Name? Brian Hernandez

Occupation? Freelance Photographer

How long have you lived in Miami? I was born and raised in Miami Beach. So, 30 years.

What is the best thing about Miami? The ocean breeze. The city is booming right now. Real estate development is at an all time high. My favorite thing to do is to escape all the madness and sit by the ocean. I don’t think I could ever live in a land locked state.

Can you sum up Miami? Miami is a perfect place to enjoy all sorts of lifestyles. If you’re a city person, we’ve got skyscrapers with rooftop lounges. If you’re low-key, we’ve got intimate beachfront restaurants. If you like fitness, we’ve got gyms and yoga sessions on tap. If you like the arts, The Wynwood district will satisfy your tastes. If you like to dance, the nightlife is like no other. Clubs remain open until 5 am!

What is a perfect day in Miami? It’s 75 degrees and sunny with zero humidity. I have the day off and my camera batteries are fully charged. I jump on my bike, grab my camera and go for a ride. I stop by the ocean and take a dip. I stay out until sunset. The sky fills with bursts of orange and pink. I shoot it and go home. I spend the rest of the night editing the photos from the day. Yup, that sounds about right.

What are the people like in Miami? Miami beach locals are very chill. We spend our days in shorts and tank tops. But locals are few and far between. Most of the city is filled with tourists from all over the world. But the pockets of locals I gravitate towards are filled with artists, musicians and fitness enthusiasts.

If Miami was a character who would it be? Miami is like a chameleon. Everyone fits in here.

What was your experience like visiting the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Hotel? The hotel was nice. It’s a little farther north than South Beach so it was quiet and made for a nice escape from the Art Basel chaos. Hilton hooked me up with an ocean view, which I was super excited about. I live on South Beach but I don’t live on the ocean. So having the opportunity to wake up and see the ocean is something I always enjoy.

What made Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Hotel special? The location made it special. It’s a ten minute Uber from the heart of the city, but it’s just far enough that it allows for a nice escape.

If a friend was visiting and you weren’t available to take them around what would you have them do? First off, I’d say wake up for sunrise and watch it from the beach. Next, head to Las Olas Café on south beach for some Cuban coffee and empanadas. This is a must!

Spend the early afternoon lying out on the beach before heading to My Ceviche for the best fish tacos and ceviche around. After lunch, head to Lincoln Road for some shopping and people watching.

Next, head back to the hotel to shower, take a nap and get ready for the evening.

Put on your night outfit and head to Wynwood for dinner. Gigi’s is a great Asian fusion spot. I highly recommend their Steak Chow Fun. Finally, take a walk around Wynwood and find a bar to hang out at. Gramps is one of my favorite spots. The cocktails are affordable and they have a great selection of craft beers. That would be a pretty perfect day I’d say.

That would be a pretty perfect day!