ONE DAY IN MIAMI: MY PERFECT MIAMI ITINERARY

If you only have one day in Miami, you’ll need to plan your time carefully! Miami is a huge city with so many things to see and do, so seeing everything in just one day is impossible.

We’ve visited Miami several times and spent plenty of time exploring the city, so I’ve put together the perfect one-day Miami itinerary based on our own experience. This itinerary will take you to some of my favourite places, including Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami Beach.

I’ll also tell you how to get around, whether you need a car, and exactly how I’d spend one day in Miami!

ONE DAY IN MIAMI ITINERARY AT A GLANCE 👀

Time	What to do
9:00 AM	Explore Little Havana
11:30 AM	Visit Bayside Marketplace
12:30 PM	Lunch at Bayside Marketplace
1:30 PM	Go to Miami Beach and explore Art Deco District
3:00 PM	Rent a bike and cycle to South Pointe Park Pier
4:00 PM	Relax at the beach until you have to leave

IS ONE DAY IN MIAMI ENOUGH?

Yes, you can see quite a lot of Miami in one day, but you definitely won’t be able to see everything. Miami is huge and its main attractions are spread across different neighbourhoods, so you’ll need to be selective with your itinerary.

If it’s your first time in Miami, I’d focus on Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach. This gives you a nice mix of Cuban culture, the Miami skyline, shopping, beaches, and the famous Art Deco architecture. We’ve spent much longer in Miami and explored plenty of different areas, but if you only have one day, this is how I’d spend it.

DO YOU NEED A CAR IN MIAMI?

If you’re only spending one day in Miami, you don’t necessarily need to rent a car. In fact, I’d probably skip the rental car if you’re following this itinerary. You can use Uber or Lyft between Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach, and then walk around once you arrive.

Miami is quite spread out, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to walk between these areas. We usually use a combination of walking, driving, and Uber when exploring Miami. If you want more information, check out my complete guide to visiting Miami without a car.

HOW TO REACH MIAMI BEACH

Miami Beach is the location you definitely won’t want to miss in your one day in Miami, and if you want a really chill day in Miami, you can spend the whole day at South Beach. Here’s how you can reach it from the airport or the cruise port if you’re in Miami for a layover or a cruise stop.

MIAMI AIRPORT TO MIAMI BEACH

Getting from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami Beach is straightforward, and you have several options to choose from based on your budget, time, and convenience preferences.

You can get a taxi or an Uber, which will take 20 to 30 minutes and it will cost you $35 to $45. If you’re in a hurry, it’s quicker to just grab a taxi already waiting than wait for an Uber to come pick you up. You can also get an airport shuttle which is a bit cheaper ($20-$25 per person) but it takes longer. It’s around 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of stops and traffic.

Finally, the last and the cheapest option is the public transportation – Miami Beach Airport Express (Bus Route 150), to be exact. It only costs $2.25 per person and it will take you around 30-40 minutes to reach Miami Beach. Keep in mind that the bus runs every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. daily, so you need to stick to the schedule.

MIAMI CRUISE PORT TO MIAMI BEACH

Traveling from the Port of Miami to Miami Beach is quicker and cheaper than from the airport, and here are a few options:

If you get a Taxi or an Uber, you’ll be at the Miami Beach in 15-20 minutes for around $25-$35. The Taxis are readily available at the cruise terminals so it’s quick and easy. Secondly, you can grab a cruise shuttle which will take you to the Miami beach in 20-30 minutes for around $20-$30. Make sure to book these online in advance or at the port.

Finally, you can take the Metrobus as the cheapest option for just $2.25 per person. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and wait times but it’s really affordable and easy. You need to get to Biscayne Boulevard and from there just take the Metrobus Route 100.

MUST DOS IN MIAMI: THINGS TO DO IN ONE DAY IN MIAMI

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Miami, so here are a few must-dos that are perfect for a 1-day itinerary. This itinerary isn’t overly packed, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy all the attractions and locations mentioned.

EXPLORE LITTLE HAVANA

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Start your day in Little Havana, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Miami. This is where you can really experience the Cuban side of the city, especially around Calle Ocho. You can reach it by Uber from any part of Miami.

Walk along Calle Ocho, visit Domino Park, look around the colourful shops, and stop for a Cuban coffee or something to eat. You don’t need to spend hours here, but I’d definitely give yourself around two hours to properly enjoy the area. We’ve visited Little Havana several times, and I love just walking around, looking at the colourful buildings, checking out the little shops, and stopping for food and drinks.

VISIT BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bayside Marketplace is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located in the heart of Downtown Miami along Biscayne Bay. It’s a great spot for both locals and tourists because it offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. You can easily reach it by Uber from Little Havana.

I’d definitely recommend doing some shopping at Bayside Marketplace because it has a variety of shops, from well-known retail brands to unique boutiques. You can find clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and more. You’ll find some of the most unique souvenirs here, and you can also browse stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, and local art.

