly every restaurant we visited included an automatic 18% service charge on the bill. This is not the tip, and we still chose to leave an additional gratuity.
As a result, dining out in Miami can become quite expensive, so it’s something to keep in mind as you plan your budget.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Marseilles Hotel, a charming oceanfront property ideally situated just steps from the iconic Lincoln Road Mall.
The location could not have been more convenient for our plans, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and the beach.
Our experience at the Marseilles was entirely positive. The on-site restaurant served excellent food, and the bar was a lively spot with well-regarded happy hour offerings. While I don’t personally drink alcohol, I can certainly see the appeal for those who do.
The hotel also features a pool and hot tub—an ideal way to relax and unwind after a full day of exploring the city. Overall, it was a wonderful stay in a perfectly located and well-appointed hotel.
Another lovely amenity offered by the hotel is the option to access beach chairs and an umbrella for a modest fee. We gladly took advantage of this on our second day, spending a peaceful afternoon by the sea.
It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of Miami’s shoreline in comfort and style.
Night 1: Lincoln Road
We arrived at around 4pm and had just enough time to explore the hotel before getting dressed to walk around until we found a good place for dinner. We walked to Lincoln Road, which is only about a 5 minute walk from the hotel.
There are endless options for dining and shopping. The weather was perfect, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful evening. We passed many different restaurants, but ultimately we decided to have lobster rolls at Lobster Shack. They did not disappoint. Highly recommend.
We continued on our walk and did some of shopping. As a former Victoria’s Secret employee, I was pleased to discover a store just minutes away from dinner. I purchased my souvenir here, a tee shirt that says Miami.
There’s something undeniably captivating about Lincoln Road. It’s a place where beauty, style, and vitality seem to converge effortlessly. Many of the people you encounter are impeccably dressed and clearly take pride in their appearance and well-being.
The variety of restaurants is exceptional, offering a rich array of global cuisines, and the service throughout is impressively efficient and courteous.
I had to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and perfect weather. I stopped and took a couple of photos. I wore my maxi dress that I purchased from an Australian company called White Fox. It was comfortable and beautiful, perfect for a night in Miami.
Ending our first night with some sugar, we stopped at a gelato shop before heading back to the hotel.
I ordered the coconut gelato and it was without a doubt the best gelato I’ve ever had. It is important to note that I got the smallest size due to the high sugar content of gelato. It was still $10.00.
Day 2: Ocean drive, Versace mansion brunch and relaxing by the sea.
We were excited to begin our first full day in Miami. We walked across the street to Rosetta bakery and ordered croissants. We wanted to have a light breakfast because we had reservations at the famous Versace mansion for brunch.
I enjoyed my croissant and highly recommend this bakery if you find yourself walking by. It’s worth it to stop and get a treat, even if you aren’t particularly hungry.
After a bit of rest in our room, we got ready for one of the most anticipated experiences on our itinerary: brunch at the iconic Versace Mansion. Nearly every travel guide and blog I came across listed it as a must-do in Miami, so I was eager to see it for myself—though I approached it with low expectations, as several reviews mentioned the food often fell short of the setting.
Located on Ocean Drive, the mansion is just a short six-minute Uber ride from our hotel. As soon as we arrived, it was clear why the venue garners so much attention.
The architecture, intricate decor, and strikingly beautiful pool create an atmosphere that is undeniably grand and visually stunning. It’s easily one of the most exquisite dining environments I’ve experienced.
Unfortunately, the food did not match the ambiance. I opted for a light bite rather than the full $40 brunch menu, selecting an appetizer that, sadly, was poorly presented and underwhelming in flavor.
In hindsight, I would have preferred to try a different dish. My friend ordered a salmon entrée, which she described as average—not terrible, but certainly not worth the price.
In the end, I found the online reviews to be quite accurate: the Versace Mansion offers an unforgettable setting, but the culinary experience leaves much to be desired. If you go, go for the atmosphere—it truly is breathtaking—but keep your expectations modest when it comes to the menu.
We decided to walk back to the hotel. It took us about 20 minutes. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to enjoy the scenery of ocean drive. It is lined with beautiful art deco style buildings that the interior design lover in my lives for.
Before heading out for dinner, we decided to spend a quiet afternoon at the beach. There’s something almost ceremonial about feeling the sand beneath your feet—it’s as if the moment your toes touch the shore, the vacation truly begins.
Although the ocean was still a bit too chilly for swimming this time of year, we were perfectly content to unwind on our beach chairs beneath the shade of our umbrellas.
We spent time chatting, observing the lively energy around us, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. We are both from Virginia and don’t get to visit the beach very often. Eventually, we both fell into a comfortable silence, letting the sound of the waves fill the space.
Before long, I found myself waking from one of the most restful naps I’ve had in quite some time. There’s something deeply restorative about dozing off by the sea—I always sleep so well there.
We laughed, realizing neither of us remembered falling asleep, and then made our way back to the room to freshen up for the evening.
We decided to wander Lincoln Road again until we found another restaurant to try. We were in the mood for tacos.
We decided to stop at Oh Mexico. The birria tacos were delicious! Perfect dinner to end the evening. The outdoor seating was nice peaceful.
We decided to walk and talk before heading back to the hotel to spend some time in the hot tub. We stumbled up a churro place and of course we had to give them a try. They did not disappoint. I’m still thinking about them!
