Morning: Art Deco Walking Tour

Begin your Miami adventure in the heart of South Beach, home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Start your day with breakfast at one of Ocean Drive’s outdoor cafés, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and Cuban coffee while people-watching and admiring the colorful buildings.

The Art Deco Historic District spans approximately one square mile and contains over 800 historic buildings from the 1920s through 1940s. These structures are characterized by their streamlined design, geometric patterns, pastel colors, and nautical themes. Notable buildings include the Colony Hotel with its iconic neon sign, the Carlyle (featured in “The Birdcage”), and the stunning Breakwater Hotel.

Consider joining a guided walking tour offered by the Miami Design Preservation League to truly appreciate the architectural details and historical significance of these buildings. The tour typically lasts 90 minutes and provides fascinating insights into Miami Beach’s transformation from a mosquito-infested swampland to a glamorous resort destination.

Afternoon: Beach Time and Ocean Drive

After your architectural exploration, it’s time to experience what Miami is most famous for: its spectacular beaches. South Beach offers pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere. Rent a beach chair and umbrella, or simply lay out your towel between 5th and 15th Streets, where you’ll find the most action.

The beach here is wide and well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty and clean facilities. The water is warm and inviting, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating while watching the parade of people along the shore. Try to visit the iconic lifeguard stands, painted in vibrant colors and designs—they make for perfect photo opportunities.

As the afternoon progresses, take a stroll along Ocean Drive, the famous oceanfront street lined with Art Deco hotels, outdoor restaurants, and cafés. This is where Miami’s legendary people-watching reaches its peak, with an eclectic mix of tourists, models, locals, and performers creating a constant spectacle.

Evening: Lincoln Road and Dinner

As evening approaches, head to Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian-only promenade that’s South Beach’s outdoor shopping and dining hub. This tree-lined street features dozens of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and the historic Colony Theatre.

The architecture here is also notable, with buildings designed by Morris Lapidus, the “architect of the American Dream,” who created spaces meant to make people feel glamorous. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine to innovative fusion dishes. For an authentic Miami experience, try some stone crabs (in season from October to May) or fresh yellowtail snapper.

After dinner, you might catch a film at the renovated art deco movie theater or simply enjoy the evening atmosphere with street performers and musicians adding to the ambiance.

Morning: Wynwood Walls and Arts District

Wynwood has transformed from an industrial warehouse district into one of the world’s most Instagram-worthy neighborhoods, and for good reason. The Wynwood Walls, created in 2009 by developer Tony Goldman, features massive outdoor murals by internationally renowned street artists, creating an open-air museum of urban art.

Start your morning exploring the Wynwood Walls complex, where you’ll find works by artists like Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, and Kenny Scharf. The art here changes periodically as new artists are invited to create pieces, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Beyond the main Wynwood Walls area, the entire neighborhood is covered in vibrant murals and street art—simply walking the streets is like touring a massive outdoor gallery.

The neighborhood is also home to numerous galleries, boutiques, and vintage shops. Stop by Wynwood’s coffee shops for excellent craft coffee and artisanal pastries. Notable spots include Panther Coffee and The Salty Donut, which offers unique gourmet doughnut flavors that are almost too beautiful to eat.

Midday: Design District Shopping and Lunch

A short drive or ride-share trip north brings you to the Miami Design District, an area dedicated to luxury retail, design, art, and gastronomy. This neighborhood features flagship stores from brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Prada, along with showrooms for high-end furniture and design.

Even if luxury shopping isn’t your priority, the Design District is worth visiting for its public art installations and contemporary architecture. Look for the “Fly’s Eye Dome” by Buckminster Fuller, various sculptures, and innovative building designs. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Miami) offers free admission and features cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions.

Have lunch at one of the district’s acclaimed restaurants. Options range from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, offering farm-to-table American cuisine, to Mandolin Aegean Bistro, serving Mediterranean dishes in a charming garden setting.

Afternoon/Evening: Little Havana Cultural Experience

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Cuban culture in Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban community. This vibrant neighborhood centers around Calle Ocho (8th Street), where you’ll find cigar shops, domino parks, Latin restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Start at Máximo Gómez Park, also known as Domino Park, where local men gather daily to play dominoes under the shade of trees. The rhythmic clicking of dominos and animated conversations in Spanish create an authentic atmosphere. Nearby, you can watch cigar rollers handcraft Cuban cigars at shops like El Titan de Bronze.

Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard to understand the historical significance of this neighborhood to Cuban exiles. The area is filled with colorful murals, including one honoring famous Cubans and Cuban-Americans.

As evening approaches, stop at Versailles Restaurant, the most famous Cuban restaurant in Miami (possibly in all of America), for authentic Cuban cuisine. Try the ropa vieja (shredded beef), lechón asado (roasted pork), or picadillo. Don’t leave without getting a ventanita coffee—a strong Cuban espresso served through a walk-up window.

If you’re visiting on the last Friday of the month, you can experience Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), a street festival featuring live music, art, and performances that celebrate Latin culture.

Morning: Crandon Park Beach

Take a scenic drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, a barrier island offering some of Miami’s most beautiful and family-friendly beaches. The causeway itself provides stunning views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami skyline, and mansions on Star Island.

Crandon Park Beach consistently ranks among America’s top beaches, offering crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and calm waves perfect for swimming. The beach features a unique sandbar that creates a shallow lagoon, ideal for families with children. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangrove-lined shores, or simply relax under a palm tree with a good book.

The park spans 808 acres and includes nature trails through coastal hammock, an amusement center, and picnic facilities. Keep an eye out for manatees, which sometimes visit the shallow waters, especially during winter months.

Afternoon: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

After lunch (pack a picnic or grab food from one of the beachside cafés), head south to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, located at the island’s southern tip. This park offers a more natural beach experience with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking.

The park’s highlight is the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825 and the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. You can climb the 95-foot lighthouse (tours available Thursday through Monday) for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami skyline. The lighthouse keeper’s cottage has been restored and provides insight into 19th-century life at this remote outpost.

The park’s beach is often less crowded than Crandon Park and offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, including raccoons, osprey, and various shorebirds. The Boater’s Grill restaurant serves fresh seafood with beautiful water views—perfect for a late lunch or early dinner.

Evening: Coconut Grove Village

On your way back to Miami, stop in Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood, which has maintained a bohemian, village-like atmosphere despite being surrounded by urban development. Known simply as “The Grove” to locals, this area features tree-lined streets, outdoor cafés, and a more laid-back vibe than other Miami neighborhoods.

Visit CocoWalk, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, or explore the charming boutiques and galleries along Grand Avenue and Main Highway. The neighborhood is home to several historic sites, including the Barnacle Historic State Park, which features Miami’s oldest home on its original foundation, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (which could warrant its own separate visit).

For dinner, Coconut Grove offers diverse options from waterfront seafood restaurants to casual eateries. Monty’s Raw Bar is a local institution offering fresh seafood and live music with marina views. The area comes alive in the evening with locals and visitors enjoying the outdoor dining scene.

Morning: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Dedicate your morning to exploring Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of Miami’s most treasured cultural institutions. This Italian Renaissance-style villa was built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter residence of businessman James Deering. The estate sits on Biscayne Bay and encompasses 50 acres of formal gardens and natural forest.

The main house features 34 rooms filled with antique furniture, decorative arts, and artwork spanning from the 15th to 19th centuries. Each room is meticulously designed in different European styles, from Renaissance to Baroque to Rococo. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with original terrazzo floors, ceiling murals, and ornate decorations throughout.

The formal gardens are equally impressive, featuring fountains, sculptures, and carefully manicured landscapes inspired by Italian and French garden design. The stone barge floating in the bay acts as a breakwater and adds to the villa’s fairy-tale quality. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate this National Historic Landmark. The museum offers audio guides that provide excellent historical context and stories about the estate.

Afternoon: Coral Gables Architecture Tour

After Vizcaya, head to Coral Gables, known as “The City Beautiful” for its Mediterranean Revival architecture and meticulously planned layout. Founded in the 1920s by George Merrick, Coral Gables is one of America’s first planned communities and maintains strict architectural standards to this day.

Start at the Biltmore Hotel, a National Historic Landmark and one of the grandest hotels ever built. Even if you’re not staying here, you can tour the magnificent lobby, take afternoon tea, or enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants. The hotel’s distinctive copper-topped tower, modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain, dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away.

