Tips for an enjoyable first trip to Miami

Scott Hartbeck | TravelPulse (TNS)

Even if you haven't been to Miami before, you already have a sense of what it's like.

Miami, a city in South Florida, has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and songs, creating a strong image of the city even if you haven't visited.

Because of this, there's a lot of pressure to experience the Miami you've always imagined when you go there for the first time. I recently went there for the first time and tried to discover the essence of the city I had always dreamed of while also seeking some surprises.

Sunrise at South Beach in Miami Beach. (Scott Hartbeck/TravelPulse/TNS)

I know you're on vacation, but you really need to wake up before sunrise and see a sunrise during your trip to Miami, especially on your first morning. Darkness gives way to gentle light as the sun slowly rises above the Atlantic Ocean, coloring the sky in shades of pink, gold, and blue, casting a soft light over the water and the sand below.

If you're on South Beach like I was, you'll probably be surrounded by a mix of early risers and night owls, all with different reasons for visiting Miami and all amazed to be witnessing this special view with their own eyes. On your way back from the beach, make sure to take a photo with one of the iconic neon lifeguard towers—it's the perfect time for it.

Known for its significant role in rejuvenating South Beach during the lively days of the '90s, News Cafe is open 24/7 and situated at the heart of South Beach (8th & Ocean Avenue). You'll likely pass it anyway, so you might as well sit outside and relax for a while.

News break

In the past, this café was frequented by glamorous and fabulous people, as well as everyone in between, as it offered one of the first tastes of European café culture on South Beach—and today, it still remains a lively part of the neighborhood.

Enjoy a Cuban Club and a Paper Boy (their version of the bloody mary) like I did, or a refreshing, citrusy Frozzie Rossie cocktail as you watch the sidewalk in front of you become a runway for locals on bikes or rollerblades, wide-eyed tourists, aspiring influencers, and drivers flaunting their fancy cars.

Art Deco from close by

If you’re like me, you might know that Art Deco is linked with South Beach, but do you understand the stories behind the style and the facades? That’s where the Miami Design Preservation League’s expert guides come in as they lead travelers on daily walks through the Art Deco District every morning at 10:30 AM. The guides share the stories behind each building (you’ll see Art Deco, Miami Modern and Mediterranean Revival on the tour), making you appreciate their efforts to protect these special buildings.

Dine in an old-fashioned way

For over a century, Joe’s Stone Crab has been attracting crowds from far and wide for its famous crustaceans and no trip to Miami is complete without a visit here. Located in the lively center of South Beach, Joe’s is renowned for its juicy stone crab claws taken from nearby waters, along with a variety of other delicious dishes. Think of it this way: everyone is going to ask you if you went to Joe’s, so you might as well!

Sushi might not be the primary thing that comes to mind when thinking of Miami, but why wouldn’t it be excellent here? Enter Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, which is a haven of Japanese cuisine situated within the historic Plymouth Hotel South Beach (just past the retro-cool lobby and beside the beautiful pool). The menu is supervised by sushi master Toshi Ueki and chefs Bruce and Eric Bromberg and features a tempting selection of traditional sushi and sashimi, expertly prepared to perfection. Oh, and there’s also a much-loved version of fried chicken. You’ll feel trendy sitting in one of their booths, but not intimidatingly so.

… and new

Bid farewell to South Beach

Wynwood. Little Havana. Downtown. Little Haiti. Key Biscayne. Coconut Grove. Coral Gables. It doesn’t matter where you go, but you have to explore beyond South Beach during your time in Miami because it’s only a small—albeit shiny—part of this spectacular city.

My time in South Beach was marked with visits to Wynwood and Little Havana, where I was able to sample (literally) two entirely different sections of the city and savor (literally) slices of its unique story.

Explore the water

If you’re wondering when this piece is going to leave dry land, the time is, well, now. I teamed up with Watersports Paradise—known for boat tours, yacht charters and boat rentals in addition to any other active water pursuit you can think of—for an unforgettable adventure through Miami’s waterways.

We saw opulent Millionaire’s Row and traveled the waters across Biscayne Bay to marvel at the splendor of Star, Palm, Hibiscus and Venetian Islands with the occasional burst of speed to get the heart racing. The stories of fun times on Monument Island had me dreaming about the weekends I would spend there if I lived in Miami. And okay, I’ll admit it: I set the highlights of this excursion to the “Miami Vice” theme song when I posted it on social media.

Where to stay in Miami on a first trip

Before you even touch down in Miami, there’s the little decision of where to lay your head. And as one of my previous points makes clear: Miami isn’t all beaches. South Beach is just one section of Miami (Miami Beach to be precise) and the city is home to a dizzying array of diverse neighborhoods, all perfect for getting a true feel of the city and almost all could make a great base.

During your first visit, you will likely need to stay in South Beach. This area has captured the attention of the world, so you'll want to experience what all the excitement is about and it's best to stay there.

When considering where and what kind of hotel to stay in on your first trip to Miami's South Beach, one phrase holds great importance above all others: Art Deco.

You can't visit Miami for the first time without staying in a historical hotel with Art Deco design. And of course, the hotel must have a great pool, right?

I couldn't imagine it any other way, so I'm pleased I stayed at The Plymouth Hotel South Beach.

Situated very close to the Miami Beach Convention Center and across from Collins Park and the impressive Bass Museum, The Plymouth boasts over 100 rooms with elegant touches and is a true example of Art Deco. This is further evidenced by the fact that Barbara Baer Capitman featured a photo of The Plymouth's corner exterior on the cover of her 1988 book Deco Delights.

Upon entering, you will be immediately captivated by the seamless blend of historic Art Deco charm and modern luxury, creating an atmosphere that combines boutique and beach vibes.

As for the beach, guests have exclusive access to The Plymouth's private section, just a block away between The W and The Setai. The lobby is perfect for lingering, with lush foliage and a fantastic mural by the acclaimed Ramon Chatov, offering a great view of the bar and the popular Blue Ribbon Sushi.

The 1940s Art Moderne pool area is one of the most well-designed pools in the city, distinguished by its unique harlequin tiles and inviting peach and brown colors, creating an iconic Miami backdrop. Like many first-time visitors to Miami, I left knowing this wouldn't be my last visit, and The Plymouth's pool was a major reason for that.

In conclusion, living up to the high expectations bestowed upon Miami is nearly impossible, but this city makes it seem effortless.

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travelpulse.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The city has been featured numerous times in film and TV, as well as in popular music, and many of these Miami-related works have become iconic.