3 Days in Miami Itinerary: How to spend a long weekend in Miami

3 days in Miami is a perfect start to the city, especially if you want to spend a long weekend away on the beach.

Miami is where pastel Art Deco buildings meet swaying palm trees, where the beaches are golden, the cafecitos are strong, and the vibe is somewhere between “laid-back vacation” and “party ’til sunrise.”

I lived in Miami for a year and have plenty of insight to share! Whether you’re here for the culture, the food, or just to pretend you’re in a 90s music video on Ocean Drive, this guide will help you make the most of 72 hours in Magic City.

When is the Best Time to Visit Miami?

If you want to avoid melting into the sidewalk, visit between November and April. The weather is warm but not suffocating, hurricane season is a distant memory, and you’ll sidestep the summer crowds.

If you’re here for Art Basel (December) or Ultra Music Festival (March), book your stay early—prices skyrocket. Summer is insanely hot and there can be lots of thunderstorms, so I wouldn’t recommend the months of June – August.

Where to Stay in Miami (Neighborhoods)

For beach lovers: South Beach. You’ll be steps from the ocean and all the nightlife action. Most visitors to Miami stay on South Beach, especially during their first trip.

For a quieter stay: Brickell. Miami’s financial district has swanky high-rises, rooftop bars, and a less chaotic scene.

For an artsy feel: Wynwood. If street art, craft cocktails, and coffee shops are your thing, check out Arlo Wynwood.

Budget-Friendly Stays:

• Freehand Miami (Mid-Beach) – A stylish yet budget-friendly hostel/hotel hybrid with a fun courtyard, a pool, and the famous Broken Shaker cocktail bar.
• Generator Miami (Mid-Beach) – A trendy, affordable hotel with a social atmosphere, great design, and a short walk to the beach.
• Miami River Inn (Downtown/Brickell) – A boho-chic option with a mix of dorms and private rooms, plus a pool and lush outdoor spaces.

Boutique Hotels:

• The Goodtime Hotel (South Beach) – A vibrant, Instagram-worthy stay co-owned by Pharrell, featuring pastel aesthetics and a rooftop pool.
• Arlo Wynwood (Wynwood) – A stylish, artsy hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, perfect for those who want to be close to Miami’s creative hub.
• citizenM (South Beach or Brickell) – Popular and modern hotel at an affordable price. As a local I love going to the coffee shop at the citizenM in Brickell to work and get awesome views.

Day 1 in Miami: Beach, Art, & Cuban Culture

Morning: South Beach

Welcome to Miami! You can’t have the true Miami experience without hitting South Beach. If you’re an early riser, catch the sunrise—it’s worth it. Rent a bike and cruise down the Miami Beach Boardwalk or just park yourself under a palm tree and enjoy the view (aka, people-watching).

You can also start your day with a morning stroll on Ocean Drive, taking in the iconic Art Deco buildings that make Miami look like a retro movie set. Grab a Cuban coffee (trust me, you’ll need the energy) and a pastelito at Puerto Sagua, a no-frills spot that serves up some of the best Cuban breakfast bites.

Afternoon: Wynwood

After rinsing off the sand, head inland to Wynwood, Miami’s street art capital. Walk through the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring massive, ever-changing murals by world-renowned artists. Then, pop into Panther Coffee for an iced latte and wander the side streets—you’ll find hidden art gems everywhere.

For lunch, grab tacos at Coyo Taco (the birria is chef’s kiss) or a poke bowl from Ono Poke Shop. If you’re feeling fancy, Doya is an incredible Mediterranean spot with meze plates you’ll dream about later.

Evening: Little Havana

Time for some Cuban culture in Little Havana. Walk down Calle Ocho, pop into Domino Park to watch old-timers school each other in dominoes, and step into Ball & Chain, a legendary live music bar where the mojitos flow freely.

For dinner, go classic with Versailles—this spot has been serving Cuban comfort food since the ‘70s. Get the lechón asado (roast pork) and end with a café con leche.

Hint: An easy way to see and do it all is buying a GoCity Miami pass. It has a variety of museums, tours, and Everglades entrances included.

Day 2 in Miami: City Vibes & Design District

Morning: Downtown Brickell & Vizcaya Museum

Start the day in Brickell, Miami’s sleek skyscraper district. If you need coffee, Pura Vida is the go-to place for Miamians. Then, head to the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, an Italian-style villa with lush gardens and waterfront views, plus a bit of history!

Afternoon: Design District

After pretending to be an aristocrat at Vizcaya, make your way to the Design District. This is Miami’s high-end shopping and art hub, where you’ll find designer stores, modern art installations, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to window shop and soak in the sleek, artsy vibe.

For lunch, try Mandolin Aegean Bistro, a Greek-Turkish spot with a dreamy patio, or Swan, co-owned by Pharrell, where the aesthetic is as good as the food.

Evening: Dinner in Wynwood

Wynwood by night is a whole different vibe. Grab dinner at Kush, a local favorite for craft burgers and beer, or Beaker & Gray for shareable plates and cocktails. If you’re up for a night out, Wynwood is the place to be!

Day 3: Everglades

For your third day, head to the famous Everglades!

Day Trip to the Everglades

You can’t come to Miami and not visit the Everglades—it’s like stepping into a National Geographic special. Book an airboat tour to glide through the marshes and spot alligators (from a safe distance, hopefully). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try a guided kayak tour for a more immersive experience.

There are several different places you can go to see the Everglades:

Everglades National Park – the actual national park and heart of the Everglades. It’s really interesting to visit the actual National Park, although it’s fairly small (just one road). There are small hikes you can do, as well as kayak tours and campsites. HOWEVER, the airboat rides are a bit north and not even always inside the national park. Taking an airboat through the Everglades is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, so I would recommend:

Gator Park – This one is right on the border and actually takes you into the national park

Everglades Holiday Park – I did this one first and the experience was great, but honestly if you’re able to, I’d choose one more south. I think it’s convenient because it’s closer to the city and to Fort Lauderdale, whereas the others in the south are a bit more closer to the swampy parts, and therefore more variety of landscapes

Everglades Alligator Farm – This is probably my favorite so far. It’s a bit small, but the landscape is much more swampy and you can tell that the workers really care about the gators. There are TONS that have been rescued from all over the country, and now live at the Alligator Farm

Evening: Dining at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne

After your Everglades adventure, freshen up and head to Key Biscayne for your final Miami meal. The Rusty Pelican has some of the best waterfront views in the city. Order the seafood platter, grab a cocktail, and toast to an unforgettable trip.

This city never really slows down, but this 3 days in Miami itinerary gives you a taste of its beaches, art, culture, and adventure. Whether you came for the sun, the food, or the vibes, you’ll leave with a slight tan, a camera roll full of memories, and probably a new appreciation for Cuban coffee. Safe travels!

Do you have more than 3 days in Miami? Check out these:

• Key Biscayne – An island off the coast of Miami with beautiful beaches and a small town feel. Head to Bill Baggs State Park to visit the historic lighthouse at Cape Florida and explore some beaches.
• Raccoon Island – A totally unique experience to have in Miami!
• Celebrity House Tour – I’ve always wanted to do this boat tour that takes you around Star Island!