Things To Do Near PortMiami During Your Layover

Have some spare time before hopping on a cruise out of PortMiami? Greater Miami & Miami Beach has some great attractions and activities just minutes from the port. Here are our recommendations for what to see and do in Miami before or after your cruise.

Close To PortMiami (Within 10 minutes)

Bayside Marketplace

A wide variety of waterfront restaurants and unique shops are nestled within open-air Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. Standout restaurants include acclaimed local chef Michelle Bernstein’s La Cañita for Latin and Caribbean cuisine and Sanguich for delicious Cuban sandwiches. There are often live music performances throughout this lively venue.

Millionaire’s Row Sightseeing Cruise

Whether you’re into seeing celebrity homes or just want to enjoy the destination’s beautiful waterways, the Millionaire’s Row Sightseeing Cruise, offered by Island Queen Cruises & Tours from Bayside Marketplace, is the ideal way to experience Miami by water. 

Schedule this 90-minute cruise for late afternoon during the winter or early spring and you may catch the sun setting with the Downtown Miami skyline in the background.

Perez Art Museum Miami

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) in Downtown Miami is the destination’s go-to for contemporary art and stunning architecture, and its onsite restaurant, Verde, boasts expansive views of Biscayne Bay. 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Across the plaza from PAMM, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science dazzles with a planetarium, an aquarium and exhibit halls that have something for everyone. Rising three stories, the aquarium features a 31-foot-wide oculus lens and viewing portal into the Gulf Stream Aquarium habitat with hammerhead sharks.

Jungle Island And Treetop Trekking Miami

On the other side of the PortMiami tunnel on Watson Island, Jungle Island, a popular Miami attraction since 1936, encourages connection with nature and animals, discovery, and play. Also on Watson Island, the aerial adventure park Treetop Trekking Miami features a zipline and ropes course.

A Short Ride Away (About 10-20 minutes)

South Beach

Across the scenic MacArthur Causeway from PortMiami, South Beach is internationally famous for its nightlife, stunning beaches and architecture. Stop by the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive to get situated before venturing out to the Art Deco District. The Wolfsonian – FIU museum is located in the heart of the Art Deco District, while stately The Bass museum of contemporary art is across the street from the Miami Beach Convention Center. Of course, there are many inviting restaurants throughout South Beach.

Wynwood Walls

An outdoor museum and one of the most-Instagrammed spots in Miami, the urban graffiti mural park Wynwood Walls in the Wynwood neighborhood features huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the world. Make sure to visit The Peter Tunney Experience, one of three onsite galleries.

Little Havana

Take a deep dive into Miami’s Cuban culture with a stroll down Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) in Little Havana. Watch the dominoes players at Máximo Gómez Park (also known as Domino Park), stop for Cuban food and drinks at famous Versailles Restaurant (recommended by MICHELIN), then head to Azucar Ice Cream Company for a scoop or two of unusual flavors, such as sweet plantain or coconut flan. If you’re in Little Havana in the evening, enjoy dinner, Cuban cocktails, live music and dancing at chef Michelle Bernstein’s Cafe La Trova.

Brickell City Centre

Sleek Brickell City Centre is an open-air mall with luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Zara and many more. The lineup of eateries includes trendy Motek, a Kosher-style Mediterranean restaurant. There’s also a luxury dine-in movie theater as well as Puttshack for indoor miniature golf and dining.

A Stunning Beach on Key Biscayne

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Less than nine miles from PortMiami, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a scenic beach situated between on Key Biscayne. Head here for swimming and sunbathing, a mile-long shoreline, an antique carousel, and nature trails for hiking and biking.

Transportation Tips

• PortMiami is centrally located, with quick access to major attractions via rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft, or taxis. 
• Miami International Airport is less than 10 miles away. If you need an airport transfer, the best options are a rideshare or taxi. 
• The closest Brightline station to PortMiami is MiamiCentral in Downtown Miami. From there, you can take the free Coral Way trolley to and from PortMiami.
• Downtown Miami has a variety of transportation options. Rideshares are easily accessible, and public transportation, like the Metrobus and free Metromover, are convenient to many dining and shopping hubs.
• Several hotels near PortMiami offer shuttle services to/from the Port.

Luggage Storage Tips

For security reasons, storage lockers are not available at PortMiami, but several private storage facilities nearby can safely store luggage. 

Bounce has several locations close to the port with reasonable rates for daily luggage storage. LuggageHero also has storage facilities in Downtown Miami. 

Bayside Marketplace has partnered with Hold My Luggage, which can deliver or pick up luggage from the cruise port, airport, your hotel or any other location.

Hotels may offer to store your luggage for the day if you are a guest.