It is no secret that Miami is one of the most attractive cities in Florida, and being at the southern point of Florida, it’s summer here all year round. Between the miles of coastline, happening nightlife, hundreds of restaurants, and an endless amount of activities, it’s hard to ever be bored in the city. This guide will give you a blueprint on how to have the most ideal one weekend in Miami.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Miami?
There are a few different options to get to Miami. Other than driving yourself, the 2 most convenient are Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the best option due to its location. MIA is only 7 miles from Downtown and has direct public transit (train or bus to and from the airport
Another great option is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). FLL is less than an hour away from Miami and has a shuttle service from Fort Lauderdale to Miami that is very affordable.
If you choose to drive yourself, that guarantees you a vehicle. However, Miami traffic can be horrendous depending on the season, so plan for extra time when going places by car.
Tip!! Use the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Miami!
What is the best time to visit Miami?
Florida has 2 main seasons: dry & rainy. Typically, the best time of year to visit Miami is during the dry season which is from November to April. There is very little rainfall this time of year, lower humidity levels, and overall better conditions for watersports and other outdoor activities, such as the Everglades. This is also a popular time to take a cruise from Miami as it’s a popular homeport for many Caribbean cruises!
The rainy season is from May to October. While there is a potential for hurricanes/tropical storms and the humidity levels are higher, this season tends to bring fewer crowds and lower rates to Miami due to unpredictable weather.
If you are really on a budget, try visiting during August for Miami Spice Fest; a month-long cultural food festival where various restaurants give lower rates and discounts and is a great time to try some places you normally wouldn’t choose because of price.
Or, if you are up for the party…plan your trip during March for all the spring break festivities. HOWEVER, be prepared for crowds and chaos.
Where should I stay in Miami?
There are loads of accommodation options in Miami ranging from hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs.
South Beach is an island city and is the most popular region in all of Miami, including a beach and great nightlife. Downtown Miami puts you right in the middle of all the action with the most transportation options available. These 2 regions will be the most popular, with the most accommodation options, but with higher crowds.
Surfside and Coconut Grove are other ideal neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Miami. Coconut Grove is known to be more upscale, be more pricey, has some of the best shopping, and is ideal for couples. While Surfside, on the other hand, is very family-friendly and affordable.
Sample 3-Day Miami Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Miami
Morning:
There is no better way to start your weekend in Miami than taking a boat tour around Biscayne Bay. There are various options to choose from depending on what kind of experience you want. Visitors can rent a day yacht and float around the bay, or take a tour all around the coastline. You can also tour ‘Millionaire Row & Celebrity Island’ with some of the nicest homes in all of Miami owned by famous celebrities from all over the world.
Afternoon:
Stay in the downtown region for the afternoon and explore the Bayside Market. Located right by the port and convention center, the bayside marketplace is a great way to spend your afternoon after a morning on the water. Grab some lunch at one of the many cafes and dining options, and then don’t forget any souvenirs you may be wanting to take home, as there are endless amounts of shops at the marketplace.
Evening:
After a busy day of sailing and shopping, grab some dinner and then head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Every Friday the Museum hosts live music, specifically jazz. Grab a drink and enjoy the show!
If not visiting on a Friday, head to the famous Ball and Chain for dinner and nightly live music!
Day 2 in Miami
Morning:
Start your second day in Miami a little outside of the city in Crandon Park. This hidden beach area has calm waters and is great for a morning of SUP boarding and kayaking. Also, going in the morning hours isn’t as crowded, and will be much more peaceful.
Afternoon:
Venture north in the afternoon to the Wynwood Arts District. Visitors can easily spend hours here wandering around the graffiti-filled streets. Look around and take in all the street art, as well as beautiful and historical art installments made specifically for Miami. There are walking tours available, or it is easily done on your own, as well as various gift shops and stores.
Evening:
Little Havana is a ‘must see’ whenever you are in Miami. This neighborhood offers a little taste of Cuba in the middle of Miami. Join a walking tour, or explore the area on your own. Stop by Versailles Restaurant for dinner, as it is one of the most popular in the city dating back to 1971.
Day 3 in Miami:
Morning:
Get up early and start your day with a tour of the Everglades; it is recommended to be there before 9am for best conditions. Here you will find the biggest wetland/marsh in the country, only 30 miles west of Miami. The dry season is the best time to visit due to low water levels, more animal sightings, and fewer mosquitos.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon down by the island city in Miami, and hit the beach for a couple of hours. Whether you enjoy swimming, relaxing, tanning or a mixture of the 3, Miami Beach and South Beach are 2 great spots. Be sure to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Evening:
South Beach is more than just a beach; it’s an atmosphere. It is the most popular area in the city for many reasons. There are miles of restaurants, shops, and historical sights, and it has some of the best nightlife in Miami. This is a great place to end your weekend in Miami with a nice dinner and a beach sunset.
KEEP READING! Continue your road trip to the AMAZING Florida Keys or check out the ultimate list of adventurous things to do in the state of Florida!
Other things to do in Miami:
- Helicopter tour: Miami is beautiful, especially from the sky. There are various helicopter tours that fly over the city and allow visitors to observe Miami from a birds-eye view.
- Key Largo Snorkeling: Due to the blue waters, some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the country are located just below Miami in Key Largo; even underwater statues!
- Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: This is not only a museum but an interactive planetarium and aquarium. Great for family vacations or rainy afternoons.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Filled with history and facts dating back to the 29th century, this is a great place to relax, discover historical facts, and take in the gorgeous scenery.
- Parasailing: Miami is one of the best places to parasail in the United States! Marvel high above the deep blue sea!
- Jetskiing: As I stated in my Sarasota post, jet skiing on the ocean IS NOT my favorite…BUT my husband loved it so it’s included here 🙂
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Miami:
The winter season, which is also during the dry season, is the time when snowbirds and seasonal residents will spend time in their Florida homes to escape the cold temperatures up north from the winter season. Miami is a hotspot for snowbirds, so expect certain neighborhoods to have higher crowds.
3-day Miami, FL Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Boat Tour, Bayside Market, Jazz Music
- Day 2: Crandon Park, Wynwood Arts District, Little Havana
- Day 3: Everglades Tour, Miami Beach, South Beach
One Weekend In Miami Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Miami that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Miami itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Miami!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Miami” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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