Experience the best of Miami with this 7-day itinerary starting on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Discover the vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions the city has to offer. For the best hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.com.
Thursday, January 18: Arrival and South Beach
Start your Miami adventure by arriving at Miami International Airport. After checking into your hotel, head to iconic South Beach in the morning. Take a leisurely stroll along the famous Ocean Drive, lined with vibrant Art Deco buildings. Enjoy the energizing atmosphere and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. In the afternoon, relax on the sandy shores of South Beach and soak up the sun. As the evening sets in, explore Lincoln Road Mall, known for its shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Ocean Drive: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
South Beach: Cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Lincoln Road Mall: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Friday, January 19: Art and Culture
Immerse yourself in Miami's vibrant art scene on day 2. Begin your day at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which showcases modern and contemporary art. Marvel at the diverse exhibitions and enjoy the stunning waterfront views. In the afternoon, visit the Wynwood Walls, a vibrant outdoor museum showcasing colorful street art. Explore the Wynwood neighborhood and discover its trendy boutiques, galleries, and cafes. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Little Havana, known for its Cuban heritage and delicious cuisine.
Pérez Art Museum Miami: Cost: $16, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wynwood Walls: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Little Havana: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at the charming and cozy Cafe Crème, where you can enjoy a delightful breakfast with a French twist. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and savory omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head over to La Sandwicherie, a local favorite for delicious and fulfilling sandwiches. Choose from a variety of freshly made options, including their famous baguette sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, immerse yourself in the flavors of Latin America at Versailles Restaurant. Indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine, including traditional dishes like ropa vieja and lechon asado. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, January 20: Key Biscayne and Vizcaya Museum
Escape the city and explore the natural beauty of Key Biscayne. Start your day by visiting Crandon Park Beach, a pristine beach with crystal clear waters and lush surroundings. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or rent a kayak to explore the coastline. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This Italian Renaissance-style villa offers a glimpse into Miami's history and boasts beautiful gardens and art collections. Wrap up the day by witnessing a breathtaking sunset at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Crandon Park Beach: Cost: $7 per vehicle, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Cost: $22, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Cost: $8 per vehicle, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to La Boulangerie Boul'Mich, a charming French bakery that serves delicious pastries and croissants. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Rusty Pelican, a waterfront restaurant with breathtaking views of Miami's skyline. Enjoy their seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
For dinner, visit Byblos Miami, a trendy Mediterranean restaurant serving delicious dishes inspired by the flavors of the Middle East. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Sunday, January 21: Miami Design District and Bayside Marketplace
Indulge in a day of shopping and entertainment. Start your morning at the Miami Design District, a luxury shopping destination known for its high-end fashion boutiques and art galleries. Enjoy window shopping and admire the unique architecture. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Bayside Marketplace, located on the waterfront. Browse through numerous shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, or take a scenic boat tour. As the evening arrives, witness a breathtaking waterfront sunset at Bayfront Park.
Miami Design District: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bayside Marketplace: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bayfront Park: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club is a popular spot in the Miami Design District, serving delicious breakfast options like avocado toast and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
The Knife Argentine Steakhouse at Bayside Marketplace offers a diverse menu of grilled meats and traditional Argentine dishes. Enjoy a hearty lunch with an average cost of $25 per person.
Crazy About You is a waterfront restaurant in Bayfront Park with stunning views. It features a menu of global cuisine and seafood specialties. Expect to spend around $40 per person for a delightful dinner experience.
Monday, January 22: Everglades National Park
Embark on an adventure to the Everglades National Park, a unique ecosystem filled with diverse wildlife. Take a thrilling airboat ride through the marshes, spotting alligators and other fascinating creatures. Join a guided nature walk to learn more about the park's ecosystem and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, visit the Shark Valley Visitor Center and enjoy biking or walking along the scenic trails. Don't forget to capture the stunning natural landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Airboat Ride: Cost: $25-30, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Guided Nature Walk: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Shark Valley Visitor Center: Cost: $30 per vehicle, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Front Porch Cafe, located in South Beach. Indulge in their famous pancakes and eggs benedict while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Joe's Stone Crab, a Miami institution since 1913. Feast on their renowned stone crab claws or fresh seafood options, accompanied by their signature key lime pie. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit Versailles Cuban Restaurant, a landmark in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. Experience authentic Cuban cuisine, including flavorful dishes such as ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Tuesday, January 23: Miami Beaches and Water Sports
Spend a day enjoying the various beaches and water sports Miami has to offer. Start your day by visiting Sunny Isles Beach, known for its pristine white sand and tranquil atmosphere. Relax or take part in water activities like paddleboarding or jet skiing. In the afternoon, head to Haulover Park Beach and experience the popular clothing-optional section or indulge in a game of beach volleyball. End the day with an evening stroll along the picturesque Bal Harbour Beach.
Sunny Isles Beach: Cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Haulover Park Beach: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bal Harbour Beach: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at The Front Porch Cafe, located in the heart of Miami Beach. Enjoy their delicious breakfast dishes such as fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Lunch: For lunch, head to Joe's Stone Crab, a Miami institution known for its fresh seafood. Indulge in their famous stone crab claws or try their grilled fish options. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Dinner: End your day with a memorable dinner at Prime 112. This upscale steakhouse offers a wide selection of prime cuts cooked to perfection. Don't miss their truffle mac and cheese side dish. Average cost for a meal is about $70 per person.
Wednesday, January 24: Downtown Miami and Jungle Island
Explore the vibrant downtown area and get up close with exotic wildlife. Begin your day by visiting the iconic Freedom Tower, a historic landmark showcasing Cuban immigrant history. Take a stroll along the scenic Biscayne Baywalk and enjoy the waterfront views. In the afternoon, head to Jungle Island, an interactive zoological park home to various animal species. Observe captivating animal shows, interact with friendly parrots, or even feed a kangaroo. As the day comes to an end, explore the bustling nightlife and dining options in downtown Miami.
Freedom Tower: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Biscayne Baywalk: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Jungle Island: Cost: $35-45, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at B Bistro + Bakery, a charming breakfast spot offering a variety of delicious dishes such as their famous French Toast. You can expect to spend around $15 per person for a meal here.
For a tasty and quick lunch, visit La Sandwicherie, a popular sandwich shop located in downtown Miami. Enjoy their freshly made sandwiches and wraps for an average cost of $10 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Zuma, an upscale Japanese restaurant known for its contemporary cuisine and stunning waterfront views. Be prepared to spend around $100 per person for a high-end dining experience.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those looking for off the beaten path attractions, be sure to visit the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. This historic and stunning pool is created from a coral rock quarry and offers a unique swimming experience. Explore the Wynwood Art District further, as it is filled with incredible street art and creative spaces. Additionally, venture to Little Haiti to experience the vibrant Haitian culture, music, and cuisine.