I had to opportunity to get some R&R in Miami Beach, Florida last weekend and was greeted by pleasant weather and loads of sun. Despite being Spring Break season, Miami Beach & South Beach was big enough for both me and the college kids.

STAY: The Mondrian Hotel on West Avenue is a gorgeous hotel. Located in the heart of South Beach, its central locale is convenient to access the beach and the bars, restaurants and shops located in SoBe (what locals refer to South Beach). The iconic feature of this hotel is its black lacquered floating staircase and the rooms are both modern and chic. The hotel has a beautiful indoor/outdoor roof bar called the Sunset Lounge and a great restaurant called Asia de Cuba which serves Fusion Asian cuisine so good food & drinks are not too far away.

1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.672.2662 www.mondriansouthbeach.com

EAT: I had a lovely brunch on the porch of Front Porch Café situated below The Pelican Hotel. The staff was attentive and friendly and apparently this is the go-to place for brunch for most South Beach locals. I heard their Chicken Satay Omlette was yummy and I was not disappointed. Their generous portions and stiff drinks made boozy brunch in the afternoon sun a delight. Just make sure you try to get a seat on the porch!

1418 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.531.8300

DO: Besides beach bumming, SoBe has a cute little street called Espanola Way. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Way, it’s a quaint street to take a stroll and see the little restaurants, bars and shops housed in Spanish-influenced architecture. I love how all the buildings are painted in pastel colors and accented with the green palm trees. It makes for a lovely stroll in the late afternoon right before you head off to happy hour!

Daphne Howe, partlySunny Contributor