We stayed up late again last night and left South Beach early for Melissa’s vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale. Planning to spend some time at the pool, we would return to South Beach for a boat ride around the harbor and then find a great spot for dinner.
The weather was overcast, but perfect for sunning by the pool. Sam went out to pick up some items to grill for lunch. He returned with a charcuterie plate, small steaks, lobster and hard seltzers.
Our late lunch was absolutely fabulous, which is always the case with Sam and Mel. We packed our sun-kissed faces into the mid-sized bathroom to get ready for our last night in Miami. After a few dress changes, we were finally ready after an hour and a half.
We were all so excited for the boat ride that it seemed so long for us to finally arrive. The traffic was absolutely crazy but we managed to make it on time to board the Biscayne Bay “Millionaire’s Row” Boat Tour sunset cruise.
The tour began along the bay at a dock surrounded by giant skyscrapers and luxurious catamarans. The weather was perfect with low humidity and moderate temperatures in the mid-70s. With the exception of one couple, we had the boat all to ourselves.
We passed by elaborate properties with an unknown amount of square footage and luxury yachts. The boat ride was smooth as we passed through the No Wake zone and began making our way out towards the bay.
I imagined waking up each morning and enjoying coffee along the coast, watching the yachts and tour boats pass by.
My favorite homes were the ones that were surrounded by water with well-manicured yards and second story balconies.
Very few homes were brightly painted with Caribbean-colored exteriors but they were a welcome change to the scenery.
As we approached the overpass, our boat tour was coming to an end. The sun was also beginning to set, so we discussed where we wanted to stop for dinner.
The last home on our tour was my absolute favorite. There is something about strings of lights, strewn from pole to pole, creating an ambient setting. If I had to choose, this would be my kind of home in a world where I could afford it. I’m just as happy admiring it from the comfort of our tour.
Although cloudy, the golden hour brought out the minimal lighting as the boat began to dock in the intercoastal. When we learned that Shawna had never eaten oysters, Melissa knew of a great place to stop for dinner. By now, we were hungry and looked forward to slurping down a few salt-water mollusks.
Sam and the boys were going to meet us at Stiltsville Fish Bar, We ordered several dozens of oysters knowing it would take a while for them to be shucked. In the meantime, we also ordered some drinks and checked our departure flights for the next day. Within ten minutes we had all gathered together and were now waiting for Shawna to try her first oyster.
According to Shawna, the oysters were amazing. She may have eaten a whole dozen, so I guess that confirms they were worth it.
Have you had the opportunity to take a cruise around Miami to admire the oceanside mansions? We had a blast during our experience and would do it again. Many thanks for reading about our coastal tour in Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Where to Stay:
The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305 938 3000
Where to Eat:
Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362
Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone: 786 673 8374
What to Read:
- Miami, by Joan Didion
- Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
- Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
- Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
- Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
- 15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz
Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:
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- Art Deco Historic District: The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
- Big Pink
- Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
- Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Casa Florida
- Eden Roc Hotel
- Fontainebleau Hotel
- Gianni Versace Mansion
- Life guard stand at South Beach
- Lincoln Theater
- Miami Skyline
- Museum Garage
- Nikki Beach
- Ocean Drive: The Traffic and Palm Trees
- SOBE sculpture
- The Delano Hotel
- The Garden House Restaurant
- The Standard Hotel and Spa
- The Views from Juvia
- The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
- Venetian Pool
- Wynwood Art
La Chatelaine, a French Bakery and Bistro, made its debut in Dublin in 1991. I couldn’t wait for Saturdays to purchase Brioche rolls for the week and choose from their large selections of fresh pastries as well. From chocolate croissants to coconut macaroons, I enjoyed selecting a few for a late afternoon indulgence.
For an amazing steak in historical Dublin, my favorite restaurant is Oscar’s Bar and Grill. With a lovely, rustic setting, this restaurant offers an incredible selection of entrees, but in my opinion, their finest dish is the 8 oz. filet. For a side dish, my go-to options are either the cranberry balsamic salad or the fried Brussel sprouts.
J. Liu is the perfect place when you are craving Asian-inspired dishes. My only problem is that the offer so many delicious appetizers, that I have a difficult time making a choice. My favorites include the crab rangoons, spring rolls, potstickers and the lettuce wraps. However, if I’m in the mood for an entree, I can never go wrong with the miso salmon or the poke bowl.
