This is the ultimate guide to the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, part of the larger Metropolitan Miami Florida. These two cities have great attractions to fill a 2-day visit.
From the Art Deco District of South Beach to Miami’s Little Havana and Wynwood Walls, we cover all of the best places to visit in our detailed 2-day itinerary.
Table of Contents
2-Day Miami Itinerary
- Day 1 – South Beach
- Start the day with breakfast in the Art Deco Historic District.
- Check out Lummus Park and don’t forget that essential Miami Beach photo at the South Beach Clock Tower.
- Spend the afternoon:
At the beach via Lummus Park and South Pointe Park; OR
Exploring the shops on Española Way and Lincoln Road; OR
Visiting Miami Beach’s Holocaust Memorial, Botanical Garden and the Bass, a contemporary art museum in Collins Park. - Enjoy an evening on Ocean Drive catching its flashy neon lights and nightlife.
- Day 2 – Miami Neighborhoods
- Use the Hop On Hop Off bus to explore the city of Miami.
- Check out the creative community of Wynwood and its museums, the open-air Wynwood Walls and the Graffiti Museum.
- Learn about Cuban culture in Little Havana.
- Take an afternoon boat cruise of Biscayne Bay from the marina at Bayside Marketplace.
- Enjoy a ride on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel and a walk through Bayfront Park.
- End your day with a memorable dinner at one of the excellent South Beach restaurants.
- Day 3 – (Optional)
- Fill your day with whatever you missed from Days 1 and 2 plus visit a couple Miami Museums.
Map of South Beach Attractions
South Beach
South Beach is the heart of Miami and considered one of the hottest vacation destinations in the USA. From historic Art Deco buildings to beautiful beaches and hopping nightlife, there’s plenty to see and do.
South Beach is a neighborhood within the city of Miami Beach, a barrier island east of Miami. The neighborhood is everything south of Dade Boulevard.
We stayed two nights in South Beach, close to all there is to see and do in this exciting part of Miami Beach. We spent our first full day exploring South Beach.
Art Deco Historic District
Much of the eastern part of South Beach was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Discover around 800 historic buildings from the 1920s to the 1940s in a swath of pastel colors. At night, the district comes alive with multi-color neon lights. Grab your camera (or phone) and enjoy a walk through this quasi-museum. Watch for classic cars often parked along the streets.
The district stretches from 5th Street to 23rd Street and Ocean Drive to Lenox Court. Most consider the area the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. These symbols of glamour and elegance have been preserved through thoughtful restoration efforts.
Learn about the preservation movement at the Art Deco Museum (Ocean Drive and 10th Street). A walk along Ocean Drive is the perfect way to see some of these stunning buildings.
Ocean Drive
This is the street many people picture when thinking of Miami. The street is always full of energy, with bustling outdoor cafes, hotels, bars, and shops. The famous Art Deco pastel buildings shine by day in the hot sun or by night, all lit up in beautiful neon.
Check out these street highlights. The Carlyle Hotel and cafe, on the south corner at 13th Street, was shown in the 1996 American film “The Birdcage“. On the north corner sits the Cardozo Hotel with its rounded edges. Next door, the glossy terrazzo floors of the Cavalier Hotel show off Miami’s vintage glamour. At night, the neon of the Colony Hotel (between 7th and 8th Streets) turns the clock back to the 1930’s.
The Beach at South Beach
The wide, white-sand beach runs from South Pointe Pier up the eastern shoreline of South Beach for about two miles. The beach is lined with pretty Art Deco lifeguard stands. Soak up the sunshine, take a dip in the refreshing turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or rent a beach chair and umbrella for a relaxing afternoon with your book.
Lummus Park
Between Ocean Drive’s Art Deco splendor and the Atlantic Ocean, Lummus Park’s multiple beach access points make getting to the golden sand super easy. A paved, palm-lined, multi-use path runs through the center of the entire park.
During the day see families, sun-worshippers, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders and volleyball players. At night, the area transforms into an event space often with concerts under the stars.
Stop at the South Beach Clock Tower, at 10th, near the Art Deco Museum, and the Miami Beach Sign for that essential Miami Beach photo.
Looking for a hot day spot? Nikki Beach Miami is like a day-spa but poolside with cabanas bars and a restaurant on the beach offering excellent seafood and stylish decor.
South Pointe Park and Pier
At the very southern tip of Miami Beach, this park is an ideal place to unwind and experience Miami’s beauty.
