This ultimate guide to 2 days in Miami includes some of the must-see highlights for your perfect 2-day itinerary. Ideal pre- or post-cruise!
There’s more to the Magic City than its soft sand beaches and world-famous nightlife. A thriving modern art scene juxtaposed with its Art Deco architectural heritage makes Miami a visual treat. At the same time, decades of immigration have brought flavors and traditions from Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, and more into its cultural tapestry, making it one of the most exciting cities in America. A weekend in Miami might not be enough to take in all the world-class museums and cultural experiences, but this ultimate guide to 2 days in Miami includes all the unmissable highlights to help you plan your perfect weekend itinerary.
South Beach. Photo by Doug Loynes
Cultural Sights to See During 2 Days in Miami
For authentic Cuban flavors, make for the historic neighborhood of Little Havana. The best way to soak up this culturally rich district is through its food: my guide, the good-humored Daniella from Miami Culinary Tours, shared the story of Cuban culture and the immigrant experience with tasting trips to family-run restaurants and bakeries in the heart of the Little Havana. Highlights included tasting the Cubano, a sandwich stuffed with pork marinated in mojo sauce, and guava pastries from Party Cake Bakery. This super-successful family-run bakery stands as a proud embodiment of the American dream. A trip to a Cuban cigar factory is also included in the tour.
Little Havana Mural. Photo by Hanna Friberg, courtesy of of Miami Culinary Tours
Art abounds in Miami; some can be enjoyed outdoors in the famous Florida sunshine. Wander among the Wynwood Walls, an open-air gallery featuring colorful murals by graffiti artists at the top of their game. Tickets are $12, but plenty of street art can be enjoyed outside the gallery if you’d prefer to avoid paying an admission fee.
For a more traditional gallery experience, the Rubell Museum Miami houses a private collection of contemporary works from artists such as Andy Warhol and evocative sculptor Charles Ray. If there’s a particular artist you want to see, then check ahead: some works travel out on loan for exhibitions elsewhere.
Historical Sights to See During 2 Days in Miami
Considering Miami was only founded in 1896, you’d be forgiven for thinking there were few historical sights here. However, plenty of attractions can take you back in time. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an exquisite mansion and treasure trove of historical artworks and artifacts, stands proud in Coconut Grove as an impressive monument to the Italian Renaissance. Its gilded-paneled décor and ten acres of exquisite gardens make it a must-see destination for history buffs.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Photo by Nancy Ngo
For something a little more medieval, make for the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, a Spanish monastery older than the city of Miami itself. Built in Spain in 1133, the monastery was purchased by American media mogul William Randolph Hearst in 1926, who had the structure dismantled brick by brick and shipped to the states. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it was finally put back together in Miami, making it one of the oldest buildings in the Americas.
A trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the iconic Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Here, the beach avenues are fringed with 1920s and 1930s Art Deco buildings bursting in pastel colors of blues, purples, and pinks with neon accents uniquely Miami in their character. Learn about this historic Art Deco District, the inspirations behind the tropical architecture, and the fight to save them from developers on a walking tour with Art Deco Tours.
Art Deco in South Beach. Photo courtesy Art Deco & Little Havana Tours
Exploring Everglades National Park
Escape Miami’s bright lights with a day trip to the Everglades National Park, Florida’s best-protected wetland wilderness. Animal enthusiasts will delight at the abundance of wildlife in this vast 1.5-million-acre ecosystem, from snapping alligators to docile manatees and the elusive Florida panther.
Wildlife in Everglades National Park. Photo courtesy Ecosafari Everglades
Many tour companies operate day trips with round-trip transportation from Miami, but you should check out their eco-credentials before signing on. Ecosafari specializes in non-invasive, sustainable tours that engage with the local indigenous communities and provide direct financial benefit to conservation projects in the region. Their Everglades day safari includes round-trip transportation from the greater Fort Lauderdale area, a nature walk, a boat cruise through the mangrove forest, a wildlife drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, and an airboat ride through the “River of Grass” on the lookout for alligators and rare bird species.
