Miami Attractions Itinerary
- March 28, 2023
With an unrivaled combination of year-round sunshine, vibrant scenery and a ton of exciting things to see and do, Greater Miami & Miami Beach offers more fun than you can possibly fit into one vacation. Here’s a look at some of the many things to do in Miami. Hit them all for a bucket-list adventure or mix-and-match based on what best suits your vacation style.
Day 1: Explore Downtown Miami & Nearby
Morning – Attractions
Wondering where to see flamingos? Look no further than Jungle Island, home to rare and fascinating animals including lemurs, sloths, capybaras and, of course, flamingos. Located on Watson Island, just off the MacArthur Causeway between Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, guests can stroll shaded nature trails, explore Treewalk Village’s interconnected treehouses, and enjoy engaging animal presentations and enriching encounters. For those seeking more adventure, Treetop Trekking Miami offers an aerial obstacle course and zip lines high above the ground.
If you’d rather spend the morning out of the sun, indoor fun abounds in the dozen-plus interactive, bilingual galleries of Miami Children’s Museum, right across the street from Jungle Island. Watch as kids explore the neon world of the interactive Sketch Aquarium or make souvenirs at the Glass Lab. A full lineup of rotating exhibits and special events adds to the excitement.
Afternoon – Lunch and a Tour
Head to Bayside Marketplace on Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami and check out the lunch specials at Mambo Cafe or La Cañita, then pick up tickets for Island Queen Cruises and Tours. On this 90-minute tour, you’ll glide past stunning waterfront mansions, PortMiami, Fisher Island and other highlights as you nosh on snacks and sip cocktails. On land, explore South Beach, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and other popular Miami spots on the hop-on/hop-off Big Bus Tour. Insider tip: Buy advance tickets online.
Dinner – Downtown Miami or Little Havana
When looking for places to eat in Downtown Miami, your many options include Mediterranean dishes at celebrity chef Daniel Boulud’s Boulud Sud and the robust flavors of Catalonia at NIU Kitchen. If you’re in the mood for Cuban, head to Little Havana to dine at Versailles, one of Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurants. Located on Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), this classic eatery dishes up traditional fare including picadillo (delectably seasoned ground beef and vegetables in tomato sauce over rice) and, naturally, Cuban sandwiches.
Evening – Showtime
If you decide to dine in Little Havana, stick around to indulge in fine art and live music at the eclectically elegant CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center gallery/nightclub. Located on Calle Ocho, CubaOcho’s intimate setting provides the perfect antiques-strewn setting for Cuban jazz, Latin jam sessions and salsa bands, accompanied by an impressive menu of wines, cocktails and snacks. If you’re in Downtown Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is the place for first-rate theater and live entertainment. In the heart of Miami and easy to reach via public transportation, this state-of-the-art venue is home to the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet, as well as many touring Broadway productions.
Day 2: Zoo by Day, Shopping & Dining in the Evening
Morning – Visit Zoo Miami
One of the nation’s top-rated zoos, Zoo Miami in South Dade is an enchanting and educational experience with a vast assortment of animals. Find exciting exhibits such as Amazon & Beyond, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Central and South American habitats and species. Safari Tram Tours are easy on the feet, with the added bonus of guides who provide cool facts about the zoo’s African and Asian animals.
Midday – Lunch
You won’t go hungry here: at Zoo Miami, you’ll find several spots dishing up chicken tenders, hamburgers, veggie wraps, veggie burgers, salads and more. Kiosks sell ice cream, cold beverages and snacks.
Evening – Shop & Dine in Coconut Grove
After an action-packed zoo day, Coconut Grove (about a 40-minute drive to the north) is the perfect spot to unwind. Pop into colorful boutiques at CocoWalk as you decide which of the many nearby hip restaurants you’ll choose for dinner. Los Félix - a Michelin-starred Miami restaurant dedicated to Mesoamerican dishes – is a soulful dining experience where you’ll be treated to the likes of fish grilled in banana leaves and grits decked out in black-truffle emulsion.
Night – Elegant Nightlife or Trivia Nights
Stay in Coconut Grove and keep the vibe going with amazing craft cocktails, a vast Scotch selection, lite bites and live music at The Commodore at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, or go nautical at the Barracuda Taphouse & Grill and enjoy karaoke and trivia nights.
