It was almost May but still cold and cloudy in Ohio. I needed…an escape. I needed a weekend of adventures in the bright sunshine to lift my spirits. With a quick search for cheap flights the answer jumped out at me: Miami. The city of palm trees, beaches, and fast cars has been offering tourists a sunny escape for a long time.
There was a slight problem though. Miami is a city famous for nightlife and partying, but I was planning to go there solo. And I’m not really into partying anyway. Would Miami actually be fun to visit on my own as a non-partier? I booked the flight and decided to find out.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
A bit of research led me to my first stop in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Vizcaya is a stately old home that hearkens back to the time when tycoons of industry were inspired by the chateaus and palazzos of Europe. James Deering, the extremely wealthy owner of a harvesting machine manufacturer, built his dream house on the coast of Coconut Grove between 1914 and 1922.
As you approach the house, it looks like it belongs in the Italian countryside. You walk through a colonnaded courtyard into luxurious rooms with intricate marble floors and gilded furniture. There are touches of the latest technology from Deering’s time, like his telephone in its own tiny room. I loved exploring the gardens too. They’re set up in a formal style, but they’re filled with greenery that feels very south Florida. Outdoor orchid garden? Yes, they have one.
Little Havana
After spending probably too much time at Vizcaya, I headed north to see a completely different side of Miami in the neighborhood of Little Havana. The vibrant community around Calle Ocho (8th Street, but don’t call it that) was founded by Cubans who fled to America after the revolution in the 50s. Since then, Cubans and immigrants from other places have continued moving there and adding to a uniquely awesome culture.
How should one see Little Havana on a quick visit? I went with a food tour (usually a good idea). We started at the neighborhood staple called El Pub for an empanada and a cafecito, the supercharged and sweet Cuban-style coffee. At another stop we had a classic Cuban sandwich and a properly made mojito. A mojito is an ideal drink for the hot climate in Miami. Do not miss it.
Along the way we got a look at some of the traditions of Little Havana, like the domino park where old-timers play the game every day. We ducked into a shop where they hand roll cigars the same way they have for years. And, poignantly, we stopped by the memorial to the soldiers who died at the Bay of Pigs in a failed offensive against Fidel Castro’s regime. It was a distinct note of grief amid the swaying rhythms and bright colors of a beautiful community.
Solo Travel Struggles
With two activities successfully completed, my energy level and my confidence started to waver. Everyone from the food tour scattered immediately. The restaurants were starting to fill up with a spirited dinner crowd. I wanted to check out a place with live music, but I felt awkward wandering around on my own. I decided to head back to my hotel.
When I got back, I really hit a mental wall. I needed something to do with my evening, or at least something for dinner. Walking all day makes you work up an appetite!
I spent a while alternately staring off into space and over-thinking the many possibilities for dinner before I decided to walk to a taco place nearby. Tacos are good, right? Happy thoughts. Happy tacos.
Coyo Taco was exactly what I needed that night. A casual place where a solo traveler can enjoy a few tacos and a beer without feeling out of place. And they had cochinita pibil, the spicy Yucatán pork that you definitely want. Ah, the nightlife of a non-partier in Miami!
Art Deco by the Beach
The next day it was time for a fresh start and a new area. I caught the bus out to glamorous Miami Beach, with a plan to go on an Art Deco walking tour and check out the botanical garden in the afternoon. That’s what everyone does in Miami Beach, right?
I walked out to South Beach to take in the scene: a wide stretch of sand dotted with beach chairs, boats out on the water, and a sky filled with clouds.
Really dark clouds, actually.
Moments later, I was caught in a downpour. I ran for cover and tried to avoid getting soaked on my way to the tour.
The Art Deco walking tour was informative in the utmost. Our guide provided a full account of Miami Beach history and the main points of Art Deco architecture, transformed from the monumental skyscrapers of New York City to a sleeker style along the man-made beaches. Interestingly, the famous pastel color palette of Miami Beach is not original. It was contrived in the 1970s to help save the aging buildings with a fresh coat of paint. Walking tour bonus: I got a recommendation for lunch at the 11th Street Diner, which is wonderfully retro and delicious.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
After lunch it was time for my garden stroll. Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush oasis of calm within the hype of Miami Beach. Its winding paths and themed groves feel surprisingly secluded, from the elegant Japanese garden to the impressive collection of palms. Orchids peak from behind trees, fountains bubble quietly, and butterflies float through the air. I’m notoriously a nature nerd, so I stopped to listen to all the audio guide snippets on my phone.
As afternoon quickly headed towards evening, I considered what to do next. I didn’t want a repeat of the previous day’s struggles. Better to plan something fun than head home early this time.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
I decided to get a ticket for one of those boat cruises around the bay. Enjoy views of Miami’s iconic skyline! See the homes of the rich and famous! It sounded cheesy, but possibly my best option.
I boarded the boat along with a full complement of tourists, and we set sail for the islands in Biscayne Bay (they’re man-made too). Our guide gave running commentary of the fancy homes we passed. A mansion owned by Jennifer Lopez, another belonging to P Diddy! Places where various movies were filmed too. Sorry, I live under a rock when it comes to pop culture, so I forget what movies they were. It was still fun to get a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle in Miami.
As the boat headed back to the harbor and the sun set behind Miami’s skyline, I reflected upon a whirlwind trip. Maybe I was missing something by skipping the nightlife that draws so many people to the city.
But so what? It was a fun trip anyway.
I saw different sides of the city in my short time: the old world elegance of Vizcaya, the vibrance of Little Havana, the…architecture of Miami Beach? (Seriously, it was interesting.)
Visiting Miami was a good reminder that there isn’t one right way to travel. If neon lights and loud dance music are your thing, you can definitely find that in Miami. If you’re more into educational walking tours and gardens, you can enjoy a trip there too.
Pack some sunscreen.
