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Miami Girls Trip: Spending My Birthday in Miami

Hi Friends! I wanted something fun & different for my birthday this year, so I decided to visit Miami with two of my closest friends. I planned this girl’s trip to Miami that included classic things to do, as well as more unique things like the Vizcaya Museum. Be sure to check out my Miami Packing List to see what I brought to wear!

My birthday trip was awesome, filled with sun, sand, and beautiful weather. Hope you enjoy my Miami girls trip guide to Miami!

Day One: Beach & Dinner

Arriving into Miami & Hotel Check-In:

I took the earliest flight out of La Guardia airport and arrived in Miami around 9 AM. Once arrived I headed straight to our hotel the Royal Palm South Beach. The hotel is a classic art deco hotel right on Collins Avenue next to the ocean. Our room wasn’t ready so I headed straight for the beach. The Royal Palm offers two beach chairs per room reservation, while umbrella rentals are $19.

I tried my hardest to fall asleep laying on the beach, but the Miami sun is no joke! Instead, I headed straight towards the pool under some shade until my friends arrived.

Around 4 PM our room was finally ready. We stayed in a double room that included a balcony with a partial view of the ocean. It was the perfect size for three girls! Let me know if you would like to see a detailed Royal Palm Hotel review! 

After settling in, we got ready for our first dinner in Miami!

Dinner at Cecconi’s:

Located in the courtyard of the Soho Beach House, this gorgeous restaurant has been my favorite place for a nice relaxing dinner. The decor and lighting are so romantic, almost jaw-dropping! However, this was one of the more expensive restaurants that we dined in, but so worth it!

To Drink I had the Eastern Standard: gin, cucumber, and a mint cocktail that was so refreshing!  And for my main, I ordered the Chicken Paillard. BOMB!! The vegetables were perfectly seasoned and cooked. This was the perfect way to end our first night in Miami!

Day Two: Vizcaya & Bodega Taqueria

Started off with Joe & the Juice:

I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the heat in Miami made me change my coffee habit for four days. It was way too hot for my usual cafe au lait. I’m not a fan of iced coffee either, so I headed across the street to Joe & the Juice for a natural juice.

The mid-century decor was so cute and the names of the juices are so funny: Hangover Heaven, Go Away Doc, Peas of Mind. I personally ordered a ginger shot and the avocado sandwich. The vibe was so chill, I would definitely check out their other locations in NYC.

Journey to Vizcaya Museum:

I have been to Miami a handful of times but never ventured out to see what else this city has to offer. If you a fan of history, and architecture this is a must-do! In fact, this was my favorite thing we did on our trip!

Imagine a European style Villa right in the middle of Miami, complete with an Italian-Renaissance garden. Click here for a Vizcaya Photo Diary & Review.

Happy Hour at Speakeasy Bodega Taqueria:

After touring Vizcaya for about three hours, it was time for a happy-hour cocktail. What is a girl’s guide to Miami without a happy hour? Look no further than Bodega Taqueria on South Beach! Don’t be fooled by the entrance. What awaits behind the blue outhouse door is a hidden airy bar lounge!

The Happy Hour is something to talk about… $2 TACOS and half-priced drinks! I ordered the Pico Picante Cocktail: El Jimador Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, Cucumber, Cilantro, Jalapeno, Lime, Orange Bitters, and of course a few too many $2 tacos. My favorite was the Texas BBQ Carnitas Tacos! Seriously good! I would recommend coming for the Happy Hour 6 PM-8 PM, but at night it seems this place gets pretty busy as well. 

Day Three: Beach, Wynwood Walls & Ocean Drive

South Beach | Beach Bums:

We spent the entire morning and early afternoon on the beach outside our hotel. We rented a beach umbrella and chairs and took in the sun! To make things a little fun we brought our own champagne and orange juice and made beachside mimosas for my birthday celebration!

Miami Art Scene | Wynwood Walls:

Arguably the most Instagrammed spot in Miami, this art-filled industrial neighborhood boasts unique art from artists around the world. Be sure to check out the surrounding streets for interesting vignettes. To my surprise, the Wynwood neighborhood itself was just cool. Reminded me of Brooklyn with the industrial buildings and outdoor bars. I would recommend allotting extra time to roam about and check out the cool bars & restaurants in the neighborhood!

More Tacos at Coyo:

To be honest, I love, LOVE tacos! So when I was looking up places to grab a quick bite on a budget in Wynwood the “best tacos in south beach” came up, so it was an obvious choice to go to Coyo. Did not disappoint, an amazing place for a quick bite!

Rooftop Drinks at the Epic Hotel:

Straight from Wynwood, we went to the Epic Hotel and grabbed drinks on the rooftop Area 31. The views from the rooftop show beautiful Brickell. We went on a Tuesday night so it wasn’t that busy, but I have been here on a Friday night last year and it was buzzing! I think it’s a great place to take in the views of the Miami bay! They also have Happy Hour from 5 PM-8 PM!

Strolling on Ocean Drive:

We were in Miami for a few days already and we didn’t get to Ocean Drive. You can’t miss Ocean Drive while in South Beach! I thought it would be fun to see the classic Miami art deco buildings, and be a complete tourist and go bar hopping along the strip!

Day Four: Last Day!

Hotel Checkout:

Time flies when you’re having fun! We checked out of our hotel room and laid by the pool for the last time! Our flights were in the early evening so we didn’t have that much time to fit in any more activities, but we decided to take one last stroll down Ocean Drive.

Huge Thanks to my friends who surprised me with my ’25’ balloons, doughnut themed gifts, and matching ‘Rose All Day’ sweatshirts!

A Fresh Mojito to End the Trip:

While walking down Ocean Drive we stumbled upon Havana 1957 Ocean Drive. I was pleasantly surprised as I question the quality of the many of the restaurants along the strip! We sat inside at the bar and our bartender was such a sweetheart! She made us mojitos with fresh ingredients that were a great price of $7!  We also ordered the Truffle Yuca Fries, simply amazing!

After our drinks, we headed back to the hotel to leave for the airport! Always sad about leaving such a beautiful place, but my birthday trip was so much fun! Have you been to Miami? What is your favorite thing to do? Would love to hear from you! 

I hope you enjoyed this Miami girls trip guide!