Gentle beach waves. Thick stretches of sand. Endless summer. All of these things are synonymous with Miami, and they’re some of the reasons millions of travelers are so keen to travel down to South Florida each year.
There’s also the city’s photogenic Wynwood Walls, vibrant Little Havana neighborhood and pastel-colored Art Deco buildings on South Beach.
And with so many things to do in Miami, it can be challenging to decide how you want to spend your vacation here — especially if you only have a few days to explore.
I’ve lived in Miami since I graduated college nearly eight years ago, and the city is full of enough activities and cultural events to keep you engaged on any trip.
If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Miami but don’t know how you want to spend your time, this article is for you. Read on for the ultimate guide to visiting Miami for a weekend.
And the best part? This guide is customizable, and you can easily swap out different activities to suit your preferences, vibe and travel style.
Let’s get started.
How to Spend 3 Days in Miami
If you’re planning a long weekend in Miami, you might be tempted to squeeze as much into your trip as possible.
I don’t necessarily advise against this, but if you only have three days in Miami, you need to be strategic about where you go — especially if this is your first time in the city.
South Florida is home to a massive variety of landscapes, activities and communities, and trying to explore all of them is a guaranteed way to feel travel burnout. That’s why I recommend first-time travelers spending a long weekend in Miami focus on having adventures in four main neighborhoods: South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana and Downtown.
Here’s how you can fit it into an awesome Miami weekend getaway.
Exciting Day 1: Arrival + South Beach
I can’t stand when travel bloggers recommend you hit the ground running as soon as you land in a new destination. Some days I’m ready to explore immediately, and other days, I’m exhausted and want to lounge around my hotel for the afternoon.
So let’s be real here — the things you can accomplish on Day 1 of your three day trip to Miami depend on your energy levels and what time you arrive in Florida.
If you’re only spending a long weekend in the city, I recommend you stay at a hotel on South Beach. There are tons of hotels and hostels in the area, and you can stay in anything from world-class accommodations to the most economical shared dorm room with other travelers.
Either way, I recommend staying on South Beach so you won’t have to spend a lot of time waiting for buses or calling rideshares to transport you from one neighborhood to another.
Plus, if you’re using South Beach as your home base, you can spend the majority of Day 1 exploring on foot. Drop your bags at your hotel (many offer complimentary storage services if you arrive before check-in) and head out for a few hours.
If you’re staying south of 15th Street (which I highly recommend), here are some of the things you can easily do during your day on South Beach.
The Beach
Of course, heading to the ocean is one of the most popular things to do on South Beach — and this part of Miami Beach does have some beautiful stretches of sand.
Even if you’re not a beach person, there are tons of things you can do on or near the beach. For example, you can:
- Walk on the Boardwalk. This beautiful paved pathway runs parallel to the beach, and it spans from North Beach all the way to South Beach’s southernmost point. It’s a lovely place to walk beneath the palm trees, and there are regular exercise stations along the way if you’re looking to get a good workout in during your walk.
- Lounge on the sand. South Beach is full of public beaches, so grab your day bag and head toward the water. You can easily access the beach by Lincoln Road, 5th Street and a few spots in between.
- Rent a beach chair or cabana. Different hotels and companies offer comfortable lounge chairs and cabana-like areas you can rent. If you’re looking to upgrade your day at the beach, this is an easy way to do it.
Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is an outdoor shopping mall, and this is one of my favorite things to recommend you visit if you’re in Miami for a weekend. This pedestrian walkway spans almost the entire width of South Beach. Stretching from Alton Road to Collins Avenue, this is an excellent place to window shop. Plus, the chill atmosphere makes it a lowkey place to spend an afternoon — and if you come on Sundays, the whole walkway converts to a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh juices, smoothies and snacks.
Visit: Lincoln Road
Española Way
Located a few short blocks from Lincoln Road, Española is another pedestrian-friendly walkway you can explore during your day on South Beach. You’ve probably seen its photogenic streets on social media, and it’s full of pastel-colored classic architecture that’s synonymous with South Beach. While Española Way is pretty, there isn’t a lot to do here. But if you want to do more than simply snap pictures, it’s a popular (albeit upcharged) place for a meal.
Visit: Española Way
South Pointe Park
Known for its greenery and excellent cruise ship views, South Pointe is a lovely place to visit if you’re looking to wander around in the sunshine with an iced coffee in hand. This free public park is usually full of children playing and fitness enthusiasts enjoying good Florida weather, and it’s a great place to visit during your three days in Miami.
Day 2: Wynwood + Little Havana
Wynwood
If this is the only full day you’ll have during your long weekend in Miami, you’ll want to head out early so you can maximize your time in two popular neighborhoods: Wynwood and Little Havana. These neighborhoods are close to each other, so it’s easy to explore both in a single day.
