Miami Beach is known for its white-sand beaches, sexy party scene, and flavorful food. Beyond that, there is so much to see and do from Brickell, Wynwood, Downtown, and Southbeach. I lived in Fort Lauderdale for over 8 years and spent many sleepless nights exploring Miami but still every time I go back there is something new!
I put together the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Miami with a mix of bucket list items, local favorites, and the best foodie spots! Here is your Guide to a Weekend in Miami!
Things to Know Before You Go
Best time to go: October through April offers the best weather, summertime is very touristy and also rainy hurricane season
Language: English and Spanish
Money: US Dollar ($USD), 15-20% tips are the norm, and ATMs are located all over the city
How to Get to Miami
✈️ Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
🚌 Tri-Rail: The Tri-Rail runs from West Palm Beach to Miami and costs anywhere from $1.75 to $8.75 depending on departure and arrival stations.
Getting Around Miami
South Beach is very walkable but downtown Miami and the surrounding areas are not. Here are some other options:
🚗 Car Rental: Rent a car from DiscoverCars.com here at the Miami International Airport (MIA).
🚙 Ride-Sharing
🚲 Citibike
Friday
Run/Walk on Miami Beach Board Walk
If you’re an early riser like I am, start your day watching the sunrise on the beach. Then go for a run or stroll on the boardwalk. The Miami Beach Boardwalk is a wooden path that runs along the edge of the sand, it offers incredible beach views and is great for people watching.
Grab Smoothie at Sobe Vegan or Pura Vida – South of Fifth
Sobe Vegan is my go-to brunch spot when I’m looking for something healthy! Their açaí bowl is one of my favorite things on the menu. Their South Beach location is very IG-worthy but also check out their Fort Lauderdale location in my Best Brunch Spots in Fort Lauderdale here.
Relax at the Beach
Arrive early to grab a prime spot on the beach! There are cabanas, chairs, and umbrellas for rent or bring your beach towel. Don’t forget to bring water and your SPF, it gets super hot!
My favorite SPF Moisturizer is tinted which is perfect for still looking a little glam at the beach!
Explore the Art Deco District on Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is an absolute must for your visit to South Beach with the bright colors and lights, retro cars, and funky architecture. Here are the iconic Art Deco buildings to stop and check out Colony Hotel, Waldorf Towers Hotel, Hotel Breakwater South Beach, The Carlyle Hotel, Pelican Hotel, and McAlpin.
Wander Around Española Way
The first development in Miami, Española Way, was developed in the 1920s and the street was designed to look like a historic Mediterranean Spanish village. Walking down the streets will transport you to a different time and there’s the perfect variety of restaurants. cafes, and boutiques
Dinner at Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine
Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine is located on the corner of Washington and Española Way and offers an authentic taste of Cuba! Cuban music pours out of the restaurant to their outdoor seating and vintage memorabilia fills the inside. Whenever I’ve been away from Miami for too long and I’m craving Cuban food, this is where I come.
Grab Gelato or Ice Cream at Konos
Española Way has a few gelato and ice cream spots but Konos is one of my favorites with a wide selection of original and unique flavors. Indoor seating is available but outdoor is perfect for people watching!
Looking for a late night snack?
Big Pink
Big Pink is a Miami classic for a late-night diner with its retro vibes and signature pink Volkswagen Beetles outside.
Saturday
Brunch at The Social Club or Local House
The Social Club is a local favorite for Sunday brunch with craft cocktails, a farm-to-table menu, and beautiful outdoor seating. The aesthetic is very Miami with chandeliers set against clean white lines, pops of color accents, and a huge skylight roof. I love their Belgium Cinnamon Waffles and The Breakfast Sandwich.
Retail Therapy on Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is one of Miami’s most well-known streets. It’s in the heart of South Beach and offers 10 blocks of walkable designer brands, trendy boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and bars. Even if you’re not into shopping, its definitely a must-visit in Miami as oftentimes there’s street entertainment, music, and popups along the pedestrian walkway.