An airboat tour through the Everglades. Photo courtesy Ecosafari Everglades
If you’d prefer to drive to the Everglades yourself, the Shark Valley entrance lies an hour west of Downtown Miami. Here, the highlight is a tram tour through the park’s heart. The park’s main entrance is at Homestead, another half hour southwest, where you’ll find a similar range of activities, including backcountry camping, guided hikes, and cycling. Don’t forget the bug spray.
Additional Attractions to Check Out During 2 Days in Miami
With so much to do in the Magic City, two days might not be enough time. Here are more things to check out if you can extend your trip by an extra day (or week).
- The Frost Science Museum
- The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Time Out Market Miami
- Coral Castle
- Venetian Pool
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
Where to Stay for Your 2 Days in Miami
Miami is such a big city, so it’s best to narrow down your choice of hotels by deciding on the neighborhood where you wish to stay. Brickell Downtown, the city’s financial center, is a popular choice, where you can find many trendy bars and world-class restaurants.
Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key
If you’re looking to stay close to the action while enjoying your own air of exclusivity, the elegant Mandarin Oriental is the best option. The hotel dazzles from its perch on Brickell Key, a man-made private island reached via a short bridge from mainland Brickell, and its views of Biscayne Bay and the glittering Miami skyline are without equal. The picture is complete with a waterfront spa, surprisingly spacious and well-appointed rooms, impeccable service, and one of Miami’s best restaurants, La Mar by Gaston Acurio.
La Mar Terrace. Photo courtesy Mandarin Oriental Miami
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Loews Miami Beach Hotel boasts all the amenities you could wish for from an oceanfront hotel for a South Beach stay. The Kid’s Club, a vintage arcade room, and the lagoon-size pool will keep the little ones busy, while adults can enjoy access to the Exhale Spa and Fitness Center next door before soaking up the laidback vibes on a daybed or cabana by the pool or down at the beach. The breezy Bar Collins is a winning spot to watch sports and share a bite with friends, or for upscale seafood, try the award-winning Lure Fishbar. Despite the hotel’s size—there are 790 guestrooms—the attentiveness and geniality of the staff is an unexpected highlight here.
Poolside cabanas at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Photo courtesy Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Boutique Stay at Mr. C Coconut Grove
Mr. C Miami — Coconut Grove is a boutique alternative to Miami’s busier offerings that blends laidback luxury with dazzling design elements in one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. The exquisite rooftop restaurant, Bellini, serves tasty Italian cuisine. The hotel also features a gym, swimming pool, and spa facilities. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles and explore nearby Peacock Park and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or cruise along the waterfront and among Coconut Grove’s myriad sidewalk boutiques, galleries, and independent cafes.
Stylish guestrooms at Mr. C Coconut Grove. Photo courtesy Mr. C Coconut Grove
Travel Tips for Your 2 Days in Miami
Multiple airports serve the Miami metropolitan area, but you’ll most likely fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Both are close to the city and accessible by bus and Metrorail, but generally, Miami is poorly connected by public transport. If you fly into FLL, you might consider staying at a Fort Lauderdale resort for a relaxing start before heading into the city, or a nice spot to unwind after your time in Miami.
Renting a car is best to explore the many attractions in this enormous city; otherwise, those Uber trips will add up.
Miami Skyline viewed From Brickell Key. Photo by Doug Loynes
This being the tropics, you can expect sunshine with a possibility of rain in any season, but summer is the time to avoid the area: it’s hot, humid, and hurricane season. Instead, go between March and May, just after the peak winter tourism season, when prices have declined.
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Your Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Miami
This ultimate guide to 2 days in Miami is by no means an exhaustive list of everything on offer in this fabulous city. Still, it’s possible to plan an itinerary that includes most of these highlights (although you will need an additional day for an Everglades excursion). Those with time to spare and a fondness for golden sands and turquoise waters might also consider a one or two-day trip to the Bahamas: the tropical Caribbean island is just two hours away via ferry. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning your next visit to Miami, greater Florida, or any other Ultimate 2-Day trip.
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