How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Miami Itinerary:
This is a fantastic way to customize your itinerary based on the desired outcome you want to experience. We encourage you to go at your own tempo and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Miami Beach.
Getting Around During 3 Days in Miami:
Personally speaking, I prefer car service Apps like Uber to get around Miami since it is notorious for expensive garage parking fees, which you cannot avoid because Miami is equally famous for towing cars! So if you plan on renting a vehicle, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
If you really want to admire the coastal ambiance, Citi bikes can be a delightful and easy way to explore Miami during the day, or if you’re not afraid to really splurge, MVP Miami Luxury Cars offers a plethora of exotic car rental options, as well as yacht and mansion rentals.
Getting Around During 3 Days in Miami:
Personally speaking, I prefer car service Apps like Uber to get around Miami since it is notorious for expensive garage parking fees, which you cannot avoid because Miami is equally famous for towing cars! So if you plan on renting a vehicle, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
If you really want to admire the coastal ambiance, Citi bikes can be a delightful and easy way to explore Miami during the day, or if you’re not afraid to really splurge, MVP Miami Luxury Cars offers a plethora of exotic car rental options, as well as yacht and mansion rentals.
Know Your Miami From Your Miami Beach:
For many of you reading this, you might think that Miami and Miami Beach are one and the same but there not! Unless you’re a Miami native, most of us refer to the two separate municipalities as the same thing, not knowing there is actually a difference.
The glitzy Miami Beach is an escape for those looking to bask in pastel-colored skies, a long stretch of sandy beaches, and Caribbean blue waters that run parallel to perfectly manicured palm trees and art deco architecture.
Art deco hotels like Esmé Miami in the Spanish Village are a sophisticated gem alongside the buzz of Española Way, exploring the diverse Latin flavors of South Beach, beckoning the old country’s lust for life and tempting the slower pace of its artistic heydays.
Just a short walk off Collins Avenue is the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road, a 10-block promenade of some of Miami Beach’s best shopping, cafès, and restaurants shaded by the colorful backdrop of the Art Deco District of Miami Beach.
While Miami has preserved most of its gritty urban city appeal, it is definitely a stark contrast to the over-the-top Miami Beach energy. Celebrities and influencers alike flock to the city of Miami for trendy restaurants, designer couture, and contemporary art.
In recent years, neighborhoods such as Wynwood have become a gentrified mecca of street art and reviving Miami Modern, which is a regional style of architecture that developed during the post-war period.
Miami is also home to one of the largest Cuban-American communities, with Little Havana shining as a vivid reminder for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the dizzying array of sights and smells that flood historical streets like Calle Ocho.
Day 1 Chill Vibes and the Miami Skyline:
Kick Off Your Day On South Pointe Park Pier
Located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe is a 17-acre park that features walking trails, green spaces, and a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean as you watch cruise ships and yachts sail in and out.
Its stunning views make it a perfect location for a quick photo op or if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, explore the park with Citi bikes. South Pointe Park Pier is also very family-friendly with playgrounds and plenty of activities for both parents and children alike.
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Stop by the Bayside Marketplace
Just a 15-minute drive away across the MacArthur Causeway, Bayside Marketplace is a two-story open-air shopping center with the banks of Biscayne Bay wrapped around the property and the City of Miami marina at its side.
A visit here is less about the shopping and more about the experience. Bayside Marketplace is a fun spot to have a nice glass of wine while admiring the beautiful scenery of Biscayne Bay. We also recommend coming here to book a day trip boat tour or sunset cruise adventure if you don’t feel like going through your hotel concierge.
With over 10 options to choose from, Capt. Jimmy’s Fiesta Cruises offer a wide selection of sightseeing cruises, from the Eco Sights & Bites Cruise to Luxury Sportfishing Charters or a Miami Sunset Cocktail Cruise to a Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour, which is an extra cost, but all serving a unique experience for each their guests needs.
Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
From here, you can also take a five-minute walk to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which brings together the unique encounters of an aquarium, planetarium, and science museum for those of you who want to partake in a deeply immersive hands-on interaction that sparks the imagination of curiosity and innovation.
Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Tour the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
If a science museum doesn’t interest you, head 15 minutes south down Biscayne Bay to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a 1916 waterfront estate with 32 decorated rooms and 10 acres of perfectly manicured gardens that is a cultural destination where tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to for the esthetically appealing ambiance.
Referred to today as the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, the former Mediterranean-style villa belonged to businessman James Deering, who commissioned its construction to be built in 1914.
Set against sprawling grounds and overlooking Biscayne Bay, Deering embraced technology, modernity, and comfort above all else, which you can still see today through its architecture, interior decor, and technological infrastructures.
If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, be sure to stop by the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market. While it does not take place on the grounds of the prestigious Miami mansion, it is free of charge and across the street at a charming building where locals and tourists alike can shop tropical fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods, and nibble on small savory dishes from local food trucks.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Grab Dinner Near Your Hotel
IAs you scroll down a bit more, you will find our top hotel recommendations that are based on an overall high-quality ambiance, but in the meantime, these are a few bonus suggestions on where to eat dinner on your first evening in Miami.
The Ocean Grill, at The Setai, this open-air restaurant overlooks Ocean Drive, providing you with a warm welcome sit back, relax, and cheer to the beginning of a fun-filled weekend with their signature cocktail called tropical fruit punch.
Address: 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Forte dei Marmi, is an amazing restaurant nestled quietly off Ocean Drive. This chic Italian eatery is a low-key place to see and be seen. Dine al fresco on their villa-style front patio or dine inside the alluring contemporary aesthetic of Italian beach culture while savoring fine authentic Italian dishes and sipping on organic, biodynamic wines and spirits.
Address: 150 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION is a club-like atmosphere developed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that takes guests on a creative culinary journey paired with an exclusive signature menu curated specifically for its South Beach guests.
Address: 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Day 2 South Beach, Miami Itinerary:
Bike or Walk Along Ocean Drive in South Beach
Start your day trip to Miami exploring the dreamy Ocean Drive, a long promenade in South Beach that runs parallel to the most iconic Miami Beach views with some of the swankiest beachfront restaurants, cafès, lounges, and art deco architecture.
This oceanfront street is lined with Mediterranean-inspired buildings and shaded by luscious palm trees, making it an idyllic location to go to for a walk or to rent a bike as you explore the different beach towns.
Plus, it only makes sense that this is the place to go for your morning coffee or grab a drink and some small bites from a food truck while you watch a pastel-colored sunset on the beach.
Stroll Down Collins Ave in South Beach
Home to many popular hotels, chic boutiques, and trendy juice bars, just off the beaten path of Ocean Drive. Collins Ave runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean stretching north, and a pedestrian-friendly walking tour with heavy traffic occupying the roads as locals bustle back-and-fourth from local beach towns like Bal Harbour and Surfside all the way up to Sunny Isles Beach.
11th Street Diner (Washington Ave)
The 11th Street Diner is an original art deco diner built in 1948 by a company from New Jersey that served traditional all-American dishes to the people of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania for 44 years before it was dismantled and transported to Miami’s historic district.
Today, you can still savor all the classics like a juicy hamburger, fries, a milkshake, all-day breakfast options, and cocktails that you would get in Little Havana.
Do an Art Deco Walking Tour in South Beach
Take a walking tour through the Art Deco Historic District located in Miami Beach between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Ave, and Washington Ave, the National Register of Historic Places describes it as composed of 800 structures of historical significance mostly built between 1923 and 1943.
Soak Up Some Shade at Lummus Park
Lummus Park is the quintessential South Beach experience. Nestled against the Atlantic Ocean between 5th street and 14th Place, this 74-acre park is a slice of tropical heaven lined with beachgoers who are lathered up in sunscreen and tanning oil while they splash around in the glistening blue seas and model their skimpy bikinis.
The park is also a magnet for athletes who enjoy working out by the water. You’ll see groups of people playing volleyball, beach soccer, competitively swimming, or riding solo, working on their physique.
Also conveniently located within the park is the Art Deco Museum, one of the best contemporary art museums that features local and international contributors who showcase their love and admiration for the communities cultural heritage.
Learn personal stories through the artistic capture of expression. Those who helped build and influence today’s Miami history are on full display throughout the museum.
