Wynwood Walls

I lived in Miami for 3. 5 (3, 5) years and I loved the atmosphere. When you are young and want to party, Miami is the place to go, although it is hard when you are under 21. There are some great spots all over this vast city but, not all spots are as entertaining. For examples not all clubs are created equal, some of the exclusive ones are so small that it does make sense that the place is even called a club becase you cannot move around. Some places in Miami can be very dangerous and some are very suburban. I loved exploring the city and what it has to offer for students (from mainly University of Miami and Florida International University) who need to get away from school work, especially when you are in a major that prevents you from sleeping some weeks and other weeks you are so bombarded with homework that you have no time to go out. The beach is a great place to go during the day but, at night the streets become full of people and it makes it difficult to get around and get into clubs there.

My personal favorite place is the Wynwood Walls of Miami. It is located in the Art District in Downtown Miami. It is so full of life and all types of personalities are catered. If you love art this is the place to go! Galleries are often open until midnight and have any possible art you can think of. The best thing is to get a group of great friends and gallery hop. You can take pictures next to the art and purchase it as well. I bought myself a beautiful necklace for only $10. There are backyard bazars full of jewelry and trickets behind that bigger gallers. However, the art is not just in the galleries, it is all over the walls as you walk down the streets. It is a refreshing spot for young people to emerse themselves in different cultures and anyone can find a piece of art that speaks to them, from professional art to street graphiti, there is so much to see.

There are plently of little cafes and nice restaurants to enjoy great food. There are also plenty of food trucks all over the streets and on certain nights, they are all in one giant piece of land at the end of the street North. You can find anything from boiled corn to ribs to crazy pizza to every possible food from Latin America. The streets are always full of music and performers. You can often find a drum circle banging out salsa music and people joining the performers to dance. My friend and I jumped in once night and had the best time. We were joined by more people that do a little spin through the people and keep walking to party some more. You will often see dancers as well. Anywhere you go, you will find treasures around every corner. Behind certain galleries you will find live bands playing and people partying like it is someone's backyard. If you walk to the Walls, there is a small bar there with live music and a big dance floor with tables to sit and relax. It is usually a fairly well known DJ and feels like a house party without the fear of cops busting in!

The main attraction for young people are the bars. There are plenty, everything from lounges, to outside picknick like spots, to dancing out side and inside! My favorite spots are Brickhouse, Wood Tavern, and Shots. All three are wonderful and each has its own style with options of being inside or outside, drinks served everywhere. Shot girls walk around the whole bar or you can go to the many bars around. Everyone gets in for free, which in South Beach is not the case, and drinks are not expensive, at least for the average Miami bar. The servers are usually genuine and fun to talk to. Everyone has a good time and more importantly you are surrounded by people your own age unlike South beach where most of the men in the bars are much older and women are usually not from the local universities. People are there to party and making friends there is really easy.

As for the negatives, minor things. Parking can get pricey but, there is a garage that's right off the high way (I-95 exit), unfortunately, you have to walk a little but it is the least legal expensive. My friends often park by the sidewalks which are free but, can always be risky because the neighborhoods that surround Wynwood are not the nicest but, rarely are they unsafe as there are police around when you would need them. And the second con is that usually the bathrooms always have insane lines, so as a suggestion... if you feel the need to go even a little get in line. Peeing in the grass or by the tree won't be tolerated by cops.

Overall, I loved the Wynwood Walls (if you want to find your way there, just type that into your GPS). Great atmosphere and especially great for barhoping on your birthday! Many things to see and do there and its always a party! There are street performers, live music, great art and good people. Just make sure you're 21 because they are strict on ID. Have fun in Miami, be safe, and enjoy yourself at the Art District!