Miami Design District
Miami’s Design District is a 20-minute walk from Wynwood, so it’s nice to stop here if you didn’t quench your shopping thirst and it’s also a nice stroll to enjoy the modern architecture.
Wynwood Walls & Art District
Although it’s not on South Beach, Wynwood is one of the coolest areas in Miami for locals and tourists alike. Pop into art galleries, stroll around and check out the street art, and of course, hit up Wynwood Walls which is located in the center of the district. The Wynwood Walls is an open-air outdoor art museum showcasing murals and graffiti from over 50 artists around the world.
Dinner at Beaker & Gray
A quick walk from the Wynwood walls will bring you to this trendy restaurant Beaker & Gray. Serving up elevated cocktails and tapas-style dishes. When I tell you everything on the menu is delicious, I’m not kidding. I tried so many of their small plates and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The ambiance is sophisticated with a trendy playlist and the servers are extremely knowledgeable about their dishes and cocktails ensuring you’ll enjoy each one.
Sunday
Brunch in Brickell at American Social or Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
Both American Social (AmSo) and Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita are staples in Brickell and offer delicious and trendy brunches.
American Social is an upscale sports bar and restaurant with signature cocktails and incredible food. Some of my favorite items are Donut Holes, Cinnamon French Toast Crunch, and Brunch in the Keys.
The upscale garden aesthetic makes Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita absolutely gorgeous inside and out. A few of my favorite brunch items are their Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, Smoked Mahi Mahi Fish Dip, and Veggie Brunch Wrap.
Pool Party
Miami is known for its white-sand beaches, ultra A-list club scene, and sexy pool parties. All the best hotels in South Beach have epic pool parties; the most popular are Cleavlender South Beach, Fountainbleau, Shore Club South Beach, Hyde Beach Club at SLS Miami Beach, Nikki Beach, and Mondrian South Beach.
Grab this SPF Moisturizer to protect your skin. It’s my favorite because it’s tinted which is perfect for still looking a little glam at the pool!
Dinner at Moshi Moshi Sushi Restaurant or Serena Rooftop
Moshi Moshi Sushi Restaurant is right next to Havana 1957 on Washington Street. They offer traditional Japanese seating inside and covered outdoor seating ideal for people watching. They serve elevated sushi rolls with large portions perfect for sharing!
Serena Rooftop Restaurant is an open-air terrace atop the Moxy Hotel. It’s beyond Instagram-worthy with twinkly fairy lights, lush greenery, neon pink signs and couches, and funky artwork. The flavor continues in their dishes which are Caribbean and Latin American inspired. My absolute favorite thing on the menu hands down was the churros dipped in hot chocolate! DROOL!
Looking for Nightlife?
LIV is the place to be on a Sunday night and definitely a South Beach bucket list destination!
Monday
Breakfast at Planta
Planta South Beach is an upscale vegan plant-based restaurant. The vibe is very contemporary chic with lots of greenery! It’s a bit pricier for brunch but well worth it! I’m a sucker for their Shakshuka and smoothie bowls!
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Villa Vizcaya is a 34 room mansion that was owned by James Deering in the 1920s but opened to the public in the 1950s as a museum. It is now a national historical heritage site owned by Miami Dade County.
The lush surrounding 50-acre gardens and European art and furnishings are reminiscent of Versace in Paris. It’s a lovely escape from the hectic Miami city life and only takes about 3 hours to cover the grounds. Grab a guided tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens here.
Little Havana
While you’re off the island and venturing a bit further, head over to one of the city’s most famous streets, Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Its thriving Cuban community offers history, culture, and the spicy Cuban flair in its restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Tuesday
Breakfast at Lilikoi Organic Living or The Local House
Lilikoi Organic provides locally grown fresh produce that is eco-friendly and carefully selected. It’s a cute minimalistic cafe in South Beach with all the delicious smoothies, juices, kombucha, and teas as well as organic and gluten-free dishes.
Head to the Airport
Staying in South Florida for longer? Check out my favorite brunch spots in Fort Lauderdale here.