Address: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Just a 5-minute drive away from the park, treat yourself to a deep, immersive culinary experience of the Time Out Market Miami hosting Michelin-starred chefs and top local vendors to art installations. This is the best of South Beach under one roof.
Address: 1601 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hit The Water On A Boat Tour
If you’re someone who came to South Florida to enjoy water activities or you want to spend more time in South Beach, there are plenty of opportunities for you to book a jetski or experience the Skyline 90-minute Cruise of South Beach Millionaire’s row or an Airboat Ride and Sightseeing Tour while you explore the area.
Average trip
Attend A Show At The North Beach Bandshell
Listen to some live music at the North Beach Bandshell located beachside in an open-air amphitheater known for its consistent lineup of international sensations and top local musicians who bring locals and tourists alike together for cultural events and live entertainment.
Having undergone various restorations, the Bandshell Park also pays homage to the local Latin cultures with domino pavilions and glass tile mural art installations. There are also on-site food and drink concessions available to those who have tickets to a show.
Address: 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Day 3 Explore The Vibrant City of Downtown Miami:
Breakfast, Then Head to Downtown Miami
Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art while exploring downtown Miami. Located in the Miami Design District, ICA is a contemporary art museum that features innovative and emerging artists.
Explore the latest exhibitions or partake in the 1-hour Family Sundays educational workshops that provide context and education in a relatable and interactive way for all. Plus, don’t forget to stop by the museum shop if you want to catch a glimpse of previous exhibitions or purchase artistic keepsakes to decorate your home or model as street-style attire.
Hear Live Music in Little Havana and Watch Dominos in the Park
If you really want to immerse yourself in a cultural experience, take a stroll down Calle Ocho (8th Street) in Little Havana and make a stop at Domino Park, known affectionately by the locals, to gather especially on Sundays, a neighborhood hidden gem that allows you to mingle and interact with older Cuban members of society that offer inciteful alternative perspectives while enjoying life’s little pleasures.
Little Havana has been known for bringing the spicey Cuban heat to Miami for nearly two generations now, which includes the pulsating acoustical sounds that have attracted thousands of people since the 1930s to congregate under one roof as they listen to the sultry beats and fast-tempo salsa rhythms at Ball & Chain one of the most iconic clubs in Little Havana.
Taste Azucar Ice Cream (Calle Ocho)
Located in the heart of Little Havana, indulge your sweet tooth at Azucar (sugar) Ice Cream shop a local spot that creates artisanal ice creams and sorbets in tropical Cuban flavors using high-quality ingredients from local farmers to deliver sweet and satisfying results for their patrons.
Visit the Wynwood Walls and the Wynwood Neighborhood
Wynwood Walls originated in 2009 by the famed Tony Goldman of Goldman Properties, as an outdoor museum of international street art. Featuring massive murals that colorfully depict the thoughts, sensations, and abstractions of street artists from all over the globe. Thousands of people flock daily to this must-see international destination, so we recommend getting there a little early to beat the crowds and the heat. General admission is $12 for adults and free for children under the age of 12.
Visit the Van Gogh Immersive Experience
Step into the limited sunny landscapes and starry night scenes of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a visual virtual reality that takes you through the journey of “A Day in the Life of the Artist.” Age is irrelevant, and there is something for everyone to enjoy when partaking in this immersive experience.
Check Out Miami Design District
If you’re someone who appreciates luxury fashion, high-quality dining, and sleek modern architecture you will love Miami Design District. Hosting a vibrant and sophisticated international crowd that features edgy art galleries, legendary luxury fashion houses like Chanel, Celine, and Prada, as well as some of the very best Miami skyline views seen from posh rooftop lounges.
Be Entertained at Magic City Casino
Located just north of Little Havana, Magic City Casino welcomes guests to a Las Vegas-style atmosphere of slot machines and poker tables and an eclectic fusion of local talent and entertainment in one of Miami’s best outdoor concert venues. The Sports Club restaurant is the perfect spot to chow down on a delicious menu of all the typical bar classics, plus new Cuban or Latin adaptations as you watch your favorite sporting events.