Start your morning by taking a Lyft or Uber (both are popular here) to Wynwood, especially if you’re looking to maximize your time. There are some bus routes you could take to get here, but you’d have to make a connection downtown before you can head north to Wynwood.
Not only can using public transport to get from South Beach to Wynwood take a lot of time, it requires a good amount of walking — which, in total, could cost you an hour or more. On the other hand, you can expect a 20-30 minute drive when traffic isn’t too bad.
You’ll know you’ve reached Wynwood when you notice all the murals lining the walls. This industrial neighborhood wasn’t always popular with tourista, but it has exploded in popularity within the past decade. If you’re a casual art fan and are looking to enjoy the neighborhood’s highlights, here are some popular places to add to your Miami three day itinerary.
Wynwood Walls (Official)
Wynwood Walls is the name of a paid outdoor exhibit you can visit in the heart of Wynwood. It’s a pleasant space to walk around, and it features a rotating exhibit of murals from famous international and local artists. The exhibit itself is enjoyable, and it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring some of the city’s most popular murals. However, it’s also a very cookie-cutter experience, and there’s another way you can see beautiful Wynwood murals for free.
Visit: Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls (Unofficial)
Whenever travelers ask me about visiting the “Wynwood Walls,” I make it a point to explain how all the walls in Wynwood could be considered “Wynwood Walls.” Beyond the contained murals you can find in the official Wynwood Walls exhibit, a simple walk around Wynwood will bring you in contact with dozens of striking murals.
All for free.
If you’re traveling to Miami on a budget, I recommend walking around Wynwood on your own to see beautiful murals. Most artists tag their murals so you can see who completed the piece, but for the casual art goer who just wants to see some pretty murals, this is an excellent way to do it.
Wynwood Marketplace
Wynwood Marketplace is located in the neighborhood’s popular center, and it’s a lovely spot for shopping during your three day trip to Miami. Filled with food stands and artisans selling handmade goods, this is an excellent place for purchasing niche souvenirs for your loved ones.
Wynwood Marketplace is also an easy spot for hanging out. If you’re tired after a long morning of walking while exploring the murals, grab a coffee or an empanada and rest awhile at one of the tabletops here before heading out on the rest of your adventure.
Visit: Wynwood Marketplace
Little Havana
By midday, it’s time to head down to Little Havana. This neighborhood is located to the southwest of Wynwood, and your best bet to get there is by Uber or Lyft. There are some buses and trolleys you could take to move you from one neighborhood to another, but they’d require a few different transfers and could take several hours.
Little Havana is home to a famous street called Calle Ocho — but you’ll find it on the maps as SW 8th St. The main blocks stretching from SW 17th Ave. to SW 13th St. are where you’ll want to head if you want to walk along the street’s iconic storefronts.
Start your afternoon strolling along Calle Ocho itself — and while the buildings themselves are striking, don’t forget to look down. The sidewalk is its own Latin Walk of Fame, and you’ll find stars stamped in the concrete to celebrate famous Latin performers like Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz and more.
From there, you can head off and explore some of these neighborhood favorites.
Domino Park
If you’ve seen any photos of Little Havana online, you’ve probably seen Domino Park. This is one of the most quintessentially Cuban parts of the neighborhood, and it’s full of, you guessed it, people playing dominos. A lot of people come here for the photo ops — but, honestly, it’s good vibes all around. Stroll through the greenery or, if you’re feeling bold enough, find a game where you can sub in.
Azucar
Azucar, which means “sugar” in Spanish, is almost impossible to miss. It’s the only place in town where the storefront is a giant ice cream cone. This is your go-to spot if you want to snack on a sweet treat while strolling outside in the Florida sun. Here, you can find eclectic flavors like café con leche, sweet plantain, basil and lychee.
Visit: Azucar
Latin Food
As the neighborhood’s name suggests, Little Havana is an excellent place to go if you want to sample Cuban food in Miami. However, it’s not the only type of Latin fare you can find here. If you head off Calle Ocho and walk a few blocks away, you’ll also find Honduran, Salvadoran and Nicaraguan food in the neighborhood.
Day 3: Downtown
At this point, you’ve reached the final morning of your three days in Miami. What to do today depends on what time your flight leaves and whether you’re flying out of Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
If you have some time to enjoy the city before heading to the airport, I suggest using your last hours to explore Downtown Miami. It’s super close to South Beach, and you only have to cross the MacArthur Causeway to get from one to the other.
