How To Spend The Weekend In Miami, Florida (2 Days In Miami For The First-time Visitor!)
Miami is one of the most alluring destinations in the United States. With its fantastic year-round weather, white sand beaches, and epic nightlife, it’s a city you must visit at least once!
Read on for everything you need to know about spending a weekend in Miami, Florida!
Getting To Miami
- Miami International Airport to South Beach – 20 minute drive
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to South Beach – 50 minute drive
- Palm Beach International Airport to South Beach – 1 hour 20 minute drive
- Orlando International Airport to South Beach – 3 hour 20 minute drive
Looking for cheap flights? Be sure to sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get cheap flight alerts delivered right to your inbox. It’s a free service I’ve used for years and couldn’t recommend more.
Where To Stay In Miami
South Beach is most likely where you’ll want to stay when visiting Miami. South Beach refers to the southern tip of Miami Beach, see red outline in the map below.
Miami Beach itself is primarily inhabited by retirees and families, but South Beach is whole different animal. Here you’ll find models and celebrities frequenting some of the best nightlife in the world, photo worthy beaches, luxury oceanfront hotels and the world’s largest collection of Art Deco Architecture.
Note: Miami proper, or “downtown” Miami is a different city than Miami Beach. Miami Beach is the small barrier island near Miami. If you’d prefer to stay downtown, I’d recommend Brickell.
Snag a hotel with a private beach area, such as The Confidante Miami Beach, so you don’t have to worry about lugging around your own lounge chairs and umbrellas all weekend.
How To Get Around
South Beach is very compact so traffic and parking can be a headache as well as expensive. Save yourself the trouble and don’t rent a car unless you’re planning day trips outside of town.
Uber and Lyft are readily available in Miami, though walking or biking is ideal, if possible, to avoid traffic.
The Best Things To Do With A Weekend In Miami
Hit The Beach
While in Miami you’ll want to take advantage of the white sand beaches and turquoise water by spending at least one day (or the entire weekend) lounging by the ocean.
As I mentioned above, for the most low-stress beach experience find a hotel with a private beach. Not only will the beach be steps from your room but there will also be a lounge chair and umbrella waiting for you.
If you prefer to be right in the action Lummus Park off Ocean Drive is for you. Here you’ll find the colorful, Instagram famous lifeguard stands and plenty of bars hosting all day parties!
Explore Wynwood Walls In Miami
Be sure to check out Wynwood Walls during your weekend in Miami! This outdoor museum showcases huge, colorful graffiti murals by artists from all around the world.
Ten years ago the founder, late Tony Goldman, saw Wynwood’s surplus of window-less warehouse walls and imagined giant canvases for the under appreciated street art scene.
Since then Wynwood Walls has featured over 50 artists from 16 different countries. It’s an incredible way to utilize a previously underwhelming corner of Miami!
While you’re in the area grab a coffee and vegan baked goods from the local’s favorite, Panther Coffee.
Visit The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
Thanks to Miami’s tropical climate you’ll find beautiful, lush plant life growing here in abundance!
Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a free attraction located right in the heart of town. Among the fountains and ponds are hundreds of plants such as orchids, philodendrons, and flowering trees. The Botanical Gardens also feature a Native Garden, Edible Garden, and Japanese Garden. Be sure to check this out while enjoying your weekend in Miami.
You May Also Like: 21 Of The Best Nature Things To Do In Miami
Go For A Sunset Cruise In Miami
For a special experience sail through the calm water’s of Miami’s Biscayne Bay. You’ll find many companies offering a variety of tour options. We chose a private sunset sail, which you can book here!
This was not only a great way to catch the sunset but it also provided excellent views of downtown Miami. The sunset sail was a great experience and the highlight of our weekend in Miami!.
Prefer something a little more low key? Check out So Flo Water Adventures for a nighttime paddle along the Miami River which offers great views of the skyline.
People Watch & Admire The Architecture Along Ocean Drive
South Beach’s famous Ocean Drive is where you’ll find a huge collection of colorful, art deco architecture. This stretch is packed full of outdoor cafes, boutique shops, and beautifully renovated historic hotels.
For those curious, art deco refers to a popular decorative style of the 1920 – 30’s and is characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes.
Walk, bike, or roller blade while enjoying the striking architecture and great views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tip: Mornings are very quiet in Miami making this is a great time explore Ocean Drive without the crowds.
While you’re here be sure to take a peek at Villa Casa Casuarina, the late Gianni Versace’s mansion turned luxury hotel.
Relax At Cape Florida Lighthouse
At the southern tip of Miami Beach, about 30 minutes from South Beach, is an island called Key Biscayne where you’ll find the beautiful Cape Florida Lighthouse. This is a relaxing and quiet area to walk around and take in the views.
The lighthouse is close to the city but just far enough away to find some serenity. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset or an afternoon away from the boisterous crowds of South Beach.
Have More Time In Miami?
Check out some additional ideas of what to do while visiting Miami!
- Spend a day at Everglades or Biscayne National Park
- Shop at Bayside Marketplace
- Do a stand up paddle tour with manatees
- Explore Little Havana
As you can see there’s so many excellent things to do with just 2 days in Miami. This is a city that deserves many visits! I hope you enjoy your time in Miami!
If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Miami guides!
More Ideas For Your Miami Vacation:
- 21 Of The Best Nature Things To Do In Miami
- Miami Packing List For Each Season
- The Best Things To Do In Miami For A Bachelorette Party
More Information For Your Trip To The South:
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