Miami is an incredible destination if you want a relaxed, sunny, and fun holiday. The biggest city in Florida, and one of the key cities of the United States is a very popular vacation destination for many people all over the world. If you’re planning on visiting, read this blog post for a detailed Miami itinerary!
HOW TO GET TO MIAMI
You can reach Miami in many different ways, but we’ll go through the most popular routes. Firstly, you can come to Miami by air. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary airport serving the city. It’s huge but very well organized. You can book a flight to MIA from all major airports in the USA and worldwide.
If you’re in the United States and prefer to drive, you can plan your route that way. Miami is well-connected by highways to many major cities so you won’t have any troubles driving.
Our option was a bit different – we came from Europe to Miami on a cruise. If that’s a type of travel you think you’d enjoy, I’d recommend MSC repositioning cruises which can take you from Europe to USA in the fall, or from USA to Europe in the spring. We had the most incredible 3 weeks on the cruise, and then had an additional week to enjoy Florida!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MIAMI
Miami is one of those all-year-round destinations, so you can visit this city whenever it’s convenient to you. However, depending on your preferences when it comes to weather, crowds, and prices, there are some months that might be better for you than others. Check out our advice on what’s the best season to be in Miami:
Winter (December to February) is the peak tourist season in Miami due to its mild and comfortable temperatures. Average temperatures range from 60°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C). Many events, festivals, and art fairs take place during this time so you’ll have plenty to do and see in winter. The prices of accommodation will be significantly higher in winter, so keep that in mind.
Spring (March to May) is also a popular time to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to winter. Temperatures range from 66°F to 84°F (19°C to 29°C). There are still many tourists who enjoy higher temperatures, and spring break is just around the corner bringing more young people for spring break parties. But overall, it’s less crowded and more affordable than winter.
Summer (June to August) is the rainy season, and temperatures can be hot and humid. Average temperatures range from 76°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C). While it’s less crowded and cheaper, be prepared for afternoon showers and the possibility of hurricanes. Be very careful with weather updates!
Fall (September to November) offers a good balance of warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Average temperatures range from 72°F to 86°F (22°C to 30°C). Hurricane season is still a consideration, so keep in mind that some days with bad weather are possible. We were in Miami during last week of November and had rain during 3 out of 7 days there. It’s usually very quick showers but there were a few longer periods of rain as well.
If you enjoy vibrant events and don’t mind crowds, winter and spring may be ideal. If you prefer fewer tourists and can tolerate some heat and rain, fall could be a good choice. Just be aware of hurricane season considerations if you plan to visit during the summer or fall.
WHERE TO STAY IN MIAMI
The best location to stay at is South Beach. Although it can be quite pricey during the season, the opportunities are just much better if you’re at Miami Beach, as opposed to downtown Miami. We stayed at the Fritz Hotel on Ocean Drive, and it was ok. We weren’t overly impressed with the hotel as some spaces, such as the bathroom, looked quite old, and we didn’t have any cleaning for a week. So, not even a fresh set of towels in 7 days.
There are many hotels to choose from at South Beach, depending on your budget. With a bigger budget, you can book hotels which are on Ocean Drive, or even closer to the beach at the promenade. If you want a more affordable hotel choose one a couple of streets further from the beach.
MIAMI ITINERARY: WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN MIAMI
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DAY 1 – SOUTH BEACH
Spend some time at the beach
Going to the beach should be your absolute priority when you’re in Miami. The gorgeous South beach stretches for about 2 miles along the eastern shore of Miami Beach. Fine white sand and the warm, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean look very inviting, so you’ll definitely spend a few hours of your day there. You can swim, sunbathe or play volleyball, and truly relax on your holiday. During high season it can be quite crowded, but it’s so vast that there’s space for everyone.
Cycle to the South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is a gorgeous green oasis right at the southern tip of Miami Beach, and it’s a place you can’t skip. There, you can soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline, Port Miami, the striking skyline of Downtown Miami, and the quiet charm of Fisher Island.
Read more >>> BIKING IN MIAMI: A GUIDE
When you’re done enjoying the view, if you want to have a swim, you have direct access to the sandy shores of the beach. At the park you’ll find inviting walking trails, perfect spots for picnics and barbecues, comfortable benches to relax, and even a quaint cafe where you can grab a refreshing drink or a quick bite.
You can easily rent a Citi Bike at various locations around Miami Beach. It’s 10.95$ for 2 hours. Read more about their pricing online.
Shop at Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road in Miami Beach is a vibrant and iconic pedestrian promenade, famous for its unique blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. There are rows and rows of both affordable and high-end stores, so you can enjoy shopping or just window-shop.
Lincoln Road spans several blocks, creating a lively atmosphere that both locals and visitors love. In the evening, the street becomes a hub of nightlife, so it’s a great place if you want to have dinner or a drink.
