The perfect 4 day in Miami itinerary

Loud Reggaeton, everyone speaking Spanish and warm weather will make you think that you have left the U.S. and landed in a South American country. Miami is in fact, the perfect mix of different Latino cultures striving as one in this eclectic city. More than 50% of its population is Latino or Latin descendants. It’s not uncommon to hear Spanish or cumbia as you wander the streets. Its good weather and accessibility from the South of the continent have allowed Latinos from everywhere to leave an imprint of Latinidad in the city. This is the big city’s identity!

If you are looking for a mix of a tropical vacation and the buzz of a big city, then you should consider putting Miami on your list.

I’ve been going to Florida since I was a kid and I’ve been going more often, at least every two years, since most of my family moved there from Venezuela. Yes, we are part of the 4 million Venezuelans who have left the country due to political unrest. Florida feels at times like a second home.

Here is a complete 3-day Miami itinerary or 4-day itinerary in Miami. This is perfect for a micro vacation, or weekend getaway in winter or you can add it to a bigger Florida trip for example. A Little tip, don’t spend more than 2 or 4 days if you don’t like the party scene. As I’m not a party animal, you will not have any insides or recommendations for these activities.

Let’s dive into this greater Miami itinerary crafted just for you!

Essential Tips for Miami

Know the Geography

What most people abroad refer to as Miami the larger South Florida, encompassing South Beach with Fort Lauderdale and the bigger metro area. The city itself is big and it is scattered into different neighbourhoods and islands. Therefore, the distances can be longer than expected. For example, Miami Beach & South Beach are on an island connected by bridges to mainland Miami. Brickell & Key Biscayne are other islands, they are all easily reachable by bridges. Fort Lauderdale is another city up north, it can take you around 40 minutes to 1 hour to visit.

Get a car!

Miami is not a walkable friendly city. You will need to rent a car as many of the attractions are scattered and public transport doesn’t work as well as it should. Public transportation is composed of a mix of buses and the Metro Mover. So, I would strongly suggest renting a car!

What to bring?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen, of course. Even in “winter” temperatures are very mild. If you are coming from December to March, I would suggest bringing a light sweater just in case.

People in Miami like to dress up, don’t be surprised to see people showing off expensive brands. If you feel like you are under-dressed, maybe bring extra fancy attire, depending on the places you want to visit and party.

When to visit?

Miami has around 40 festivals, so you might want to plan your trip accordingly. Ultra Music Festival and Miami Basel are some of the most popular events. Keep in mind that prices for these dates might be higher than usual.

Art Basel Miami Beach is North America's biggest international contemporary art fair. It has almost 300 galleries from around the world and it showcases the work of more than 4,000 artists. The festivals also have tons of parties and events to attend. The event has become so popular that it has extended to Miami Art Week. The Basel usually takes place from late November to the beginning of December. This is a great time to visit the city since it has plenty of activities, concerts, pop-ups and exhibitions. The city becomes very lively and bursts into life with the many things to see.

If you are an electronic dance lover, then this is the event for you! Party for three days in this immersive party with world-class DJs. Ultra Music Festival is usually hosted in the month of March.

Miami can be a great escape from the Winter. I know that I enjoy spending Christmas there while in Montreal we are buried in snow and in minus temperatures! Keep in mind that during this time, the sea might not be as warm as you would expect. After all, it is still “winter” even if you are south.

Penetrable BBL Bleu, art installation in the Perez Art Museum

3 day Miami itinerary or 4 days in Miami itinerary

With this itinerary, you will be doing different activities, so you get the most out of your time in the city. More details on all these activities will be below.

Day 1

I would start by South Beach since is the most popular spot and you probably want to tick it off your bucket list first. In the evening, I would go to Wynwood and enjoy all the street art and then go for supper or a drink. The neighbourhood has plenty of choices, keep on reading for my personal recommendation. At night go party in one of Miami’s most well-known clubs.

