If you’ve been dreaming of a weekend retreat to the sunny beaches of Miami Florida, I don’t blame you! There’s nothing quite like taking in a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. In this 3 Day Miami Itinerary, we’ll cover exactly what to do, where to stay, and where to eat for the perfect long weekend getaway.
About Miami, Florida
Well-known for its warm weather and limitless beaches, people across the world venture to Miami Florida every year – and it’s no surprise!
Although Miami is rich in Latin culture, diversity is evident everywhere. Amazing art decorates the streets, delicious restaurants offer a variety of flavors, retail shops are plentiful, and there is certainly no shortage of nightlife fun.
Whatever your goal is for your long weekend trip, this 3-day Miami itinerary is sure to set you in the right direction for a great time.
Best Time to Visit Miami
Weather-wise, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Miami. If you prefer less intense heat, it’s best to schedule your visit between November and May. In the winter months, daytime lows hover around 70°F (21°C), the warmest across the country.
In Spring, from March to May, the weather is a bit hotter, reaching upwards of 80-90°F (26-32°C). That explains why it’s – quite literally – one of the hottest spring break destinations for students.
That being said, if you’re looking for quieter beaches and streets, it’s a good idea to avoid visiting in March. The winter and spring months in general, especially around the holidays, can get quite busy.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid this time when scheduling your visit, just make sure to plan ahead since the availability and cost of accommodations are likely to increase this time of year.
Related Post: 10 Day Florida to Georgia Road Trip Itinerary
Where to Stay On Your 3 Day Trip To Miami
Once you’ve narrowed down the perfect weekend for your 3 day trip to Miami, you’ll need to find a place to stay. Luckily, Miami has plenty of comfortable accommodation options in a variety of price ranges.
The Copper Door B&B: Mid-Range
Only a quick 15-minute ride away from the airport, The Copper Door B&B is right around the corner from Downtown Miami. With very good reviews on Booking.com, The Copper Door B&B features 22 spacious rooms and 3 double-room suites. It’s not too hard on the wallet and has comfortable amenities, including a bright public lounge space perfect for enjoying breakfast.
This quaint bed and breakfast features vintage 1940s styled rooms, that have been beautifully renovated, each with its own full bathroom. Central to many venues, attractions, and great food spots, you’ll be able to reach most destinations within 30 mins to an hour, or less depending on your choice of transportation.
Check prices for The Copper Door B&B here!
EAST Miami: Luxury
If you’re looking to splurge a little on your accommodations, the EAST Miami Hotel is the perfect spot. Located in the heart of Downtown Miami Florida, it’s only a short 15-minute drive to the airport – meaning you’ll have more time to soak up the view!
Sitting on the water’s edge, many of the rooms feature beautiful skyline views. The gorgeous modern décor and high-end finishes at EAST Miami make this the perfect location for a stylish city getaway.
Depending on the time of year and the suite you decide on, a reservation at EAST Miami can run anywhere from $379 per night to $1,200+ per night. Perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, special occasion, or “treat yourself” weekend away!
Featuring a fitness center, room service, a restaurant, and bar – oh, and a 20,000 square-foot outdoor pool – you might not want to leave! To top it off, they include a late-running continental breakfast for two, just in case you want to sleep in.
Check prices and availability here!
Getting Around Miami
For this Miami 3 day itinerary, I wouldn’t suggest a car rental. Honestly, the parking situation isn’t always the greatest, especially downtown. No one wants to worry about logistics while on vacation and it’s so much easier to call an Uber or Lyft.
Miami also has a widespread public transportation network made up of the Metrobus and the Metrorail. You can see the schedules for the Metrobus and the Metrorail on the Miami Transportation website.
If you’re not in a rush or are only heading down the street, the city offers free trolly services. Keep in mind, they’re known to be off schedule, so plan accordingly.
You can also take advantage of the Citi Bike program, where you can rent a bicycle at an hourly rate. According to their website, all you need to do is unlock a bike from one of the Citi Bike stations, ride it where you want to go, and return it to any station when you’re done.
3 Day Miami Itinerary
Alright, we’ve made it to the fun part! While there are thousands of things to do in Miami and you could probably spend a year discovering cool gems around the city, this 3 day Miami itinerary will take you through some of the highlights.
Day 1: The Wynwood Walls and Little Havana
A trip to the Wynwood Walls is the perfect way to start off your first day in Miami, Florida! Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum featuring over 50 street art murals. Created by international artists, from Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the United States, it attracts thousands of people every year.
It’s pretty affordable too! You can pay $10 USD for general admission, or upgrade to a guided tour by an Official Wynwood Walls Tour Ambassador for $5 more.