Visit Espanola Way
Espanola Way in Miami Beach is a charming and historic street nestled in the heart of the city’s Art Deco Historic District. Here you’ll find a unique blend of Mediterranean-style architecture, diverse dining options, and a lively atmosphere.
The street is lined with a variety of restaurants, each offering a distinct culinary experience. From Italian trattorias to Spanish tapas bars and Latin American eateries, you can try various kinds of food from all over the world. We were there on Thanksgiving so many restaurants were closed, but we still enjoyed the vibe of the street.
Go for a drink on Ocean Drive
As night falls on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, it transforms into a hub of fun and laughter. Cafes become outdoor lounges, and there’s many luxury cars just cruising by. Bars and clubs are full of lively people, spilling that energy onto the street.
The iconic Art Deco buildings light up in various colours, creating a visually captivating scene. Ocean Drive at night is an invitation to enjoy the best of Miami Beach, where history meets vibrant nightlife. Sit down for a drink at any of the lively bars along the Ocean Drive and enjoy your evening!
DAY 2 – MIAMI
Experience Bayside Marketplace
Along the picturesque shores of Biscayne Bay, you’ll find Bayside Marketplace – a bustling waterfront destination that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Miami. This iconic marketplace offers various experiences from shopping to dining and entertainment. Visitors can browse through abundance of shops and boutiques, from well-known brands to locally crafted treasures.
The open-air layout allows for a leisurely stroll, with panoramic views of sailboats gliding across the bay and the city’s skyline in the distance. Bayside Marketplace is a destination you must visit to experience the true vibes of Miami.
Immerse yourself in the culture in Little Havana
In Little Havana, the heartbeat of Cuba resonates on every vibrant street. This colorful neighborhood, immersed in Cuban heritage, is an experience you need to have in Miami. Calle Ocho is the main street of Little Havana, and it’s full of lively salsa music and excellent Cuban cuisine.
Don’t forget to stop by Domino Park, where locals gather to engage in spirited games of dominoes, creating a lively and communal atmosphere. Take pictures with the colorful artworks and many rooster statues to have a permanent memory of your time in Little Havana.
Go swimming at Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a picturesque island located just south of downtown Miami. Key Biscayne is known for its pristine beaches, including Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Soft sands and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. We were there in November and I must say we had a lot of seaweed all over the beach in Crandon Park, so keep in mind that if you’re there during hurricane season it might not be as perfect as usual.
You aren’t allowed to bring any glass to the beaches, so be mindful to buy plastic bottles if you want to have a drink at the beach!
DAY 3 – KEY WEST
One of the best day trips you could take from Miami is a road trip to Key West. Key West is a gorgeous island in an archipelago known as the Florida Keys. If you decide to drive down from Miami, you’ll be driving down the iconic U.S. Route 1, and will experience some of the most beautiful views in Florida. On your way to this laid-back town with gorgeous beaches you can stop at several fun locations. Read our Miami to Key West road trip itinerary for more details.
DAY 4 – EVERGLADES
Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It is an incredibly unique and expansive natural wonder in South Florida, and one of the best national parks I’ve ever visited. I was excited about the possibility of seeing various wildlife in their natural habitat because Everglades is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. In Everglades, you have the chance to spot alligators, manatees, panthers, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
The Admission ticket to the park, including the airboat tour is 40 dollars.
We’ve taken an airboat tour, which is a MUST-DO in Everglades. These flat-bottomed boats skim across the shallow waters, offering an exhilarating ride while providing access to areas otherwise difficult to reach. Our airboat reached the speed of around 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour), which was way faster than I expected. We had the opportunity to see birds, turtles, and alligators on our tour so it was everything I hoped it would be.
Read more >>> EVERGLADES FROM MIAMI: A DAY TRIP
IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME…
Go shopping at Sawgrass Mills and/or Dolphin Mall
Miami is very popular for amazing outlet malls with jaw dropping sales, so if you have the budget and time, definitely check out one of these two malls. Sawgrass Mills is the biggest shopping mall in Florida, but it’s a 45-minute drive from Miami. On the other hand, Dolphin Mall is smaller but it’s in Miami, so you can reach it more easily. Which ever you choose, you’ll find some great deals, that’s a promise!
Go on a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean
Cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and the Caribbean are a popular and convenient way to explore the stunning islands. If you have a few extra days, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to see some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Several cruise lines offer various itineraries, typically departing from the Port of Miami. Major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, operate cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Cruise durations can vary, with shorter cruises typically lasting around three to four nights, while longer cruises may extend to a week or more.
Heyyy! I love this post! So many great ideas for a Miami itinerary! I would love to know more about your cruise from Europe! I haven´t realised it was even an option!
We loved that airboat tour when we did it years ago. But looks like we missed some other fun Miami attractions. Time to go back!