Sunset from Clearwater Beach, Fl

Clearwater Beach is probably the most popular beach in the Tampa Bay area. According to google, Clearwater is only 25 minutes away from my house. However, the traffic is bad and the parking is difficult and it probably takes me at least one hour. This is a beautiful beach, but sadly it is too crowded on the weekends to go more often. A few months ago, I found out that there is a sunset festival every day at the Pier 60 in Clearwater. Last Saturday, I wanted to practice my beginner photography skills. The festival was nice. It is free, there is a live band, local artisans, and street performers. When I first got to Clearwater it was cloudy. I never expected to watch such a beautiful pink sunset that afternoon.

Sunsets at Pier 60

Clearwater Beach

This is what is behind the umbrellas

Real Water Color

About half way through the pier you have to pay a 50 cents walk-in fee. I went to the end of the pier to wait for the sun to go down along with other people that were there for the same reason. It was a beautiful sunset. After the sun was gone, the sky started to turn into different shades of purple and pink. It was probably the most beautiful sunset that I've seen.

Sunset from Pier 60, Clearwater Beach, Florida

Pink and purple sky from the pier

This day was very windy and I got some water in my lens. I only noticed when it was too late. Many of the pictures from this day have spots. 

Favorite places in Miami, Part 2

Miami is probably one of my favorite Cities in the US. I created this post and part one to help a friend plan an upcoming trip to the City of Sun. Miami is more than just the main port to the caribbean. 

Downtown is referred as the area north of the Miami river. Brickell, the financial district, is located south of the river. The most beautiful hotel that I've ever stayed, the Viceroy, is located in Brickell. I can't wait to return to their Spa and pool. I stayed there with my best friends for my Bachelorette weekend. You can see the pictures from that weekend here. Brickell key is a small island of Brickell with mostly luxury residential buildings and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The metrorail or a $5 dollar taxi connects the areas. 

Viceroy's Pool

Brickell Key from Brickell

the Spa @ the Viceroy Hotel

The best about staying in Downtown is that the newest hotels and restaurants are located in this area. If you don't know where to go, head to Mary Brickell Village. Within a few blocks there are several stores, bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. My favorite bars in the area are Baru, Segafredo, Blue Martini, and Kukaramakara. There are many options within walking distance. If you are staying on South Beach and want to go out in downtown a taxi will probably cost $30 each way.

Segafredo Brickell

Drinks and Sushi @ Kyma

The most popular tourist area in downtown is probably Bayside Market Place, Bayfront Park, and the American Airlines Arena. There is a water taxi stop at Bayside. I've never taken the water taxi. Maybe on another trip to Miami I will take it towards South Beach.

Biscayne Bay from Bayside Market Place

Bayside Market Place 

There are many hotel options all over the City. Since I always stay for one night or two I like to stay in south beach or Brickell. Other nice areas are Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, North Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles. Ft lauderdale is another great option and it is only 20 minutes north of Miami. If you need help deciding where to stay let me know and maybe I can help.

Favorite Places in Miami, Part 1

Miami has countless things to see and do. Most people go to Miami for the beautiful white sand beaches, shopping sprees, and for the nightlife. I spent many weekends in my 20's enjoying Miami. Lately I've been lazy about the drive but once I'm there I always have a good time. I considered moving there several years ago. I still consider it an option if I ever move out of Tampa. I looked for pictures from old trips and I have so many that I need to split this post into 2 parts: South beach and Downtown. 

South Beach

South Beach or SoBe is the southern most beach in Miami Beach. South Beach is famous for the topless sunbathers, the architecture, and the nightlife. It goes from 1st street until around 22nd street. I'm not a big fan of Ocean Drive except for the Art Deco buildings and seeing the Versace mansion. I really recommend not going to Ocean Drive at night. It's safe, but I consider it a bit too touristy for my taste with boas and wild birds on the street for pictures. I do love having breakfast on Ocean Drive at News Cafe which is open 24 hours. Most clubs close at 5:00 AM and it is very convenient after a night of dancing.

I rather stay north of 16th street. The most glamorous hotels in the area are the Delano, the ShoreClub, the Ritz Carlton, the Setai, and the W. There are many price options in South Beach from budget hotels to the most beautiful boutique hotels. Most of these hotels have nice bars to start the night where you can go even if you are not a guest. After a few drinks you can head out to another place. If you are staying at a hotel in the area, ask the concierge to provide wrist bands for night clubs or to at least put you on a guest list. Otherwise, the bouncers are tough to get through and you will be asked to buy a bottle or maybe not even allowed to get in. Also, the dress code is very strict in most night clubs. A black dress and heels for women and a simple button down shirt and nice jeans for guys will do it. Forget about wearing flip flops or sneakers at night. Leave the casual wear for the beach. Most places love to have a reputation of being the "most exclusive" or to have the "tighest door policy", so be ready to look your best.

South Beach, Miami

The Pool at the ShoreClub Hotel

Fun nights with friends in South Beach

South Beach

Most restaurants and bars are trendy for a while. Some of the places that I've been no longer exist. Mynt Lounge has been popular for at least 5 years. I'm lucky to have friends that live there and take me to new places all the time. The only place that I keep going back during the day is Nikki Beach. They make the best mojitos in Miami and the brunch on Sundays is amazing. They always have a DJ playing and the lounge beds are perfect for a day in the sun. 

Mojitos @ Nikki Beach

Champagne Bottles Celebration

Parking in South Beach is hard to find. Most hotels charge approximately $30 per day for parking. The best option is to walk or take taxis instead of trying to find a new parking spot. A taxi from the airport is probably at least $40 each way. However, having a car will let you explore the rest of the city.

Photo Credit: www.southbeach-usa.com

Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is practically part of south beach and this is probably my favorite place in Miami. Lincoln Road is a pedestrian street between Alton Road and Washington Avenue. There are several unique stores, art galleries, movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. There is even a church in the middle of Lincoln Road. Most restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating and offer late night dinner. Also, stores are usually open until midnight. The best part about Lincoln Road: people watching. My favorite itinerary (day or night) will include  visiting the Romero Britto gallery, Segafredo for coffee or drinks, and Nexxt for dinner. 

Dessert @ Nexxt

Segafredo Lincoln Road

Dogs and clothes in a Lincoln Road Store

Photo Credit: www.lincolnroad.net

Weekend in Miami, Day 2

After a fun night we had a hard time getting out of bed. My plan was to have lunch in South Beach, and window shop on Lincoln Road. However, we were not feeling so well this day. We never go out dancing, and we are definitely getting old. We had a late breakfast at the hotel and we went to see one of my childhood friends in Downtown. We didn't even feel like relaxing at the beautiful pool in her building. We parked at the meters by the Intercontinental hotel and walked one block to her building. That is where I took the pictures of Biscayne bay. 

Chopin Plaza

Bayfront Park getting ready for ULTRA 2012

Coolest Lounge Chairs

A pool with a sculpture is a perfect example of Miami Style

Brickell Key from the pool

Nap Time?

After the short visit, it was time for lunch.  Our last stop in Miami was at La Carreta, a great cuban restaurant. There are 8 locations in Miami including one in the AmericanAirlines terminal at Miami International Airport. The one at the airport is fast food style, so the quality of the sit down restaurants is a lot better. 

After a delicious cuban lunch we drove back to Tampa. Weekends are never long enough and they are even shorter when there are so many things to do.  I am sure that we will be back to Miami soon and on my next trip I will take more pictures. I promised a friend to write about my favorite places in Miami for her upcoming trip. I will find some old pictures and do a long post about it.