Next, visit the Venetian Pool, a unique public swimming facility created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry. This architectural wonder features grottos, waterfalls, a bridge, and even a sandy beach area, all within a beautifully landscaped setting. The pool fills with fresh spring water daily and offers a refreshing escape from the Miami heat (open seasonally).

Drive or walk along Coral Way to admire the beautiful homes, banyan tree-lined streets, and elegant plazas. The area features several distinctive entrance gates and neighborhoods with specific architectural themes. Stop by the Coral Gables Merrick House, George Merrick’s childhood home, now a museum that tells the story of the city’s founding.

Evening: Brickell and Mary Brickell Village

As evening approaches, head to Brickell, Miami’s financial and residential high-rise district. Often called the “Manhattan of the South,” Brickell has transformed dramatically over the past two decades into a forest of gleaming towers housing international banks, law firms, and luxury condominiums.

Explore Mary Brickell Village, an outdoor shopping and dining complex offering numerous restaurant options. From here, you can enjoy views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. The neighborhood is known for its upscale dining scene, trendy cocktail bars, and sophisticated nightlife.

For dinner, consider restaurants like Komodo (Asian fusion), Osaka (Peruvian-Japanese), or Zuma (contemporary Japanese). After dinner, visit one of Brickell’s rooftop bars like Sugar at EAST Miami or Area 31 for cocktails with stunning city views. The neighborhood has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with young professionals and international residents creating a truly global vibe.

Full Day: Everglades National Park

Dedicate this day to exploring the Everglades National Park, one of America’s most unique ecosystems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called the “River of Grass,” the Everglades is a slow-moving river that flows from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, creating a subtropical wilderness unlike anywhere else in the United States.

Start early (around 7-8 AM) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months. The park entrance is about 45 minutes from downtown Miami. Begin at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to get oriented and learn about the park’s ecology.

Take the 38-mile road to Flamingo, stopping at various points along the way. Key stops include:

Royal Palm area: Walk the Anhinga Trail (0.8 miles), where you’re virtually guaranteed to see alligators, along with anhinga birds, herons, turtles, and possibly even the elusive Florida panther. The Gumbo Limbo Trail offers a elevated boardwalk through a hardwood hammock.

Pa-hay-okee Overlook: Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the sawgrass prairie extending to the horizon. This vantage point helps you understand the immensity and uniqueness of this ecosystem.

Mahogany Hammock: Walk through one of the largest mahogany trees in the United States along a shaded boardwalk trail.

For an authentic Everglades experience, take an airboat tour from one of the operators near the park entrance (Shark Valley area offers different perspectives). These fast, flat-bottomed boats skim across the shallow water, taking you deep into the sawgrass marshes where you’ll see alligators in their natural habitat and learn about the unique ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. The tours typically last 30-60 minutes and provide an exhilarating way to enjoy the Everglades.

If you reach Flamingo at the southern tip, you can rent kayaks or canoes to paddle through mangrove tunnels and coastal waters. This area offers opportunities to see manatees, dolphins, crocodiles (yes, both alligators and crocodiles live in the Everglades), and numerous bird species including roseate spoonbills and white pelicans.

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. Wear long sleeves and pants if possible, and bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be intense, especially during summer. If you’re interested in a guided experience, various tour companies offer full-day excursions from Miami that include transportation, airboat rides, wildlife shows, and lunch.

Morning: North Beach and Surfside

Escape the crowds of South Beach by heading north to the quieter North Beach and Surfside areas. These neighborhoods offer a more relaxed, local beach experience while still providing beautiful sand and ocean access. North Beach Park and Beach features wide beaches, calm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the scene further south.

The area has undergone revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, boutique hotels, and improved public spaces while maintaining its authentic neighborhood feel. Walk along the beachfront boardwalk, enjoy the ocean breeze, and experience Miami Beach as locals do.

For breakfast or brunch, try Josh’s Deli in Surfside, a local institution serving excellent Jewish deli fare, or one of the neighborhood’s new trendy cafés offering healthy bowls and artisanal coffee.

Afternoon: Bal Harbour Shops Luxury Shopping

Bal Harbour Shops is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor shopping centers, featuring the highest concentration of luxury retail per square foot in the United States. Even if you’re not in the market for high-end fashion, the center is worth visiting for its lush tropical landscaping, koi ponds, and elegant architecture.