A walking tour can really tire you out and work up an appetite. There are countless eateries, food trucks, and restaurants nearby to choose from. Asian-style cuisine, Mexican street food, pizza joints, even traditional American comfort food.
If you’re like me and can’t say no to Mexican food, head to Coyo Taco, with a 4.5-star Google rating, and over 4,500 reviews, I think it’s safe to say they know tacos!
After lunch, it’s time to head to another one of Miami’s memorable neighborhoods, Little Havana. Little Havana can’t be missed when it comes to sightseeing and it’s only a 15–20-minute commute from Wynwood.
You have a few options for what you can do in Little Havana and there are some amazing tours and attractions all in one neighborhood. The Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is home to local musicians and artists and offers one of the largest Cuban art collections.
If you’re a foodie, you can check out one of the top-rated tours by Miami Culinary Tours. Or, you can register for one of Little Havana’s Specialty Tours, like the Cigar & Rum Tasting Experience, or Cuban Art & Cocktails.
With your afternoon spent in Little Havana, I’m sure you’ll notice there’s no shortage of food options for dinner. No one knows food better than the locals, so your best bet is to ask your tour guide where they would suggest. If you took a Culinary Tour, I’m sure you’ve got it sorted out anyway!
Day 2: Exploring Downtown!
If you didn’t go shopping in Miami Florida, did you even go? I’m teasing, I’m usually not a huge shopper myself, but when visiting a place with as many retail possibilities as Miami, it’s definitely worth seeing it for yourself.
The Bayside Marketplace is an absolutely ginormous open-air shopping center located right on Biscayne Bay. For a waterfront coffee or snack near the Bayside Market, check out Segafredo Bayside.
The Shops at Mary Brickell Village is a shopping area located in the Brickell neighborhood of downtown. Here, you’ll find unique shops and dozens of delicious eateries all in one trendy location.
Also in Brickell, the Brickell City Centre Mall is a massive shopping and lifestyle center with a movie theater, luxury shops, restaurants, and bars.
These three shopping areas alone have over 55,000 Google reviews altogether. There’s no denying it’s the perfect spot for a little retail therapy.
After taking a spin through the clothes racks, art and history fans will love visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This opulent residence was built in 1916 and contains a treasure trove of antique artwork and furniture. The gardens are equally impressive!
Or, if you’re a science fan, visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. They have a planetarium, aquarium, and a fascinating paleontology exhibit just north of the American Airlines Arena downtown.
In the evening, head to the Rusty Pelican Restaurant for sunset and dinner. You’ll need to travel across the Biscayne Bay to Virginia Key, but the view is worth the drive. At sunset, you’ll have a full panoramic view of the Miami skyline against a background of vibrant pinks and oranges.
The menu is on the pricer side, but Rusty Pelican has a happy hour special every Monday – Thursday from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm where drinks and a few starters are half price. This restaurant is popular so it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
After a refresh and recharge, head back to Downtown Miami for a night on the town. That’s one of the biggest things Miami is known for after all – the nightlife!
Whether you’re a dancer or a lounger, there’s something for everyone. BLUME Nightclub, Blackbird Ordinary, and E11EVEN Miami are each known for their DJs and dancefloors. If you’re looking for something more laid back, RedBar Brickell and MO Bar & Lounge offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Day 3: South Beach Relaxation
It’s been a busy couple of days, so it’s time to soak up the sun. There’s no better spot for relaxation than in South Beach Miami. This 9 mile stretch of white sandy beaches is a bit of a commute from downtown but it’s totally worth it. Just make sure to bring everything you’ll need for the day with you to prevent having to travel back and forth.
South Beach is also home to the famous Art Deco Historic District where you can learn the history of this unique architectural style. You can explore South Beach on your own or go with a tour guide if you want to learn more about the area.
Bike and Roll Miami offers a 2-hour bike tour of the Art Deco district with a knowledgeable guide. You can also take a South Beach food tour to explore this neighborhood on foot and try some delicious local favorites.
After soaking up the rays, stop by the Yardbird Southern Table and Bar for dinner. Known for their farm-fresh, classic Southern dishes, it’s definitely a staple on your trip to South Beach. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
Final Thoughts: 3 Days In Miami Itinerary
As one of the most popular tourist destinations on the east coast, Miami has plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for an exciting trip full of nightlife and music or want to enjoy a leisurely escape, you won’t be disappointed in Miami.
Have you been to Miami? What’s your favorite thing to do in the city?
Cover Image Via DepositPhotos