Not only is Downtown Miami convenient to access, there’s also a lot to do here. It’s also a great place to grab coffee or a quick breakfast before you head to the airport. But if you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of things to do, here are some ways you can fill your town in Downtown Miami.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside is a breezy outdoor shopping mall located right on Biscayne Bay. You’ll know you’re here when you see the giant ferris wheel scraping against the sky. Bayside is a popular shopping center in Dade, and it’s also a place where you can go to board different boat tours that take you around the bay. If you have some time in your late morning or early afternoon and want to squeeze in a Miami Millionaires Sightseeing Cruise or the Speedboat Sightseeing Adventure, this is your place to visit.
Visit: Bayside Marketplace
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
If you’d prefer a lowkey day wandering throughout one of Florida’s premier museums, Frost Science Museum should be on your list. This massive building is located right on the bay, and it’s home to a planetarium, a multi-level aquarium and more exhibits than you can possibly visit in a single day — let alone an afternoon.
Visit: Frost Science
Pérez Art Museum
Situated right next to Frost Science is the Pérez Art Museum (PAMM), a beautiful place to visit if you want to spend a few hours admiring international artwork. And when you’re ready for a break, head out to the massive back steps for unbeatable views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach skyline.
Visit: Pérez Art Museum
Miami Travel FAQs
1. Do you need a car to get around Miami?
Depends on where you want to go. If you plan on spending the entirety of your stay on South Beach, no. You won’t need a car — the city’s free trolley system is more than enough to get you wherever you’d want to go on South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach.
You also probably wouldn’t need a car if you wanted to visit South Beach and Wynwood. A rideshare can get you from one to the other, and Wynwood is walkable once you’re in the neighborhood.
However, if you plan on going beyond these two locations or want the freedom of traveling when and where you want, renting a car is best.
2. Is Miami Beach part of Miami?
Technically, Miami Beach and Miami are two different cities. However, they’re both part of Miami-Dade County, which is one of the reasons why they often get lumped together. Miami (the city) consists of neighborhoods like Wynwood, Overtown, Little Haiti and Liberty City. Miami Beach, on the other hand, includes North, South and Mid Beach.
3. When’s the best time to visit Miami?
As a local, I love winter in Miami. While the rest of the country is experiencing below-freezing temperatures, it’s rare for us to have a day that drops below 60. Most days are sunny and a pleasant 70 degrees.
This is a popular time to visit Miami, though, as snowbirds take up their winter residences in posh places like Miami Beach, so traffic can be a little more nightmarish than normal — but it’s still worth visiting in winter.
Fall and spring are also lovely times to visit — especially if you can hit the city in March or April just before the summer heat begins to swell. October and November can also be lovely times in the Magic City because it’s pleasantly warm, and the oppressive head has (usually) already broken by then.
4. How many days do I need to visit Miami?
Depends on what you want to do. You could easily spend a long weekend getting your fill of South Beach and Wynwood. But if you want to expand beyond these two popular places (which I absolutely recommend), you’ll need 4-5 days. Additionally, if you want to add a day trip to popular places like Key West, the Everglades or even Orlando to your itinerary, 7-9 days is your sweet spot.
I also like to travel slowly — meaning, I love a quiet morning scoping out local coffee shops followed by an afternoon of adventure. If you’re running on a little more adrenaline than I am, you could probably fit multiple activities into a single day and pack your mornings and afternoons with things to do.
You just might be extra tired on your flight home.
5. What’s the best airport to fly into Miami?
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located right in Miami, and it also has a city bus that can bring you to South Beach and close to Wynwood, if you’re staying in either of those neighborhoods.
However, if you’re flying a budget airline like Spirit, you’ll likely find better deals into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). If you’re willing to spend time and save on money, this is probably your best bet.
Rideshares from FLL can cost anywhere between $40-$70, depending on where you want to go in Miami, the type of ride you’re requesting and when you’re heading out. There’s also a Tri-Rail stop near FLL that can take you to different stations in Miami, and from there, you can catch a bus to your final destination.
6. Is Miami expensive?
“Expensive” is a relative term, but, yes — Miami is generally considered an “expensive” city to visit. It’s also incredibly expensive to live here, but that’s a conversation for a different day.
There are tons of budget options throughout the city, as well as luxe options if you’re looking to splurge. In general, though, I’d say to expect to spend at least $60/day on food and entertainment — or more if you plan on parking in the city or sampling dishes at some of Miami’s most expensive restaurants.
7. What should I wear in Miami?
Miami is very much a “come as you are” city, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. Try to keep beachwear for the beach, though. A lot of places, especially in Miami proper, expect you to be fully clothed when walking along the street or when entering a store or restaurant.
India Amos
Founder | Joyfully Miami
India is a travel, culture + lifestyle writer based in Miami. Her work has been published in Business Insider, The Washington Post, Go Overseas, Fodor’s + more. She has lived in Miami for nearly a decade and enjoys writing about her city.