The mall features flagship stores for virtually every major luxury brand: Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and dozens more. The open-air design allows for a pleasant shopping experience even in Miami’s warm climate, with towering palm trees providing shade and tropical birds occasionally landing near the fountains.

Have lunch at one of the center’s upscale restaurants such as Makoto (Japanese), Le Zoo (French bistro), or Carpaccio (Italian). The people-watching here is as entertaining as in South Beach, though with a decidedly more affluent and international crowd.

Late Afternoon: Oleta River State Park

For a complete change of pace, head to Oleta River State Park, Florida’s largest urban park. This 1,043-acre natural oasis offers mountain biking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, swimming beaches, and mangrove forests—all within Miami city limits.

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters of the Oleta River and surrounding Biscayne Bay. Paddle through mangrove tunnels where you might spot manatees, fish, and various bird species. The park also features a sandy beach perfect for swimming and a splash pad for families with young children.

Mountain bikers will find over 15 miles of challenging trails through natural terrain. Bike rentals are available in the park if you don’t have your own equipment.

Evening: Aventura Mall and Dinner

End your day at Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States and a destination in itself. Beyond the expected retail offerings, the mall features impressive art installations, including a massive sculpture garden, digital art displays, and a pop art wall by Romero Britto.

The mall’s dining options range from casual to upscale, with a food hall offering diverse choices and several sit-down restaurants. The Treats Food Hall on the third floor features over a dozen vendors serving everything from ramen to Mediterranean food to American comfort fare.

Morning: Miami Seaquarium

Start your final day at the Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key, a 38-acre oceanarium that has been entertaining and educating visitors since 1955. The facility is home to dolphins, sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life native to Florida and tropical waters.

The Seaquarium offers several shows throughout the day featuring trained dolphins and sea lions demonstrating natural behaviors and showcasing the intelligence of these marine mammals. The facility also participates in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured or stranded marine animals, particularly manatees and sea turtles.

Highlights include the Dolphin Harbor where you can observe these graceful creatures up close, the manatee exhibit featuring gentle giants often rescued from Florida waters, and the tropical reef aquarium showcasing the vibrant colors and diversity of coral reef ecosystems. If you’re interested in a more interactive experience, various encounter programs allow for closer interactions with dolphins and sea lions (advance reservations recommended).

Plan to spend 3-4 hours here to see all the exhibits and shows. The facility provides both entertainment and education about marine conservation, making it worthwhile for both families and adults interested in marine biology.

Afternoon: Downtown Miami and Cultural Sites

After the Seaquarium, head to downtown Miami to explore some cultural attractions. Start at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), a striking waterfront building designed by Herzog & de Meuron. The museum focuses on 20th and 21st-century art with an emphasis on cultures of the Atlantic Rim, including Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

The building itself is architecturally significant, featuring hanging gardens designed by Patrick Blanc and offering beautiful views of Biscayne Bay from its terraces. The Verde restaurant at PAMM serves excellent lunch with bay views, making it a perfect midday stop.

Next, visit the nearby Frost Science Museum (Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science), a state-of-the-art facility featuring a planetarium, aquarium, and interactive science exhibits. The four-story aquarium includes a “living core” that you’ll find walk around to view marine life from different depths, culminating in a Gulf Stream exhibit at the top. The planetarium offers various shows throughout the day, using cutting-edge projection technology to create immersive experiences exploring space, nature, and science.

Evening: Bayside Marketplace and Sunset Cruise

End your Miami week at Bayside Marketplace, a waterfront entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and live music. While touristy, Bayside offers a fun atmosphere and acts as a departure point for various boat tours.

Book a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay to see Miami from the water. These cruises typically last 90 minutes and pass by celebrity homes on Star Island and the Venetian Islands, the Port of Miami with massive cruise ships, the downtown skyline, and the natural beauty of the bay. As the sun sets, the city lights begin to twinkle, and the skyline takes on a magical quality. Some cruises include dinner, drinks, and live music.

After the cruise, have dinner at one of Bayside’s waterfront restaurants or head to nearby areas like Brickell for more upscale dining options. Reflect on your week in Miami as you watch boats glide across the bay and the city pulse with its characteristic energy.

If you still have energy, consider ending your Miami adventure with a visit to a rooftop bar for one last view of the city, or head back to South Beach for a final stroll along Ocean Drive, where the Art Deco buildings glow under neon lights and the celebration of life continues late into the night.