5×5: Miami

All the best hangouts, in all the best cities, from the locals who know…

Last week we held our final  FP Lets Move event in the city of Miami. Known for its neon lights, endless art districts and heavy Latin influence, the city is always down for a good time. For those of you who you couldn’t make it to our movement event last week, we reached out to five Free People employees to share with us their favorite hot spots for the next time you head beachside!

Jackie Grimes: Store Manager

@jac_gypsy

The Jetties – southern end of Miami Beach

The rocks line either side of the Port of Miami inlet, stretching 200 yards beyond the shoreline. Getting out there isn’t easy — I guess it’s our version of hiking! I love to watch the cruise ships pull in and out of this spot — Miami is the cruise capital of the world, sending over 4 million people out to sea every year!

The Freehand Miami Beach – 2727 Indian Creek Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33140

The hostel-turned-hip pool bar and lounge is an FP favorite. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to meet travelers from all over the world. They host morning yoga classes for their guests and always have a delicious daily cocktail!

Puerto Sagua700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

This local cafe has been serving the best beachside Cuban coffee since the early sixties! Our team is fueled by their coladas and cortaditios… we’ll splurge on the Cuban-style pastries once in a while.

Espanola Way Village – 432 Española Way Miami Beach, FL 33139

This small area nestled in South Beach is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and limitless cuisine options! I love sitting outside under the bistro lights, listening to the many surrounding foreign languages while sipping a cappuccino. Even though it’s just around the corner from my house, I feel like I’m far, far away.

Flamingo Park -13th St & Michigan Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

This is the local grassland on South Beach. It stretches over five blocks and is filled with every sports court and field you can imagine. You can usually find me at the dog park throwing a Frisbee with fur-child, Toby.

Desiree Madonna: Assistant Visual Manager

@desireemadonna

Lummus Park Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th street Miami Beach, FL 33139

This long stretch of grass separates the liveliness of Ocean Drive from the peacefulness of Miami Beach. At any moment you can find a pick-up game of beach volleyball, rollerbladers and bikers racing along the boardwalk, or picnickers under the palms. It’s a perfect spot to take a lunch break as well.

Full Bloom Vegan Café 11 Island Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

Vegan?! No problem. This bayside café serves the best raw and cooked vegan cuisine on the beach. Parking isn’t the easiest, but if you’re biking through the city, this spot is perfect!

Washington Park Hotel South Beach – 1050 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

This retro, chic hotel is great for small and large groups alike! Located in the heart of South Beach, Washington Park Hotel remains a cozy and quiet place to crash at the end of your day. I love their courtyard area, complete with hammocks and cool patio decor. It’s a great place to catch up with old friends and new.

South Point Beach  Miami Beach

My Saturday ritual includes a bike ride to South Point Beach, the quietest place around. There are no hotels, and the beaches are primarily filled with locals who just want to relax and enjoy the sun…even if it is a bit cloudy.

Emily Castillon: Manager in Training 

@emiliacastillon

Under the Mango Tree – 714 6th St Miami Beach, FL 33139

This local café has perfected both the acai bowl and adorable atmosphere. It’s a quick five-minute walk from our SoBe store and a favorite lunch spot for our team. The dragonfruit bowl is the bomb; plus, it’s bright purple like my hair!

Ocean Drive Boardwalk  12th & Ocean Dr Miami Beach, FL 33139

The wide boardwalk is perfect for cruising on my board. It’s not too crowded, and I’m guaranteed an ocean breeze to help combat the heat. On the weekends you can usually find a mini flea market filled with artisan vendors selling handmade jewelry, vintage clothing and accessories!

Wynwood Walls – 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Wynwood is known as the Miami covered in murals. Each building is more graphic than the next, and features artists from all over the world. It’s a great area for foodies, too! We always stop at Panther Coffee on our way in and The Wynwood Yard on our way out for the best food trucks in Miami!

The Vintage Flea Market Lincoln Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139 every other Sunday

All the best vintage hunters and gatherers come to Lincoln Road every other Sunday to buy, sell and trade their craft. I always find fun vintage and handmade jewelry, as well as small trinkets, for my apartment.

The Mango Market – Lincoln Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139

This seasonal market is the best place to stock up on organic, locally grown produce. The market is completely seasonal; this keeps the prices low, too! Not to mention a great photo-op for FP Me!

Sam Alt: Manager in Training 

@sammalt_

Bodega – 122o 16th St Miami Beach, FL 33139

Bodega brings Mexican street food to locals and visitors from a decked out Air Stream kitchen… after dark, their dining area transforms into a speakeasy-style nightclub!

Stiltsville – Biscayne Bay Florida

Only a boat can transport you to this private town. During high tide, the water rises above the shallow sea grass, creating a collection of floating homes. I love exploring the beautiful lush landscape; it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere.

Edition Bowling Alley 2901 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33140

Bowl strikes until dawn at the most colorful spot on the beach.  There’s no place more “South Beach”… retro design and modern mixes make for a beautiful blend.

SOHO Beach House – 4385 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33140

Day off goals! Lounge poolside or beachside… no complaints here. The Soho House is a Miami Beach staple and worth the splurge for a special event.

Byblos 1545 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33140

Byblos has the best eastern Mediterranean bites and cocktails in a beautiful environment on Collins. I love to sit on the patio with my best friends, order the hummus and tabbouleh tapas, and catch up after a long week.

Brittany Martinez: Senior Stylist

@b.jaqueline.m

The Everglades National Park – 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034

Head west and you’ll find one of Florida’s greatest treasures — the Everglades. A quiet walk down one of the boardwalk trails, a bike ride through Shark Valley, or an airboat tour of Florida Bay or the Ten Thousand Islands will let you experience the area firsthand. With patience and luck, you might glimpse wading birds, deer, or the park’s most sought-after residents — alligators!

Salty Donut – 50 NW 23rd Street Miami, FL 33127

This sweet spot opened just as we rekindled our love with doughnuts. Their concept is simple and genius — create 5 amazing flavors a week, create a limited supply, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. They have a line out the door every day!

ALL DAY Cafe -1035 N Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33136

Located in the heart of midtown Miami! I first fell in love with the atmosphere and decor, then the coffee! Great coffee!

Midtown Garden Center  2600 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137

The best spot in Miami for indoor and outdoor plants. I could seriously spend hours floating from one table to the next looking for the perfect succulent or cactus. Then, once you find your perfect greens, grab lunch at the featured food truck parked up front!

Gramps – 176 NW 24th St. Miami, FL  33127

This local favorite is full of bright Caribbean colors and flare, and offers the widest variety of beer any hipster could dream of. Stop in any time to grab lunch, and catch live music on most nights. It’s a great pit stop if you’re exploring the area!

+ Have some Miami favorites of your own? Let us know in the comments below! 

Make sure to check out our Free People stores located in the Miami.

Follow April on Instagram!

Lead image shot by @sofia_aleli  

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7 years ago

I’ve only been to Florida a couple times when I was really little, but the love of my life was born in Miami and lived there until he was about thirteen years old. I would love to visit Miami with him so he can show me around and check out all the hot spots!

Kayla Peart | Designer
Kaev Designs | Handmade Natural Gemstone Jewelry

Miami is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love the diversity and the excitement. You can live there for 50 years and never visit the same place twice. I can’t wait to try out all of these recommendations! Thanks for sharing!