If you’re looking for a Miami itinerary that covers the best of what this city has to offer, you’ve come to the right place.

Miami is one of those places that you have to visit at least once in your life. It’s a city that has it all: amazing beaches, vibrant culture, delicious food, and endless entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or a party destination, Miami has something for everyone.

I visited Miami for the first time last year and I was blown away by how much there is to do and see in this city. I spent five days exploring Miami and I still felt like I barely scratched the surface. There’s so much more to Miami than just South Beach and Ocean Drive (although those are pretty awesome too).

In this blog, I’m going to share with you my 5-day Miami itinerary that covers the best of what this city has to offer. You’ll get to experience the beauty and diversity of Miami’s neighborhoods, from the historic Little Havana to the artsy Wynwood Walls. You’ll also get to enjoy some of the most stunning natural attractions in Florida, such as Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. And of course, you’ll have plenty of time to shop, dine, and have a sandbar party at some of the most luxurious and trendy spots in Miami.

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Miami who want to make the most of their trip. It’s also flexible enough that you can customize it to suit your preferences and budget. So grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimsuit, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Miami!

 

What You’ll See and Do in This 5-Day Miami Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll see and do in this 5-day Miami itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore South Beach and Ocean Drive
• Day 2: Discover Little Havana and Wynwood Walls
• Day 3: Visit Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park
• Day 4: Enjoy Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove
• Day 5: Shop at Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops

How to Plan Your Trip to Miami

Before you pack your bags and head to Miami, here are some tips and advice that will help you plan your trip:

• When to visit: The best time to visit Miami is from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, the humidity is low, and there is little chance of rain. This is also the high season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. If you don’t mind the heat and the hurricanes, you can visit Miami in the summer, when it’s less busy and cheaper.
• Where to stay: The best areas to stay in Miami are South Beach and Downtown, which are close to the main attractions and have plenty of options for accommodation, dining, and nightlife. You can find hotels, hostels, Airbnb rentals, and resorts that cater to different budgets and tastes. Some of the best hotels in Miami are The Setai Miami Beach, The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, Mandarin Oriental Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove.
• How to get around: The easiest way to get around Miami is by car, as it gives you more flexibility and convenience. You can rent a car at the airport or in the city center. However, driving in Miami can be stressful and expensive due to traffic, parking fees, and tolls. If you prefer public transportation, you can use the Metrorail, Metromover, Metrobus, or trolley systems that cover most of the city. You can also use taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
• What to pack: Miami is hot and sunny for most of the year, so pack light and comfortable clothes that are suitable for the beach and the city. Some essentials are a swimsuit, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a camera. You might also want to bring some dressy outfits and shoes for the nightlife, as well as a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.
• Where to find more information or book your trip: If you need more information or want to book your trip to Miami, you can check out some of these useful links and resources:
  • Visit Miami: The official website of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, where you can find everything you need to know about Miami, from attractions and events to hotels and deals.
  • Viator: A great way to save money and time on your Miami itinerary, as it gives you access to some of the top attractions in the city, such as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Everglades Airboat Adventure, and Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Speed Boat Cruise.
  • Skyscanner: A handy tool to compare and book the best flights, hotels, and car rentals for your trip to Miami.
  • Airbnb: A popular platform to find and book unique accommodations in Miami, from cozy apartments to luxurious villas.

 

Do read my article on Luxury Beach Resorts on Florida Gulf Coast.

 

Day 1: Explore South Beach and Ocean Drive

• Start the day by enjoying the sun and sand at South Beach, one of the most famous and popular beaches in Miami. Walk, run, or bike along the 40-block Miami Beach Boardwalk, which runs along the Atlantic from 5th to 46th Street.
• Go the full length to see Miami Beach’s candy-colored Art Deco Historic District and famous Ocean Drive, where you can admire the architecture, shop at trendy boutiques, dine at sidewalk cafes, and watch the people and cars go by.

• In the evening, experience the nightlife of South Beach at one of the many bars, clubs, or live music venues along Ocean Drive or nearby Collins Avenue. Alternatively, catch a show at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater or New World Symphony.

