Guide to a Thrilling Weekend in Miami

While relaxing on a beach and enjoying a tropical cocktail is a wonderful way to experience a weekend in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, some travelers want a bit more action. The good news is that this destination has plenty to offer adventurers, from trying your hand at a ninja warrior course to airboating through the Everglades. Check out this three-day Miami itinerary to get the most thrills from a short visit to one of the world’s most exciting places.

Day One Delights: Cuban Breakfast, Indoor Adventures and International Feasts

Breakfast in Little Havana

Nothing kicks off a Miami adventure better than a hot, eye-opening cup of Cuban coffee. Start your first day at one of our famous ventanitas (concession windows) along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and order a cafecito to supercharge your morning with a small jolt of sweetened espresso. Pair it with a croqueta, guava pastelito or another tasty treat to round out your breakfast and brace yourself for a few hours of wide-eyed energy.

Dezerland Park’s Mini-Ninja Course

See how you stack up to the contestants on American Ninja Warrior when you take on the Mini-Ninja course in Dezerland Park, an epic indoor adventure center in North Miami. If that’s a little too humbling, take a ride in the bumper cars or racing simulators. The park is also equipped with a climbing wall, ropes course and a video arcade. You can fill an entire day with fully air-conditioned excitement here.

Dining in North Miami

All that action will undoubtedly make you hungry, and North Miami has plenty of authentic international food. One of Miami’s top Indian restaurants is Zaika. Try the lamb chop masala or chicken tikka for a flavorful treat, sure to take your tastebuds on a cultural ride.

Day Two: Thrills, Epic Views and Southern Cuisine

Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures

Begin your second day with a shot of adrenaline that doesn’t come in a little plastic cup – Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures found at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. Embark on a 45-minute tour that reaches speeds of up to 40 mph. Take in the gorgeous shore views and see the famous mansions of Star Island. Have your camera ready as the the view of the Miami skyline is unparalleled from the ocean.

Axe-Throwing

After your heart has calmed down a bit, head to Axe Habits still in Downtown Miami and get your pulse going again. This axe-throwing lounge lets you toss axes while tossing back cold beers and also offers escape rooms if you want to extend the experience.

Sky Views Miami

When the sun starts setting, take a ride on the iconic Sky Views Miami. Hop aboard a gondola to enjoy spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park, and the iconic Downtown Miami skyline from almost 200 feet in the air. To take your thrill to the next level, opt for the VIP Gondola which features a glass floor.

Drinks & Dinner

Head north to Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Overtown. The Southern/Caribbean spot is set in a Historic Overtown pool hall and has made waves with cocktails and entrees such as the wood-fired roasted oysters served with collard green pesto and the fried yardbird with guava drop biscuits.

Day Three: Miami's Wild Side, Tropical Fruit and Adventurous Bites

Everglades National Park & Nearby

Here is your chance to get out and explore Miami’s wild side in the Everglades. About an hour west of Downtown Miami, you’ll come across the Miccosukee Indian Village, where you can do everything from taking a high-powered airboat through the “River of Grass,” to watching live alligator shows. You’ll even have the chance to get your picture taken holding a baby alligator.

Once you’ve experienced a bit of Everglades culture, it’s time to delve into the true wilderness of Everglades National Park. The Shark Valley Visitors Center sits just a few minutes from the Miccosukee Village and offers tram tours, bike trails and easy hikes through the mangroves and hardwood hammocks, making the wetlands a multifaceted adventure. 

Dining Near Everglades National Park

If you’re visiting the park’s southern region near Homestead, be sure to stop at the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and experience a fruit-filled milkshake, loved by locals and visitors alike. Since your meal should be an adventure too, check out Everglades Gator Grill for Floridian-inspired cuisine. Try an order of the gator kabobs or fried frog legs for a daring dish to close out your three-day Miami adventure.