Looking for fun ways to spend 3 days in Miami? This itinerary takes all of the guesswork out of planning your trip so you can focus your time on visiting the best bits.
In this article – we share the perfect 3-day Miami itinerary so that you can make the most of your limited time in the city.
We visited Miami for a week in April 2023 but only had three days for sightseeing. So having done lots of careful research and then travelled to the top attractions, we’ve whittled down exactly which ones are worth your time (and which you can skip).
Here’s a quick overview of our recommended 3-day Miami itinerary…
Day 1
- Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace and river cruise
- Perez Art Museum and Maurice A. Ferre Park
- Design District and Wynwood Walls
Day 2
- Little Havana
- Miami Beach
Day 3
- Vizcaya Museum
- Coconut Grove
Let’s explore each of these activities in more detail…
Miami Day 1 – Downtown & Arty Neighbourhoods
Most people who visit Miami start off in Downtown, either because they’re arriving via the cruise terminal or from the airport metro line. This area and nearby Brickell make a great base for exploring the rest of the city.
Start off your first day with a walk around Bayfront Park and the adjoining Miami River Walk. They’re in the heart of downtown Miami with its towering skyscrapers, yet still feel tranquil as they overlook the water. There’s plenty to see within the park itself which includes an amphitheatre, war memorial, and huge water fountain at its centre.
From Bayfront Park, walk to Bayside Marketplace for a mid-morning coffee or bite to eat. It’s a buzzing shopping and restaurant hub where you’ll be spoilt for choice, no matter what you’re looking for. From here you can watch the cruise ships come in and take in views over the water.
Many of the river cruises leave from this area too. You can hop on a boat and be chauffeured around the waterways of Miami for 1-2 hours. It’s a relaxing way to see more of the city and glimpse views that can’t be seen from the roads and sidewalks.
In the afternoon head north to Perez Art Museum and take in some of its modern, contemporary pieces on show. Inside its stunning glass building you’ll find paintings, sculptures, visual arts, and experiential installations.
The museum is located in Maurice A. Ferre Park which is also worth exploring in its own right. You can take in some beautiful views across the bay and enjoy its unique outdoor sculptures like the Giant Head statue.
Next head to Miami’s Design District, its high-end shopping and architecture hub. Even if you’re not into designer brands, it’s a lovely compact area to wander around with tree-lined streets and impressive window displays.
From here, it’s a 5 minute taxi to the highlight of any Miami trip – Wynwood Walls. This area is a hub for street artists with endless murals and graffiti art on display. It’s also one of the hottest places for evening drinks, so the perfect place to round out day one of your Miami itinerary.
You might also like… The Best Boutique Hotels In Miami, from Downtown to South Beach.
Miami Day 2 – Little Havana & Beaches
Kick off your second day in Miami with a trip to Little Havana. This Cuban enclave is vibrant, lively and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Wander up and down the main street, taking in the shops, architecture, and street art along the way. Detour via Calle Ocho and Domino Park as you explore this hispanic slice of the city.
There are impressive wall murals, fascinating tiled artworks, and even uniquely designed trash cans on every street corner! Not to mention incredible live bands playing in the outdoor restaurants which add to the fun, party atmosphere.
In the afternoon, it’s time to hit the beach. Jump in a taxi to Miami Beach Marina and then enjoy a long stroll along the beach and boardwalk. Pass South Pointe Park with its lighthouse and pier, then follow the coastal promenade as it curves north towards the beach.
At the 1st Street Lifeguard Tower, turn left and walk one block until you reach Ocean Drive. Here you’ll find the stunning art deco buildings that Miami is famous for. Walk north up Ocean Drive taking in the unique architecture and stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along the way. CJ’s Crab Shack is popular with locals thanks to its fresh, tasty seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring Lummus Park, South Beach, and Miami Beach with its dreamy boardwalk. Take some time to enjoy the ocean, relax on the sand, and soak up the chilled vibes that Miami is famous for. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants or rooftop bars.
Miami Day 3 – Vizcaya & Coconut Grove
On your third day in Miami, hop onto the metro south to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This attraction is one the top-rated activities in Miami and for good reason – it’s a historic estate with an impressive mediterranean-style mansion, gorgeous gardens, and mesmerising sculptures.
Just two more stops on the metro will bring you to Coconut Grove, a favourite with diplomats and in-the-know locals who want to enjoy the relaxed Miami beach vibe without the crowds.
Start by exploring David T. Kennedy Park which overlooks the water and nearby yacht clubs. Then head to Monty’s for lunch where you’ll be spoilt for choice with fresh seafood and a raw fish bar. After you’ve rested and refuelled, explore Regatta Park and Peacock Park before ending up at Coco Walk for some retail therapy. From here it’s a short walk back to the metro and onwards to your hotel.
What’s not worth seeing in Miami?
In our humble opinion, the Observation Wheel is something you can skip in Miami. Although it’s one of the top attractions, it’s surrounded by high rise skyscrapers on two sides, which limits your views in those directions. And if you’re arriving into the city by cruise ship, then you’ll likely get much better views from the deck. Personally, we’ll take a rooftop bar with views of the skyline over a touristy wheel any day.
If you’re planning a trip to Miami, then we hope this itinerary gives you practical ideas for how to spend your time. Every traveller is different so you may prefer to extend your time at one attraction or skip another altogether. Whatever you end up doing in Miami, we’re sure you’ll love your time there.
FAQs
Three days in Miami is the perfect amount of time to take in all the main sights and attractions without feeling rushed.
Yes it’s worth going to Miami for 3 days as you’ll be able to explore the downtown sights, famous beaches, and Little Havana along with the surrounding neighbourhoods.
No, a 3-day trip to Miami isn’t expensive if you stay at a budget hotel like the Tru Hilton, use public transport to travel between tourist attractions, and eat at local restaurants.
3 days is the ideal amount of time for a trip to Miami, any longer and you may find you’ve run out of attractions to see (but you can always spend a few more days on South Beach as that never gets old).
Downtown Miami is a more convenient central location for exploring the rest of the city like Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and Coconut Grove. Whereas South Beach has the nicer atmosphere, art deco buildings, and beachside vibes for a relaxing holiday.
