Looking for a quick weekend escape from the cold and slushy streets of New York? Miami is the perfect destination, especially during mid-December when you can leave the chilly weather behind and enjoy the warmth of this lively city. In just a 3.5-hour flight, you can find yourself in the sunny paradise of Miami or the trendy shores of Miami Beach. Why not experience both?

When I planned my Miami getaway for three nights, I decided to split my stay between Brickell and Ocean Drive. For a more budget-friendly and less touristy experience, I recommend staying in Brickell over the weekend and then heading to Miami Beach during the weekdays.

Brickell is an upscale and chic neighborhood with an array of excellent restaurants and bars. It's a great choice because of its proximity to Little Havana, and you'll find plenty of other cool places to explore nearby. Simply strolling around Brickell is an enjoyable experience, and you can venture further to discover the scenic Miami River or take a walk in Bayfront Park.

The dining scene in Brickell is fantastic, offering a range of trendy restaurants and bars. One spot worth mentioning is Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, an ideal place for a late brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. Their lobster quesadilla is a must-try, but honestly, everything on the menu is delicious.

If you're interested in street art, Wynwood is another neighborhood worth a visit. Wynwood Walls, Art Walk, and Wynwood Marketplace are the main hubs for impressive street art displays. At the Marketplace, you can even enjoy a snack or a beer from creatively transformed old shipping containers.

In Miami, it's all about the diverse neighborhoods – from the iconic Miami Beach to Brickell, Wynwood, and Little Havana. Although you can walk between some of them, it's often best to grab a cab and be instantly transported to a different place, time, and vibe. Little Havana is a particularly special place, making you feel like you've been whisked away to an exotic Cuban destination.

Located west of Downtown Miami, Little Havana, centered around 8th Street (Calle Ocho), was initially home to Jews in the 1960s but became a cultural center for Cuban and Latin American immigrants. The lively atmosphere here is contagious, with people playing dominos, overflowing bars with mojitos, and lively music and dancing everywhere. Ball & Chain is a favorite spot to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere.

The music in Miami can transform streets, as seen on Ocean Drive. During the day, it may be a relatively calm touristy area, but after dark, it transforms into one big party. The music fills the streets, luring people into clubs and bars with its infectious energy and irresistible beats.

For my last night, I stayed at the Winter Haven hotel by Marriott Bonvoy. This art deco hotel retains its old-school charm from the '70s, giving you a nostalgic experience while providing modern comfort.

The rooms are small, but you won't spend much time inside when you're staying on Ocean Drive. With restaurants, bars, and the ocean just steps away, there's always something to do and explore. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant and colorful lifeguard stands on Miami Beach.

To sum up, this Miami getaway was a quick but worthwhile break from the cold of New York. For those planning their own adventure, here are some top recommendations:

Stay:

JW Marriott Brickell

Winter Haven, Autograph Collection

Eat and Drink:

Dolores but you can call me Lolita

Ball & Chain

To see:

Little Havana

Ocean Drive Art Deco Buildings and colorful lifeguards stands on Miami Beach

Brickell and Miami River

Wynwood Walls

If you have the time, consider extending your trip to visit Key West and Everglades National Park, but keep in mind that it will require an additional two- or three-day excursion. Happy travels!