Photo via @erikasanborn on Instagram.

Cool spring breezes in Paris and London leave us dreaming of a warmer time in a warmer place. We’ve compared two of our favorite warm weather destinations in the USA for your next trip abroad, with our top tips on what to see, eat, and do in each spot. Both known for crowd-drawing arts and culture festivals, we love Austin and Miami with or without SxSW or Art Basel.

Photo via Free People.

AUSTIN: A big city with a small town feel

See

We always make sure to schedule in a museum day wherever we go, as it’s a great way not only to soak in local and national culture but also appreciate the architecture native to the city. Museum architecture is often beautiful and incredibly thoughtful, and the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas is no exception. Wander through their Mediterranean blue passageways and explore their Western American and Latin American collections to immerse yourself in the culture.

Get right into the heart of Austin’s hometown culture by discovering the local art scene at Icosa Collective, a gallery opened in the past few years celebrating local contemporary artists. Take a look on their website for upcoming events, and hopefully discover an exciting up-and-comer in the art world for yourself.

Gorgeous interiors at Hillside Farmacy in Austin, by @lauren_broeren on Instagram.

Eat

Indulge in American farm-to-table dining the right way at Hillside Farmacy, propped up on a hill overlooking the downtown area. Hillside Farmacy takes its name from the business that formerly occupied the building – a 1950s pharmacy. Closed in the 70s and restored into beauty, this well-loved local spot is perfect for appreciating typical American cuisine in a fresh and modern way.

For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or for post-workout fuel, we recommend Squeezery for something fresh in the heat.

Photo via @meccaustin on Instagram.

Do

Austin natives and visitors alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming, but our personal favorite is Barton Springs, altogether a set of four natural springs spreading 3 acres. We prefer the Barton Springs Spillway section for leisurely wading in the off-hours to avoid the crowds.

Looking another balanced mix of leisure and activity? Head to Mecca Gym and Spa, where you can workout overlooking downtown Austin, or unplug completely from the busy city and relax with a spa treatment.

Walls in the art district of Miami.

MIAMI: Beaches and art aplenty

See

Nothing says Miami more than well curated art collections, and there’s no shortage of places to visit while there. We suggest the Bass Museum of Art, newly reopened in 2017 to create more space to explore their collections. Set in an art deco building – not a strange sight among the pastel hued art deco buildings in South Beach – this contemporary collection shows a curated collection of fine artists in our modern time.

Take a walk on a wilder side and visit American street art at its finest – no longer viewed as vandalism but symbols of artistic expression – at the Wynwood walls. Though Austin is also known for street art, we love the collective thought and preparation behind these pieces, where the walls don’t just act as a canvas, but as a curated gallery.

Le Sirenuse, via @lesirenusemiami on Instagram.

Eat

For all star finer dining, we recommend stopping by Le Sirenuse for beautiful southern Italian dishes in a gorgeous setting, steps away from the quiet beach in Surfside. A part of the Four Seasons hotel, this restaurant features palm trees and light interiors, the perfect luxury beachside dinner setting.

For a more casual anytime setting, while remaining beachy and healthy, we love Pura Vida for generous portions of clean eating.

View from the Four Seasons in Surfside, via the Miami New Times.

Do

One of the best areas to stay in Miami is undoubtedly South Beach, with its modern and historical mix of art and architecture that leaves us in awe. This is where the picture-perfect ideal of Miami comes alive, with beautiful people and buildings in pastel shades, framed by clear skies and bright blue water. Once you’ve finished people watching at sidewalk cafes and shopping in their impressive collection of designer boutiques, make your way down to Surfside. Just far enough removed from the excitement of the city, we recommend Surfside to get the perks of the city with the relaxation of a sleepy beach town.

Photo at Exhale Spa by @gofitjo on Instagram.

For luxe relaxation and the perfect mix of yoga and barre classes, we recommend Exhale Spa, ideal for whatever type of wellness you’re looking for.

No matter the setting, whether it be the small town meets big city charm of Austin, or the beachy carefree yet luxe atmosphere in Miami, the perfect warm weather wardrobe calls for summer brights, like some of our favorite pieces in scarlet, pink, teal, and rust below:

Romy Corset in Scarlet ©Ernest Leoty

Jade Bra in Ballet Pink ©Ernest Leoty

Ilona Bodysuit in Navy Teal ©Ernest Leoty

Jade Crop Top in Rust ©Ernest Leoty

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at hello@ernestleoty.com