Shop the Collection

To help you bring a piece of your journey home, we've put together this collection of watercolor studies from our time in Miami, Florida. These are our favorite ways to keep the spirit of the trip alive.

Original Series Decorative Magnet

A personal study of Miami, Florida, captured in high-fidelity watercolor and prepared for your collection.

Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Decorative Magnet
Add to Collection / $18
Exclusive Series Artifact

Original Series Gallery Canvas

This high-fidelity canvas is a beautiful way to anchor a room and keep your memories of Miami, Florida fresh long after you've returned home.

Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Gallery Canvas detail Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Gallery Canvas detail Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Gallery Canvas detail Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Gallery Canvas detail
Add to Collection / $65

Original Series Hardboard Coaster

A personal study of Miami, Florida, captured in high-fidelity watercolor and prepared for your collection.

Miami, Florida | Ocean Drive Art Deco | Original Series Hardboard Coaster
Add to Collection / $18
Exclusive Series Artifact

The Spirit of the Land

Archival Note: Documented personally during our time in Miami, Florida. While we leverage a global network of contributors to provide these high-fidelity visual artifacts, each selection is curated to reflect the specific, quiet frequencies we experienced on the ground. These textures serve as a formal study of the unhurried light and environmental character that defined our journey.

Miami, Florida study No. 01
Miami, Florida / 01 VIA / Following NYC
Bright afternoon sun bathes Miami's downtown corridor in sharp, defining light that makes the historic yellow tower building pop against the sleek glass and steel surrounding it. Palm trees line the street in orderly rows, their green fronds softening the urban geometry while the clear blue sky amplifies the tropical warmth of the scene. The juxtaposition of old and new architecture, the vibrant colors, and the steady pulse of city traffic create a distinctly Miami moment that feels both bustling and inviting.
Miami, Florida study No. 02
Miami, Florida / 02 VIA / Eric Prouzet
The brilliant sunshine bathes this striking art deco structure in golden light, creating sharp shadows that emphasize its geometric details and ornamental tilework. Standing before this building would feel like stepping into Miami's glamorous architectural heritage, with the heat of the tropical sun warming the vivid yellow walls and the gentle rustle of palm fronds overhead. The clear blue sky and saturated colors create an almost dreamlike quality, as if the entire scene has been enhanced by the intensity of the subtropical climate.
Miami, Florida study No. 03
Miami, Florida / 03 VIA / Clam Lo
The Miami Freedom Tower stands majestically against a dramatic sky, its Art Deco architecture a testament to the city's cultural heritage. The weathered golden patina on the eagle sculptures provides a striking contrast to the crisp limestone exterior, revealing the tower's age and exposure to Miami's subtropical climate. Most visitors overlook the intricate Art Deco relief details carved into the façade, which speak to the craftsmanship of the 1925 original design.

Where to wander

Archival Note: A curated field study of Miami, Florida, prioritizing cultural relevance and archival merit. These locations have been meticulously researched and vetted to ensure they represent the most authentic atmosphere for your own expedition.

Local Cuisine Spotlight
Tender, slow-cooked shredded beef glistens with rich sauce and fresh cilantro, cradled beside perfectly seasoned yellow rice and earthy black beans. This Miami staple delivers warmth and flavor in every forkful, a testament to the city's vibrant Latin culinary heritage. The simple elegance of this trio showcases why this timeless combination remains beloved across generations.
Credits: THE PAINTED PASSPORT
Local cuisine study in Miami, Florida

☕︎ Local Flavor

Cote Miami

Rating: 5* | Price: $$$$ | Coordinates: 25.7955, -80.1421

Cote is a Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in the Design District that has redefined what a night out in Miami can feel like. Premium cuts of dry-aged beef arrive tableside and are grilled over live fire right in front of you, filling the room with an irresistible aroma. The wine list is one of the most celebrated in the country, and the banchan spread alone is worth the reservation.

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Versailles Restaurant

Rating: 4* | Price: $$ | Coordinates: 25.7649, -80.3380

Versailles in Little Havana is a true Miami institution, beloved by everyone from neighborhood families to visiting presidents for over five decades. The Cuban sandwich here is a masterclass in simplicity, pressed golden and packed with slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles. Arrive with an appetite and leave with a café cubano in hand while soaking up the lively, mirror-lined dining room.

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Bazaar Mar by José Andrés

Rating: 5* | Price: $$$$ | Coordinates: 25.7744, -80.1877

Chef José Andrés brings his signature avant-garde creativity to a stunning seafood-focused menu at Bazaar Mar inside the SLS Brickell. Each dish is a tiny spectacle, from the liquid olive spheres to the beautifully plated ceviches that celebrate the flavors of the sea. The space itself is theatrical and vibrant, making dinner here feel like attending a performance as much as sharing a meal.