I’d also recommend stopping here for lunch because there are plenty of restaurant options. You’ll find well-known chains like Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., as well as other local options. There’s also a food court if you’re looking for something quick and affordable and don’t have time for a sit-down lunch.

If you’re up for some entertainment, Bayside also has plenty of live music and performances on its main stage. And if you want to explore beyond Bayside, you can take a sightseeing boat tour from the docks. Some popular options include the Millionaire’s Row Cruise and Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures.

EXPLORE MIAMI BEACH

1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Use these 2.5 hours to explore Miami Beach and see some of the most important parts of this part of the city. Start with the Art Deco Historic District, which is one of the most iconic parts of Miami Beach and a must-visit. This area is famous for its distinctive architectural style, dating back to the 1920s to the 1940s. The buildings are known for their pastel colours, geometric shapes, nautical elements, and decorative details.

Some of the most popular buildings you should see are the Colony Hotel, The Carlyle, and The Tides. The most iconic street in the neighbourhood is Ocean Drive, a lively street lined with Art Deco hotels, restaurants, and bars. You can stop here for a drink or a meal, and I also highly recommend exploring Espanola Way and Lincoln Road while you’re in the area.

After exploring the Art Deco District, I highly recommend renting a Citi Bike and cycling down to South Pointe Pier. You’ll get incredible views of the beach, the boardwalk, and the gorgeous hotels and resorts along the way. I also highly recommend exploring South Pointe Park, which I find really charming, before heading to the beach to relax and enjoy the ocean.

RELAX AT THE BEACH

4 p.m. –

Finally, after all these activities, it’s time to enjoy the beach! The lovely sand and clear turquoise waters make Miami Beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. We spent most of our time at Lummus Park Beach, which is located along Ocean Drive and offers beach volleyball courts, outdoor gym equipment, and scenic pathways.

You can choose whichever beach you prefer, from the beaches near South Pointe Park and Lummus Park Beach all the way up to North Beach. There’s plenty of space to find your perfect spot and relax for a while before going back to the airport, cruise, or wherever you need to go!

HOW TO GET AROUND MIAMI IN ONE DAY

Miami is quite spread out, so you’ll need to use some form of transport if you want to see several different parts of the city in one day. For this itinerary, I’d recommend using Uber or Lyft between the different areas and then walking once you arrive. If you use the bus, you’ll spend a lot of extra time on transport which you could spend exploring.

You can easily walk around Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami Beach once you’re there, so there’s no need to constantly use a car. We usually use Uber when exploring Miami, and I find it the easiest option when you only have a day and don’t want to worry about parking.

If you’re renting a car, you can also drive between the different areas, but keep in mind that parking in Miami Beach can be expensive and traffic can be quite bad, especially later in the day. For this particular one-day itinerary, I personally wouldn’t bother with a rental car.

ONE DAY IN MIAMI FAQ

Is one day in Miami enough?

Yes, you can see quite a lot of Miami in one day, especially if you plan your itinerary well. You won’t be able to see everything, but you can visit some of the city’s most popular areas, including Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach.

What should I not miss in Miami in one day?

If it’s your first time in Miami, I’d recommend visiting Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami Beach. This gives you a nice mix of Cuban culture, shopping, waterfront views, Art Deco architecture, and beautiful beaches.

Can you visit Miami without a car?

Yes, you can visit Miami without a car, especially if you’re only staying for one day. I’d recommend using Uber or Lyft to get between different areas and walking once you arrive. For this itinerary, you really don’t need to rent a car.

Can I visit Miami Beach and Miami in one day?

Absolutely! Miami Beach is very close to Downtown Miami, so you can easily combine the two in one day. This itinerary starts in Miami, with stops in Little Havana and Downtown, before going to Miami Beach for the afternoon!

What is the best area to visit in Miami for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first time visiting Miami, I’d definitely include Miami Beach in your itinerary. South Beach, Ocean Drive, the Art Deco Historic District, and the beautiful beaches are some of the most iconic parts of Miami. I’d also make time for Little Havana to experience a completely different side of the city.

What is the best way to spend one day in Miami?

I’d start your day in Little Havana, head to Bayside Marketplace around midday, and then spend the afternoon and evening on Miami Beach. This gives you enough time to see several different sides of Miami without packing too many activities into one day.

CONCLUSION: ONE DAY IN MIAMI

One day in Miami definitely isn’t enough to see everything, but you can still experience some of the best parts of the city if you plan your time well. I’d recommend starting your day in Little Havana, going to Bayside Marketplace around midday, and then spending the afternoon and evening exploring Miami Beach.

This itinerary gives you a nice mix of Miami’s Cuban culture, Downtown Miami, shopping, Art Deco architecture, and beautiful beaches, without trying to squeeze too much into one day.

We’ve visited Miami several times, and if I only had one day, this is exactly how I’d spend it. Of course, if you have more time, I’d definitely recommend staying for a few extra days so you can explore places like Wynwood, Key Biscayne, and some of the other amazing areas around Miami!