Things To Do In Miami Pre & Post Cruise

If you’re embarking on a dream cruise from PortMiami – or just got back from one – there’s a wide array of fun things to do near the port. Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day, make the best of your time and extend your vacation by exploring Greater Miami & Miami Beach.

If You Have Four Hours: Shopping, Thrills & The Beach

One of the attractions closest to PortMiami is Bayside Marketplace, a waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination that’s less than 10 minutes from the port. Shop for a tropical outfit at one of the many boutique stores, grab breakfast, lunch or dinner (or even drinks) with a view, or zip off on a short but exciting cruise with Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures. On this 45-minute, high-speed tour, you’ll see many of the area’s highlights, like Fisher Island and the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach. Another thrilling way to take in breathtaking views of Miami’s skyline is to hop on the Skyviews Miami observation wheel, which hovers 200 feet over Bayside Marketplace.

If you’re craving a few hours of fun and sun on one of Miami’s sparkling beaches, head across the scenic MacArthur Causeway to South Beach, about 15-20 minutes away. If you feel like taking in the scenery from a different point of view, the Beachwalk winds along South Beach. Head a bit west to iconic Lincoln Road, where you can shop or grab a bite to eat at one of many alfresco cafes. Or go south to South Pointe Park for Instagram-worthy views of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean and the white-sand beach. This waterfront park is great for families. It has a splash pad, shaded green spaces, and plenty of room for kids to burn off pre-cruise energy.

If You Have Six Hours

Morning: Animals, Adventure & Even Ziplining

Even with six hours to spare, you’ll need to get an early start to make the most of your time. If you’re traveling with kids, check out one of Miami’s family-friendly spots near PortMiami. Kids and parents will love all of the activities and play stations at Miami Children’s Museum, which can be reached in less than 10 minutes. Less than five-minutes away from Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island is another family-friendly attraction worthy of a few hours. Navigate your way through the adventure park to view exotic animals or choose a VIP tour for up-close animal encounters. Families looking for a thrill can zoom along ziplines and navigate suspended bridges at Treetop Trekking Miami. Because these attractions are close together, you could do them all in the morning and afternoon.

Afternoon: Lunch With A View & Views of Fine Art

After an exciting morning, head to Downtown Miami, less than 10 minutes away, and savor a delicious lunch at Verde, a casual restaurant at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). It serves dishes crafted with local, seasonal ingredients and offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Then check out contemporary international artwork of the 20th and 21st centuries in PAMM.

The neighboring Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science features four floors of wonder, including a 3D planetarium and a huge aquarium with an oculus that displays marine life. You could also split your morning and afternoon between these two gems.

If You Have A Full Day (And Evening)

Morning: Graffiti, Graffiti Everywhere!

With a full day, you can explore some of Miami’s culture-rich neighborhoods. Begin the day about 10 minutes away in art-centric Wynwood, where city blocks of industrial buildings are splashed in street art and murals by renowned graffiti artists. Your first stop should at the ever-evolving Wynwood Walls, followed by the Museum of Graffiti. Afterward, grab lunch at one of Wynwood’s many exciting restaurants.

Afternoon: Luxury Shopping & Modern Art

In the afternoon, head over to the Miami Design District, a five-minute drive from Wynwood, for a dose of luxury shopping (or window shopping). The neighborhood is lined with high-end shops, such as Louis Vuitton Mens, Hermès and Dior, and it’s also abundant in architecture, sky-high public art, museums, such as the always-free Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, and some MICHELIN-starred restaurants.

Evening: A Night In Little Havana

If you’re in search of Miami’s vibrant cultural heartbeat, spend the evening in historic Little Havana, a 15-minute drive from the Miami Design District. Head straight to Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), where you’ll discover authentic Cuban cuisine, coffee served from “ventanitas” (little windows), cigar rolling and music that will tempt you to dance. Have dinner at MICHELIN-recommended Cafe La Trova for a contemporary take on Cuban favorites paired with unique cocktails, lively music and salsa dancing. If you still have time, end the night at Ball & Chain for more live music and dancing.

Transportation Tips

Wherever you’re headed from PortMiami, the easiest option is to take a taxi, Uber or Lyft. The only public transportation that goes directly to PortMiami is the City of Miami’s Coral Way trolley, between PortMiami and Coral Gables. If you’re already in Downtown Miami and want to explore the area, hop on the free MetroMover. If you have a full day or an overnight stay, reserve a seat on the Brightline high-speed train from MiamiCentral station, the closest Brightline station to PortMiami. From there, it’s only 22 minutes to Aventura, where you can shop at Aventura Mall, the largest mall in Florida. If you’re headed to Miami Beach from Downtown Miami, hop aboard Metrobus 100 (travel time is about a half hour from Government Center), or better yet, grab a rideshare or taxi. Once you’re in South Beach, a free trolley travels several routes throughout Miami Beach.

Luggage Storage Tips

PortMiami doesn’t store bags, so cruisers should contact their cruise line and find out about early check-in. Outside the port, Hold My Luggage is a luggage storage and delivery service in Bayside Marketplace. Nannybag is another storage solution in Downtown Miami. Luggage Lounge in South Beach offers luggage storage, printer services, a dressing room and WiFi, and Bounce has storage facilities throughout the destination. Most hotels will hold guests’ bags, but you’ll want to call ahead to confirm.

Coming with the whole family? Explore family-friendly things to do near PortMiami.