Day 3: Miam, Design district and MILA
I discovered Miam Café through TikTok and was immediately drawn to its beautifully curated aesthetic and the vibrant presentation of its dishes.
The ambiance felt fresh and inviting—just the kind of place that promised a lovely brunch experience. Naturally, we added it to our itinerary for a leisurely morning in Wynwood.
With the entire day ahead of us, we took an Uber to the café and opted for outdoor seating, as the weather was still pleasantly cool in the early hours. We decided to try the pancakes, which were attractively priced at $30 and arrived at our table promptly.
While the service and setting were delightful, the pancakes themselves, unfortunately, didn’t quite meet expectations. They lacked the fluffiness and flavor I was hoping for, and I found it difficult to finish even one of the three in the stack.
That said, I don’t regret the visit at all. The presentation was visually stunning—ideal for photos—and the overall dining experience was enjoyable.
I didn’t have the opportunity to try other items on the menu, so I can’t speak to the rest of their offerings. However, I personally wouldn’t reorder the pancakes at that price point.
Ironically, I made pancakes for my daughter’s birthday this morning, and I must say—they were softer, fluffier, and far more satisfying. Sometimes, simple homemade pleasures really do stand out.
After our time in Midtown Miami, we took a leisurely 30-minute walk to the Design District. The route was surprisingly enjoyable, offering a glimpse of the city’s vibrant street art and creative energy along the way.
One piece that stood out to me was a striking mural featuring Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Bold, colorful, and full of personality, it perfectly captured the playful spirit that’s so characteristic of Miami’s art scene.
One small oversight from our Sunday morning itinerary: we hadn’t realized that most of the shops in the Design District open later in the day. After enjoying an early brunch, we arrived to find the boutiques closed for nearly another hour.
The area itself is undeniably luxurious, home to names like Tiffany & Co., Christian Louboutin, Omega, and many other high-end designers.
While the district is beautifully designed and certainly worth seeing for those who enjoy luxury fashion, I personally don’t have a strong interest in designer shopping, so if I were to revisit Miami, I would likely skip this stop.
We did take advantage of a nearby contemporary art museum, which offers free admission. Although the current exhibit wasn’t quite to my taste, I appreciated the quiet moment to explore something creative.
Afterward, we opted to head back to the hotel by Uber and enjoy a bit of rest before getting ready for dinner.
After a weekend of anticipation, we finally spent our last evening dining at MILA, one of the most talked-about restaurants in Miami—and for good reason. Much like the Versace Mansion, MILA is a highly photographed and widely recommended destination I had seen across countless travel guides and social media posts.
Located conveniently on Lincoln Road, it was just a short stroll from our hotel, which made the experience all the more seamless.
How beautiful is the sky on the way to dinner? I was in awe.
We secured our reservation a month in advance, and when the evening arrived, it was well worth the wait.
One of the main reasons I was drawn to MILA was the promise of live fire performances—an elevated touch that transforms dinner into an experience. When I made the reservation, I called ahead to inquire about seating and was advised to request the outdoor terrace for the best view, though availability could not be guaranteed.
That evening, I wore a striking purple gown from Runaway The Label, which felt entirely fitting for the occasion. One thing I truly love about Miami is that it’s nearly impossible to be overdressed—the city embraces glamour in every form.
From the moment we entered MILA, it was clear that the experience would be memorable.
The ambiance was absolutely exquisite: thoughtfully designed lighting, lush greenery, and a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere that made the entire space feel immersive.
Unlike many other venues we visited—where oddly mismatched playlists disrupted the mood—MILA featured a perfectly curated soundtrack that complemented the environment beautifully.
It’s no surprise the restaurant has been named one of the top 10 most beautiful in the country by People magazine.
Though we weren’t seated with a direct view of the fire performance, we were welcome to step over and enjoy the show as it happened.
The performances occurred every 30 minutes or so and, while brief, added a delightful theatrical element to the evening. We were fortunate enough to catch two during our time there—and I absolutely loved it.
As for the food, MILA served some of the best dishes we enjoyed during our entire trip. I ordered the scallop sushi, which was perfectly balanced and full of flavor.
My friend had the salmon sushi and a warm, indulgent cheese dip served with bread—each dish beautifully presented and delicious.
The service was also exceptional; our meals arrived promptly and the staff was both attentive and professional, something I came to appreciate as a recurring theme in Miami’s finer restaurants.
It was, without a doubt, the perfect finale to our trip. From the ambiance to the cuisine to the captivating entertainment, MILA was a standout experience—and one I fully intend to revisit every time I return to Miami.
Final thoughts
I had a truly magnificent time in Miami. Although short, it was just enough time to dip my toes in the magic of this city-as well as the soft sand.
One of the things I most enjoyed about Miami was the effortless beauty of the people and the pleasure of discovering new restaurants and flavors throughout the city.
Interestingly, my friend and I both agreed that one of our favorite moments from the trip was something quite simple—our peaceful nap on the beach.
The calm breeze, the sound of the waves, and the warmth of the sun made it an unexpectedly serene highlight.
Miami is often associated with nightlife and excess, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy the city in a more refined and relaxed way. If you’re seeking a classy weekend in Miami, there is plenty of charm beyond the party scene.
