Ultimate Travel Guide: 24 Hours in the Miami Design District
Miami, Florida is one of the top luxury travel destinations in the world. Be sure to add the famous Miami Design District to your to-do list. The Miami Design District (MDD) is a booming neighborhood plus a popular shopping destination. The area features art, innovative fashion, architecture, design and fine dining.
The Miami Design District is one of the most historically, iconic destinations anywhere Florida. One of the Miami Design District’s biggest draws is how it seamlessly combines four of the city’s principal pillars – art, culture, dining, and fashion. Hence it’s a one-stop-shop, neighborhood haven. Visitors will enjoy a variety of creative experiences. Plus, there are many hidden architectural gems around every corner.
So what are you waiting for? Plan to visit Miami, Florida soon and spend a day in the incredible Miami Design District. See it for yourself. Here is an ultimate travel guide, to allow you to enjoy your south Florida experience.
A Rewarding Day in the Miami Design District
9:00AM | FIRST STOP: BREAKFAST
Fuel your day’s adventures at local’s favorite neighborhood breakfast spot…
Pura Vida
Pura Vida is South Florida’s go-to wellness eatery and all-day café. It offers a balance of nutritious and delectable dishes, sourced using local and organic ingredients. The eatery serves as the utmost perfect place to kickstart your day in MDD. Plus, the neighborhood favorite provides an extensive menu that showcases an all-day breakfast menu. For example, enjoy a wide range of raw, organic açai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, bowls, and so much more.
3818 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137
10:00AM-11:30AM | ART IN THE DISTRICT
Take a tour through the Miami Design District’s profound art exhibitions and experiential galleries
Emmett Moore’s Grotto Lounge
Immerse yourself in this extraordinary installation comprised of faux coral boulders sculpted into a secluded lounge. Emmett Moore’s Grotto is inspired by coral rock quarries and the mythology surrounding the fictional identities that form around these places. The Grotto is part pavilion, part folly, where one can escape from everyday life. Plus, it is part of Moore’s In an ongoing investigation into the relationship between art, architectural systems and human representation of the natural world.
Here, Moore handcrafts each piece with an intricate attention to detail. They imbed each piece with coral rock and everyday objects such as cellphones, car keys, and lighters. Plus contemporary fossils of items, one might lose while communing amongst the boulders.
3920 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137
Apollo Projects | “Landed”
Apollo ‘Landed’ is the initial iteration of the first plant exhibition to take place in Miami Design District. All artists involved were invited to create, with nature as collaborator and muse. It brings attention to a living, shifting climate and all her inhabitants. From May to July, this pop-up will be hosting activations and installations. They focus is on reconnecting with the environments around us, where locals are invited to create art, with nature as their muse.
151 Northeast 41st Street, Suite 12, Miami, FL 3313
Jade Alley Films: 2021
A collaborative year-long art video feature, Jade Alley Film: 2021 Series features four artist video selections by the District’s key institutions. You will find Locust Projects, de la Cruz Collection and ICA Miami. From April 1 to June 30, the Miami Design District will feature ‘Outage’ by Philadelphia-based artists: Jennifer Levonian and Eva Wylie.
Originally commissioned and premiered by Locust Projects in 2019, Outage is a video that utilizes Levonian’s signature cut paper animation technique. Hence, it incorporates deftly rendered watercolors into short films that wryly depict prescient social narratives. You will also notice Eva Wylie’s unique printmaking techniques. The single-channel animation was made from over 3,000 frames and more than 275 screens were used to create pieces for the animation.
Garden Building Lobby in Jade Alley, Miami, FL 33137
Special Sunset Public Art Tour
Immerse yourself in the Miami Design District’s rich art and architecture. Experience the neighborhood like never before alongside resident expert Thom Wheeler Castillo. Visit Emmett Moore’s The Grotto, Apollo Projects ‘Landed’, April Bey’s Fringe Project installation, and more. Miami Design District’s Special Sunset Public Art Tours take place the first and last Sunday of every month at 6PM
Palm Court Plaza 140 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137
Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art. In addition, it wants to exchange art and ideas throughout the Miami region and internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions, programs and its collections, ICA Miami provides an important international platform. You will find the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists. The museum is deeply committed to providing open, public access to artistic excellence by offering year-round free admission.
