If you get here early, or decide to stay on for a day or two, here are a few non-wedding things you can add to your itinerary! Scroll down past the restaurant info for more Miami events.
Beaches
Key Biscayne is the place to go!Xiomara loves the more secluded Bill Baggs State Park while Robbie recommends the larger open spaces of Crandon Park.You can't go wrong with either! Be sure to keep an eye out for RSMAS on your right hand side as you drive out, you may catch a glimpse of Robbie's office! If you're in a rental car, be aware that there is no other way to get there except through a SunPass toll.
South Beach is great for people watching, Instagram poses and more sun and food! If you're brave ask to join a volleyball game while you're there.
Touring
Enjoy the outdoors walking distance in Coconut Grove at either David T Kennedy or Peacock Park. Both have views of the ocean!
Fairchild – Yes, this is where the reception will be held but this place is just that big, and that great, that it makes the list!
Vizcaya – This estate and its luscious grounds is celebrating its centennial year! Plan some time to take the audio tour of the historic home or wander the gardens and enjoy water vista.
Frost Science Museum – This museum is brand spanking new, and all the talk. Can't wait to check it out!
Off the Beaten Path
If you'd like to try something different, you can get here by car.
Wynwood – Xiomara spent a lot of time here when she first moved to Miami. There's great street art, check out the Wynwood Walls. You'll also find galleries, breweries, yummy food (See Kush, Suviche, Panther Coffee), and hipsters.
Calle Ocho – Historically significant for Cuban Americans in Miami, park and walk the stretch. Be sure to find Domino Plaza where you're bound to learn some strategy.
Knauss Berry Farm – If you have a car and have a hankering for fresh baked goods and a country drive, wake up early and head to Knass Berry.
Robert is Here – Just minutes from the Rivera home in Homestead and on your way to the keys, this fruit stand is a favorite spot for a smoothie or a milkshake!
The Everglades - Go in through the proper National Park entrance way down south or just drive west to find an abundance of options for airboat tours.
Shopping
A mall's a mall, but if you need some retail therapy or Miami fashion then head to one of these places.
Cocowalk- in the center of Coconut Grove
Merrick Park- walking distance from the Christian home in Coral Gables
Miracle Mile - also walking distance from the Christian home in Coral Gables
Dadeland Mall – a short drive from the church
South Miami - also a short drive from the church
Lincoln Road – in South Beach, it literally runs into the sand.
If you don't make it to everything, you'll just have to come back for a visit!
Our biggest problem with Miami cuisine is that the city is swamped with too many phenomenal options. Although it is hard to say which Robbie and Xiomara enjoy more eating out or making restaurant recommendations, here are a few local recommendations based on location and what may be worth the drive or Uber ride.
In Coconut Grove
Lokal - one of the best places in all of Miami for good burgers and beers, plus they're all about sourcing local sustainable food. Also check out the Spillover nearby as well as Kush in Wynwood (both owned by the same company) Google Maps - Lokal
Jaguar - a favorite option for Peruvian cuisine Google Maps - Jaguar
Greenstreet Cafe - try this place out anytime but they do have a notable breakfast Google Maps - Greenstreet
Peacock Garden Café - excellent local charm with great eats Google Maps - Peacock Garden
Bombay Darbar - in case you come to Miami for Indian food, this is Robbie's favorite choice for Indian Google Maps - Bombay Darbar
*Panther Coffee - if you drink coffee, it would be a crime to leave Miami without having real Cuban coffee. They do have pastries but the main attraction is their coffee. Google Maps - Panther Coffee
Choices Café - Did you decide to go vegan before our wedding? That's okay, you can eat here! Good news too: it's delicious. Google Maps - Choices Cafe
On the way to/from church
Spring Chicken - southern fare, fresh and local ingredients Google Maps - Spring Chicken
Cuban/Miami Flare
Versailles - anyone seen the movie Chef? Despite its suspiciously French name, the restaurant has a very Cuban menu Google Maps - Versailles
La Camaronera - this is how Cubans do seafood Google Maps - La Camaronera
Pincho Factory- a quality spot for burgers and kebabs Google Maps - Pincho Factory
For the Coffee
Mary's Coin Laundry - This deli shares space with a laundromat. Great prices, authentic food and coffee. Don't expect to speak English here. Google Maps - Mary's
*Panther Coffee (again) – There's one in Wynwood too
For the sake of Coral Gables
Ortanique on the Mile - highly acclaimed restaurant with a thrilling fusion of Caribbean flavors - Robbie's favorite restaurant in Miami Google Maps - Ortanique
Swine Southern Table & Bar - if you eat anything that comes from a pig, this is a top pick Google Maps - Swine
If you make it all the way to Homestead
Casita Tejas - some of the best Mexican food in Miami is way down in Homestead Google Maps - Casita Tejas
One of the best things about living is Miami is that there's always something to do!
Here are a few highlights that may tickle your fancy:
Friday
Viernes Culturales – Translates to "Cultural Fridays" a night to explore Little Havana art and music. http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/viernes-culturales-arts-and-culture-festival/28492
Critical Mass – Bikes, bikes and more bikes!To hear Xio tell it, this is a good way to know where to avoid, as the cyclist take over the street! http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/miami-critical-mass/29154
Art Walk – There are many free art walks in the city, this one takes place on the last Friday of the month! Not only can you duck in and out of galleries, day dreaming (or actually) purchasing items for your dream home, plus… food trucks! http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/nomad-north-miami-art-and-design-art-walk/29165
Saturday
Miami Museum – Right next to the downtown library branch (hint, hint) this may be a great event with the kids! http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/hands-on-history/30011
Science Barge – Another family friendly event to explore, right next to the Miami Museum. http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/miami-science-barge/30444
Community Yoga – Wake up and stretch with strangers, if you're into that kind of thing. http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/free-community-yoga-at-the-mayfair-hotel-rooftop/30363
Sunday
Farmers Markets – Orchids, anyone? Here's to relaxing Sunday options, just decide to you want to head south and explore a different garden-scape or head to the beach where you can also squeeze in some shopping at the many Lincoln Road retail stores.
http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/sunday-farmers-market-at-pinecrest-gardens/29114
http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/lincoln-road-sundays-farmers-market/28901
Of course, there's always church…. If you're looking for a Sunday morning service, you can check out Crossbridge at the Pinecrest campus at either 9:00 or 11:00am!
Please use our wedding hashtag throughout the weekend, we would love to see how you choose to celebrate with us!