10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day in Miami, Florida

I know I just said there is more to Miami than its beaches, but, come on, we can’t ignore them completely!

3rd St Beach Yoga

Dig your feet into the sand during one of two daily chances to practice on the beach. Donation-based classes are offered 365 days a year at sunrise and sunset. While you’re here, notice the iconic neon-colored lifeguard towers dotting the beach.

Art Deco District

Miami Beach is also home to the city’s Art Deco District, a distinctive nod to the architecture of the 1920’s and 30’s. Visit the Art Deco Museum and take a walking tour of the district hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League.

Española Way

This charming, pedestrian-only street is lined with restaurants, shops, and quaint details. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, you’ll feel transported to a Mediterranean village. This is home to one of my favorite hotels, Esmé, as well as highly-rated restaurants including The Drexel (Mediterranean) and Paperfish Sushi.

Next stop, Wynwood, an eclectic arts district known for its colorful murals.

Self-Guided Mural Tour

You’ll often hear about the “Wynwood Walls,” a private, ticketed, group of murals. However, I much prefer to explore on my own the numerous free works of street art throughout the neighborhood. I recommend using the district’s Street Art Map to customize your walking tour.

Al Fresco Dining

Immerse yourself in the environment by eating or drinking outside. Check out Panther Coffee, a local favorite for its specialty brews. The Wynwood outpost has a large outdoor seating area for working or chatting. 1-800-LUCKY is a 10,000-square-foot Asian dining hall with seven vendors and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Beyond cuisine, the venue also has its karaoke room and often features live music performances. On the weekends, visit the neighborhood’s Smorgasburg outpost, an open-air market featuring over 50 food vendors.

Sunset Harbour is a bayside neighborhood of Miami Beach with a more relaxed feel. There are several local gems here, not to be missed.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Take in a classic film in the breezy open air with views of the city skyline. This fully decked-out movie theater features everything you would expect from a full bar; food & snacks and even games to enjoy before or after the movie. Each movie-goer is given a Bluetooth headphone set to listen to the movie distraction-free as you recline in a lounge chair.

Pro tip: bring your blanket for maximum comfort!

Sweets & Treats

As if the movie popcorn and candy aren’t enough, you’ve got to visit True Loaf Bakery for the most delectable freshly made pastries.

Pro tip: order online ahead of time as many items sell out early!

For wearable confections, check out locally-based lingerie and sleepwear brand Eberjey. Their famously soft pajamas top almost every best gift list there is! When you do find yourself needing to step out of the house and those comfy PJs, Frankie offers the contemporary and chic assortment you’ll want to wear out.

The Design District is one of my favorite parts of the city, a shopper’s dream!

Luxury Shopping

The neighborhood is home to every luxury brand you can think of, from Chanel to Hermès. What’s special about the Design District is that there is art scattered throughout the shops, making it a truly engaging experience simply to walk around.

Unique Dining Experiences

After you work up an appetite from carrying all those shopping bags, there are numerous dining options at affordable and splurge-worthy price points. For a more wallet-friendly, but still chic option, visit MIA Market, a food hall with 10 diverse vendors. For an even more memorable experience, visit the Dior Café, atop the namesake boutique or Swan, a gorgeous, greenery-clad oasis from Groot Hospitality.

Miami is a cultural outpost for countless museums & galleries. Set aside a full day to visit a few, or spritz them throughout your itinerary as you find yourself in each neighborhood.

Art Museums

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is one of the largest in the city. Located directly on Biscayne Bay with picturesque views, it features the works of notable modern and contemporary artists. The Rubell Museum, located in the Allapattah neighborhood, west of Wynwood, features contemporary works in an industrial setting. Finally, the Bass Museum, in Miami Beach, is another great hub for contemporary art with a focus on educational programs.

Art Galleries

It would be impossible to include an exhaustive list of all of the noteworthy galleries in Miami, but I will share my favorites! The Margulies Collection is an astonishing group of works housed in a 50,000-square-foot warehouse in Wynwood. On a recent visit, I took in paintings from Frank Stella, photographs by Helen Levitt and sculptures by Richard Serra. When in the Design District, be sure to stop by the de la Cruz Collection. Another stunning private collection, this light-filled space includes works by the likes of Christopher Wool and Salvador Dalí. The friendly docents will even give you a personal tour. Check out this list of galleries in Wynwood for even more inspiration.

Did you think we were done with shopping and beaches? Not so fast. Today we’ll visit Bal Harbour, a well-appointed village at the northern tip of Miami Beach.