Explore the walking paths and lush green spaces complete with a children’s playground and splash pad. If Fido is traveling with you, visit the dog park for canine outdoor activities. With direct beach access, it’s easy to go for a swim, nap in the sun or just relax and soak in the views of ocean and city skyline.
Heading inland, it’s time for some shopping and quiet dining.
Espanola Way
Pedestrian-only from Collins to Drexel Avenue, east-west running Española Way has stunning Mediterranean-style buildings. They house a variety of shops and restaurants showcasing cuisine from around the world. Explore the quirky shops and upscale galleries and enjoy the culture, dining options, and lively entertainment.
Further north is another popular South Beach shopping area.
Lincoln Road Mall
Eight blocks of Lincoln Road, between Washington and Alton, are pedestrian-only. The outdoor mall mixes high-end boutiques with art galleries and outdoor cafes. It’s busy from day into night, not just for retail therapy, but a mixing of history and modern Miami. Grab an ice cream and wander past historic buildings or take in the open-air performances by local artists. It’s a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike.
From the eastern end of the mall (Washington Avenue) walk one block north to Lincoln Lane North, and Soundscape Park. Covering the full city block between Lincoln Lane and 17th Street, the park hosts outdoor movie events often with high-tech audio and visual effects. We enjoyed a break in the afternoon shade with relaxing background music.
The Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, at the western side of the park, is a live music venue. The campus of the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, is based here. Its events schedule is packed with live music of all genres.
Walk west along 17th Street, past Miami Beach City Hall to Meridian Avenue and turn right.
Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
The outdoor memorial and museum is a powerful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, honoring millions of innocent lives lost. The art installations and the memorial wall, noting names of the lost, affect many visitors deeply. Created by Holocaust survivors in 1984, names continue to be added to the wall. For more information, visit the Holocaust Memorial website.
Bordering the memorial to the east is a tranquil botanical garden.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The quiet botanical garden was the perfect place for us to relax and reset after our visit to the memorial. This 4-acre garden began as a city park in 1962, and has grown in size and scope since. It highlights native Floridian plants with other tropical plants and a small Japanese garden as well. Many use the garden as an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
From the northeast corner of the garden at Convention Centre Drive, walk along Collins Canal to Washington Avenue and east on 21st Street to Collins Park.
Collins Park
The park is the home of The Bass, Miami Beach’s premier contemporary art museum, showcasing cutting-edge exhibits from international artists. It’s open for walk-in visitors so enjoy the best contemporary art any day you choose.
The park is perfect for a break or an access point to the beach, with parking between the beach and the main greenspace.
The Miami City Ballet is to the north of the park. Since 1985, the Ballet has been presenting top notch productions. The building is also home to the Miami City Ballet School, leaders in dance education. A number of productions are presented each year. For more information about the school, performances and tickets, visit the Miami City Ballet website.
South Beach Restaurants
Renowned for its culinary diversity, South Beach presents an array of dining options. Below is a small sample of South Beach’s restaurant scene.
Start your day in South Beach at The Front Porch Café for breakfast, before exploring the neighborhood. End your day with reservations at one of its fine upscale restaurants.
| Name | Known For |
| Front Porch Cafe | Casual, all day breakfast |
| Gianni’s Restaurant | Gourmet Italian Mediterranean |
| Big Pink | Retro diner with comfort food |
| Joe’s Stone Crab | Iconic, upscale seafood restaurant |
| STK South Beach | Upscale and modern steakhouse |
| Yardbird Table & Bar | Southern comfort food and bourbon bar |
| Osteria Del Teatro | Italian elegance with pasta and seafood |
| Havana 1957 | Cuban Cuisine |
| The Clevelander Bar | Poolside bar and restaurant |
| La Sandwicherie | Popular spot serving French-style sandwiches |
South Beach Night Clubs
South Beach pulses with rhythm in its legendary nightclubs. We had a drink at Mango’s Tropical Cafe and enjoyed their Latin Cabaret Revue.
These are some of the hot spots that define the South Beach party scene.
| Night Club | Known for |
| Mango’s Tropical Cafe | Latin live performances |
| Do Not Sit On The Furniture | Authentic and intimate, deep house and electronic music |
| Basement Bowl & Skate | Fun times with DJs, bowling alley and an ice-skating rink |
| LIV | Packed dance floor with 80s music and always a chance for celebrity sightings. |
| Nikki Beach | Luxury beach club with great techno music |
Map of Miami Attractions
On Day 2, we visited attractions in Miami’s other neighborhoods.