Where to Eat During a Weekend in Miami:
Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s Stone Crab began its humble beginnings in 1913 when Joe Weiss, a Hungarian-born immigrant, opened a small lunch counter on the beach where patrons stopped in for locally caught fish and chips while his wife and kids waited tables. Today this well-known eatery has become a dominant Miami stomping ground for the Who’s Who to dine over a smorgasbord of fresh seafood delights.
Bal Harbour Shops
Aba offers a fusion of Mediterranean and kosher cuisine that presents a lighter style of cooking, drawing its influence from Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon with signature dishes including Smoky Garlic Hummus and Avocado Hummus with Maine Lobster.
Carppacio, satisfy your need for carbs here. Located in the center ground floor, Carpaccio serves up southern Italian staples like the Positano pizza, spaghetti vongole, and a risotto frutti di mare, as well as leafy healthier options for those who prefer something lighter.
Hillstone, relish over classic American-bistro dishes in this luxuriously modern atmosphere on the 2nd floor. Dine al fresco or inside the trendy space while sipping a freshly shaken craft cocktail and appetizing on revived classics like Deviled Eggs, Classic Omelet, and a Freshly Ground Cheeseburger.
Lee Zoo strikes the perfect balance of French brasserie elegance and Floridian sophistication, creating an energetic blend of Euro-American cuisine. Serving French staples like Escargots and Tuna Tartare to Chicken Pillard and Steak Frites. Located conveniently across from Carpaccio restaurant.
Makoto, delivers upscale Japanese sushi and cooked entrees at this elegantly chic eatery. Sample small plates of Raw Truffle Salmon, Rock Shrimp Tempura, or Japenese Grilled Robata options as you experiment with Japanese sake or some of their signature high-quality spirits.
Swan
No trip to Miami is ever complete until you dine at any of the Groot Hospitality restaurants. Located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Swan pampers guests with a luxurious dining experience of fancy European-influenced cuisine. Dine under the restaurants’ outdoor lush greenery or inside the contemporary chic tropical oasis. Quench your thirst with a Paloma Libre or The Swan signature cocktail as you indulge in savory dishes of Caviar Pasta, Lobster Cobb, and a Citrus Cured Hamachi.
Chotto Matte Miami
Spend your last savoring hours in Miami by having dinner at the trendy Chotto Matte, a contemporary environment of spectacular Nikkei cuisine with bold, eye-catching organic colors and mouth-watering sensations. Emphasizing quality ingredients and flavors, try the Wagyu Dumplings and Lamb Chops with a Pisco Peach signature cocktail.
Strawberry Moon
Relax poolside as you dine at the Goodtime Hotel rooftop. Strawberry Moon is the perfect place to unwind from a jam-packed day of activities. Located near Lummus Park, this modern-day pink-themed swim club plates Mediterranean-American dishes of Hummus and Babaganoush to Chicken Kebabs and NY Strip Steak. In true Groot Hospitality, the cocktail menu never disappoints. From the zesty Art Basil to the fruity Strawberry Moon Forever all the beverages on the menu will satisfy anyone’s thirst.
Where to Stay For a Weekend in Miami:
As you plan your ideal weekend in Miami itinerary, we’ve taken the liberty of choosing the top-hotel options that offer convenience to the beach, easy transport back and forth from Downtown Miami as well as the airport, with a knee focus on a high standard of professional concierge services, and high-quality dining and beverage options.
Luxury Hotels:
These 4 FEMMENA-approved Luxury Hotels offer state-of-the-art amenities and services while supporting a tranquil environment free from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced Miami tempo.
Keep reading below if you’re interested in beginning and ending your days feeling rejuvenated and refreshed in a luxurious oceanfront setting.
The Four Seasons, Surf Club in Surfside
The Four Seasons Surf Club is a local escape just far enough away from the tourist crowds of the South Beach scene set along the shores of Surfside near the swanky Bal Harbor Shops. This gem is a hangout for Miami society and celebrities alike.
Its southern Italian 1930s aesthetic is Instagram worthy every corner you turn think of lush palm trees, terracotta floors, and soaring archways. The sleek emerald green bar and plush banquette-backed tables draw in a mix of locals and out-of-towners searching for a good plate of homemade pasta and freshly grilled fish.
