One Day in Miami: Experience the BEST of Magic City
Want to make the most of one day in Miami?
This guest post by Emily Concannon provides the perfect, customizable itinerary to help you plan for spending one day in Miami. Read on!
Being short on time is never anyone’s preference, but sometimes we find ourselves with less than a day to explore an entirely new place! Having only one day in Miami can be stressful owing to the nature of the city’s size, plethora of iconic sites to see and seemingly endless list of must-do activities.
Fortunately, thanks to Miami’s timely public transportation system and local ride-share apps, getting around this popular U.S. city has never been easier!
Miami is a diverse and stimulating city that caters to a variety of interests, from the striking art deco buildings in South Beach to the zesty Cuban cuisine of Little Havana. Whether it’s a stroll along South Beach or a night out on Calle Ocho, you’ll be sure to find plenty of memorable experiences when spending 24 hours in Miami!
The Perfect One Day in Miami Itinerary
Here is one version of an ideal itinerary for one day in Miami if you only have 24 hours. Whether you’re visiting Miami alone or with friends, this itinerary is completely customizable to your unique preferences.
Morning: One Day in Miami
Begin with Brunch
Start your morning off right with a visit to one of Miami’s hottest brunch spots: Café Bastille Downtown! Boasting one of the best plates of eggs benedict in the city and bottomless mimosas, this is the ideal way to kick off your day in Miami.
Ride the observation wheel
The cafe is also conveniently located right downtown, so following brunch you can take a 5-minute walk over to Bayfront Park where you’ll get beautiful views of the Miami waterfront and have the chance to hop on the iconic observation wheel!
Since rides only last between 10-15 minutes, this is a quick and fun way of getting some epic photos of the Miami skyline. You can pick up your tickets here so you’re all set when you arrive.
Take the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
After your scenic ride, grab a taxi or an Uber and head 2.5 miles west to Southwest 8th St. in Little Havana where you’ll find the iconic Calle Ocho Walk of Fame.
Featuring popular Latin and Cuban figures, this street isn’t just the location of one of the most exciting street parties in Florida come March, but instead an area for locals and tourists to reminisce on some of the most influential people in Latin American culture!
Stop for a Coffee Break
Round off your morning with a quick coffee over at La Colada Gourmet, known as “the house of Cuban coffee” before making your way over to Miami Beach via taxi, rideshare or local public transportation.
Pro Tip: don’t skip this little stop, they actually have some of the best coffee in Miami!
Lunchtime Picnic at the Beach
Of course there are tons of amazing restaurants to choose from in Magic City and we’ll get to those in a minute, but personally, the best way to enjoy your afternoon meal is to pick some local eats at Prima Classe Italian Market & Cafe and head to the beach.
All along the boardwalks there are picnic tables, chairs and stone walls you can sit on to enjoy your delicious Italian lunch. It’s a much more private, local way of spending your one day in Miami.
Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some people-watching of all the runners, walkers and tourists which is always enjoyable.
But, if you prefer to enjoy a sit-down meal after all of the morning activities, check out Icon on Ocean or Santorini by Georgios for some fresh seafood or Greek fare accompanied by top-notch wines and specialty cocktails.
Both are conveniently located on Ocean Drive and offer gorgeous views of the ocean.
Afternoon: One Day in Miami
Visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
As the morning comes to a close, head on over to the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens where you’ll find a notable estate surrounded by elegant gardens dotted with stone figures and beautiful toppling fountains.
Easily one of the most beautiful things to do if you only have one day in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens are at the top of the must-do list when you’re in the area!
It’s best visited during the middle of the day when the sun is shining and you can snap some amazing photos of the flowers and historic residence.
Wander Along the Wynwood Walls Murals
Once you feel you’ve had your fair share of the gardens, head back into the downtown area where you’ll find the beautiful Wynwood Walls.
These massive stone walls showcase the true beauty of street art while promoting the act of doing it legally. With over 3 dozen breathtaking murals to gaze at, anyone with an eye for art will enjoy a stop into Wynwood.
Bayside Marketplace
Finish up your afternoon with a quick visit over to Bayside Marketplace for either a refreshing beverage on the waterfront or to pop into some of the quaint seaside stores lining the boardwalk.
Evening: One Day in Miami
Come nightfall, Miami comes to life with many of the local restaurants opening their doors for the first time of the day and the city’s vibrant nightlife scene starts to come alive.