Wynwood
Galleries, shops, tech start-ups, co-working spaces and dynamic food establishments fill renovated warehouses and factories of Miami’s former garment district. Visit artesian bakeries, bars, breweries, and fancy restaurants. The nightlife varies from casual bars to late-night clubs.
The local arts community introduced Wynwood to artists from around the world in the early-2000s, inviting them to paint murals on building walls. Today Wynwood showcases over 200 murals across a 50 city-block area. It is recognized internationally for art, innovation and creativity and as one of the largest creative communities in the United States.
On NW 26th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, Wynwood Walls features art by some of the world’s greatest street artists. This open-air gallery bursts with color and is one of the most visited art venues in the world. For information about admission and tour options, visit the Wynwood Walls website.
The Museum of Graffiti, a contemporary arts museum, presents the graffiti art movement through an indoor exhibition space, exterior murals and a fine art gallery. For ticket, exhibit and event information visit the Museum of Graffiti website.
Little Havana
Little Havana is known for its authentic Cuban cigar stores and factories, cafés with walk-up windows selling Cuban coffee, Latin American art galleries and busy restaurants alive with rhythmic music.
This part of Miami became home in the 1960s to Cubans fleeing the communist revolution. They continued their way of life creating a vibrant new community based on Havana Cuba.
Cigar Stores and Factories
Several local merchants offer a great introduction to the history and culture of the cigar. At the Little Havana Cigar Factory, breathe in the aroma of hand-rolled cigars and watch skilled artisans craft cigars in the age-old tradition.
Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park
Walk among tributes and sculptures honoring Cuban heroes and historical events along the wide, grassy boulevard of SW 13th Avenue. The park, running 4 blocks from 8th to 12th Streets, celebrates the struggles and triumphs of Cubans and Cuban Americans who fought for Cuban independence.
Domino Park
Experience the spirited culture of Little Havana at this gathering place on Calle Ocho (8th). Locals come to enthusiastically play dominoes and socialize around tables sheltered from the hot sun. We heard the sounds of tiles clacking and people talking long before we reached the busy, public square.
Downtown Miami
The core of the city of Miami is the neighborhood known as Downtown Miami. This area has a unique blend of shopping options, cultural and entertainment venues, and stunning parks with excellent views of Biscayne Bay.
Bayside Marketplace
For trendy shops, restaurants and entertainment in a beautiful, waterside setting, head to Bayside Marketplace. There’s often live music as well.
Bayside Marketplace is the starting point for the hop-on hop-off Big Bus Miami tour. Additionally, a number of boat tours leave from the adjoining marina to explore the picturesque waterways of Miami.
Be sure to catch breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline from the climate-controlled gondolas of the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. The wheel is at the southeast end of the marketplace.
Bayfront Park
This urban greenspace stretches along beautiful Biscayne Bay, south of the Bayside Marketplace. At over 32 acres, the park has lots of room to relax with stunning views amidst the skyscrapers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the city’s longest bayfront paths. Relax with a picnic under towering palm trees while the kids enjoy the playground.
The park is always busy, free for visitors to wander through any day of the week and a place where locals come to take in the bay breeze. The park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year. There is always something happening.
Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College
Learn about the role of the Freedom Tower from its beginning as the Miami Daily News headquarters to its role as the Cuban Refugee Center. The galleries share the impact of Cuban immigration on the city’s diverse heritage.
The tower was built in 1925 and became the home of the Miami News. For 12 years, beginning in 1962, thousands of Cuban refugees fleeing communist Cuba were helped here at the Cuban Assistance Centre. These immigrants transformed Miami. The Cuban community acquired the neglected tower in the early 2000’s and donated it to Miami Dade College. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008.
Miami Sports (Baseball and Basketball)
Catch the excitement of professional baseball and basketball in Downtown Miami. Miami is well-known for its dynamic sports culture.
The Miami Marlins, an MLB team, moved into LoanDepot Park in 2012. The stadium has a retractable roof and air conditioning, making a summer baseball game a “cool” entertainment option.
This city loves its NBA team, the Miami Heat. The atmosphere is electric in the stands of the Kaseya Center, on the shore of Biscayne Bay, as fans come together to cheer their beloved Heat!
