Planning a trip to Miami? My husband and I have been going there the past few years to get away from the Minnesota cold. Miami has a delicious food scene and fun atmosphere. I’d recommend spending 3 – 5 days there to experience what the city has to offer. Continue reading to learn about best things to do and where to eat in Miami, Florida.
THINGS TO DO
Day 1
Key highlights:
- Walk along Miami Beach
- Shop at Lincoln Road Mall
After breakfast, head to Miami Beach. You can walk or bike on the boardwalk along the beach. If you need to cool off, grab a smoothie at Joe & the Juice.
Then head over to Lincoln Road Mall to shop at a variety of stores and grab some lunch. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from and outdoor seating so you can enjoy the nice weather.
Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Mammamia Gelato Italiano for some unique flavors and creamy gelato.
Once you’re done, head back to where you’re staying to relax and get ready for dinner.
For dinner, head to Call Me Gaby for some Italian food. We’ve gone back each year, because we’re obsessed with the FIOCCHETTI ALLE PERE E TARTUFO entrée – it’s delicious! You can’t go wrong with their pizzas either. And to end the night, try the tiramisu.
Day 2
Key highlights:
- Walk around Espanola Way
- Spend the day at Miami Beach
- Enjoy Miami nightlife
Get started with breakfast or brunch at A La Folie Café, a French café located in Espanola Way. We’ve gone back here each year to get their savory crepes. It’s a quaint spot with both savory and sweet crepes. Highly recommend!
After breakfast, you can walk along Espanola Way. It’s a charming area with many other restaurants.
Once you’re done, make your way to Miami Beach to tan at the beach and swim in the ocean. Check with your hotel if they have beach chairs included in the resort fee or you can rent chairs and umbrellas at the beach for a fee.
For dinner, head to Sushi Garage in Miami Beach. It has a nice ambiance and good quality sushi. There’s also a happy hour available here too.
Once you’re done with dinner, head to South Beach to enjoy Miami nightlife. You can find restaurants, bars and clubs on that strip.
Day 3
Key highlights:
- Walk around and shop at the Brickell City Centre
- Check out Wynwood Walls
Start the day by grabbing coffee and a bite to eat at Cortadito Coffee.
After breakfast, head over to Brickell to walk around downtown Miami and do some shopping at the Brickell City Centre. While you’re over there, take a break from shopping and stop by Puttshack for a game of mini golf.
Then, head over to the Wynwood to grab lunch at a restaurant or stop at a brewery to enjoy a beer and snack. After you’re done, check out different murals in the Wynwood Walls area.
For dinner, head to Amara at Paraiso, offering upscale Latin fare with a large deck overlooking Biscayne Bay so you can enjoy nice views of Miami.
If you want to stay out late, end the night back in South Beach.
WHERE TO STAY
We’ve typically stayed in the Miami Beach area when we’ve travelled to Miami. There are many hotels and Airbnbs to choose from.
- Miami Beach: You’ll be near South Beach and can easily walk around in that area. It’ll also be less noisy because you’ll be further from the nightlife.
- South Beach: This puts you right in the heart of the touristy area and nightlife that South Beach has to offer. You can easily walk to many other spots around.
- Downtown Miami: This area is a bit further from Miami Beach and South Beach, so you’ll need to catch a ride there, but it’ll be quieter and you’ll still have plenty to do being right downtown.
I searched on Airbnb and hotels.com to find affordable places to stay depending on what you’re looking for.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW AS YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP
- You can easily walk around Miami Beach or South Beach and don’t need a car. You can use Lyft or Uber to catch a ride to areas nearby, such as downtown Miami, Wynwood, etc., or you can rent a car. If you rent a car, check with your hotel or Airbnb to see if there’s parking included or you’ll need to find public parking nearby. Just know that parking can be costly in Miami.
- If you have more time, here are some other restaurants to check out:
- Restaurants:
- La Sandwicherie
- Tropezon
- The Drexel
- Pane & Vino
- Juvia – rooftop restaurant
- Restaurants:
Hope you enjoy your trip to Miami!
For more itineraries and destination ideas, check out my Travel page.