I’ve been traveling for over a decade, but I’ve never ventured solo. I finally decided to go on a solo Miami trip. I’m not afraid of flying or going to new places by myself — it’s just that whenever I go on vacation, I usually have someone else with me (friends, family members). But this time around, my cousin was busy with work and couldn’t make it out to Miami. So I had four days all to myself!
Luckily, the first two days were filled with fun beach activities and an exciting night at Carnaval Miami. But then things started getting difficult: On day three my wallet got stolen while exploring Wynwood Walls—an area known for its street art murals—and then on day four everything fell apart when we experienced major delays on our flight home because of mechanical problems. By the end of our trip, however many hours later than scheduled (twenty-two in total), we finally made it back home safe and sound…and now here’s how those last two days unfolded…
Beach day, the first day of my solo Miami trip
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of beaches. But I am a fan of beach days. If you’re going to Miami, use your first day to hit up the beach. It’s a great way to get to know your surroundings and meet people—and it’s also one of those things that just feels like “the right thing” in Miami.
The beach at South Pointe Park is my favourite… because there are no tourists there and it feels like an actual community! You have beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and lots of friendly locals who will welcome you into their fold (or give you directions if needed). Plus, there are plenty of chances for seagull selfies with other visitors who are just as excited about being there as you are! Bring some sunscreen though—it can get pretty hot under those sun’s rays!
Carnaval Miami, second day of my solo Miami trip
This occasion is the perfect avenue to meet new people.
It is a great way to get into the spirit of Miami.
I guarantee you will have a good time.
You can use this opportunity to get a lot of exercise.
Wynwood walls and tapas, the third day of my solo Miami trip
After a day of exploring the city, it was time to check out Wynwood Walls. This mural-covered street art gallery is a must-see in Miami and is home to many of the city’s famous murals. It’s also a great place to grab some food and drinks while being surrounded by some of the most talented artists in the world. And if you’re lucky, you might even run into an artist working on their next masterpiece!
My first stop at Wynwood Walls was at Yummi Sushi for lunch. I ordered a couple of rolls with salmon and tuna along with their house salad, which came highly recommended by our server (and boy, was she right). If you’re looking for an affordable place that won’t leave your wallet empty after your meal then this is definitely where you should go!
After lunch I spent some time wandering around this unique neighbourhood before heading over to Vagabond Coffee Roasters for an afternoon pick-me-up – they have amazing coffee options so I highly recommend trying them all!
Key West Day Trip, the fourth day of my solo Miami trip
Day 3: Key West
After a long day at the beach and some serious poolside lounging, I was ready for more sightseeing. My first stop was to take the ferry from Miami to Key West. The ride itself was quite beautiful as we traveled across Biscayne Bay. I got off at Key West and began my exploration by checking out some of its history at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which includes an old fort built during the Civil War period (where, unfortunately, no shooting happened).
Next up was lunch at Cafe Soleil before heading over to Mallory Square with my friend Victor and his friends Diana & David who were also visiting from California! We enjoyed watching some street performers there before deciding it was time for dinner at Pepe’s & Mijares Cuban Restaurant where we had delicious Cuban sandwiches! Afterward, we went back out onto Duval Street where there were tons of bars & restaurants open until 2 am – plenty of time for all that heart stopping excitement you’re looking for in your vacation!
Little Havana, fifth (and last) day of my solo Miami trip
The best part of Little Havana is its authenticity. There are plenty of places to get authentic Cuban food and culture, but no one does it better than Little Havana. You can find some of the best Cuban coffee in America, as well as cigars that are made right there in Miami. The only downside is that parking is always terrible!
If you’re ever going to visit Little Havana, I highly recommend visiting on a weekday during the morning or afternoon. This will help avoid crowds, which can get quite large at night when people are out for dinner or drinks after work.
Solo travel isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
Solo travel is not for everyone. There are people who say that traveling alone is too risky and that they would never do it, but I disagree. Solo travel can be a great experience if you go into it with the right mindset and knowledge of what to expect.
In case you’re curious about solo travel as a woman in general or are planning your own trip to Miami, here are some tips on how to make sure your time away from home is fun and safe:
Conclusion
I was nervous to travel alone, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. There’s freedom in traveling alone that doesn’t exist when you’re with other people (unless they’re good friends). The only thing holding you back is yourself, so go out there and see what you can do!