Miami Museums
Miami has an impressive array of museums catering to a wide range of interests, from contemporary art to historical treasures. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit museums.
| Museum Name | Notable Features |
| Miami Area | |
| Institute of Contemporary Art | Paintings, sculpture & innovative exhibitions in an ultramodern venue |
| Museum of Graffiti | Street art and graffiti history |
| Miami Children’s Museum | Interactive exhibit complex for kids |
| Perez Art Museum Miami | Modern & contemporary international artwork of the 20th and 21st centuries |
| Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science | Hands-on weather & technology exhibits, a planetarium & an aquarium |
| HistoryMiami Museum | Miami and South Florida’s multicultural history and heritage |
| Freedom Tower | Impact of Cuban immigration on Miami and Southern Florida |
| Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | Italian Renaissance-style villa with European antiques |
| Miami Beach Area | |
| The Bass Museum of Art | Global Contemporary Art |
| World Erotic Art Museum | Sizable collection of fine erotic art from 300 BC to the present |
| The Wolfsonian – FIU | Historical and contemporary industrial design collection |
| Art Deco Museum | History of preserving the area’s 1930s Art Deco buildings |
| Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU | Jewish life in Florida & Latin America through photos & artifacts, housed in a former synagogue |
Take a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
A convenient way to explore Miami Beach and Miami’s iconic neighborhoods is on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. We chose Big Bus Tours Miami.
Its multiple stops, including South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and Downtown Miami, made it easy for us to visit these Miami neighborhoods.
This hop-on hop-off format is perfect for cruise ship passengers with limited time to see all of the city highlights. (Be sure to purchase your ticket before you arrive in port.)
The tour includes informative commentary about each stop and along the way. To explore a stop, simply disembark, take your time exploring and catch the next bus when you’re ready. It’s a simple way to experience the best of Miami without a car.
Big Bus has one or two-day passes to suit your itinerary. Add a Biscayne Bay cruise to see the city’s beautiful, waterfront mansions. They also have a separate tour to see Miami at night.
South Beach Miami Accommodations
Looking for a hotel in South Beach Miami?
Make South Beach your home base while exploring the Miami area. Check out these great options.
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel – Amazing resort hotel in the middle of Miami Beach
- Shepley South Beach Hotel – Stay in this 1930s-era art deco style hotel.
- Other great hotels in the Miami Beach area.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Miami
How many days should I spend in Miami?
A 2-Day visit is perfect to explore the highlights of both Miami and Miami Beach. See the Art Deco Historic District of South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana and Downtown Miami and still have time to relax on the beach. With 3 days, you can move more slowly and relax more fully.
What is the Best Time to visit Miami?
The Best Time to Visit Miami is between December and May. While sunny weather, beautiful beaches and exciting sites are available year-round, these months are better. Miami’s rainy season is from May through September. The wettest months are June, August, and September and driest are December, January, and February. January is the coldest month with an average high of 24C and low of 16C. Miami’s tourism high season is between December and February.
Is there public transport in Miami and Miami Beach? Do I need a car?
Yes there is public transportation in Miami. The Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus all provide low-cost or free ways for you to get around Miami without using taxis, rideshares or rental cars. There a direct bus between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Trolleys, bikes or your own two feet also work well around Miami Beach. If you want to explore beyond Miami, unfortunately a car is a must. Rent your car only for the time you are out of the city, as parking can be tricky and expensive. Hop-on Hop- off buses are a great way to move between spots within the city on a 2-day visit.
Are Miami and Miami Beach walkable cities?
Yes, walking is the perfect way to get around South Beach and Downtown Miami. Other neighborhoods in the city are also walkable and easily reached by public transit.
Is there a shuttle from Miami airport to South Beach?
Mia Mover provides free shuttle services from Miami Airport to Downtown. To get to South Beach (Ocean Drive), use the Miami Beach Airport Express shuttle.
Are there public transit options from Port of Miami, Miami’s cruise port?
Sadly the Port of Miami is not served by any public transit options. Many cruise lines offer shuttles to Miami Airport. Be sure to check with your cruise line before arriving in port. Some area hotels offer shuttles from the port and to the airport. Verify pickup points before arriving in port as it is a huge place.
What part of Miami should I stay in?
South Beach, known for its safety, remains one of the top choices for travelers to Miami. Miami Beach, and Mid-Beach specifically (the area just north of South Beach), has many of the area’s celebrated hotels and excellent restaurants. We stayed in South Beach.
Florida Keys Road Trip – Miami to Key West
The Florida Keys are located just south of Miami and provide another great destination in Florida.
Check out our detailed Florida Keys Road Trip article. We cover all the best places to stop, as you drive the Keys toward the party-loving city of Key West.
