Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in El Portal

"At this ultramodern rooftop restaurant over the Herzog & de Meuron-designed parking garage on Lincoln Road, the views are compelling, the decor is slick and comfortable, and the feeling is singular for South Beach. The menu, which includes both breakfast- and lunch-oriented plates, begins with a choice of a salad made with avocado, tomato, and Hawaiian hearts of palm; pink shrimp acevichado; beef carpaccio; or granola with yogurt, fresh fruit, and honey. Then, opt for one of the following: a smoked salmon eggs Benedict; branzino a la plancha; truffle spinach-mushroom quiche; or grilled skirt steak."

"A contemporary restaurant buzzing atop the 1111 Lincoln Road mixed-use building and parking garage, Juvia is a welcome breather from one of Miami’s most popular tourist destinations. Diners take a separate elevator up to a terrace for French, Japanese, and Peruvian plates, along with specialty cocktails and South Beach sights."

"For rooftop fiends who want off Ocean Drive, Juvia on the west end of Lincoln Road provides a beautiful--and expensive--alternative atop a designer parking garage. A photo posted by To Live."

"The Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science are both near Brickell, and they’re adjacent to the sprawling Museum Park. If you opt for the science museum, don’t miss the planetarium show!. Afterward, relax at Museum Park, and watch the cruise ships sail away between 4 pm and 6 pm."

"Not far from that is the superb Pérez Art Museum. I highly recommend the guided architecture tour. It's free, it takes about half and hour, and it gives you a great explanation of the architects' work. It's stunning, a beautiful mix between green and concrete."

"One of Miami's most impressive spaces, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron, integrates tropical foliage, glass, concrete and wood – a melding of tropical vitality and fresh modernism that fits... Top ChoiceState Park in Key Biscayne"

"This national historic landmark is a 1916 estate home that offers visitors 10 acres of lush gardens and 32 decorated rooms to explore. In addition, the village features 11 historic buildings. 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami | 305.250.9133 l Distance from Hotel: 7.8 miles"

"It's not that much of a "secret" with Vizcaya Museum Gardens hosting films like Iron Man 3, Any Given Sunday, and Bad Boys 2, but it's among the most captivating and iconic locations in all of Miami"

"Dine on well-executed Italian classics like braised short-rib lasagna, branzino, veal Milanese, in Macchialina’s ample outdoor dining area dubbed “il Giardino” offering plenty of fully covered dining that holds up to Miami’s not-so-predictable weather."

"Or, if a wine and pasta meal sounds absolutely perfect, make your way to Macchialina, known for authentic Italian cuisine and a cozy vibe."

"There are some great marine life exhibits at the park as well which you can catch in-between shows or at the end. One of the most popular ones is the Tropical Reef Aquarium which is a huge salt-water aquarium teeming with life... thousands of tropical fish, stingrays, moray eels, big fish, little fish, eagle rays..."

"When owner Anthony Bruno moved to Florida, he missed authentic New York-style pizza so much that he decided to make his own. Now, years later, the chain has spread across the Sunshine State and beyond. This spot is known for its cheesy pies, from the most traditional square margherita to modern takes like white pizza and meaty pies decked with pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs."

"Head to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a charming old Florida beach town about a 20-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale, and get an all-American breakfast at El Mar Cafe – a no-frills locale that makes every dish with fresh ingredients found at local farmers’ markets. If you’re ravenous, get the Country; this specialty features a biscuit with two eggs, a sausage patty, American cheese and sausage gravy."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"The mecca of dog parks, you can bring your pooch here to play in the fenced in green spaces where dogs can get some exercise with other canines. There’s even an outdoor space with fitness equipment, a walking path and a deck to stroll along and enjoy the Miami sights. Located in Coconut Grove just at the water’s edge, it offers a peaceful view of the open bay for a relaxing afternoon."

"Kennedy Park is located in Coconut Grove, right on the water with a view of the open bay, an outdoor gym including a green ladder you can climb up and down, a running path on an outdoor track, and a children’s play area."

"The privately funded luxury collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz finally got a name as the de la Cruz Collection in Miami, designed by John Marquette. The de la Cruz art museum, established in 2009, has been the home of the art-lovers for more than three decades, and now they have opened it for the public to encourage the free flow of artistic thoughts in the neighborhood. Covering an area of 30,000 square feet, the gallery is stuffed with contemporary art exhibits and also organizes lectures, summer workshops, and scholarships for students at DASH and NWSA."

"Arrive at the de la Cruz Collection ready to learn and explore the expanses of the visual arts. The museum, owned by Cuba natives Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz, is rife with thought-provoking exhibits like the current “Progressive Praxis,” which delves into the implications of technology on contemporary art. The de la Cruz Collection is pleasing to both visitors’ artistic curiosities and their wallets--admission is completely free of charge!"

"Our last day was spent at the creative Wynwood Walls art exhibit. Beautiful mosaics are spread across a few blocks on streets and on buildings, even on the sidewalks!"

"We strive to create an atmosphere of peace, quiet, harmony and balance giving our client's the best spa day experience around. Whether you seek to renew with one of our massage services or a facial, our experienced staff will ensure you have an outstanding spa experience..."

"The numbers flash with astonishing speed, and you've got ten boards to cover. The smoke in the room, as thick as alligators in the nearby canals, is getting in your eyes, making it difficult to see, and the hour drags on. You're simply too worn out to concentrate."

"Here the long-storied legacy of the nation’s indigenous peoples has culminated in…slots. Lots of slots, and comatose gamblers pouring quarters into them. Still the Miccosukee and Seminole are cashing in on this..."

"Whether you check in at the Miccosukee Resort or just drop by for slots action, Empeeke Aaweeke's all-you-can-eat international buffet, served...Read More"

"I actually found this parish when I google searched on Miami Perpetual Adoration. It came up as the closest parish to Coconut Grove. The masses are mostly… read more »"

"Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is a small white church located 3 miles away from Miami beach towards its North End. Built in 1940, Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is made with mission chapel and serves the Parish community in the region. Structured beautifully with Parish architecture, the church welcomes every visitor for a spiritual tour."