The Nomadic Boys Explore Miami Hot Spots

Meet Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac, the adventurous London-based couple behind the popular LGBTQ travel blog, Nomadic Boys.

Stefan and Sebastien’s love story began in 2009 when they met at London’s iconic G-A-Y bar. In 2014, they decided to leave their 9-to-5 routine to pursue a more adventurous life – and they did it in a big way: The boys set out on two back-to-back 18-month sabbatical trips across Asia and South America, ultimately inspiring them to create their now beloved blog.

Through Nomadic Boys, Stefan and Sebastian are able to share their thrilling travel experiences as a gay couple, including immersing themselves in the unique cultures of every city they visit, w travelers to discover new destinations across the world.

I caught up with Stefan and Sebastien in June 2022 to learn more about their time in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, including their “must-do” recommendations and why they find the destination so fascinating. Read on to find out what the Nomadic Boys had to say.

What attracted you to visit Greater Miami & Miami Beach?

Sebastien: We’ve visited Miami several times over the past five years and loved it. I was attracted by the overall “cool” rep Miami has in film and pop culture. I knew it had an exciting gay scene and wanted to try it – and, bonus, it has a hot beach.

Stefan: Similar to what Seby said but also, I’m a “Golden Girls” fan, and when I found out that it was set in Miami, I knew I needed to visit.

In your opinion, what makes Miami so unique?

Stefan: The Art Deco culture, and the fact that you have a really cool city with a gay scene right by a gorgeous sandy beach. Very few cities in the world have this in our experience – Barcelona is the only one that comes to mind.

Sebastien: Wynwood Walls as well! I’ve never been to a place quite like this. Both the murals everywhere and the overall cool “chilled Bohemian vibe” of the place impressed me the most.

Did you find Miami to be gay friendly?

Sebastien: We definitely felt right at home in Miami, especially around 12th Street Beach and Ocean Drive. We noticed the Miami Beach Police have a “Safe Place” initiative, which made us feel safe.

What were a few of your favorite food spots?

Sebastien: Nobu at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Hotel & Nobu Hotel Miami Beach was my favorite place for sushi, especially the Blue Fin Toro Tartar and Sea Urchin Tiradito.

Stefan: It’s got to be Palace Bar’s drag brunch! THE iconic gay thing to do on a weekend, and where to hang out to be seen!

Tell us about your best nightlife experience while in Miami.

Sebastien: I love drag and I love Latino culture, so Azucar Nightclub hit the sweet spot for me! Each time we went it was also “two-for-one drinks”… which led us to be nursing a nasty hangover the next day on 12th Street Beach.

What were your expectations of Miami before you visited, and how did they change or evolve when you traveled here?

Stefan: In all honesty, Miami was everything we’d expected and more. We were expecting to see Art Deco buildings, eat well, party hard and “be seen” with other scene queens along the 12th Street Beach.

Sebastien: We first came here with the expectation that there would be a lot of attitude (given the “cool-kid” rep Miami has), but instead we were met with plenty of smiles and warmth by everyone.

What was your experience with the locals?

Stefan: Really friendly! We found it so easy to make friends and find people to hang out with and show us around. There is a strong feeling of pride and confidence here – some of those outfits on 12th Street Beach are seriously skimpy!

How different is Miami from your hometown and other places you've visited?

Sebastien: The most unique thing about Miami from London, Lyon and other places we’ve visited, is the beach life and sunshine and, of course, the Art Deco scene – that is one of the most striking things about Miami Beach for me.

Stefan: I want to say Haulover Beach – not many places we’ve been to have such, er… a unique… place so close by!

What was the highlight of your stay?

Stefan: It’s a tough one because we had a blast here… on the gay scene, by the beach and generally exploring the city highlights. We both agree the Wynwood Arts District was the standout highlight for us. It just had this really cool exciting vibe there like nothing we’d ever seen before. Not to mention that the art murals make for some pretty sweet Insta shots.

What is the must-do thing you would recommend to your readers when they come to Miami for the first time, and why?

Sebastien: The 12th Street gay beach is a lot of fun, as is the gay scene, particularly Twist, R House, Azucar and Score.

Stefan: An Art Deco tour is a must, as that’s what Miami Beach is most famous for, but to embellish your artsy experience of the destination, a visit to Wynwood Walls is also a must.

See more of the Stefan and Sebastien’s Greater Miami & Miami Beach adventures in the Nomadic Boys Gay Miami Travel Guide. Also connect with them on Nomadic Boys • Gay Travel Blog.