Best Farmers Markets in South Florida

May 6, 2026 No Comments

Top 4 Farmers Markets in South Florida

South Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and vibrant food scene — but one of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting a farmers market. From waterfront markets in Miami to sprawling artisan markets in Broward County, South Florida offers incredible opportunities to shop fresh produce, enjoy local flavors (mangos anyone?), and support small businesses.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, exploring a local farmers market is a great way to spend a morning in the sunshine. Even better, many of the region’s most popular markets are located just minutes from SoFLA Vacations properties, making it easy for guests to experience the best of South Florida living.

Legion Park Farmers Market – Miami, MiMo District

Located along Biscayne Bay in Miami’s Upper East Side MiMo Dsitrict, the Legion Park Farmers Market is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Held every Saturday morning, this waterfront market features fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, local honey, prepared foods, artisan products, and more.

The relaxed atmosphere with scenic bayfront views and towering Banyan trees make it one of the most enjoyable farmers markets in Miami. Visitors can stroll through vendor booths, grab fresh juice or coffee, and enjoy waterfront views under the shade of palm trees.

Guests staying at The New Yorker Hotel Miami will love how convenient this market is — it’s located directly across the street from the hotel, making it easy to walk over and experience one of the city’s best local markets. We suggest guests stop by in the morning for a delicious al fresco breakfast!

Merrick Park Farmers Market – Coral Gables

If you’re staying in Coral Gables, the Merrick Park Farmers Market is a must-visit destination. Located in the courtyard at the Shops at Merrick Park, this charming market offers fresh produce, flowers, artisan foods, baked treats, and handcrafted products in one of South Florida’s most beautiful neighborhoods and outdoor shopping venues.

The market perfectly complements the upscale yet walkable atmosphere of Coral Gables. Visitors can shop local vendors before exploring Merrick Park’s boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The market also hosts our favorite cinnamon rolls in all of Miami-Dade County (go visit Roll & Dough).

For guests staying at The Avenue Hotel in Coral Gables, the market is just steps away, making it a convenient addition to any weekend itinerary. You can visit the market every Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Coconut Grove Farmers Market – Coconut Grove

The Coconut Grove Farmers Market has become one of Miami’s most iconic outdoor markets thanks to its focus on organic produce, vegan foods, tropical fruits, fresh smoothies, and wellness-focused vendors. The laid-back Grove atmosphere adds to the experience, attracting both locals and travelers looking for healthy, fresh options.

This market is especially popular with guests who enjoy cooking during their stay. Visitors can stock up on locally sourced ingredients, fresh herbs, tropical produce, and prepared foods perfect for a beach picnic or homemade meal.

Guests staying at Hotel Arya particularly enjoy visiting the Coconut Grove Farmers Market because the hotel’s spacious accommodations and full kitchens make it easy to prepare fresh meals using ingredients purchased directly from the market and it’s a short walk from the hotel. This market is open year-round, every Saturday (rain or shine) from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Yellow Green Farmers Market – Hollywood / Hallandale Beach

The Yellow Green Farmers Market is one of the largest and most unique markets in South Florida. Located just a short drive from Hallandale Beach, this massive weekend marketplace (open both Saturdays and Sundays) features hundreds of vendors offering fresh produce, international foods, handmade crafts, baked goods, spices, flowers, and specialty items from around the world.

The market’s lively atmosphere and incredible variety make it worth visiting even if you’re simply browsing. It’s a fantastic destination for families, food lovers, and travelers looking to experience South Florida’s diverse culinary culture.

Guests staying at Sunset Inn Hallandale Beach can easily make the short drive to the market and spend the morning exploring everything it has to offer before heading back to relax near the beach.

Experience South Florida Like a Local

Visiting a farmers market is one of the best ways to experience South Florida beyond the beaches and tourist attractions. These markets showcase local flavors, diverse communities, and year-round fresh produce while giving visitors a chance to shop small and support local businesses. Tourists visiting South Florida farmers markets can enjoy some of the region’s freshest tropical produce and local specialties, including mangoes, avocados, dragon fruit, coconuts, key limes, fresh citrus, Cuban pastries, empanadas, artisan baked goods, fresh seafood dishes, tropical smoothies, and authentic Latin-inspired street food that reflects South Florida’s diverse culinary culture.

Whether you’re staying in Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or Hallandale Beach, SoFLA Vacations offers convenient accommodations near some of the best farmers markets in South Florida. Book your stay today and discover the local side of South Florida living.

4 Iconic Miami Holiday Food Traditions

December 19, 2025 No Comments

4 Holiday Food Traditions That Define Miami’s Cultural Flavor

Miami isn’t just a destination — it’s a celebration on every plate. During the holiday season, this vibrant city transforms into a melting pot of festive food traditions, each telling a story of community, culture, and centuries-old heritage. From the sweet creaminess of Puerto Rican coquito to the savory spice of Haitian griot in Little Haiti, South Florida’s holiday table is packed with delicious diversity. Here are our top 4 Miami holiday food traditions you’ll want to try:

🥥 1. Coquito – Puerto Rican Holiday Cheer

What it is: Coquito — literally “little coconut” — is Puerto Rico’s beloved holiday drink, rich and creamy like a tropical eggnog. Made with coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, rum, cinnamon, and vanilla, coquito arrives in Miami homes and bars as early as November and stays through the New Year.

Why it’s special in Miami: Local spots like Hialeah bars and upscale cocktail lounges offer creative twists on this classic, blending cultural comfort with contemporary flair. It’s more than a drink — it’s a holiday hug in a glass.

