Miami In 1 Day

If you only have one day in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, you can still experience a vivid snapshot of the destination. This one-day itinerary takes you from sunrise on Miami Beach to an afternoon in Little Havana and an evening exploring Coconut Grove’s dining and nightlife scene.

With beach views, bold art, rich culture and an energetic dining scene, this 24-hour itinerary gives you a taste of what makes Miami unforgettable.

Early Morning: Sunrise in Miami Beach

Start your day with one of Miami’s most memorable experiences - sunrise on Miami Beach. Head to the sand anywhere along the city’s nine miles of shoreline for unobstructed views. 

If you’re not staying nearby, South Pointe Park, at the southern tip of Miami Beach, offers a panoramic lookout with views of the coastline, cruise ships departing PortMiami, the Downtown Miami skyline and Fisher Island.

Morning: A Classic South Beach Start

Relax at Lummus Park, where the pastel Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive create an iconic backdrop. 

Walk the shoreline to see Miami Beach’s colorful lifeguard towers, designed by architect William Lane. Stroll or ride along the Beachwalk, an oceanfront path that spans the length of Miami Beach.

Miami Beach is made up of three areas:

• South Beach (South Pointe Park to 23rd Street)
• Mid Beach (24th Street to 60th Street)
• North Beach (61st Street to 87th Street)

Midday: Art & Lunch in Wynwood

Head to Wynwood, known for its bold murals, galleries and creative energy. 

Popular local dining spots include:

• Cowy Burger for smashburgers
• Sili for Vietnamese street pizza
• The Taco Stand for California-style tacos and burritos
• Zak the Baker – a MICHELIN-awarded bakery and café

After lunch, explore Wynwood Walls, an open-air museum showcasing permanent and rotating street art.

Afternoon: Explore Little Havana

Continue your day in Little Havana, a neighborhood rich in Cuban culture. Highlights include:

• Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park) – a gathering place for spirited domino matches
• Cuban Memorial Plaza – a dog-friendly park with a monument honoring Cuban history
• Tower Theater – historic 1926 arthouse cinema
• La Colada Gourmet – beloved ventanita, or walk-up window, for Cuban coffee

At 3:05 p.m., join locals for a traditional Cuban coffee break and order a cortadito or café con leche with a croqueta.

Night: Dinner in Coconut Grove

Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove, is home to standout restaurants, including:

• Ariete – one MICHELIN star; inventive American cuisine with Cuban influences
• Los Félix – one MICHELIN star; Mexican dishes rooted in ancestral cooking
• Bombay Darbar – Indian cuisine
• Amal – modern Lebanese dishes
• Narbona – Latin fusion, farm-to-table restaurant
• Monty’s Raw Bar – laid-back waterfront seafood

Late Night: Bars & Nightlife

If you’re still energized, Coconut Grove offers great nightcap spots:

• Sipsip Rum Bar  – rooftop bar at Mayfair House Hotel
• The Taurus – neighborhood tavern, specializing in whiskey and beer
• The Commodore – cocktail bar at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
• Level 6 – rooftop lounge with bay views, serving late bites 

Or head to Downtown Miami and Brickell:

• Sugar - for sky-high drinks on the 40th floor of EAST, Miami Hotel
• Mama Tried – cocktail lounge frequented by locals

Return to Miami Beach for nightlife:

• LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach - exclusive, high-energy nightclub
• Do Not Sit On The Furniture – intimate underground dance club
• Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company – craft cocktails