Day 2

The first stop should be the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The Italian Villa is a great place to start your second day in the city. Then, stroll around Coconut Grove. Go for a late lunch in Little Havana and go for a drink at the World's 50 best bars. Then at night for a drink in Coral Gables. Have fun at Superblue

Day 3

Start your day at the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park enjoy the secluded beach and connect with nature. Then in the afternoon, head to Perez Museum, don’t forget to have lunch there. After immersing yourself in contemporary art go hang out at the Design District. For your last supper, go to La Mar for astonishing views of the city skyline and the water. The restaurant was voted one of the most scenic restaurants in the US in 2019, and the view does not disappoint!

Day 4

Do a day trip to the Everglades National Park for wildlife observation. Enjoy a late afternoon beach relaxation at one of the multiple beaches of the city like Sunny Isles Beach.

Things to do in Miami

Little Havana

This is perhaps one of the most colourful places in the city you will feel like you are in Cuba.

After Fidel Castro won the revolution in 1959 many of his opponents found refuge in Miami, after all, you can see the island from Key West. Both countries have been intertwined since the 18th century, making Miami its meeting ground. Calle Ocho and “Little Havana” have been hosting Cuban immigrants since the revolution and they have certainly taken this neighbourhood as their own. Although the demographics have changed since its initial flavour hasn’t. Here you will find ubiquitous Cuban symbols, hand-rolled cigars, botanicas or older generations of men playing dominoes at Domino Park. Calle Ocho is quite long, most things to see and do run between the 13th and 17th street.

Don’t forget to try Croquetas and Cuban sandwich, an exquisite mix of ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and roasted pork with a Cafecito. You can also order the Cuban original dish of Ropa Vieja (a juicy shredded steak dish) with black beans, rice, and platanos maduros (sweet plantains). A very popular place is Old’s Havana restaurant which has authentic Cuban cuisine and live music. Cafe La Trova is on the World's 50 best bars and of course, we had to visit. The restaurant offers traditional Cuban dishes and live music. The creative cocktails are worth the hype.

If you are around on the last Friday of the month, then take part in the Viernes Culturales, or Cultural Fridays. They are a monthly gallery night showcasing the cultural arts scene of the neighbourhood.

Psst: If you are curious about Cuba, I have the article for you!

Wynwood arts district

For the lovers of graffiti and murals, Wynwood is for you! It's the artsiest and hipster neighbourhood in the city and probably in of all Florida. Packed with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and bars. Wynwood is candy for the eyes with more than 40 murals. As usual, this is the story of an abandoned warehouse district that has been turned into a great art hub. For once in Florida, you can leave your car and enjoy walking into a canvas-sized wall art piece. The Wynwood Walls are not to be missed. The place has been showcasing the work of Shepard Fairey, known for his “Obey” stickers and red-laced poster for a few years now. His work is filled with social commentary. Wynwood is also home to The World's First Museum Dedicated to Graffiti. It is no surprise that this neighbourhood was selected to be the first museum dedicated to graffiti art. It features paintings, mixed media sculptures and interactive installations.

Wyndwood has a lot of delicious restaurants to delight your taste buds, here are my favourite places:

After a whole afternoon of walking you might want to take a break, why not try Panther Coffee or take a beer at Boxelder Craft Beer Market? The latter has a great beer selection and some delicious Oreo popcorn. What is there not to love? Veza Sur is a great craft beer bar with Latin flavours. I especially loved their Mango IPA and their Lulo sour beer. However, the best outdoor patio is Cerveceria La Tropical. Not only do they have amazing beers but the beer garden has a partnership with the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, in the garden you are among beautiful tropical plants and orchids.

For supper hang out with the cool kids at the 1-800-Lucky. It is a pan-Asian-inspired food hall with a cool outdoor patio and DJ. The night that we went there were very good guest DJs. This is the perfect place to eat, drink, dance and have a good time.

Doya is a Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand that offers Greek cuisine.

The Taco Stand is an authentic taqueria that will bring you back to Mexico. the best plate is the Surf and turf fries, I still dream about them.

If you are looking for sweet indulgence then head to The Salty Donut. These are hand-made doughnuts made daily with funky flavours like the maple bacon brioche with Miami Smokers’ bacon crackling topping or the guava-and-cheese doughnut.

Miami can be hot and ice cream is always a good way to cool down. Salt & Straw is originally from Portland and serves delicious and original flavours of ice cream. I had a vegan roasted pineapple and coconut cream, simply delicious.