Have Cuban Food for Dinner
For a taste of Miami’s world-famous Cuban cuisine, head to Versailles Restaurant on Calle Ocho for some delicious empanadas and drinks.
Or if you prefer to embrace the coastal environment and want some seafood, drop into Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach for some seared branzino and cocktails.
Grab Drinks With a View
Depending on where you end up for dinner, jump into an Uber and head back to South Beach for some drinks.
The 235 Rooftop Lounge is phenomenal for some beautiful ocean views, while Highbar is ideal for anyone seeking to pair their evening beverages with a rooftop swim!
Miami Nightlife
Now, it’s no secret that Miami, Florida is well-known for its lively beaches and exotic party scene come nightfall.
And while we’re definitely going to include some of the Miami nightclubs where you’ll find partygoers up until the early hours of the morning, there are also places where you can enjoy a calmer night out in Magic City.
Miami Nightclubs
The standard would be to stop into a few of the Miami’s best nightclubs including The Corner Club Brickell on South Miami Ave. and The Cave on Southwest 8th St.
They have great dancefloors, DJ’s, and are always practically always busy no matter what day of the week it is.
Yacht Party
But, if you’re someone who enjoys unique experiences, then don’t pass up the opportunity to board a yacht and go for a party ride around Miami Beach! The Miami party boat scene is one of the biggest party scenes near South Beach.
Equipped with an onboard DJ, bar, and outdoor deck, you can dance, drink, and enjoy the view on one of these party cruises around Miami.
South Pointe Park Pier
If you still have some pep in your step after the cruise, feel free to round off your evening with a lovely stroll down the South Pointe Park Pier. It’s a stunning spot to click some photos of the Miami skyline!
Or if you decided to leave out the observation wheel ride earlier in the day, later in the evening is a great opportunity for that as well.
Where to Stay When You Have One Day in Miami
Since you’ll be short on time, staying in a central location in Miami will be essential to making the most out of your trip.
Below, we’ve provided a budget, mid-range and luxury hotel option all between the downtown and Miami Beach area for your convenience:
✅ The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach
Located right on Ocean Drive, The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach offers amazing views of South Beach and easy access to all of its attractions, including the South Pointe Park Pier.
Plus, with modern amenities like an outdoor swimming pool and free wifi all for the low cost of under $100 per night in the off-season, you can have a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
👉 Click here to book the The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach
✅ Hotel Croydon
This charming boutique hotel situated in the Bayshore neighborhood of Miami Beach offers all the amenities of a luxury stay at the price of a mid-range hotel.
Located within walking distance of Miami’s iconic beach pavilion, Hotel Croydon is easily in the top picks for mid-range hotels with its amazing onsite restaurant and friendly staff.
Plus, with modern rooms complete with flat-screen TVs and free wifi throughout, you can enjoy your stay in comfort and style. Having personally stayed here, I can’t recommend Hotel Croydon highly enough!
👉 Click here to check availability at Hotel Croydon
✅ The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The term “luxury” doesn’t even begin to describe the oasis that awaits at The Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. With opulent rooms and an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the ocean, there’s nothing quite like it.
The onsite amenities range from a full-service spa to fine-dining restaurants featuring Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine, as well as premier cocktails at the Lapidus Bar. In short, this 5-star hotel ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable, lavish stay.
👉 Click here to book the The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
How to Get to Miami
Getting to Miami is relatively straightforward since the city is served by two major airports, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Both options provide cost-effective flights owing to them being major hubs to many domestic and international airlines, so this is the primary method of arriving in Miami.
Both airports are also well-connected to the local public transportation system, making it easy to get into the city for travelers who select not to rent a car. Alternatively, you can pre-book a taxi or private transfer from the airport into the city center.
For those who prefer not to fly, there are also buses and trains that can take you directly to Miami from many places in the U.S., as long as you don’t mind making some transfers along the way.
Getting Around Miami
Miami may be a sprawling city, but getting around the area has never been easier. Thanks to the Metrobus and Metrorail public transportation system, visitors can get from one side of the city to the other with ease.
Both bus and train services are reliable and cost-effective, making them a great option for anyone looking to explore the area on a budget. Additionally, Uber and Lyft are popular throughout the city for any travelers looking for an alternative to public transport.
For those wanting to explore the area independently, car rentals are also widely available at both international airports and rental agencies across the city.