Day 3: Tropical Fun in South Dade
Morning – Everglades Alligator Farm
Located near the main entrance to Everglades National Park, the Everglades Alligator Farm is Miami’s oldest alligator farm. See more than 2,000 of these reptiles – big and small – along with crocodiles, caimans, exotic snakes and other critters. Bonus: Admission includes an airboat ride through the Everglades.
Midday - Lunch
Head to Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead for a tropical-fruit smoothie (Key lime is a fan favorite) and, on weekends, snag ribs or a pulled-pork sandwich from the Dickson Smokehouse food truck. As you sip on your smoothie or milkshake, shop for locally grown tropical produce, such as sweet jackfruit and guanábana (which tastes like a cross between mango and banana).
Afternoon – Wine Tastings or History Lessons
Wine lovers and foodies will want to explore Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery, which specializes in wines made from exotic fruits – think lychee, passion fruit and even avocado. Miami Brewing Co. craft beers are also on the menu, with rotating taps starring distinctly Miami flavors such as guava ciders, coconut ales and mango wheats. Tastings are offered daily, and tours are available on weekends. Insider tip: Private tours for 12 or more guests are available; reserve ahead.
History buffs of all ages will want to tour the Florida Pioneer Museum in Florida City to learn about the people who came to live in South Dade in the early 20th century. You can see historical farming tools, antique furniture and turn-of-the-century appliances. It’s open from November through April from 1 to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Evening – Dine on Mexican fare
You’re in for a treat come dinnertime because Homestead is home to an abundance of authentic Mexican cuisine. El Rincón de Jalisco is famous for its wet burrito while El Puerto de Vallarta specializes in seafood such as ceviche and snapper dishes.
Day 4: South Beach Sights
Morning – Visit the Art Deco District
The Art Deco Welcome Center is the best place to start. Pick up brochures and maps and take a free, self-guided walking tour. Or download the CitiBike Miami app to find bicycle-rental stations and pedal your way past Art Deco District highlights along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue.
Midday – Lunch & Shopping on Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is an outdoor pedestrian mall in South Beach where people gather to dine, shop and browse galleries such as ROMERO BRITTO Fine Art Gallery. Numerous cafes run the length of Lincoln Road, so finding lunch is simply a matter of deciding what you’re hungry for.
Afternoon – Urban Oases
Miami Beach’s aptly named South Pointe Park features rolling hills and footpaths leading straight down to the beach and the blue Atlantic Ocean. Kids can cool off in the water features, and adults can sip sunset cocktails on the patio on nearby Smith & Wollensky’s patio while watching cruise ships head out to sea. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, another lovely South Beach oasis, with year-round concerts, art exhibits and markets held amid collections of orchids, palms, bromeliads and flowering trees.
Evening – Dinner in South Beach
South Beach restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines and decor, so you won’t be lacking for options, whether you want a casual night out or a chic South Beach dining experience. Insider tip: Remember to make reservations.
Night – Miami Beach Culture
Experience the harmony of music and architecture during a performance by the New World Symphony at the New World Center, designed by Frank Gehry. Check the symphony’s calendar for free outdoor events and movies at the adjacent Soundscape Park.
Day 5: Choose Your Grand Finale
Daytime – Fast Times in Miami
Wrap up your epic Miami vacation with a thrill. Fast cars and fast boats are just a couple of the options for topping off your unforgettable stay. Check out Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures at Bayside Marketplace for an exhilarating high-speed tour past famous homes with iconic skyline views. (Don’t worry: They’ll slow down for photo ops.)
Speed demons will want to opt for the Xtreme Experience at Homestead Miami Speedway – a race car enthusiast’s dream. Get behind the wheel of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches and other supercars as you fly around the track and make your daredevil dreams come true.
Late Afternoon – Cocktails
After your exhilarating day, wind down at one of the many cool rooftop bars in Miami. In Downtown Miami, chill with fruit-forward cocktails under the soft pink lights at Rosa Sky. Or, head to South Beach to revel in the cozy-chic Mexican vibe of Serena, on the rooftop of the Moxy South Beach hotel.
Evening – Dinner
Depending on your style or mood, explore Miami’s rich multicultural dining scene and discover your new favorite cuisine, whether that’s Cuban, Jamaican, Peruvian, Asian or any number of other international cuisines served up at authentic spots in lively neighborhoods.