Miami: Probably the Best U.S. City for a Girls' Solo Trip!
In March, I spotted an insane deal: a round-trip flight from New York to Miami for just $100 on a weekday, with hotels at half-price! Without a second thought, I booked the ticket and embarked on my first-ever solo trip within the U.S. for a quick 2-day getaway. Here's how it went! 🏠 Accommodation: The Elser Hotel Location: Situated by the bay in Downtown, near Bayfront Park. It's a bit of a drive to the actual beach, so you'll need to Uber. Vibe: This place feels more like a luxury apartment studio than a standard hotel. My room had a full kitchen! 🍳 The amenities are fantastic, including a massive two-story gym and a rooftop terrace with a pool. They also offer access to a private beach club. Verdict: If your main goal is to live and breathe the beach life, staying directly on South Beach is probably more fun. The Elser has a slightly more corporate, upscale business vibe. Great for comfort, but not for the classic beach party scene. 🗺️ Itinerary: The "Lay Flat" Edition I was in full relaxation mode, so the schedule was loose. I used Uber/Lyft for all transportation. Day 1: Cuban Vibes & Beach Bliss Morning: Little Havana 🎵 Getting There: Take an Uber and set your destination to Azucar Ice Cream. This is the perfect starting point. The Experience: It's a relatively short but vibrant street bursting with Cuban culture. Start with an ice cream, then grab a strong Cuban coffee from across the street. Watch the local elders play intense games of dominoes in the park. Finally, grab a hefty, delicious sandwich from Sanguich to fuel up before heading to the beach. Afternoon: Beach Time 🏖️ I spent the entire afternoon just lounging on the sand, soaking up the sun, and switching off my brain. Pure bliss. Evening: Sunset & Cocktails 🍹 Sweet Liberty: Located in the South Beach area, this is the perfect spot to catch the sunset and then take advantage of their Happy Hour (before 8 PM). A great, lively bar to unwind. Day 2: Coffee, Culture & Cocktails Morning: White Rose Coffee ☕ Recommendation: This is a super cool, modern coffee shop that shares a space with a tattoo parlor! I tried two of their signature drinks, and both were delightful surprises. A must-visit for coffee lovers. Lunch: Versailles 🇵🇪 Review: This is a famous (internet-famous) spot, but honestly, Peruvian food just isn't my style. I found the dishes way too salty for my taste. 🤷♀️ Afternoon: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 🏛️ Beauty: The estate is absolutely stunning. You can buy tickets directly on Google Maps. Photo Tip: Wear bright, colorful clothes for the best photos! The classic shot is at the green arched doorway in the backyard garden. 📸 Late Afternoon: Bayfront Park & Souvenirs 🛍️ Since the park was right under my hotel, I took a stroll. I was on the hunt for a nice fridge magnet, but honestly, the ones I saw were very generic and looked like they came straight from Yiwu (China's commodity market). Nothing special. Evening: Cafe La Trova 🍸 I specifically timed my visit for their 4 PM opening to catch the Happy Hour and enjoy a couple of expertly crafted cocktails. It's considered one of Miami's top bars for a reason! After a few drinks, it was time to head to the airport. 💡 Final Thoughts & Tips Language: Many locals are from Cuba and primarily speak Spanish. It's a good idea to have a translation app handy, but I found everyone to be incredibly warm and friendly, regardless of the language barrier. 🗣️ Regrets: My trip was too short! I didn't have time to visit the University of Miami, explore Coconut Grove, or make the early-morning trek to Key West. Next time! Solo Female Verdict: Miami felt incredibly safe and welcoming for a solo female traveler. The mix of vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and endless food/drink options makes it a perfect destination for a spontaneous solo escape. 🌟 #US #Florida #Miami