However, keep in mind that parking can be quite expensive in certain areas of Miami so it’s always best to budget for this extra expense ahead of time.
Visitors also have the option of exploring the city on foot if they only plan on seeing a small section of the city. Bicycles and electric scooters are also easy to rent and make getting around far more efficient (and fun!)
Owing to the city’s large list of transportation options, getting around during your one day in Miami shouldn’t be an issue.
One Day in Miami FAQ
As you prepare for your Miami trip you may be wondering:
Is one day enough for Miami?
While it is possible to see many of the highlights Miami has to offer in one day, most visitors find that it is not enough to truly appreciate all of the must-see spots.
This popular Florida city is best explored over the course of 2-4 days, when you’ll have time to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, nightlife and ocean tours to the fullest.
What month is best to visit Miami?
The best time to visit Miami is actually in the spring and fall months of March through May or September through November.
This is when the weather is at its best, it’s not too hot and humid, and when you can find the lowest prices on flights and accommodations. With it being Miami’s “off-season,” it’s also when you’ll get to experience the city with fewer tourists.
Plus, it’s during these months that you’ll be able to enjoy Miami festivals like Calle Ocho, Miami Music Week and the Winter Music Conference.
Do you need a car in Miami?
While you don’t necessarily need a car in Miami since the city is well-connected by public transportation and ride-sharing apps, having a rental car would help reduce your travel time considerably in many areas.
Miami is an enormous city (55 square miles), so getting around it whether on foot or by bike will take a significant amount of time. Outside of South Beach where the traffic can get quite heavy during certain times of the day, having a rental car will prove valuable.
Can you go to Miami on a budget?
Fortunately for budget travelers, it is certainly possible to go to Miami on a budget. The city is full of affordable accommodations, hidden local restaurants and plenty of free or low-cost attractions, so there are many opportunities to save some money during your one day in Miami.
Plus, with condo and apartment rentals available offering full kitchens, you could easily cook your own meals while in town if you wanted. Picking out your food at the local grocery store or market is a great hack to have up your sleeve even if you’re only spending one day in the city.
You can also find great deals on flights if you book in advance and take advantage of seasonal discounts, particularly in the off-season months of spring and fall.
Ideas for Spending More Than One Day in Miami
If you are fortunate enough to have more than one day in Miami, then there are a few more things you should have on your must-see list!
Everglades National Park
First off is the majestic Everglades National Park which is located only an hour directly west of the city. Easily reachable by rental car or guided tour, the Everglades provide visitors with a unique glimpse into Florida’s wildlife and nature.
Overflowing with alligators, numerous species of birds and even bobcats, Everglades is one of the top-rated national parks in Florida.
Fishing Tour
Another great option is to book a half or full-day fishing tour! Florida’s coastline is teeming with an array of sea life, so you’re almost guaranteed to catch a fish or two. You’ll leave with some fantastic memories and hopefully, some delicious dinner ideas!
Key West
If you’d rather stay on dry land, take a day trip to Key West down the famous Overseas Highway.
This scenic drive will take you through 42 bridges over open waters, and arrive at the southernmost tip of the continental USA. Key West is known for its unique Caribbean-like culture, vibrant nightlife and beautiful sunsets.
Biscayne Bay Cruise
Finally, no visit to Miami would be complete without a cruise around Biscayne Bay where you can learn about local wildlife and take in some stunning views of the city from the water.
Plane Tour
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, Final Thoughts: Experiencing One Day in Miami
Even if you only have 24 hours in Miami, you can still get a taste of this diverse city. From the bustling beaches of South Beach to the vibrant Cuban culture of Little Havana, you’ll be planning your next trip back to the southeastern U.S. in no time. With only one day in Miami to explore, time is of the essence. Make sure to plan ahead by booking an accommodation in a central location, securing your tickets to any museums or tours in advance, and making reservations if there’s a popular eatery you want to dine at. All of this will ensure you get the most out of your 24 hours, so whether you’re looking for a leisurely day of sightseeing, a night out on the town or something more adventurous, your one day in Miami will be full of everything you hoped for and more. Author bio: The author behind Emily Embarks and Sea to Summit Alaska, Emily Concannon is a full-time travel blogger with a desire for finding the world’s most epic experiences. She’s always on the move and has a passion for sharing her travel expertise to help people travel more for less.