61 NE 41 St. Miami, FL 33137
11:30PM-1:30PM | FASHION IN THE DISTRICT
Explore some of the biggest and most exciting names in the world of fashion in the Miami Design District neighborhood.
From Luxury Picks…
Louis Vuitton | Gucci | Hermes | Fendi | Versace | Dior | Cartier | Christian Louboutin | Valentino | Balenciaga
…to New District Favorites:
THE KINGDOM
Featuring exclusive selections of shoes, handbags, ready-to-wear and accessories. The Kingdom offers the most renowned luxury fashion houses, including Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Gucci and Fendi. In addition, Christian Louboutin, Givenchy, Balmain, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Golden Goose and Amina Muaddi. Also, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, The Attico, Mugler, Paco Rabanne, and more.
140 NE 39th St. Suite 105, Miami, FL 33137
John Elliott
Focusing on custom fabric development, John Elliott creates functional and modern fits that are designed to build the core of a wardrobe. Known for carefully considered choices of materials and details, this minimalistic approach to luxury draws inspiration from the city of Los Angeles. That is where the brand is based. Miami is the second flagship store, following Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.
119 NE 41st Street, Miami, FL 33137
GANNI
From Copenhagen, GANNI is a contemporary, global fashion brand owned and led by husband-and-wife team, Ditte Reffstrup and Nicolaj Reffstrup. Inspired by the women that wear the brand, their mission is to create confident designs for the everyday. GANNI is ‘Scandi style 2.0’ – a new era of Scandinavian style full of unexpected details and personality. Its attractive designs reflect the laid-back attitude of Copenhagen, one that eschews trends, and celebrates individual style.
3906 NE 1st Ave. Miami, FL 33137
Chrome Hearts
Chrome Hearts, the luxury accessories, leather, and furniture company renowned for its sophisticated life-inspired designs. Since 1988, fashion & art’s place in contemporary culture has changed radically. Chrome Hearts Miami is a space where the retail “experience” as it’s been known is unhinged. The constant interplay between artists, designers and artisans under one roof will take center stage. The space is home to both emerging and established artists & designers handpicked to create pieces exclusively for this location.
4025 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137
Balenciaga Men’s
Balenciaga is pleased to announce the opening of its Men’s Pop Up in the Miami Design District. With an eye-catching bright green storefront going two stories high, the industrial and utilitarian interior provides a refreshing contrast. The interior decoration has been created by Crosby Studios. They recently showed their designs in Art Basel 2019. The open floor plan allows for a seamless experience of the full Men’s 2021 collection, from accessories to Ready to Wear.
140 NE 39th St, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33137
1:30PM-2:45PM | LUNCH BREAK
Indulge in a multitude of chef-driven experiences, from a roster of exciting young purveyors and restaurateurs.
Mia Market
All that shopping’s definitely worked up an appetite! Mia Market. The chef-driven food hall platform features a thoughtfully curated mix of local food and beverage talent. Plus, an ever so perfect pit-stop to refuel before your MDD explorations continue. Offering an elevated food hall experience that encourages the exploration of shareable dishes in beautiful, inviting, and communal spaces.
Mia Market fosters a spirit of exploration by connecting people through food. Vendors include: The Bar at Mia Market, Coop, Dal Plin, Hot Lime, Foirette, Ruby Dee’s, Jaffa, Sabal Coffee, Tran An, Yasu Tanaka, and more coming soon.
140 NE 39th St. Suite 241, Miami, FL 33137
2:45PM-5:30PM | BEAUTY IN THE DISTRICT
Because you deserve a little pampering after all.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Boutique & Spa
Globally recognized German aesthetics doctor, Dr. Barbara Sturm just brought her groundbreaking anti-inflammatory philosophy. In addition, her non-surgical anti-aging skin treatments are available to the Miami Design District neighborhood. Also, she recently opens her first Miami boutique and spa outpost. Therefore, the brand-new Spa serves as a place of skincare education and advanced scientific innovations.