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KYU Miami

Rating: 4* | Price: $$$ | Coordinates: 25.7961, -80.1954

KYU in Wynwood is built around an Asian-inspired wood-fire kitchen that produces some of the most crave-worthy food in Miami. The roasted cauliflower with whipped honey has earned a devoted following, and the oak-grilled meats arrive with a smoky char that is deeply satisfying. The outdoor seating surrounded by murals captures the creative, relaxed energy of the neighborhood perfectly.

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🛌︎ Boutique Stays

The Setai Miami Beach

Rating: 5* | Price: $$$$ | Coordinates: 25.7907, -80.1300

The Setai is a breathtaking blend of Asian minimalism and Art Deco grandeur sitting right on Collins Avenue. Three stunning oceanfront pools at different temperatures invite you to linger from sunrise to sunset. The service is legendary, with staff who remember your name and your favorite morning drink without being asked.

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Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Rating: 5* | Price: $$$$ | Coordinates: 25.8130, -80.1225

Faena is a theatrical wonderland designed by Baz Luhrmann that turns a hotel stay into a full artistic experience. The crimson and gold interiors feel like stepping inside a living work of art, and the damask-draped rooms are deeply luxurious. A real woolly mammoth skeleton presides over the ballroom, making every moment here genuinely unforgettable.

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COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach

Rating: 4* | Price: $$$ | Coordinates: 25.7751, -80.1326

COMO Metropolitan offers a calm, design-forward retreat just steps from the bustle of South Beach with a genuinely serene atmosphere. The wellness program is exceptional, featuring a dedicated spa, yoga sessions, and menus crafted around wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Rooms have a sleek, residential feel with warm wood accents and gorgeous natural light flooding through large windows.

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Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Rating: 4* | Price: $$$ | Coordinates: 25.7752, -80.1876

Sitting on the edge of Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, the Kimpton EPIC delivers sweeping water views from nearly every angle in the building. The rooftop pool area is one of the finest in the city, glowing warmly as the downtown skyline lights up at dusk. With its laid-back Kimpton charm and prime location, it works perfectly for both leisure travelers and those mixing business with pleasure.

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📍︎ Field Study

Wynwood Walls

Rating: 5* | Price: $ | Coordinates: 25.8005, -80.1993

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum that transformed a warehouse district into one of the most celebrated street art destinations on the planet. More than 80 internationally renowned artists have painted murals across the complex, creating a dense, colorful canvas that rewards slow and curious exploration. The surrounding neighborhood is equally alive with galleries, boutiques, and buzzing cafés that spill out onto every corner.

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Rating: 5* | Price: $$ | Coordinates: 25.7444, -80.1583

Vizcaya is a spectacular early 20th-century Italian Renaissance estate sitting on the edge of Biscayne Bay, built by industrialist James Deering as a winter retreat. The formal European gardens are immaculately kept, with stone fountains, sculpted hedges, and hidden grottos that make afternoon exploration a quiet joy. Standing on the bay-facing terrace with the water shimmering before you, it is easy to understand why this place has captivated visitors for over a century.

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Pérez Art Museum Miami

Rating: 5* | Price: $$ | Coordinates: 25.7848, -80.1867

PAMM sits gracefully over Biscayne Bay on the edge of Museum Park, its hanging gardens and cantilevered roof creating one of the most photogenic buildings in the city. Inside, the collection focuses on international modern and contemporary art with a particular emphasis on voices from the Americas and Africa. The waterfront terrace café is a favorite spot to rest with a coffee and watch the bay catch the golden afternoon light.

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Little Havana and Calle Ocho

Rating: 4* | Price: $ | Coordinates: 25.7689, -80.2241

Walking down Calle Ocho in Little Havana is one of the most sensory-rich experiences Miami has to offer, with the smell of strong coffee and hand-rolled cigars drifting through the warm air. Domino Park is the social heart of the neighborhood, where seasoned players gather under shady trees for animated matches that have continued every day for generations. The murals, roosters painted on storefronts, and rhythms of salsa spilling from open doorways make every block feel deeply alive and welcoming.

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Typography

Archival Note: A formal technical study of Miami, Florida, archiving the coordinates, elevation, and environmental data that define the region. This data serves as a vital record for our ongoing global field study, providing the technical foundation behind every atmospheric detail captured in our visual work.

