Miami is a vibrant, multicultural city with beautiful beaches, a lively arts scene, and a distinct Latin flair. While it would take weeks to fully experience everything Miami has to offer, it’s possible to see the highlights in just 3 days.
This itinerary packs in a perfect blend of beach time, cultural sights, nightlife, and great food. Spend your first day relaxing on famous South Beach, then explore the colorful Wynwood Arts District and Little Havana. Your last day starts on the boardwalk at Miami Beach, followed by world-class art museums and the magnificent Vizcaya estate.
In just 72 hours, you’ll get a wonderful taste of Miami’s tropical beauty, Latin culture, and cosmopolitan energy. Get ready for palm trees, white sand, Art Deco architecture, Cuban coffee, and more magic than you thought possible in a long weekend! This itinerary highlights the very best of Miami to give you an unforgettable introduction to an incredible city.
First Day in Miami
South Beach
South Beach is the place to go for relaxing on the beach, checking out Art Deco architecture, shopping, and dining. Start your first day by walking down the iconic Ocean Drive to take in all the pastel-colored Art Deco hotels. The architecture along here is world-famous. Stop to admire highlights like the Colony Hotel and the Carlyle Hotel and take plenty of pictures.
Afterward, spend some time relaxing on the white sand beach. Go swim in the clear blue water or lie in the sun and people-watch. Be sure to lather on sunscreen!
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the beach, head over to Española Way to explore the shops and restaurants. This charming pedestrian-only street is lined with Mediterranean-style buildings housing boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants. Stop for a café con leche and Cuban sandwich or enjoy a nice Italian dinner along this lively street.
South Beach offers the perfect blend of culture, activities, relaxation, and energy to kick off your Miami getaway.
Day #2
Wynwood Arts District
Spend the morning of your second day exploring Miami’s trendy Wynwood Arts District. This former industrial neighborhood has transformed into a mecca for street art, with colorful murals and graffiti covering the exterior walls of warehouses and buildings. Wander along NW 2nd Avenue to take in the eclectic paintings, many done by renowned street artists. There’s an energetic vibe throughout Wynwood, where you’ll find cool cafes, boutiques, and art galleries mixed with eye-catching artwork.
Make sure to stop by Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art park showcasing large-scale murals by artists from around the world. Afterward, browse contemporary art galleries like Primary, which exhibits progressive Miami-based artists. When you work up an appetite, head to one of Wynwood’s hip brunch spots like Kyu for Asian-inspired small plates or Della Test Kitchen for avo toast and acai bowls. Spend an afternoon getting a taste of Miami’s flourishing arts scene in the Wynwood District.
Little Havana
Little Havana is the vibrant Cuban heart of Miami. Start your day with a strong Cuban coffee at Versailles Restaurant, where locals gather to discuss politics over breakfast.
Then head to Domino Park to watch Cuban elders play lively games of dominoes. The rapid clicking of tiles along with passionate Spanish debates create an immersive cultural experience.
Next, learn about Cuban history and heritage at the Cuban Museum of the Americas. Peruse exhibits detailing centuries of Cuban culture, art, and immigration to America.
Watch talented cigar rollers at El Titan de Bronze cigar factory handcraft cigars using traditional techniques. Enjoy the aroma of tobacco leaves and get insight into this honored Cuban profession.
For lunch, savor mouthwatering Cuban cuisine like ropa vieja shredded beef and moros y cristianos black beans and rice at Azucar Ice Cream Company. Their signature Abuela Maria ice cream with vanilla, cinnamon, and dulce de leche is also a must-try.
In the evening, head to the famous live music venue Ball & Chain for salsa dancing and mojitos. As the bands get the crowd going, you’ll feel transported to the vibrant nightlife of Old Havana.
Day #3
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is famous for its Art Deco architecture, white sand beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. Spend your third day exploring this iconic area.
Tour the Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District showcases over 800 preserved Art Deco buildings from the 1920s to 1940s. Take a guided tour or stroll down Ocean Drive and admire the colorful architecture and unique designs of hotels like The Carlyle, The Colony, and The Cardozo.
Snap photos in front of the neon-lit hotels at night when the area comes alive. Stop for a drink at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Swim at Lummus Park Beach
If you want to relax on the beach, head to Lummus Park Beach located right off Ocean Drive. Rent a beach chair or just spread your towel in the sand. The water is perfect for swimming and the people-watching is excellent. Build a sandcastle, go for a dip in the ocean, or soak up the sunshine.
Grab lunch or a snack at one of the concessions along the boardwalk. After beaching, make sure to rinse off in the public showers.
Relax at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
For a peaceful escape, visit the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. This 2.6-acre urban oasis features subtropical plants, trees, and flowers. Wander through the Japanese garden, orchid garden, and bamboo garden. See native wildlife like birds, turtles, and iguanas. Bring a book and relax in the shade or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
It’s a serene spot to recharge after exploring the bustling beach area. Admission is free so take advantage of this urban sanctuary during your stay.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Easily one of the highlights of a trip to Miami, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has a stunning collection of contemporary art, along with breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape and Biscayne Bay. The museum was designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, fusing art, architecture, and the natural landscape into an inspiring cultural venue.
