What have two nice, gay American boys been doing in Madrid since 2013? Living their best lives and spotlighting authentic travel experiences for LGBTQ audiences on their travel blog, Two Bad Tourists.

Auston Mata and David Brown met at Arizona State University in 2006, got married in 2008 and, five years later, moved to Spain after a year-long, around-the-world trip in which they visited 35 countries. While no longer a couple, these close friends continue to blog together. We caught up with Auston and David after their spring jaunt to Greater Miami and Miami Beach in 2024.

LGBTQ pride flag waving proudly in the wind — Embrace pride with Two Bad Tourists

What Attracted You To Visit Miami?

Auston: Our focus was to highlight Miami as a welcoming beacon, to gain a first-hand account of how LGBTQ life was as a local, LGBTQ business owner and as a visitor.

David: We follow the media and wanted to glean all the positives of the area for ourselves. We were not disappointed by what we experienced.

Where Did You Stay?

David: We stayed at the Axel Beach Miami hotel in South Beach. We love the property and the Art Deco architecture.

Auston: Breakfast by the pool at Axel was a relaxing treat. The staff is great, and the décor really takes you back to what it was like in the ‘30s while still being modern and stylish.

Two Bad Tourist on Miami Beach — David and Auston enjoyed the destination’s perfect winter weather

What Makes Miami So Unique?

David: Miami is a major city with a beach. It’s a fascinating visual contrast: skyscrapers and a beach together. When we talk about South Beach, the Art Deco architecture makes Miami Beach pop.

Auston: It’s also a melting pot of cultures, most especially Latin American. There are folks who’ve been in Florida for generations mixed with those who arrive and add their flavor. It’s a vibe absolutely distinctive from any other city in the U.S.

What Were Your Expectations Of Miami Before You Visited And How Did You Feel Afterward?

David: Our first visit was in February 2013. The expectation was that we were going to have good weather. Being in shorts and tank tops in February was a great feeling.

Auston: I’ve been to Miami five or six times. My highlight this time was my interaction with the locals and LGBTQ businesses owners. I felt the power of the community and its strength. They take in stride any trend that speaks anything but positively about the community.

David: We had incredibly positive experiences, felt safe and celebrated the vibrant community.

A spread of colorful, appetizing meals awaits at Rhouse — R House in Wynwood was Auston’s favorite spot for appetizers

What Were Your Favorite Food Spots?

Auston: R House in Wynwood for excellent appetizers.

David: Steps from the Axel Beach, we ate at the LGBTQ-owned restaurant Cheese Burger Baby, which was good. We had dinner on Española Way at Oh! Mexico. We were looking for good Mexican food, and we found it.

A serene view of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, showcasing lush greenery, elegant architecture — David and Auston were pleasantly surprised by Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Did You Venture Beyond Miami Beach?

Auston: We walked around Wynwood and the Wynwood Walls. R House has a great happy hour, and we hung out with the manager, who is charming and warm. We’d like to come back, support them and attend their popular drag shows.

David: We also took an Uber to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. What a way cool surprise! You just don’t think of Miami and picture a grand mansion like that, right in the city. Its history is so amazing.

Auston: Ride-sharing services make Miami amazingly easy to get around.

Where Else Did You Visit?

David: This was a short trip, so we didn’t get to see as much as we’d like. We went to Hotel Gaythering’s drag bingo night, which was loads of fun.

Auston: We enjoyed South Beach and Ocean Drive a lot. We visited the LGBT Visitor Center – a great resource – and met some of the friendly team from Pridelines, who gave us lots of information about the local queer scene.

Two Bad Tourist at the rainbow lifeguard stand — The Two Bad Tourists loved 12th Street Beach and its welcoming atmosphere

Did You Have A Favorite Beach?

David and Auston: (in unison): 12th Street Beach!

Auston: The beach is dotted with rainbow flags and features one of the iconic Art Deco-inspired lifeguard towers.

How Was Your Experience With The Locals?

Auston: We wanted to tell a story that was authentic and came from relating directly with the local people. This was one of the most powerful aspects of our visit. The LGBTQ business owners we contacted were inviting us, saying, “Come, experience my city and see how great it is,” emphasizing how important it is for LGBTQ travelers to visit and support Miami.

David: We made it a point to get to know the businesses and the locals behind them. The people of the Hotel Gaythering, the LGBT Visitor Center, R House … they were proud of their city and its queer scene. The servers and staff were definitely a 10 out of 10. We can’t say that for every city. In some, it’s a zero out of 10.

Any Must-Do Recommendations?

David: For me, this trip’s high point was Vizcaya. I’d also love to come back for other spring events, like the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Miami Beach Pride.

Auston: My advice? Come and don’t limit yourself to South Beach. Venture to see other places and do other things. There’s so much that’s good here. Plan and create time to enjoy it all.

Do You Have An “Only In Miami” Memory?

Auston: I can’t say that there’s any other city that looks and feels like Miami. It’s such a great place. I really loved Ocean Drive, being surrounded by the distinctive Art Deco architecture. I loved people-watching, sipping a cocktail, relaxing and taking it all in.

David: My memory is about the friendliness and the night we walked into the bar Twist. There were lots of guys around, and at first, I felt like I was walking into a scene that wasn’t really mine. Then the bartender came over, started chatting with us and was super welcoming. Immediately, we felt comfortable and at ease. I recommend for everyone to connect with the locals. It was such a pleasure.

Vibrant drag performers captivate the audience at The Palace nightclub, with colorful costumes and energetic dance routines — Experience the glamour of The Palace drag show

What Will You Miss Most About Miami

David: For me, it’ll be Ocean Drive and the gorgeous light and weather. I mean, shorts in February? Yes, please! Plus, the warm, approachable people and the fun at The Palace.

Auston: I echo that. Miami’s vibe, beauty, attractions, people, food and drinks make it special and easy to love.