Got 3 days to experience the beaches, bars and bright lights of this non-stop city? Plan your Miami itinerary well, and you can see and do a lot in 72 hours. And, you’ll still come back with a golden tan. Win.
Here’s how to do all your Miami sightseeing in just 3 days…
DAY 1
Daytime
Get acquainted with this beachside city as soon as you arrive by exploring its main districts and points of interest. Miami is a sprawling city, so to make the best of your time, you’ll need to get around by car or opt for a guided bus tour. A hop-on, hop-off tour with a dedicated guide will ensure you get all the info you need on Miami’s top sights. And, of course, you’ll have the option to get off when an attraction takes your fancy.
The front-runners when it comes to sightseeing in Miami are Miami Beach, Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museums & Gardens and Little Havana. Explore them all and you’ll get a well-rounded introduction to this eclectic city. Wynwood Walls is Miami’s famous street art district (and one of the best in the world) with colorful murals adorning the walls and work by world-famous artists to spot. This area is also home to loads of quirky cafes, shops and bars. You’ve also got the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens which is a glorious 34-room, European-designed mansion. And, Little Havana, which is Miami’s very own slice of the Caribbean right in the city center. Explore each area at your own pace, enjoying the laid-back city vibes. And don’t forget to make frequent stops at the Cuban cafes and beachside bars.
City Loop – Red Route
Evening
Miami is known as ‘The Magic City’, and nobody knows why - it might be something to do with the sunsets that have to be seen to be believed, and the way the city comes to life at night. Spend your first night in Miami enjoying a sundowner at one of the beach bars. Juvia and Monty’s Sunset in Miami Beach are some of the best places to get a view of the colorful evening sky.
DAY 2
Daytime
Use this day to revisit areas of the city that took your fancy, or places you might have missed. The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a great place to dedicate more time to, with a 34-room mansion and 10 acres of sprawling gardens to enjoy.
Or, learn about Miami’s culture and history at the art-focused museums and galleries. The city has its own Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. There’s the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Rubell Family Art Collection if you’re into your fine art. And a contemporary art museum called The Bass. Kids will love the aptly named Miami Children’s Museum, which is one of the biggest of its kind, spread over 14 galleries with exhibits for every age group.
Beach Loop – Blue Route
City Loop – Red Route, Stop: Vizcaya Museums & Gardens
If you’re more into animals than art, head to Miami Zoo which is home to no less than 2,000 animal residents. Thanks to the tropical environment, you’ll find unique species from across the globe in their natural habitat, and the zoo’s open-air setting and cage-free environment means you’ll get a safari-esque experience.
If you prefer animals of the underwater variety, pick the Miami Seaquarium which is home to dolphins, penguins, sea lions, turtles and more.
Evening
It’s time to see the bright lights of the city and experience what Miami has to offer after dark. For a proper introduction to Miami’s nighttime scene, join a Night Tour, and you’ll be taken around the illuminated city to see its best spots. Your tour guide will provide stories and facts about everything you see, and offer top tips on where to spend the rest of the evening.
Night Tour – Yellow Route
DAY 3
Daytime
Time to hit the beach (if you haven’t already!). The city’s sun-soaked beaches beg to be explored, and there are plenty for you to choose from. Lummus Park Beach is the lively one, and Haulover Beach is the quiet, family friendly spot with soft sands and shallow, paddle-friendly waters. And, Crandon Park is all about picture perfect views and wide open spaces if you want to find that perfect sunbathing spot.
If you’ve ticked off the beaches already and would rather get out and explore, venture further out of the city into the surrounding area. You can head up to the Florida Everglades and take an airboat tour across the wetlands to do some alligator spotting. Or, take a trip down to Key Largo to do some serious snorkeling – this place has been voted one of the top diving spots in the world countless times. The choice is yours!
Big Bus Everglades Experience Tickets
Evening
Head back to Little Havana and hip-swing the night away at a salsa club. Calle Ocho is where you’ll find the main bars and clubs (just follow the sounds of Cuban music) and freshly made mojitos on tap.
Ready to see Miami’s best bits? Follow the itinerary above to get the perfect blend of cultural attractions, sandy beaches and buzzing nightlife on your break. Check out our bus routes for more Miami sightseeing inspiration too.
