By: Jordan Kurtz, founder of the @thewynwoodmonthly
You’re trying to get from New York to Los Angeles, but for some inexplicable reason, your super-cheap airline ticket has you on a three hour and twelve-minute layover in MIA. It’s 4:16 in the afternoon, and you have two things on your mind: drinks and posting a rad Miami photo/selfie in front of a famous Wynwood backdrop. If you have any experience at all with Miami traffic, you know you’re not going to make it back in time if you don’t have a solid action plan—or you borrow ours.
Here are our seven suggestions for some distinctive—and often famous—Wynwood backdrops and the bars, breweries, and coffee shops where you can grab a drink and a snack before Ubering back to the body-scanners.
What am I standing in front of? It’s a colorful mural of a lion’s head.
Why is it cool? Are you f—-ing kidding us? You’re going to look like you’re shooting a flaming lion out of your pores. In some cultures, that would mark you as a god.
What’s the address? NW 2nd Ave and NW 24th St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works for either. Up close it’s cool colors, from afar it’s a lion!
Where am I getting my taco? Coyo Taco right across the street!
What am I standing in front of? It’s a circular gate with a collection of lover’s locks.
Why is it cool? This is a physical representation of hundreds of lovers. Grab your bae, engrave and snap a lock, and if you’re daring, throw away the keys!
What’s the address? NW 2nd Ave and NW 26th St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works for either. Up close it’s perfect for expressing your grossness of corny things. With a friend or bae, it’s cute and, well, corny.
Where am I getting my burger? Wood Tavern is right next door! This is a legendary Wynwood bar that has the best tacos, burgers, drinks, indoor/outdoor setting, and music! Bonus: veggie burgers available!
What am I sitting in front of? You’re sitting on an old punch buggy with a beautiful backdrop
Why is it cool? This captures Miami and Wynwood in one shot! This has a tropic backdrop with beautiful colors.
What’s the address? 325 NW 24th St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works best with a friend. You have to take a couple of steps back so you can capture the car, the mural, and the adorable poser.
Where am I getting my beer? You’re literally inside Concrete Beach Brewery bro, just turn around and get some craft beer, silly. They have so many events, games, food vendors, and deliciously brewed beers!
What am I standing in front of? If you don’t know, I have bad news for you: you’re not getting into heaven.
Why is it cool? Who doesn’t love wings? Look at the beautiful photo with #NoFilter. This beauty scored me 107 likes on my own IG, and that’s a big deal for my following. Hey, I’m not on an Instagram model like you, ok?!
What’s the address? NW 5th Ave and 24th St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works with both. This was a selfie, but the wings aren’t fully in the frame because of it. If you want the full picture, have someone take a couple steps further than you can reach.
Where am I getting my new clothes? This whole street is full of fashionable clothing at ridiculous prices. Because you have wandered off the “main” street at this point, prices have calmed down.
What am I standing in front of? These are a bunch of beautifully drawn faces. We love this simple black-and-white style.
Why is it cool? This mural is a little less elaborate, but also more abstract than the usual wall art in the hood. These swirly lines and diva-looking faces make a beautiful backdrop.
What’s the address? NW 2nd Ave and NW 23rd St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works with both. From up front, you might get one pretty lady with you, but from a friend’s angle, you’re among the nymphs.
Where am I getting my new car? Wow, I guess if you have the time and the money, you’re getting the car that’s right inside of the building you’re leaning on. This gallery is called Cars & Guitars—Walt Grace Vintage and they house some of the craziest collections of both you have to see!
What am I sitting in front of? You’re on a comfy couch, with a funky lamp and a fun black & white backdrop.
Why is it cool? This is a great spot for candid photos, group photos and, well, any type of photo. This whole place has these patterns from floor to ceiling on all sides. It’s like walking through a Willy Wonka room.
What’s the address? 2621 NW 2nd Ave.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works best with a friend’s help. Selfies work as well, but you’ll lose extra props.
Where am I getting my coffee? Definitely hit up Mister Block for this one. They have daily specials and so many types of drinks. Cuban coffee, American Coffee, matcha lattes and more!
What am I standing in front of? This is painted on a gate, but if you use your imagination, you’re underwater because these little characters are fish.
Why is it cool? I guess you live under a rock but this art is from El Pez. He’s a pretty big deal in the wall art world.
What’s the address? NW 2nd Ave and NW 26th St.
Selfie or Friend Photo? This one works with both. From up front, you might get one pretty fish with you, but from a friend’s angle, you’re among the whole school of them.
Where am I getting my sit-down meal? At this point, you probably need to chill. Head over to the Wynwood Diner and grab yourself something yummy. You deserve it!
You have your phone, your directions, and barely enough time. Get moving and good luck!
Surprise Bonuses:
Wynwood Walls and Time Lapse Video
Don’t forget about the classics at the Wynwood Walls.