Part of the allure is the two pools, a more calming area for adults with a larger one that is more children-friendly, as well as spa and wellness services that offer Susan Kaufman treatments.
The private 77-rooms feature a refreshing color palette that echoes classic Mediterranean and Caribbean combinations of sand, sea, and sun. A luxurious hideaway that offers an indoor-outdoor living experience, as its bright, spacious interiors flow out into the balcony views of the blue hues of the Atlantic waters.
This is luxury at its finest. We highly recommend the splurge for the brief getaway as its location, food, and services offer an intimate escape of rejuvenation.
1 Hotel South Beach
With hotels springing up all over the world, 1 Hotel actually originated in South Beach as one of the first modern sustainable luxury hotels. Located in the heart of South Beach, this private green oasis offers a perfect grown-up retreat for guests looking to indulge in a laid-back pool scene.
The 425-guest rooms and suits feature nature-inspired designs, with mindfulness elements of sustainability using organic bedding and custom herbal bath products. The minimalistic whitewashed pool lounges and reclaimed wooden walls are paired elegantly against the white linens.
The light aesthetics blend perfectly into the South Beach Zen vibes, relax in the clouds in one of the Ultra Sky cabanas on the rooftop or rejuvenate your chakras lying in the sun on a chaise lounge as you feel the saltwater mist blow into shore.
Another major attraction here is the food: Chef Fernando Cruz serves up a culinary fusion of modern-day Mexican dishes at Habitat, while Sandbox is your refuge as you lounge on the beach or next to the Center Pool.
Grab a few beach towels and refuel under the shady sand beach bar with a selection of American Coastal bites inspired by Floridian light flare and incorporated with locally sourced produce. It is the perfect place to satisfy your poolside cravings in a healthy way, and if an early morning sweat session is your thing – be sure to pop in their 14,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art gym.
The Miami Beach EDITION
Envisioned by Ian Schrager and in partnership with Marriott International, The Miami Beach EDITION, is a unique luxury hotel experience. Located two miles north of South Beach, it is the perfect mix of design and gracious sophistication where guests can enjoy the privacy associated with staying at a boutique hotel as well as the amenities and services provided by a resort.
In addition, there are three restaurants: Market at EDITION and Matador Room, developed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Matador Room is a club-like atmosphere that takes guests on a creative culinary journey paired with an exclusive signature menu curated specifically for The Miami Beach EDITION.
Inspired by all that is tropical, Tropicale is the casual outdoor restaurant and bar that pairs eloquently with the ocean views and island tunes, offering savory light selections to nibble on and refreshing cocktails as the perfect complement to sun and sand.
The 294-room getaway is a mix of luxury rooms, oceanfront suites, and opulent bungalows that are exquisitely detailed with modern furnishings and a soothing beach-inspired color scheme.
The spacious layouts feature marble bathrooms with an enclosed rainforest shower and the finest linens. The large floor-to-ceiling windows reveal scenic views of the city, pool, and ocean. Striking the perfect balance between the luxurious Four Seasons and the trendy 1 Hotel South Beach.
The Standard Spa
Nestled between the Wynwood Arts District and Miami Beach Botanical Garden just north of the bustling South Beach party scene, The Standard considers itself “less of a hotel and more of a spa with guest rooms.” This exotic oasis retreat offers a peaceful escape of calming rooms and suites that feature outdoor terraces, many of which include outdoor tubs for you to soak in as you decompress after a long day.
Hotel guests can alleviate any pressures or tensions at the indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy playground while The Standard Spa organizes group yoga sessions, communal rituals of ancient bathing, and spa treatments by expert practitioners.
The on-site restaurant Lido Bayside Grill offers a Floridian-inspired beach easy menu of food and drink options. From the Grilled Mahi Sandwich and the Lido Platter (a seafood platter medley) to health-infused cocktail mixtures such as the refreshing Detox and Chill and the citrusy Tropical Vibes. In addition, there is a grab-and-go cafe option, a chill lounge, and a state-of-the-art wellness spa and gym for those who prefer an individual meditative reset.
This post is all about a weekend in Miami Beach.