The PAMM showcases modern and contemporary works by international artists, with plenty of big names like Yayoi Kusama, Joseph Cornell, and Mark Rothko. The permanent collection has an emphasis on art from the Americas and the Caribbean. Exhibitions are diverse but always thought-provoking. Make sure to visit the museum’s waterside restaurant Verde, for fantastic food alongside views of the bay. It’s also worth checking out Jungle Plaza, the L.E.A.P. sculpture garden, and the site-specific hanging garden by artist Patrick Blanc. With uplifting visual art, engaging programs, and unforgettable waterfront views, the Pérez Art Museum Miami is an essential part of any Miami itinerary.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Spend your final morning in Miami exploring the elaborate Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This National Historic Landmark is a historic estate from the early 20th century featuring an opulent villa filled with European antiques and art. You can take a self-guided audio tour of the historic house and learn about industrialist James Deering, who built Vizcaya as his winter home in 1916.
After touring the mansion, make sure to wander through the extensive gardens and grottos surrounding the estate. The ornate Italian Renaissance gardens contain fountains, sculptures, a maze, and subtropical plants that make you feel like you’re in Europe. Don’t miss the Mound area of the gardens with its grotto and vine-covered ruins evoking ancient archaeological sites.
Vizcaya provides a fascinating look at Miami’s development in the early 1900s and the lavish estates built during the city’s growth. It’s a treat to explore the grand rooms of the villa as well as the serene outdoor spaces. Visiting Vizcaya is a memorable way to conclude your Miami getaway.
Where to Stay
Miami offers many great hotel options depending on your preferred location and budget. Here are some top recommendations:
South Beach
South Beach is famous for its Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and proximity to the beach. Recommended hotels include:
- The Shore Club – Luxurious 5-star hotel right on the beach in South Beach. Large pool, spa, and high-end restaurants and bars onsite. Very expensive but excellent service.
- The Confidante – Fun, retro-style 4-star hotel with pool and access to the beach. More affordable rates than Shore Club but still has nice amenities. Lively atmosphere.
- The Betsy Hotel – Historic 4-star boutique hotel with elegant Art Deco design. Great rooftop pool and lounge area. More quiet than some other South Beach hotels.
The main advantage of staying in South Beach is being right near the action. It’s very walkable to restaurants, nightlife, and of course the beach. However it’s also popular with tourists and “spring break” crowds, so can be noisy with more of a party atmosphere.
Downtown Miami/Brickell
For a more central location, look at:
- InterContinental Miami – Modern high-rise 4-star hotel in downtown close to the waterfront. Near shops, dining, and entertainment of downtown. Classy sophistication.
- East Miami Hotel – Stylish 4-star boutique hotel in Brickell. Trendy vibe with a rooftop pool and great city views. Near restaurants and nightlife.
Downtown and Brickell offer proximity to business and shopping districts, with more of a cosmopolitan vibe compared to South Beach. You’ll be a little farther from the beaches though.
Getting Around Miami
Miami has a few convenient options for getting around the city without a car.
Public Transportation
The Miami Metrorail is a heavy rail rapid transit system that runs throughout Miami and Miami Beach. There are 23 stations along the two lines – the Green Line and the Orange Line. The Metrorail connects many popular spots in Miami like the shops and restaurants in downtown Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, the Perez Art Museum Miami, the arts district of Wynwood, and South Beach.
Riding the Metrorail is an affordable way to get around Miami without driving. Fares are $2.25 per ride or $5.65 for an all-day pass. The Metrorail operates daily from around 5 am to midnight.
Miami also has a Metrobus system with over 90 routes throughout the metro area. The bus is another economical transportation option, with fares starting at $2.25. Routes run daily, though frequency and hours vary.
Ride Share Services
Using Uber or Lyft rideshares is a convenient way to get around Miami. The apps make it easy to request a ride, see fare estimates, and pay. With rideshares available 24/7, they’re useful for airport transfers or late nights out when the Metrorail isn’t operating. Rates are affordable, especially when splitting costs with others.
Renting a Car
Renting a car offers maximum flexibility for exploring Miami at your own pace. Major rental companies have locations across Miami and at the airports. Rates start around $30/day for an economy car. Having a car makes it easier to access attractions beyond Miami like the Everglades, though beware that driving and parking in Miami Beach may be frustrating during peak times. Consider renting a car for just a portion of your trip unless you plan to visit destinations outside the city.
Conclusion
The magic and allure of Miami come alive over just 3 short days. From the colorful Art Deco architecture of South Beach to the Cuban influence in Little Havana, you’ve only just scratched the surface of this dynamic city. The Wynwood Arts District shows off Miami’s creative side while green spaces like Vizcaya offer a quiet reprieve.
With so many things to do in Miami, you may need more than 3 days to experience it all. But this itinerary hits many of the top attractions to give you a memorable taste on a long weekend. It combines culture, cuisine, beaches, and more to showcase the diversity that makes Miami such an exciting travel destination.
If you’re ready to book your Miami getaway, start planning now before dates fill up. With warm weather all year, stunning beaches, and an energy unlike anywhere else, you’ll be eager to return again and again to uncover more of Miami’s vibrant spirit. This magical city awaits you!
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