Dreaming of a day in Miami? This article will give you the best itinerary on how to spend your one day in Miami.
There are plenty of attractions and things to do, so it can be hard to decide what you would like to see first! We have compiled a list of places that we think should be at the top of your list when visiting this exciting city.
So whether you’re looking for food, shopping, or fun activities with friends and family, this is where you’ll find them all!
If you are heading to Orlando our detailed guide will help you pick the best time to visit.
South Beach – One Day in Miami Essential
First on your list should be a visit to South Beach . This is the most famous part of Miami, and you’ll have a blast! The sunrises & sunsets are one-of-a-kind, so make sure to plan your day around that.
There’s also plenty for kids here too with attractions like the Seaquarium and Jungle Island.
Art Deco District
Beyond its sunrises and white sands, Miami Beach is most well known for the Art Deco District. There are tons of amazing buildings from the early 20th Century that will have you snapping plenty of pictures.
If after exploring Miami Beach, you’re looking for more shopping options with designer stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, head to Bal Harbor Shops.
Española Way
Next up is a visit to Española Way , which is a little more residential. There are also some great spots for brunch and people watching, like the Lincoln Road Mall or Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Prime 112 Steakhouse in Miami Beach if you’re looking to splurge!
Wynwood
Next we head to some of the most interesting art in Florida The Wynwood neighborhood. Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art gallery made up of buildings and warehouses that are constantly changing with new murals.
Head to Wynwood Coffee & Co for your caffeine fix or if you’re looking for a late night bite, head to Porky’s Deli.
Miami Design District
There’s plenty to do here, from the Design District Market to PAMM (Permanent Art Museum of Miami), which is by far one of my favorite museums in Florida and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
The Design District is home to some of Florida’s most notable restaurants like Azul (arguably Miami’s best restaurant) or Michael Schwartz’s Fiancée with a dynamic menu that changes daily depending on what he finds in the local stores.
Little Havana
The heart of South Florida’s Cuban community, Little Havana is among Miami’s most famous neighborhoods.
Little Havana is full of Spanish-language signs, Cuban coffee shops and cigar stores.
It’s also home to the famous Versailles Restaurant which has been a Miami institution for over 30 years as well as El Palacio de los Jugos (The Juice Palace), which serves up some of the best juices in town.
Calle Ocho is a must visit area for its Latin-heavy stores and restaurants, including a branch of the popular Cuban restaurant La Caridad.
This area has become a haven for art galleries and cultural events like Calle Ocho Festival ( (a celebration of Latin music)) or Carnaval Miami which features over 300 hours of live entertainment on eight stages each day.
Staying Longer in Miami?
If you decide to stay longer here are some additional attractions to add to your Miami itinerary.
Biscayne Bay
The famous Biscayne Bay is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
There are also plenty of things to do in the bay including swimming, fishing, camping or kayaking.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Miami during a weekend make sure you go downtown for some shopping at Dolphin Mall which has over 200 stores or have lunch at The Grove Grill Restaurant.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a unique experience for visitors.
This park is the only subtropical wilderness in North America and you will find a variety of wildlife including birds, alligators, coyotes and many more animals making this an amazing experience for everyone.
It’s important to note that pets are not allowed here so if you’re bringing your dog make sure they stay home or find accommodations for them.
Key West
Key West is about a 4 hour drive from Miami but if you can squeeze a visit in, its worth it.
This island offers some of the best dining and shopping in Florida as well as great beaches.
Key West also has many historical sites like Fort Zachary Taylor to visit which is known for its beautiful scenery, lighthouse, and museum that tells about the area’s history.
The architecture and natural beauty of Key West is something to behold.
Bayside Marketplace
Another possible add-on to your day trip in Miami is the Bayside Marketplace.
It has a huge variety of stores, restaurants and an endless amount of things to do.
There’s also plenty for the kids at Nickelodeon Universe which is one of Florida’s most popular attractions.
Bayside Marketplace even offers free shuttles every hour that will take you from Bayside walkway (in front the shuttle stop to the shuttle stop at the Marketplace) to Bayside’s parking lot.
Vizcaya Museum
Another attraction to visit while in Miami is the Vizcaya Museum.
This museum was once the home of Miami’s wealthiest family, and is now open to visitors.
It has over 500 acres of beautiful gardens for you to explore.
The Vizcaya Museum also features a historic village that showcases examples of early 20th century architecture from around the world and tells about its culture and history.
Fisher Island
A short 90 minute drive (and a fun ferry ride) from Miami make Fisher Island a great add-on to your visit.
Fisher Island is a small private island located in Miami Beach.
It can be accessed by boat or via the Fisher Island Ferry, which has daily departures from Port of Miami to South Pointe Marina on Fisher Island.
The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes and you’ll enjoy beautiful views as you approach your destination! Once there , you’ll find a great range of activities, from golfing to tennis and more.
Perfect Hotels in Miami
If you are going to spend the night in Miami here are the hotels we recommend. If you are heading to Disney World in Orlando our top hotel picks are detailed here.
National Hotel: The National is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Miami’s historic and artsy Coconut Grove.
1 Hotel South Beach : The newest hotel on Miami Beach, this design-forward boutique is located in the heart of South Beach and features a rooftop pool with ocean views.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach: Top rated at Trip Advisor for its location and affordable rates. Features of this hotel include a fitness center, heated pool and spa.
Don’t forget to visit the Miami Seaquarium, home of five indoor and two outdoor dolphin habitats. The Bayside Skyride offers a spectacular view of Downtown Miami as it whisks you across Government Cut on its way to Paradise Island – once known as Coconut Grove.
Phew! One day in Miami is tough but if you visit as many of these spots as possible the memories will last a lifetime.
Have you spent one day in Miami recently? Any suggestions to share with your fellow travelers?
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