Outdoor Activities

Located slightly Northwest of Bal Harbour is Oleta River State Park. At this urban oasis you can paddle, snorkel or bike, experiencing the true beauty of Florida’s coast. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, nearby Haulover Beach features a designated Nude Beach section.

More Shopping & Dining

Any luxury boutiques you did not visit in the Design District, you’ll surely find at Bal Harbour Shops. This gorgeous open-air mall includes anchoring department stores Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as acclaimed designer shops such as Maison Goyard and Diptyque. It also features several fine dining establishments such as Makoto (Japanese) and Le Zoo (French). Even if you’re not engaging in retail therapy, the beautiful setting, complete with Koi ponds, will leave you awestruck.

What would a vacation be without a Spa Day?! Miami has some of the world’s best spas, whether you want to spend a whole day or just half an hour.

Full Day of Bliss

For a luxurious experience, I highly recommend Tierra Santa Healing House, inside the Faena Hotel. This opulent sanctuary will make you feel like royalty. Aside from your treatments of choice, you’ll also get to enjoy The Wet Spa, featuring a Waterfall Shower, Hammam, Herbal Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Parlor, and Tepidarium.

Another great option is The Standard Spa, which also features an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy “playground” as well as many of the aforementioned amenities such as a hammam, ice room, sauna, and steam room. When visiting The Standard Spa, you’ll also have access to their impressive, top-of-the-line fitness center. This is the best hotel gym I’ve ever been to!

A Quick Retreat

When your adventures just can’t be paused, a Power Nap is in order. This unique treatment, offered at The Miami Beach Edition Spa, is designed to provide the feeling of four hours’ rest in just 30 minutes.

One of my favorite things about Miami is the unique and vastly different feel of each neighborhood. Here, we explore Coconut Grove, at the Southern end of Miami. Less hustle and bustle than in midtown, but still energetic nonetheless, this charming neighborhood has lots to see.

Parks

The Barnacle Historic State Park is a hidden gem within the city. Veer slightly off the main highway and meander through the tall trees to find three historical houses, including the namesake “Barnacle,” which also functions as a museum. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the bay views on the lawn. Also of interest is Peacock Park, a nine-acre, multi-use public park with a boardwalk bridge showcasing views of Biscayne Bay. Neighboring Coconut Grove Sailing Club offers a peek into local nautical life. If you’re particularly committed, you can even take a weekend sailing course or private lesson.

Refuel

After taking in the water views, refuel at one of many delicious dining options. CocoWalk, an open-air mall, has a great range of culinary offerings from Planta Queen, a beloved vegan staple, to The Key Club, a swanky spot for cocktails and caviar. For casual fare and people-watching, GreenStreet Cafe fits the bill.

Shopping

Miami’s favorite bookstore, Books & Books, has a two-level outpost in Coconut Grove. Check out their events calendar for frequent author appearances and signings. Another worthwhile stop is The Fashionista Consignment Boutique. They have one of the most impressive designer selections I’ve seen!

Today we head slightly further South, to explore more of the amazing natural wonders Miami has to offer.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Voted the Best Botanical Garden in North America, this place really lives up to its reputation. Spanning 83 acres, the garden features over 25 collections of flora and fauna. Not to be missed is the Liberty Hyde Bailey Palm Glade, the Richard H. Simons Rainforest and the Butterfly Garden. You’ll want to set aside several hours to enjoy every inch of this expansive property.

Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park

One of the most popular parks in Miami, this stop is known for its iconic lighthouse, which boasts breathtaking views, especially at sunset. For those interested in watersports, this is a prime spot for launching a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. If you prefer wheels, you can also bike or rollerblade through miles of trails. As with all parks, check the website before your visit for any closures or announcements. As of December 2023, the Lighthouse is temporarily closed for renovations.

Adventure-seekers, this bonus is for you! Believe it or not, Miami is home to two National Parks. Extend your stay with a visit to one or both of these national treasures.

Biscayne National Park

This park is uniquely made up of 95% water! I recommend taking a guided tour by boat to one of several snorkeling spots, where you can view the remains of underwater shipwrecks. Check out the ones offered by the Biscayne National Park Institute. If you’d prefer to stay dry, cruises are available as well.

Everglades National Park

This expansive park offers multiple options for exploration. Again, boating is a popular option, as most of the park is reachable by water. If you’re braver than I am, you can head west and hop on an airboat tour to see the Everglades up close and personal. Commonly seen wildlife include alligators, snakes, panthers, turtles, and birds (oh my!).