Day 2: Discover Little Havana and Wynwood Walls

• After breakfast, head to Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban community. Stroll along Calle Ocho (8th Street), where you can find authentic Cuban restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, cigar stores, art galleries, and souvenir shops.
• Alternatively, you can also opt for Little Havana Walking Food Tour. I have provided all the details about the tour in the link. So do read.

• Stop by Domino Park to watch locals play dominoes, visit the Cuban Memorial Boulevard to see monuments and murals honoring Cuban heroes and history, and check out the Tower Theater, one of Miami’s oldest cultural landmarks.
• In the afternoon, drive or take public transportation to Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum of street art that showcases murals by local and international artists. Wander around the colorful walls and admire the creativity and diversity of styles.
• Explore the surrounding Wynwood Arts District, which is home to more than 70 galleries, studios, museums, and creative spaces. You can also find plenty of hip cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops in this area.

Day 3: Visit Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park

• On the third day of your Miami itinerary, get ready for some nature and adventure. Rent a car or join a tour and drive to Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers 1.5 million acres of wetlands.
• Experience the wild beauty of the park by taking an airboat ride through the sawgrass marshes, where you can spot alligators, crocodiles, birds, turtles, and other wildlife. You can also hike or bike along one of the many trails in the park.

• After lunch, head to Biscayne National Park, another natural wonder that protects a large portion of Biscayne Bay and its coral reefs. You can explore the park by boat or kayak and see dolphins, manatees, fish, and other marine life. You can also snorkel or scuba dive at one of the many dive sites in the park.

Day 4: Enjoy Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove

• On the fourth day of your Miami itinerary, spend some time relaxing and enjoying the laid-back vibe of Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove, two of Miami’s most charming neighborhoods.
• Start the day by driving or taking public transportation to Key Biscayne, a barrier island that offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. Visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, and learn about its history and role in the Underground Railroad.

• Then, head to Crandon Park, a beautiful beach park that features a golf course, tennis center, nature center, and picnic areas. You can swim, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard, or bike along the scenic trails in the park.
• In the afternoon, drive or take public transportation to Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Stroll along the tree-lined streets and admire the eclectic mix of architecture, from Victorian mansions to modern condos.
• Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa that was once the winter home of industrialist James Deering. Explore the lavish interiors and the 10 acres of gardens that feature fountains, sculptures, and exotic plants.

• End the day by enjoying the nightlife of Coconut Grove at one of the many bars, restaurants, or live music venues along Main Highway or Grand Avenue. You can also catch a movie at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse or a comedy show at Improv Comedy Club.

Day 5: Shop at Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops

• On the last day of your Miami itinerary, treat yourself to some shopping at two of Miami’s most upscale and luxurious malls: Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops.
• Start the day by driving or taking public transportation to Aventura Mall, one of the largest and most popular malls in Florida. With more than 300 stores of the main brands of clothing, sneakers, perfumes, eyewear, and watches, you can find anything you need or want here. You can also enjoy the art installations, entertainment options, and dining choices in the mall.
• In the afternoon, drive or take public transportation to Bal Harbour Shops, an open-air mall that features some of the most exclusive and high-end boutiques in the world. Browse through stores like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, and more. You can also admire the tropical gardens and fountains that surround the mall.
• End your Miami trip with a celebratory dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants in Bal Harbour Shops or nearby. You can choose from cuisines like Italian, French, Japanese, Mediterranean, and more.

But let this is not the end of your Miami adventure. There’s so much more to explore and enjoy in this city that you can’t possibly fit in just five days. Miami is always growing and changing, offering new attractions and experiences for its visitors. Whether you want to go back to some of your favorite places or check out new ones, there’s always something for you in Miami.

So don’t bid farewell to Miami just yet. Say until next time. Because once you visit Miami, you’ll always want to return. It’s a city that will charm you and thrill you, and make you feel alive.

I hope you liked reading this blog and following this 5-day Miami itinerary. I hope it helped you organize your trip to Miami and make the most of your time there. I also hope it inspired you to visit Miami and experience it for yourself.

If you have any thoughts or questions about this blog or this itinerary, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me via email or social media. I’d love to hear from you and answer any queries you might have.

Thank you for reading this blog and happy travels!