Exploring The 305

May 3, 2026

All content and opinions are our own, even though this piece is created in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Springtime Getaway from the Midwest

When we decided to take Bruno on his first-ever flight to Florida, we knew we wanted a destination that was vibrant, welcoming, and easy to navigate with a stroller in tow. We also chose to visit in the springtime before the temperatures get too warm for our baby. In partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, we set out to see if the "Magic City" lived up to its name for an LGBTQ family—and brought Grandma along to make it a true multi-generational adventure.

The First Flight Success

The secret to a successful first flight with an infant? Strategy and a lot of smiles. We learned quickly that “infant-in-arms” status is a secret superpower; it allowed us to pre-board if we needed and gate-check our stroller for free. We also checked the car seat at the baggage claim (again, no extra charge) using our trusty Chicco Travel Bag with wheels—a lifesaver for navigating terminals.

To manage the air pressure changes, we gave Bruno a bottle during takeoff and a pacifier during landing. From what we could visually see and connecting it to how we as adults respond to this change, the constant swallowing helped his ears pop naturally, and he spent most of the flight charming the flight attendants and a few nearby seated passengers.

Day 1: Wynwood Wonders and Artistic Roots

We kicked off our trip in Wynwood, the heart of Miami’s street art scene. We stayed at Sentral Wynwood, which was a game-changer for a family. Our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite featured a full kitchen and a spacious living room, giving us plenty of space to spread out. The "aparthotel" building is staffed with a concierge desk where we found incredibly kind staff who assisted us with walking directions and even gave us an umbrella in case it rained (shoutout to Michael - thank you)! Oh, and be sure to check out the 6th floor lounge, along with the rooftop pool and patio areas. The views up there were stunning!

Arts and culture

We took a guided tour of the Museum of Graffiti with our guide, Allen. It was fascinating to learn about how this democratic art form blossomed in the 1970s. We specifically loved the JonOne exhibit and the incredible works by Brazilian artist Enari.

Local Flavor

For breakfast, we couldn’t stay away from Maman, an American-French bistro located right in our building. Their iced lattes and artful pastry cases became our morning ritual. Later, we headed to the Shops at Midtown Miami for some quick shopping at Target and a delicious lunch at Tap 42.

Day 2: Speedboats, Skyscrapers, and South Beach

The second day was all about seeing Miami from different angles—along South Beach and from the Biscayne Bay.

Thriller Speedboat Adventures

We boarded the Thriller Speedboat at Bayside Marketplace. Our guide, Casey, gave us a whirlwind tour of the skyline, beautiful waterfront homes, and the ongoing construction downtown from the Biscayne Bay and along the PortMiami. It’s a rush to then go fast near the channel by Miami Beach, and we took the wind in our hair as a breath of fresh air!

Rooftop Relaxation

For dinner, we visited Serena, a stunning rooftop Mexican restaurant at the Moxy South Beach. The hospitality from Fabryna was top-tier, and we highly recommend the pavlova merengue with lemon curd. Bruno even joined in, dancing to the lively music after dinner.

The Grandma Factor

One of the best decisions we made was bringing Grandma. While she and Bruno enjoyed some quiet bonding time back at our apartment at Sentral, we were able to enjoy some time as a couple. It gave Grandma a chance to relax and soak in the Miami vibes without the hustle of the tour schedule, while we explored the more adventurous sides of the city.

Day 3: Pride, Parks, and Mangroves

On our final day, we focused on the natural beauty of Miami and our identity as two dads within the LGBTQ community.

Rainbow Flag Lifeguard Station

A trip to South Beach isn't complete without visiting the Rainbow Flag Lifeguard Station at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. It was a proud moment for us to take family photos here. It was also where Bruno put his feet in the ocean for the very first time! He loved the sand—until a big wave came to say hello. But he know exposing him early will pique his interest as he grows up.

Aquatic Adventures

We joined Oleta River Adventures for a kayaking tour through the mangroves of the Oleta River State Park. Our guides, Isabelle and Steph (a Marine Biologist), led us across the bay to Sandspur Island. Despite a little weather challenging us with a workout of paddling against some rain and winds, we were still able to try our hand at snorkeling. It was incredible to see fire corals, Florida Checkered Puffer fish, Yellowtail Snapper, and even a few stingrays!

Little Havana

We wrapped up our trip with the Big Bus Miami Tour into Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. We loved the architecture and sense of community here. While walking along SW 8th Street, we stopped by Domino Park to watch the locals play and grabbed a scoop at the iconic Azucar Ice Cream. Be sure to taste some of their signature flavors blending guava and cream cheese, along with cookies and cafe con leche!

Why Miami Works for LGBT+ Families

Miami and Miami Beach have long been havens for the LGBTQ community, but seeing it through the lens of parents further supported the inclusive nature. From the hospitality at Caña at Hyatt Centric Brickell (thank you, Keelen and Carolina!) to the inclusive atmosphere at the Wolfsonian-Florida International Museum, we felt welcomed at every turn.

We will always cherish Bruno's first outdoor splashing experience at the Panorama Splash Pad (the tallest building in Miami!) and the sunset dinner at Smith & Wollensky overlooking the Government Cut channel, the city offered a perfect blend of excitement and family-friendly accessibility.

Miami isn't just a party destination; it’s a place where families of all kinds can create lasting memories. We’re already planning our return!