Itineraries for Your Trip to Miami
2 Days in Miami for First Timers
All winter long, I daydream about my next visit to Miami—lounging on the soft, white sands of Miami Beach, wandering the street art of Wynwood, or taking in the scene in South Beach. My very first visit to Miami was just two days long, and I was able to discover quite a bit of the city in just 48 hours. That said, Miami is spread out and has bad traffic, so factor in transport time when crisscrossing different areas to see it all. Here’s what you should do if you have two days in Miami, including getting out on the water and getting to know the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a boat ride, which allows you to explore Miami from a new perspective: the water.
Miami is usually warm and sunny, but it can also be humid and rainy, so check the weather before packing.
All winter long, I daydream about my next visit to Miami—lounging on the soft, white sands of Miami Beach, wandering the street art of Wynwood, or taking in the scene in South Beach. My very first visit to Miami was just two days long, and I was able to discover quite a bit of the city in just 48 hours. That said, Miami is spread out and has bad traffic, so factor in transport time when crisscrossing different areas to see it all. Here’s what you should do if you have two days in Miami, including getting out on the water and getting to know the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Make Little Havana in Miami’s Cuban neighborhood your afternoon destination. It's known for the famous Calle Ocho Walk of Fame dedicated to Latin figures and Maximo Gomez Park and its domino tables. You can roam the neighborhood on your own, but taking a Little Havana food tour is an excellent way to learn more about the area’s rich history and gastronomy.
There are plenty of daytime boat cruises, but at night, Miami’s skyline glitters. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing Miami’s megayachts and the massive mansions on Star Island at dusk. Get out onto the water with an evening boat cruise, where you can admire the sunset, sip cocktails, and listen to music. Many of them leave from central ports in downtown Miami.
Although Everglades National Park is outside of Miami, it’s worth a visit. You can rent a car and drive there, or a more convenient option is to book a guided Everglades tour with transportation from Miami. This usually includes an airboat tour, and a guide can help you spot animals, such as endemic alligators, turtles, and birds.
Back in Miami, it’s time to wander the streets of South Beach, lined with art deco architecture, busy restaurants and bars, and of course, white sands and clear water. Stroll around on your own, taking it all in, or opt for a guided South Beach tour, where you can learn about the history and architecture of the neighborhood and sample local food.
You could always hit Miami’s hopping bar and restaurant scene, but a unique way to explore after dark is by checking out the backwoods trails of Redland, an area on Miami's edge that borders the Everglades. The best way to reach it is by driving. Taking an ATV tour in this area, often referred to as the Outback of Miami, means you can stargaze and spot nocturnal animals.