Giant sculpture of Pinocchio with a lot of colour in Wynwood, the graffiti and art neighborhood of Miami

South Beach & Miami Beach

South Beach has probably made you dream at least once with its Art Deco architecture, palm trees, and crystalline beaches. Well, it lives up to your expectations. The American Riviera is the perfect sunbathe-all-day and dance-all-night party. The warm crystalline blue water is the perfect place to enjoy a day (or two) at the beach. While you are here, the architecture is a must-watch. Walk along on Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive and enjoy the architecture of the "sun and fun" era with its extensive palette of pastel colours on Art Deco Buildings. Here enjoy walking on the Miami beach boardwalk and strolling around the iconic Ocean Drive.

I find that South Beach is full of tourist traps, however, if you are looking for delicious food and amazing cocktails, head to the Rum Room near the convention center. They have weird opening hours so be sure to manager our time accordingly, you won’t want to see this stop.

Heads up: There is a guy with a giant yellow and white boa twirling around his neck looking for a photo op for tourists. Also, the prices in this part of town are higher since there are more tourists, and a lot of restaurants feel like a tourist trap.

Coconut Grove and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Take a break from the buzzing city and enter the wonderland of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Built in the 20th century, the gardens and the architecture will make you feel like you are in Europe, with an extravagant twist. The mansion has 10 acres of gardens that resemble the layout of Versailles. It is not uncommon to see Quinceañeras taking their photos here.

After, head to Coconut Grove. This is an upscale, leafy neighbourhood with cafes and boutiques. I feel like Coconut Grove had its heyday in the ‘80s and is struggling to get as much attention as it used to have. This part of town is still pedestrian and has giant oaks and hardwoods making it very enjoyable. I enjoyed sitting on the terrace at Vinos On The Grove with a glass of wine.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is one of South Florida’s oldest cities, it was founded in 1925. Here, most of the architecture remained and kept the Great Gatsby look. This part of the city is great to enjoy a day at the beach, go to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and going shopping at the many boutiques. A not-to-be-missed activity is the Venetian Pool with its tropical foliage, and waterfalls mixed with Italian architecture a cave and stone bridges. This is, in fact, the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places. The pool can be very crowded on hot days so beware.

Just south of Coral Gables, you have Matheson Hammock Park. The park sits along Biscayne Bay. The man-made atoll pool is the most popular attraction and it is filled with naturally filtered water from Biscayne Bay. The pool is replenished by the bay's water during high tide. You can swim in this unique natural pool with views of the bay and the Miami skyline. The park also offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a marina.

Art Deco buildings part of your Miami 3 day itinerary — Credit: Rachel and Dana from Traveling Found Love

DESIGN DISTRICT

If you are looking to shop, then this is the place! This district has been evolving as a high-end fashion with big brand names having flagship stores here like Christian Louboutin, Prada, and Louis Vuitton to name a few.

If you don’t have the money or if you prefer investing in your future travels, I know I do! The district also has a free contemporary museum, ICA and around 130 art galleries. On top of that, they often have street art and art installations. Last time we went, there were cute sloths hanging around. The exposition was called Pink Beasts by Fernando Laposse. Every second Saturday of each month a community-wide Art & Design Night is held from 7-10 p.m.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park & Everglades

I’m not a huge fan of Miami and its party scene and the show-off attitudes of some residents and tourists. To escape from all this, I like to go to the state parks. The beaches are as beautiful as South Beach without being packed with tourists. One of my favourites is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with its landmark lighthouse. This 400-acre state park with beach access in Key Biscayne is a true hidden gem.

The Everglades National Park is a unique and expansive ecosystem renowned for its tropical wetlands, rich biodiversity, and stunning landscapes. Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. In the park, you can do airboat tours through sawgrass prairies or canoe excursions in mangrove forests. The park is a 1.5-million-acre wetland preserve and is located around a 1-hour drive. Here, you will be able to see manatees, the American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

Biscayne National Park is the second national park in Florida. The park protects the marine ecosystem, encompassing beautiful coral reefs, mangrove forests, and clear blue waters and many fish, sea turtles, manatees, and various species of birds. In the park, you can do snorkeling, diving, boating, kayaking. Biscayne National Park also encompasses several small islands and keys, providing opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. On the cultural side, you can visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, which offers exhibits, educational programs, and ranger-led activities.

