DAY 1
11 AM. Checking in: Quick stop for bag drop-off at AxelBeach
📍1500 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Our hotel for the night was of course an IGLTA member, the AxelBeach Miami, located in the heart of South Beach, just steps from the beach and Ocean Drive. We had a great time at the AxelBeach Miami and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, comfortable, and centrally located hotel.
A couple of fun facts about the AxelBeach Miami:
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It’s Axel’s first hotel in the U.S.!
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It’s a fascinating example of Miami's distinct architectural blend. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida recognized the AxelBeach Miami with the Merit Award of Excellence for Historic Preservation & Restoration in 2020 due to their sensitivity to the original design.
Accessibility:
The hotel has services and rooms specifically designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility and disabilities, with features that will facilitate your stay in the hotel.
12 PM. Miami Beach Icon: Brunch at the Palace
📍1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Our first stop was the legendary Palace Bar & Restaurant, a Miami Beach icon for over three decades. This LGBTQ+ institution isn't just a bar, it's a full-fledged restaurant with amazing food and, of course, fabulous drag shows (not to mention the rooftop pool with an ocean view!).
We were lucky enough to experience a Monday drag brunch, where we were entertained by talented drag queens while enjoying a delicious meal.
Did you know? The Palace Bar & Restaurant wasn't always surrounded by the vibrant nightlife of Ocean Drive! When it first opened in 1988, it was actually the only restaurant on the entire strip! Today, they still pay homage to their culinary roots by offering top-notch dishes alongside the drag performances.
5.30 PM. A little detour: Public Art Celebrates Drag Queens
On our way back to the AxelBeach, we took a detour to Española Way, eager to finally see in person the public art dedicated to Miami's drag scene. Titled "Adora Vanessa Athena Fantasia" the installation by the AVAF artist collective did not disappoint. The psychedelic aluminum panels hanging overhead were even more mesmerizing in person, and the kaleidoscopic portraits captured the essence of the local drag queens with stunning detail.
We were particularly struck by the 30-foot tall (9.4 meters) mural, which incorporated elements from various drag personas to create a powerful collective representation of the community.
As fans of drag art, we were thrilled to see this vibrant tribute to Miami's drag scene!
07.30 PM. Karaoke night at the Gaythering Hotel Bar
📍1409 Lincoln Rd F1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
We returned to our hotel, the AxelBeach, to freshen up and prepare for the big queer night ahead. Stuffed from our earlier brunch, we grabbed a coffee at the AxelBeach pool restaurant and opted for a light dinner at our next destination: the Gaythering Hotel Bar, for… Karaoke night! 🎤
The bar's menu included fresh and curated drinks, with craft cocktails and beers at neighborhood prices.
After nachos, pretzel bites, a couple of delicious drinks, and a little bit of persuasion, we found the courage to sign up for karaoke. The vibe at the Gaythering Bar was fantastic, and the crowd was very supportive to all of those brave enough to sing!
Free HIV Testing
As an added bonus, the Gaythering Hotel offers free HIV testing once a month in partnership with the organization Free HIV Testing. The van is located outside the bar, making it easy and convenient to get tested.
10.30 PM. Nathan’s Beach Club
📍1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Our next stop was Nathan's Beach Club, a South Florida institution known for its welcoming atmosphere and unique themed nights.
Nathan’s the place to go for a bit of nostalgia, with a relaxed and friendly vibe. The highlight of the night was definitely the drag show – it was hilarious and interactive, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.
We enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to make new friends. We left Nathan's feeling happy and energized!
11.30 PM. Twist: A maze of music
📍1216 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
After a day packed with adventures, we ended our night at Twist, a legendary South Beach venue known for its energy and ENDLESS dance floors!
Stepping into the club, we were immediately immersed in a labyrinth of rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere and music. We enjoyed exploring the place, hopping from one room to the other in a never-ending musical journey. We let loose on the dance floor, unleashing our inner disco queens and boogying down until late!
