12 Hours in Miami: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Miami Day Trip
Full disclosure: you might have that Will Smith song stuck in your head throughout this entire post.
I recently got back from a short trip to Miami and I was reminded just how much I love this city. Its the perfect getaway- good food, beautiful scenery, and plenty of things to do.
Every time I go to Miami, it seems like I am only there for a day or two. A few years ago I took a cruise from Miami and I had a day to explore the city before setting sail. I’ve also added Miami as a mini-excursion from other parts of Florida, like Boca Raton and Orlando.
If you are planning a Miami day trip, keep reading. I’ve done this day trip a few times and in this post, I’ve compiled my best suggestions for how to maximize your time in this sunny city.
Ready? Sing it with me “I’m going to Miami….”
Getting Here
You can reach Miami by flying into the Miami International Airport, which is about 15 miles outside of South Beach.
If you plan to drive, it is very accessible from Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach.
AMTRAK Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains stop in Miami. Greyhound and Megabus also service Miami.
Transportation
To get around Miami, it is helpful to have your own car. But, parking can be challenging and expensive (especially around South Beach) so it is often easier to use ride-sharing or public transportation.
I prefer using Uber or Lyft in Miami, but there are also some great public transportation options. Miami offers buses, a free trolly system and trains. If you are considering using Miami’s public transportation, check out this detailed guide by TimeOut Miami.
Good to Know
Miami and Miami Beach are actually two different cities. Miami Beach is a barrier island that is separated from the city of Miami by Biscayne Bay. You will find the famous South Beach on the island of Miami Beach.
As you plan your Miami day trip, don’t miss:
- Wynwood
- South Beach
- Art Deco sites
- Cuban food
On my most recent day trip to Miami, I made time for each of these stops. I had no trouble fitting all of these in.
Wynwood
Wynwood is Miami’s hipster art-district. It is known for colorful murals and breweries in converted warehouses.
I started my day at The Salty Donut in Wynwood. I quickly fell in love with this bakery. Everything is made from scratch in small batches. They offer a seasonally rotating menu of gourmet donuts with flavors like Butterscotch + Caramel Popcorn and Guava + Cheese.
They also serve a unique Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte. The line was out the door when I stopped by, but this place was worth the wait.
If you want to grab coffee somewhere else, stop by Panther Coffee. This is a very popular local coffee roaster and cafe. You can hang out in the outdoor courtyard while sipping on your cortado or latte.
After enjoying your treats, spend some time walking around and enjoying the street art. I followed this self-guided tour from Huffington Post, but you can also wander around NW 2nd Ave to see some of the best murals in the art district. Or, stop by the (free) Wynwood Walls exhibit to see even more street art.
South Beach
After a relaxing morning in Wynwood, I made my way to South Beach. I happened to visit over Spring Break, so the crowds were heavy. But it’s South Beach, so you should always prepare for traffic and a bit of chaos.
There are a few parking garages near Ocean Drive if you plan to drive your car. Surprisingly these were not too expensive. I parked for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon for less than $10.
Once you get to South Beach, soak up the vibe. This is what most people picture when you think of Miami. The sidewalk along the palm tree-lined Ocean Drive makes for a great afternoon stroll. Or head to the beach and enjoy South Flordia’s sun.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive. Many of the beach front hotels also have eateries that are open to the public, but make sure to check the signs because some are only offered to hotel guests.
Art Deco Architecture
As you explore South Beach, you will realize that the streets are filled with colorful art deco buildings. Miami has the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world. These were almost destroyed in the 1970s, but a group of concerned citizens was able to protect these buildings.
Now, many of the city’s iconic restaurants, hotels, and clubs are found in these art deco buildings.
You can simply walk along Ocean Drive or follow this self-guided walking tour to enjoy the architecture. Or, stop by the small Art Deco Museum to learn even more.
Although not Art Deco, don’t miss the Versace Mansion as you explore Ocean Drive. This stunning villa was once owned by the fashion designer Gianni Versace. After his death, it was turned into a boutique hotel (fun fact-Justin Bieber once stayed here) and now also operates as a restaurant.
Cuban Food
If you don’t do anything else, make sure you get some Cuban food while you are in Miami.
During the Cuban Revolution, many people fled to Miami. Now there is a rich Cuban cultural presence in the city. You can visit Little Havana and Calle Ocho to experience some of this culture for yourself.
Cuban food is one of my absolute favorite cuisines. But, it is hard to find great Cuban food in the US anywhere besides Miami. So, while you are here, make sure you get your fill!
My picks are Versailles and Havana 1957. After opening in 1971, Versailles quickly became the most popular Cuban restaurant in Miami. Havana 1957 is more of a chain-style restaurant with a few locations throughout the city.
Wherever you decide to go, I highly recommend trying croquetas, black beans, rice, plantains, and ropa vieja.
Bonus: Botanical Gardens
We’ve covered my must-dos for a Miami day trip, but if you have extra time you might want to check out the Miami Botanical Gardens. This
This is a nice place to escape the chaos of South Beach. You can follow the self-guided tour signs around the park to learn more about the fauna. Or, find a spot to sit and relax under the lush shade trees.
Check the website’s calendar to learn about events. Yoga, concerts, and festivals are frequently held in the gardens.
I hope you are excited to plan your Miami day trip! What are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this post, feel free to share it or pin it!
