Miami In 1 Day

There is so much to see in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, so if you only have 24 hours, expect a fun, action-packed day. Follow this itinerary for the best of the destination, from sunrise at the beach to the renowned nightlife and everything in-between.

Early Morning: Wake Up and Watch the Sunrise Over the Water

Set your alarm and get up before the sun – the sunrise in Miami is something you don’t want to miss. If you’re staying in or near Miami Beach, you can see it from the sand on any of the area’s nine miles of gorgeous beaches (just make sure you’re on the Atlantic Ocean side). Active visitors can see it during 3rd Street Beach Yoga, a donation-only sunrise yoga session right on the sand at 3rd Street and Ocean Drive.

Morning: A Sandy Start

Since you’re already at the beach, stay for a while and enjoy the destination’s most famous attraction. Miami Beach is actually divided into three smaller beach areas. South Beach is undeniably the most popular – it’s the part of Miami you see in the movies or on television – and spans from South Pointe Park north to 23rd Street. Rent a chair or spread your towel at Lummus Park, where you can get a prime view of Ocean Drive’s candy-colored Art Deco skyline. Mid Beach, between 24th and 60th streets, is where you’ll find many of Miami Beach’s luxury hotels and resorts. North Beach is decidedly quieter, with wide stretches of sand where family and friends can spread out their beach gear and, if they’re lucky, maybe even get the beach to themselves. To see more than one area, walk, run, bike or skate up the Beachwalk, which lines the Atlantic Ocean.

Lunch: A Creative Lunch in a Creative Neighborhood

At lunchtime, head to Wynwood, a thriving neighborhood that’s a hub of street and contemporary art. The heart and soul of Wynwood is Wynwood Walls, a collection of buildings that have become outdoor canvasses for muralists and graffiti artists around the world. Creativity abounds; enjoy it on both the walls and your plate when you try popular restaurants such as Joey’s Wynwood, Kush or Zak the Baker.

Afternoon: Explore Little Havana

Experience Miami’s Cuban culture in Little Havana, where you can see master cigar rollers hand-rolling authentic Cuban cigars, watch locals play dominoes and talk politics at Máximo Gómez Park (popularly known as Domino Park), check out the monuments to Cuban revolutionaries, and dance salsa in the streets. At 3:05 p.m. (“305” is Miami’s original area code), it’s time for a Cuban coffee break, so join the locals lining up for café con leche and a croqueta at one of the neighborhood’s many “ventanitas” (little windows).

Night: Dinner and Drinks in Coconut Grove

Miami was named Bon Appétit's 2023 Food City of the Year, and for good reason. Find out why in Coconut Grove, the destination’s oldest neighborhood and one of its most beautiful. Get dinner at one of its one-star MICHELIN restaurants and enjoy innovative American cuisine with a Cuban influence at Ariete by Michael Beltran or Mexican favorites at Los Félix. Bombay Darbar is a staple for Indian food, Amal serves modern Lebanese dishes and Bellini is an ultra-elegant dining experience for fine Italian fare and truffled pastas. Monty’s Raw Bar is a classic for casual seafood right on the water.

After dinner, get drinks at Sipsip Calypso Rum Bar on the open-air rooftop of Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, or stop by The Taurus or Victoria's Vinos y Vermuteria for beer, cocktails and wine.

Late Night: Experience Miami’s Great Nightlife

Not ready to go to sleep? Hop in an Uber or Lyft and head to the beach. After all, Miami Beach is known for its nightclubs. Start at Do Not Sit on the Furniture, then make your way north to LIV at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. For something more low-key but equally fabulous, stop by Living Room at Faena Hotel Miami Beach or Basement at The Miami Beach EDITION. For something different, go old school and drink at Miami bars like Tropezón (on Española Way) or Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company (which made the North America’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023).