Three Day Miami Itinerary For Art Lovers

Greater Miami is more than beautiful beaches and a splashy social scene. Packed with diverse neighborhoods, it’s an ideal destination for an “art-cation” where you can immerse yourself in world-renowned art of all kinds as well as rich culture.

From museums and galleries filled with eye-popping paintings and sculptures to edgy street art and murals to cultural celebrations of Cuba, Haiti, the Caribbean and Miami’s Black heritage, we’ve put together an art-infused, three-day itinerary that hits all the marks. Don’t worry, we’ve sprinkled in some delicious breaks.

Day 1: The Center Of It All

Morning

Your first day should begin in Miami’s epicenter of art, the Wynwood Arts District, a neighborhood of 50-plus city blocks splashed with vibrant street art and murals by famous and emerging artists from Miami and around the globe.

Fuel your day of art-peeping at Panther Coffee, where beans are hand-roasted on site and you can soak up the morning light with locals sipping coffee on the tree-shaded patio. Fully caffeinated, spend an hour leisurely meandering through the neighborhood’s backbone, The Wynwood Walls, a maze of walls covered in eclectic murals by some of the world’s best artists. Pick your favorite and snap a shot, as the murals constantly evolve. From there, continue wandering Wynwood’s surrounding streets, which are packed with more graffiti and colorful murals that are perfect for an Instagram-worthy photo shoot.

Don’t overlook the neighborhood’s private galleries, including The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, an expansive space packed with diverse art from the amazing collection of Martin Z. Margulies. Pop into galleries like the Harold Golen Gallery for pop art, or the high-profile Waltman Ortega Fine Art, a contemporary art gallery founded in Paris.

Treat yourself to an al fresco lunch at Bakan, a stunning indoor-outdoor restaurant boasting authentic Mexican food and loads of tequila and mezcal choices.

Afternoon/Evening

In the afternoon, make a cultural shift and head to Little Haiti, the heart and soul of Miami’s Haitian community. Stop in the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, where, just like its name, the complex serves as a hub for exhibitions and programming focused on Haitian culture. Move next door to the colorful Caribbean Marketplace, a sprawling marketplace that was designed to mimic Port Au Prince's Iron Market. Here, you’ll find authentic arts and crafts, and Saturdays are a big day, as it’s the weekly Caribbean Market Day, where you’ll get a taste of the Caribbean and shop handmade wares. Another highlight is the Haitian Cultural Art Alliance which houses rotating exhibits, events and programs focused on Afro-Caribbean culture.

Wrap your jam-packed day with a spiced-up dinner at Chef Creole to devour their popular fried griot (pork), barbeque wings and seafood platters of fried conch, shrimp and fresh fish.

Day 2: It’s All About Style

Morning

While the Miami Design District is known as a fashion plate of luxury stores, it’s also brimming with cutting-edge art, standout architecture and world-class food. Expect to see public art sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, with eye-catching installations in Palm Court such as “Fly’s Eye Dome,” a larger-than-life dome by architect Buckminster Fuller, and the visual spectacle, “Building Façade” a blue glass structure that rains down from two stories, created by forward-thinking international architect Sou Fujimoto.

The Design District is a place where you can get a fashionably late start. Jumpstart your art adventure at Dior Café, a chic café on the garden terrace of the Dior women’s boutique, where fashionistas gather for an artful coffee crowned with a Dior insignia.

Carve out an hour for the Institute of Contemporary Art to roam their exhibition galleries and beautiful sculpture garden for free. If you want to have your mind blown (and do some major dreaming), pop in to neighboring The Arsenale, an insane garage filled with mind-blowing toys like high-design motorcycles, cars, drones, planes and even submarines, along with works of art and memorabilia. Walk down the street to stop in the Haitian Heritage Museum where you’ll be captivated by the collection of Haitian art, historical artifacts and more; it’s the only museum of its kind in the U.S. that showcases Haiti’s rich culture and heritage.

Afternoon/Evening

For a gorgeous lunch break, drive over to Chica, celebrity chef Lorena Garcia’s restaurant that’s draped in greenery and bold decor, and offers cuisine bursting with Latin flavors. Make sure to save room for a cold concoction at MadLab Creamery where they’ll stack cones and cups with creative ice cream flavors like guava cheesecake, birthday cake and matcha.

Look for special exhibitions like the Apollo Projects in Paradise Plaza, where nature, plants and art collide; or the Anonymous Series presented by the Dina Mitrani Gallery, where a doctor and artist photographed his subjects, hiding their identity while offering little clues such as tattoos or skin color, showcasing the fact that patients are people despite the need for confidentiality.

Another not-to-be missed spot is Locust Projects, a creative incubator founded by artists for artists. There are always new works of art to view – be sure to check their calendar for everything from talks to workshops.

Your feet deserve a break from all that art-peeping, so make a reservation at buzzy restaurant, Swan. Afterward, head upstairs to posh Bar Bevy to keep the party going with late-night drinks.

Day 3: True Cultural Gems

Morning

It’s your last day and there’s still so much art to experience. You can’t miss the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) in Downtown Miami for modern and contemporary international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Soak in the dramatic hanging gardens, grab a coffee at Verde, and sip it from the swinging chairs with epic views of Biscayne Bay.

Move on to Historic Overtown to explore Miami’s Black heritage and the area’s captivating art, which tells a compelling story. Street art is a major focus, and murals by Liberty City artist Purvis Young dot building walls and overpasses. The bold murals depict life on the streets in Overtown, as well as Young’s daily observations.

Contemplate what you’ve seen and learned over lunch at homey Lil Green House Grill, for soul food with a healthier twist, and beautiful art by the owner’s uncle.

Afternoon/Evening

More cultural experiences await, as you drive to nearby Little Havana, a lively hub of Hispanic culture and food nestled in the heart of Miami’s downtown. Check out the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, a lauded museum and energetic gathering space where art, live music and dancing intermingle Tuesdays through Sundays. The museum is home to a rare and stunning collection of Cuban art dating from the 1800s through 1959. Stroll the area’s famous street, Calle Ocho, where there’s a constant celebration of Cuban heritage, and, if you have time, check out another cultural jewel, Futurama 1637, a creative work space and art marketplace.

End your “art-cation” with a delicious meal at Café La Trova, where you’ll dive into the modern-Latin creations of Chef Michelle Bernstein while listening to live music.

We promise you’ll return home with a new appreciation of Greater Miami’s artful soul.