Enjoying The Best Of Miami In A Day

Miami, considered one of the sexiest cities in the US, is a product of its enviable location.  While a major North American city, it has close ties with Central and South America, making it a melting pot for Latin-infused culture as well as an international tourism hub. 

From Cuban to Brazilian and Mexican, culture hybrids are found everywhere from food to music and even lifestyle. But, outside of the cultural fusion, Miami is also home to some of the best beaches in the US, blessed with tropical weather that lasts year round.

In case you only have a day to enjoy this fabulous city, here are a few recommendations that will help you get the most of Miami in this short period of time. 

Morning

Since the Florida Keys are too far to do in a day, the next best thing to them is Key Biscayne. Located just 6 km from Miami, it will give you a taste of the Keys relaxed lifestyle. Have breakfast there and walk around to soak up this paradisiacal island. 

If you’d like to get up close to dolphins and killer whales, you should head to Miami Seaquarium. This is home to the famous Flipper the dolphin and Lolita the killer whale. You can see them both in action in their respective shows, and if you’d like to interact with them, there’s a program that allows you to get in the water and have an unforgettable up close encounter.

Afternoon 

Have lunch along Ocean Drive and then put on your bathing suit to dip in South Beach, one of the best city beaches in the US. This long, wide man-made beach is bathed with warm waters and filled with white fine sand – some of the characteristics that make the best tropical beaches. It is quite popular, but even on the busiest weekends you can find a good spot to enjoy the beach.   

It is common to see topless sunbathers and ultra small bikinis so don’t be shocked to see more flesh than the usual.

Later in the afternoon, head to Lincoln Road to enjoy an active afternoon in this open air pedestrian street mall.  It stretches several city blocks, showcasing restaurants, stores, boutiques, and bars on both sides of the street. In the 80’s this place used to be an under-the-radar artists’ hangout, full of galleries and studios, but as the years passed, it grew in popularity and slowly became one of the most visited streets in Miami. Still, you can find lots of charming spots and artsy moments that still speak of the old days of Lincoln Road.

Alternatively, you could see the cultural side of Miami by visiting the Wolfsonian FIU, which holds an intriguing collection of European and American decorative art produced between 1885 and 1945; the Adrienne Arsht Center located in downtown, considered the second biggest performing arts venue in the US; and/or The Villa by Barton G, the 1930s former home of the fashion designer Gianni Versace and the place where he was gunned down in 1997, which now serves as a high-end boutique hotel and museum.

Evening

Get your Caribbean flavors and rhythms out, as well as your romantic side, by walking along Española Way to immerse yourself in a variety of authentic Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Cuban, and other international restaurants. 

Alternatively, you could spend a family-friendly evening at Bayside Marketplace, the waterfront open-air mall close to downtown where you have a good selection of restaurants and shopping, very Miami style.

Later you could walk along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in South Beach to enjoy the Art Deco architecture that has made Miami such a unique destination for architecture enthusiasts. From the pastel colors, the neon signs, the bold letters, the stucco, and the clean round lines; Miami is your place to enjoy all shapes and forms of this 20th century school of design.  

Late Night

Time to go out and party! Miami, especially the South Beach area, has no shortage of places to go dance the night away. This area is famous for its more upscale lounge partying in hotels like Delano, Sagamore, and Shore Club, or famous clubs like Mansion Nightclub. Many of these hotels and clubs have their interiors designed by Philippe Stark, the architect and industrial designer known for his minimalist, ultra modern, and exploratory designs. But if you’re looking for different vibes, just walk around and you’ll find a wide selection of bars and clubs open until 5am. Usually, there’s a cover charge of $10 to $25.

This city has so much to offer that it is just too hard to accommodate everything in one day, but this itinerary recommendation gives you the highlights of what makes Miami, Miami.  Can you handle this power charged day in Miami?  

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.