Botanical and pigment specimen study for Miami, Florida Colors of Miami, Florida
Coordinates
25.7617° N, 80.1918° W — Downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay waterfront, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States
Historical Epoch
Miami was incorporated in 1896 with just 300 residents, fueled by Henry Flagler's railroad pushing south. Within decades it became a boom city shaped by Art Deco architecture, Cuban exile culture after 1959, and a relentless appetite for reinvention.
Elevation
0-4 m / 0-12 ft. Miami sits at near sea level across most of the city, with the flat limestone terrain of South Florida offering virtually no topographic relief.
Atmosphere
Aw, Tropical Savanna. Miami runs warm and humid year-round with a pronounced wet season from June through October and a drier, more golden winter that draws visitors from around the world.
Observation Hour
07:00. The early morning light in Miami arrives soft and golden, catching the bay before the humidity fully builds and casting long warm shadows across the Art Deco facades of South Beach.
Primary Pigment
Biscayne Turquoise (#4DBFBF) and Coral Dusk (#F28B6E)
Best Time to Visit
November through April. The dry season brings lower humidity, reliably sunny skies, and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor exploration genuinely enjoyable.
Avoid Visiting
August through September. Peak hurricane season coincides with the heaviest humidity and rainfall, making conditions feel relentless and outdoor plans unpredictable.

The Local Tongue

Language is the invisible architecture of Miami, Florida. These entries document the regional vocabulary—capturing the "texture" of local speech that standard translations often miss. Hand-curated expressions reflecting the specific spirit and daily rhythm of the region.
Archival study of English cultural texture

via / Lenny Furman

Primary Language English
Regional Dialect Miami English, with strong Spanish-inflected cadences and widespread code-switching between English and Cuban Spanish throughout daily life.

Calle Ocho

Calle Ocho means Eighth Street, but locals use it to refer to an entire way of life rooted in Cuban exile identity. Walking it on a weekday afternoon means navigating the smell of roasting pork, the click of dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, and the sound of salsa spilling from a botanica doorway.

Cafecito

Cafecito refers to a small shot of intensely sweet Cuban espresso, and it functions as both a beverage and a social ritual across Miami. At a ventanilla, a walk-up window cut into the side of a bakery or cafe, it is ordered, sipped, and shared standing up, fueling conversations that stretch far longer than the coffee itself.

La lucha

La lucha translates loosely to the struggle, and in Miami it carries a specific weight tied to the immigrant experience of building a life against long odds. It is said with a knowing nod rather than despair, a quiet acknowledgment shared between generations who arrived with little and constructed something extraordinary from the humidity up.

Wait! before you go...

Before you head over to Miami, Florida, we wanted to share a few basic tips we picked up along the way. These notes cover the simple things—like how to get around or what to do about cash—so you can spend less time worrying and more time just enjoying the place.
🚲 Getting Around Miami has a Metrorail system and a free Metromover loop downtown, but much of the city is best navigated by rideshare or car, as public transit coverage thins significantly outside the urban core. Renting a car is practical for exploring Wynwood, Little Havana, and South Beach across multiple days.
⚖️ Cash or Card Miami is thoroughly card-friendly, with nearly all restaurants, hotels, and shops accepting contactless and credit payment without hesitation. Cash remains useful for street food vendors, farmers markets, parking meters in certain neighborhoods, and tipping service staff in cash-preferred venues.
☁️ Good to Know Miami runs on a later schedule than most American cities, with dinner rarely starting before 8pm and nightlife not warming up until well after midnight in many neighborhoods. Dress codes at restaurants and clubs are taken seriously, particularly in South Beach, where appearance is quietly considered part of the cultural currency.
🏧 ATMs ATMs are widely available throughout Miami at banks, grocery stores, hotels, and convenience shops, making cash access reliably simple across all major neighborhoods. Out-of-network fees apply at many private ATMs in tourist-heavy areas like Ocean Drive and Bayside, so withdrawing from a bank-branded machine typically saves a few unnecessary dollars.
💳 Currency The United States Dollar is the only currency in use, and foreign exchange is straightforward at banks, airport kiosks, and select hotels, though airport rates are typically less favorable than those at in-city banks. Miami's international character means currency is rarely a source of confusion, and USD is accepted universally with no rounding quirks or coin complications.
🔌 Plugs Type A and B outlets, 120V at 60Hz. Standard US plugs are used throughout, and visitors from outside North America will need a voltage converter along with an adapter.
🛡️ Safety Miami is generally safe for visitors who stay oriented within well-trafficked areas like South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables, but situational awareness matters, especially late at night near transit hubs and in unfamiliar residential areas. Valuables left visible in parked cars are a consistent target, so keeping bags and electronics out of sight is a simple and worthwhile habit.
✈️ Airports Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary gateway, serving direct routes to Europe, Latin America, and across the United States, and sitting approximately 11 kilometers from downtown. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is roughly 48 kilometers north and frequently offers lower fares, making it a popular secondary option for budget-conscious travelers.

Behind The Scenes

Nathan

Note from the Founder

Hey, did you know this fun fact about Miami, Florida? Miami is the only major US city founded by a woman. Julia Tuttle, a local landowner, convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad south by sending him fresh orange blossoms after a devastating 1894 freeze to prove Miami's climate was worth the investment.
Thank you for exploring the Miami, Florida series with us. We hope these notes have inspired you to add this incredible destination to your own passport—we are so glad you're here. Nathan's signature

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