Here’s a recipe so you can try your hand on making this at home.

🐖 2. Lechón Asado in a Caja China – Cuban Christmas Feast

What it is: For many Cuban families in Miami, Christmas Eve isn’t complete without a whole hog roasted in a caja china — a roasting box that delivers juicy, crispy-skinned lechón. This tradition anchors countless holiday gatherings across neighborhoods like Little Havana. In fact, many of our holiday guests at our Little Havana Retreat have reported a strong “barbeque” aroma in the air on Christmas Eve.

Local flavor: Some locals even celebrate this tradition with a festive twist: the annual pig pardoning event, where community members symbolically spare pigs bound for roasting — a uniquely Miami holiday ritual rooted in Cuban Christmas food culture. See this article in The Guardian

🍲 3. Soup Joumou & Griot – A Haitian Celebration

What it is: Around New Year’s — especially on January 1 — Haitian communities in Miami honor a food deeply tied to independence and identity: Soup Joumou, a hearty squash soup traditionally served to celebrate liberation and new beginnings.

Another staple is griot, marinated and fried pork served with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) and fried plantains — a festive centerpiece that resonates throughout Little Haiti and beyond.

Cultural significance: These dishes go well beyond taste — they symbolize resilience, memory, and community gathering, especially poignant among diaspora families in South Florida.

Here’s a list from Infatuation Miami of some of the best Haitian restaurants in Miami so you can try it for yourself.

🍃 4. Hallacas – Venezuelan Holiday Tamales

What it is: Brought here by a thriving Venezuelan community, hallacas are festive bundles of yellow corn masa filled with a richly seasoned blend of meats, olives, and raisins, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled to perfection.

Why Miami loves them: Hallacas are a holiday staple around Christmas and New Year’s, served at community gatherings, home celebrations, and local bakeries. They embody the spirit of hands-on holiday cooking and family sharing.

Try to make them with your family this holiday season, here’s a recipe we 100% sign-off on.

Tips for Visitors

Explore Little Havana, Little Haiti, and Doral for authentic holiday food experiences.
Visit local markets or cultural festivals during December to taste dishes straight from community kitchens.
Don’t miss small family-run restaurants— they often serve holiday specialties not found on typical restaurant menus.

Miami’s holiday food traditions reflect the city itself: rich, diverse, deliciously layered, and deeply cultural. Whether you’re sipping coquito by Biscayne Bay or sharing table space with neighbors celebrating Haitian Soup Joumou, the holidays in South Florida are as much about food as they are about community.

🍔Best Cheeseburgers in Miami: Where to Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day Like a Local

September 18, 2025 No Comments

Here at SoFLA Vacations, we consider ourselves burger aficionados. In honor of National Cheeseburger Day (September 18), we’re sharing our top five Miami burger spots you can’t miss. From trendy smash burgers to Cuban fritas to pub-style giants — we know where to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day like a local.

🍑Lala’s Burgers (Bird Road)

Hidden behind Lincoln’s Beard Brewing in the Bird Road warehouse district, Lala’s Burgers is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Their Angus beef smash burgers come stacked high and dripping with flavor (thanks to their signature Lala’s sauce). With a simple rotating menu of just three burgers, a pint from Lincoln’s, and a gooey chocolate chip cookie for dessert, this spot is pure Miami burger bliss.

🪄El Mago de las Fritas (Little Havana)

Before smash burgers, Miami had fritas — the Cuban burger classic made with a beef-and-chorizo patty, buttery Cuban bread, and a mountain of potato sticks. And nobody does it better than El Mago de las Fritas. Open for 35+ years, it’s a true slice of Miami history. When our guests stay in our Little Havana Retreat vacation home, we always recommend a frita walking tour — but trust us, El Mago is a must-stop.

🌴Chug’s Diner (Coconut Grove)

Part Cuban café, part American diner, Chug’s is the heart of Coconut Grove. Their Diner Burger—juicy beef, potato sticks, and secret sauce on a sesame bun—is easily one of the best burgers in Coconut Grove. Plus, it’s just steps from our rentals at Hotel Arya, where you can enjoy the best bay views in Miami before or after your burger run.

🍟Blue Collar (MiMo District)

For longtime Miami locals, Blue Collar is comfort food heaven. Sitting right on Biscayne Blvd in the historic MiMo District, this laid-back restaurant serves a classic cheeseburger that’s all about quality meat and the perfect bun. No gimmicks, no trends—just one of the best cheeseburgers in Miami-Dade. Pair it with the neighborhood vibe (and a stay at The New Yorker Hotel nearby), and you’ve got the ultimate vintage Miami experience.

🍺 Keg South (Pinecrest & Kendall)

If you’re craving a true Miami pub-style burger, head south to Keg South. This no-frills local dive serves juicy, made-to-order burgers that taste like a summer backyard cookout. Add in cold pints, plenty of TVs for the game, and grilled wings (locals swear they’re the best wings in Miami), and you’ll feel right at home.

🎉 Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Miami

So there you have it — our local guide to the best cheeseburgers in Miami. Whether you’re smashing patties at Lala’s, tasting fritas in Little Havana, or going classic at Blue Collar, Miami’s burger scene has something for every appetite.

Now grab your stretchy pants, celebrate National Cheeseburger Day Miami-style, and don’t forget — SoFLA’s vacation rentals put you right near all these mouthwatering spots.

Category: Eat and Drink in Miami