Twist truly lived up to its reputation as a must-visit in Miami. It was the perfect way to end our day, a true gem of South Beach nightlife!
DAY 2
9.00 AM. Art Deco in South Beach: Walking tour
Our second day in Miami Beach started with an early morning wake-up call for a special appointment: a tour of South Beach with our friend and historian Herb Sosa (he/him), President of Unity Coalition | Coalicion Unida.
Herb led us through the neighborhood, unveiling the secrets of the Art Deco architecture that makes it famous worldwide. His passion for the neighborhood was contagious and made us appreciate even more the unique beauty of this place.
If you don’t have a Herb Sosa in your life…
…don’t despair! South Beach is a vibrant neighborhood that’s easily explored on your own, on foot, or by bike. Here’s what we did:
- We started from the Betsy Orb. This iconic landmark is a glass-enclosed oculus that connects two hotels across an alleyway. It was designed by Arquitectonica and is a popular spot for photo ops.
- Next, we walked down Ocean Drive. This famous street is lined with Art Deco buildings, including the Carlyle Hotel, The Colony, and The Raleigh. We stopped at the Carlyle to catch a glimpse of its beautiful lobby.
- We stopped by The Wolfsonian - This Mediterranean Revival building on the corner of 10th Street and Washington Avenue is now a museum, housed in a former 1927 warehouse. This impressive building now showcases art and design from the 18th to the mid-20th century.
- We dropped by the South Beach Post Office. Designed in the 1930s, its soaring lobby with a geometric roof and historic murals is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. You wouldn't think to enter a post office unless you needed to, right? Well, this is not the case here. Step inside to be amazed (and grab some stamps for those postcards)!
- Finally, we strolled down Española Way. This charming pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. We enjoyed people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
12.30 PM. Lunch at Pink Taco
📍1000 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Pink Taco, a Mexican restaurant just steps from the ocean. The weather was perfect for dining al fresco on the lively patio. The food was delicious and beautifully presented.
We couldn't resist a quick peek inside at the stunning decor before heading back out to enjoy the beautiful day. The decor was marvelous, with bright pink walls, artwork and pink neon lights. It was a feast for the eyes, and we could have spent hours exploring all the details.
01.45 PM. Crossing the Rainbow Crossroad
Leaving Pink Taco with happy bellies, we headed toward the beach, crossing the iconic Rainbow Crosswalk. You can find this landmark at the intersection of Ocean Drive and 12th Street.
A nearby plaque tells the story behind it. It reads:
“Rainbow Crosswalk celebrates Miami Beach as a diverse and inclusive city and salutes the many LGBTQ+ people who worked for decades to preserve and revitalize this unique historic community.
[..] the crosswalk is purposefully located in a section of Ocean Drive known for its deep roots in the LGBTQ community, dating back to the 1980s. [..]
The crosswalk was designed using the pastel color palette that Leonard Horowitz (b. 1946 - d. 1989), the co-founder of the Miami Design Preservation League and an openly gay man, created for the Art Deco District. [..]"
02.00 PM Beach
Leaving the Rainbow Crosswalk behind, we made a beeline for the beach. And—of course—we couldn't resist a pitstop at the famous rainbow lifeguard tower for some souvenir photos. With its vibrant colors and iconic vibe, it was the perfect spot to capture our excitement for the day ahead.
We then made our way down to the soft sand, feeling the warm sun on our skin and the gentle breeze in our hair. 🌊
As we settled into our beach towels, we felt happy and relaxed. This was the perfect place to soak up the sun, enjoy the company of friends, and make some new memories.
05.30 PM Bye bye, Miami!
With these beautiful memories in our hearts, we headed back to the AxelBeach Hotel to collect our bags. It was time to say goodbye to Miami Beach!
We hope you've enjoyed following along on our 32-hour adventure in Miami Beach.
Everyone's travel style is different, so feel free to mix and match our suggestions to create your own perfect itinerary. And if you have any questions, please contact Visit Miami / Visit Miami LGBTQ+ for assistance or advice on how to make the most of your LGBTQ+ experience in Miami.