Relax and enjoy the full range of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s most renowned treatments. So pop in and get pampered with one of her ‘Summer Facial’ treatments. They are exclusive to Miami and LA, or opt for a personalized consultation to find out what your skin really needs!
140 NE 39th Street, Suite 111, Miami, Florida 33137
IGK Salon
The pampering shouldn’t stop there when the future of hairdressing awaits. At IGK Salon, French stylists Frank and Leo Izquierdo specialize in framing customers’ faces with expertly crafted haircuts and color trends. The 3,500-square-foot space features a uniquely artsy decor and bustling playlists. Also be treated to cheerful staffers, and a regular stream of locals, models, and celebrity DJs. Last, choose from over 20 stylists to tend to your locks and refresh your look from color and cuts, to styling and blow-outs.
3930 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137
The Fuel Stop
The Fuel Stop is a fast-track regeneration center offering advanced European technologies for immediate results and long-term benefits. Therefore, customers can treat their brains and bodies with advanced, cutting-edge services. These are typically reserved for professional athletes and ageless celebrities. Also, Mila J. teamed up with Bio-Age Clinic of Dr.Paukman, and their Fast-Track Regeneration concept. It provides all necessary tools for holistic regeneration. From extensive blood testing and bio-identical hormone replacement to advanced detoxification. In addition, enjoy anti-inflammatory, and immune-building customized treatments.
140 NE 39th Street, Suite 207, Miami, FL 33137
5:30PM | AFTERNOON PICK-ME-UP
Love logos and all things caffeinated? Oh do we have the spots for you in the Miami Design District.
Fendi Caffé @ OTL
From now until July 5th, you can partake in what seems to be causing the most buzz in the neighborhood. Be sure to visit the new Fendi Caffé takeover of OTL! Dressed with psychedelic yellow walls and multicolored FF Vertigo logos. Revisited through a Seventies’ filter and inspired by the FENDI Summer 2021 Capsule.
The cafe includes a fusion of local and Italian favorite bites and beverages. Enjoy a signature FF logo cappuccino served in porcelain cups. They are decorated with FENDI’s signature Pequin striped motif. Last, your mid-afternoon pick-me-up has never looked so glamorous. Therefore, you will definitely never wanted to take a picture of it more.
160 NE 40th St. Miami, FL 33137
Baccarat Boutique B Bar & Lounge
Baccarat invites you to live the unique experience of sipping a coffee, tea or cappuccino. You must enjoy a bubbling coupe of champagne, a glass of wine, or discover their signature cocktails. Also taste their delicious bites. All served in Baccarat, surrounded by Baccarat’s beautiful and colorful crystal.
140 NE 39th St., Suite 210, Miami, FL 33137
7:30PM-9:30PM | DINNER-TIME
And last, but most certainly not least, it’s dinner-time in the Miami Design District!
ZZ’s Club
Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, ZZ’s Club is a two-story Japanese restaurant and membership club. It’s helmed by critically acclaimed global restaurant company, Major Food Group (MFG). Within the heart of the first-floor dining area lies a 14-seat marble sushi counter. Interestingly, it presides over by two of New York City’s most revered and beloved sushi chefs – Masa Ito and Kevin Kim.
Upstairs, a second level of uninhibited decadence boasts exclusive amenities with an outdoor cigar lounge, backgammon terrace, and subterranean cocktail bar. A true architectural wonder, opulently designed by the renowned Ken Fulk. ZZ’s Club reflects a playful yet glamorous environment. Hence, it offers the highest caliber of cuisine, personalized hospitality, and unmatched amenities, all under one roof.
151 NE 41st St. Suite 117 Miami, Florida 33137
COTE
COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™ is the vision of proprietor Simon Kim. The fine dining restaurant emulates its flagship, high-energy New York City-based locale. It marries the fun and fire of Korean Barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American Steakhouse. As a result, it’s a unique and convivial atmosphere. It infuses a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service complemented with a show-stopping beverage program.
3900 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137