Downtown Miami

The downtown is the heart of this metropolis. The downtown core has numerous noteworthy skyscrapers, including the Freedom Tower erected by Cuban refugees and the impressive Miami Tower. Brickell Avenue is the financial district but also where a lot of the trendy restaurants and bars are. Bayside Marketplace offers shopping and dining with scenic views of Biscayne Bay. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts hosts a range of cultural events.

Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is the best museum in the city. Jorge M. Pérez is literally the embodiment of what Miami means; he is from Argentina to Cuban parents of Spanish origin and lived in Colombia before moving to Miami. The contemporary art museum and gardens reflect the city's willingness to depart its image from the party scene and become an international player in the art scene. The architecture of the building is a jewel in itself if you don’t have the time to enter to see a full exhibition. It is in fact designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron.

You can also have brunch or lunch at the museum’s restaurant. It has a nice view of the gardens and the water. Don’t forget to play with the art installation, Penetrable BBL Bleu, of Jesús Rafael Soto, one of Latin America’s most celebrated artists.

Where to eat? La Mar restaurant by the renowned chef Gaston Acurio. The restaurant is located in Brickell Key and gives astonishing views of the water and the sky-risers. The cuisine showcases the diverse and rich flavours of Peruvian gastronomy. The restaurant was voted as one of the 100 most scenic restaurants in America.

Looking for more ideas?

Superblue is an immersive and experiential artwork created by renowned artists from around the world. They have large multimedia projections where you can engage with art. They also have multi-sensory experiences. My favourite installation was the cloud room which made you feel like you were playing with the clouds.

There are also other cool places, although I have never been so I cannot vouch for them. La Petite Haiti is full of mom-and-pop shops, and art galleries and has become a vibrant art scene in the last few years. If you are looking for less crowded beaches, you should head to North Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour & Surfside.

There are also other animal-related activities like Seaquarium & Jungle Island. I would strongly recommend NOT going to these two attractions to mistreat and abuse animals. These poor animals are not well treated, they are forced to perform, to interact with humans and they do not have the space and treatment they need. If you are an animal lover, stay away from these attractions, you are better off seeing the animals in the wild.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Source: By Joaquin Gonzalez Dajer - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21649583

Extending your trip

If you want to convert this trip into a 5-day Miami itinerary or a 6-day Miami itinerary, I have some ideas for you!

While visiting Miami can be an excellent micro vacation, sometimes you want to wander beyond the city and see what the rest of the Sunshine State has to offer.

The Keys and more particularly Key West is another popular trip extension from Miami, it can be reached by land and it is a 4-hour drive. The beautiful beaches and the laid-back atmosphere of the islands will make you feel on vacation the minute you arrive. And if you are like me, you will rejoice with crab cakes and seafood variety. You don’t need to drive all the way down to Key West, you can go to Key Largo or Islamorada for a similar vibe. I would suggest spending the night if you are going all the way to Key West since a day trip might be too long.

Fort Lauderdale is just a 1-hour drive from Miami. The city is known for its Las Olas Boulevard and the pristine beach of Fort Lauderdale.

Orlando and all its theme parks like Disney, Universal and more have been ingrained in our collective memories. Orlando is around a 4-hour drive north. I would also spend at least a day in Orlando for a full experience.

Tampa and St. Petersburg are the other big-city conglomerates of Florida. The region borders the Gulf of Mexico and has a very different vibe than Miami. The Bay Area is also a 4-hour drive.

Don’t forget to check out my 10-day Florida road trip itinerary for more trip ideas.

Practical info

TAP WATER

You can drink tap water so ditch your plastic bottle and fill your reusable bottle at the hotel.

GETTING in and out

Miami has an international airport (MIA). However, the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is only a 1-hour drive and sometimes the prices are cheaper. You might want to check both airports to see if you can score a good deal. These two airports offer many connections to other cities in the United States and Internationally.