Travelguide – Miami & Key West

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Meanwhile it’s my first week back in Germany after a long time in the US. After L.A., Palm Springs and Dallas, I made another trip to Miami to visit a friend. When we clasp into each others’ arms at the airport, we were both surprised about the fact, that we had never thought to see us in Florida under these circumstances. It’s just crazy what happened in a few years and how much everything has changed in Emsdetten since our youth. But it’s nice to note how all my friends travel the world to find their personal way of life.

One of my highlights was definitely that I had the chance to get an impression of her everyday life at the Lynn University in Boca Raton. We strolled over the huge campus and I was overwhelmed by pictures that I had only known from Highschool Musical. Breathtaking sports facilities and dimensions that aren’t comparable to Germany. After two days in her new “hometown” we went to Miami and thats where the Travelguide actually begins.

We spent two nights at the COMO Metropolitan. A beautiful boutique hotel right at the beach in the typical Art Deco style of the city. The well-known Italian designer Paola Navone has given the hotel a very special charm with modern and urban elements, light-flooded rooms and attention to detail. In addition to the pool and its own beach section, guests can relax in the rooftop hydrotherapy pool, a co-ed steam room, a gym and enjoy the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. We always started our day with a delicious breakfast with freshly baked pastries, homemade juices and fruits at the terrace of the restaurant. What more could we ask for?

Another highlight of the COMO Metropolitan is the Traymore Bar, where gin & jazz events take place every month. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enjoy it, but of course I had to try the signature drink of the hotel. Good to know for all gin lovers … The Traymore Gin Bar’s dedicated Gin Club serves Miami’s best premium and super-premium gin drinks, featuring over 30 artisanal gins.

COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach 2445 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33140

If you are in Miami or plan a trip, I have a few more recommendations for you:

Broken Shaker

A hostel bar with a great atmosphere. An absolute must if you want to have a relaxing evening with delicious drinks at a pool and little lamps all over the trees. – 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Under the Mango Tree

Acai Bowls, Fresh Juices, Smoothies and more– 714 6th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Lilikoi Organic Living

As the name suggests, this is another food spot with many healthy treats – 500 South Pointe Dr Ste 180, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Miami Beach Bicycle Centre

From my first stay in Miami I remembered the bike ride along the beach. The tour at the Miami Southpoint Park is particularly beautiful. The sight of the ships and Miami’s skyline in the morning sun is overwhelming.– 746 5th Street Miami Beach, FL 33139

After wonderful days in Miami we went on the 3.5 hour drive to Key West. But with the legendary nature impressions on the way, the time passes by so fast. Many tourists like to make some stops on their way to the south in Islamorada. For us there was only a short stop at the most famous palm tree. You can find the signature palm at the end of Beach Road in the arial of a small hotel. Other popular locations on the way to the Keys are the following:

Blond Giraffe –Key Lime Pie Factory

Here you can eat the best key lime pie –92220 Overseas Hwy Tavernier, FL 33070

Bahia Honda State Park & Beach

– 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Seven Mile Bridge

You can’t get past this bridge anyway. But it’s worths to be prepared, that the camera is ready and the journey over the sea can be kept in pictures. You can also do a trip to the Pigeon Key, an island half-way parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge.

Arrived on the Keys we directly checked in at the 24 North Hotel at the Oceanfront. A very young and modern hotel, that hasn’t only enchanted me with it’s perfect Instagram spots. In addition to a lovingly designed pool area with a small café called the Toasted Coconut and a fitness room, many more activities are offered. For example Yoga, pilates, bicycles, snorkeling and diving, catamaran tours and parasailing. A trip in the city center can be done with the hotel shuttle or you can explore the surroundings by bike. We chose the route with the bikes from the 24 North Hotel to the Smathers Beach, along the Roosevelt Boulevard to Duval Street.

In America I had fallen in love with the new Starbucks Drink Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato, so the joy was great that a Starbucks belongs to the hotel complex. With the refreshing drink in my hand, I listened to a DJ who played almost all my favorite songs at a surprising weekend session. The atmosphere at the pool couldn’t have been better and also in this situation, I was impressed by the relaxed atmosphere. I just enjoyed all the impressions, enjoyed the sun, didn’t think about the next day and just enjoyed the here and now.

At least during the bike tour around the island it happened… I fell in love with this place while walking through the busy Duval Street and watching the sunset. Actually, I’m not a fan of party places or similar, but here I felt the oozing mood simply different. As far as the eye could see were cheerful people who listened to the live music and sang. Two older ladies danced to the songs of a two-man band, after the sunset at the pier. This joy of life has touched me so much and I have secretly hoped, that I will come back here in a few years and celebrate the life with my friends.

What you shouldn’t miss on a trip to the Keys:

Southernmost Point

One of the most photographed places in Key West is definitely the Southernmost Point. It is considered to be the southernmost point of the continental USA. – Located in Upper Duval on the corner of Whitehead Street and South Street

Mallory Square

Here the world-famous sunset is celebrated with music and many street artists. An absolute must! – 400 WALL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040