Miami Florida 5 Day Itinerary

Miami, Florida: 5-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Miami! This vibrant city is known for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Here’s your 5-day itinerary to explore the best of Miami.

Day 1: Beaches and Boardwalks

  • Morning: Start at South Beach, one of the most iconic spots in Miami. Soak up the sun on its white-sand beach, take a leisurely stroll along Ocean Drive, and enjoy the Art Deco architecture.
  • Lunch: Grab some Cuban food at Ball & Chain (also famous for its jazz club). Try their famous croquetas!
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Lummus Park Beach, where you can people-watch or relax in a beach chair. Don’t forget to snap photos of the colorful lifeguard stands.
  • Evening: Head to Lincoln Road Mall, an upscale shopping and dining destination. Enjoy the street performers, browse high-end boutiques, and dine at one of the many restaurants.

Where to Stay: For the first night, stay in South Beach (SoBe) for easy access to the beach and nightlife. We recommend The Confidante or The Shelborne Hotel.

Day 2: Wynwood and Little Havana

  • Morning: Visit the Wynwood neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a guided tour of the Wynwood Walls (free admission).
  • Lunch: Head to Little Havana, where you can enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at Ball & Chain’s restaurant (try their lechon asado) or head to Old Town, and visit the famous Versailles Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Explore Calle Ocho (8th Street), the heart of Little Havana. Visit the Domino Park, where locals gather for domino games and Cuban music.
  • Evening: Enjoy a night out in Wynwood with its trendy bars and restaurants.

Where to Stay: For the second night, stay in Midtown Miami or Edgewater for easy access to Wynwood and Little Havana. We recommend The EDITION Miami or The 1 Hotel South Beach.

Day 3: Vizcaya and Coconut Grove

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (take a guided tour). This National Historic Landmark is a must-see for its European-inspired architecture and gardens.
  • Lunch: Head to Coconut Grove, where you can enjoy waterfront dining at Monty’s Sun Deck or The Bumpkin.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Coconut Grove. Visit the Barnacle State Historic Site, which features a historic house and a beautiful garden.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in Coconut Grove, perhaps at The Grand or The Waterfront.

Where to Stay: For the third night, stay in South Beach (SoBe) for its nightlife or in Midtown Miami or Edgewater for easy access to Wynwood and Little Havana. We recommend The Shelborne Hotel or The 1 Hotel South Beach.

Day 4: Everglades and Design District

  • Morning: Take an airboat tour of the Everglades (about an hour outside of Miami). Witness the unique ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lunch: Head back to Miami and visit the Design District, where you can enjoy upscale dining at Coyo Taco or The Salty Donut.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Design District’s many galleries and boutiques. Visit the Buckminster Fuller House (a must-see for architecture fans).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Design District, perhaps at Carbone or Prime Fish.

Where to Stay: For the fourth night, stay in Midtown Miami or Edgewater for easy access to Wynwood and Little Havana, or in South Beach (SoBe) for its nightlife. We recommend The EDITION Miami or The 1 Hotel South Beach.

Day 5: Beaches and Shopping

  • Morning: Spend the last day of your trip at Crandon Park Beach, one of Miami’s most secluded beaches.
  • Lunch: Grab some lunch in South Beach (SoBe) before heading out to do some shopping.
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Aventura Mall or the Lincoln Road Mall for some last-minute shopping.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Miami’s many excellent restaurants.

Tips and Transportation:

  • Rent a car for a day to explore the Everglades, but use public transportation (Metrobus) or ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) throughout the trip.
  • Use the Miami Beach Trolley to get around South Beach (SoBe).
  • Take a taxi or ride-share service to get between neighborhoods.

Things to Know:

  • Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife, but be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Be respectful of the local culture, especially in Little Havana.
  • Try some of Miami’s famous Cuban cuisine!
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat when exploring the beaches.

Enjoy your trip to Miami!