Your Guide to a Party Weekend in Miami, FL

A weekend in Miami may require a vacation after you are done. Friday through Sunday will provide only enough time for merely a taste of all Miami has to offer. I visit this party filled city at least four times a year. Sleeping is a luxury that you can do without while you are there. This city is timeless, at any given moment there are hundreds of things to do and see. But pack accordingly, Miami is a fashionable location. Dress to impress, that's the motto. Not used to staying up past 5 am, not a problem. Once you are having fun; you'll forget the time. A weekend parting in Miami may not always include much sleep, plan ahead to avoid returning to work exhausted on Monday.

Once you arrive to Miami on Friday, unpack your luggage. If you are staying in a hotel, speak with the concierge they sometimes have VIP tickets available to the hottest nightclubs. Some charge a fee at the entrance (fees vary from club to club) so bring plenty of cash. Keep in mind drinks will cost about $10. Listen to the local radio stations to get ideas on where to go. At times, they offer promotions that may include no cover charge and free drinks. You can also get suggestions at the airport, from the cab driver, restaurant waiters, or from a friend. It's your weekend away from it all, don't be shy ask someone you would date (you never know it may turn into a date or at the very least you get some good tips).

My weekends begin with Coconut Grove on Friday. It provides a selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and even a movie theater all in walking distance. If it's too far or you prefer a different atmosphere ask around. Personally, I start at Coconut Grove because I usually stay nearby and it's a cheap cab ride away. Just remember it's the weekend, there are no appointment to be kept and no bedtime. A good night out in Miami may require you get no sleep until after the rooster sings (sunrise). Plan to sleep in on Saturday, daylight hours are to lay back and relax. Go to South Beach during the day, the beaches are beautiful and you are almost guaranteed to see something new. You will have so many options for food and drinks; you'll surely find something you like. If you are not much of a Beach person but want to experience the culture of South Beach, walk around Lincoln Road. This road offers a variety of foods and great boutiques. Then as the night comes around once again, get ready to party. South Beach has a great selection of clubs but dress to impress; some clubs determine your wait time on your appearance.

Miami is well known for its sense of fashion. This city is home to some of the most elite members of the entertainment and fashion industry. If you don't have a thing to wear, don't worry Miami is full of great places to shop. Keep in mind... the goal is to be cute and comfortable. Ladies, pack comfortable shoes; trust me you will not be cute limping out of the club. Plus after you are done parting there is the Miami version of a Midnight snack... a breakfast stop before bedtime.

There are several restaurants that are open 24 hours to meet your after-partying craving. Miami is a cultural meting pot. Though the city is populated by a large population of Hispanic, Miami residents represent countries from around the world. Consider this melting pot as a culinary vacation. If you love steaks and are going to eat at a Spanish restaurant try a "Churasco" or "Carne Asada" and you will get a tender well season steak. Hispanic restaurants are my favorite places to visit; however, there are restaurants representing just about every region in the world and they are all filled with flavor and culture. Try something new and let life take you on a culinary rollercoaster. Don't be afraid to experience something outside your comfort zone (that's what this weekend should be all about!).

As a frequent traveler, I recommend you carry medication to calm an upset stomach. Just in case those culinary rollercoaster rides take a wrong turn. Health and safety are my biggest priority. Keep an eye on your drinks at all time and don't drink more than you know you can handle unless you are with some your trust that can take care of you if you loose control. The last thing you want is to have your co-workers find pictures of your crazy weekend on the web. Also, I can not stress this enough... DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Miami is much like Vegas; a DUI will not stay there. It will hunt you for many years to come. Take a taxi cab if a designated driver is not available. A few dollars on a cab may be the investment that saves your life. Don't forget, have fun and leave all the stress in the dance floor. On Sunday sleep in and after a good brunch you are ready to travel back home. And if anyone asks, you had a boring weekend (even though you can't explain the tan).