The Ultimate 2 Days in Miami Itinerary
This 2 days in Miami Itinerary is authored by Trijit.
Looking for a weekend vacation in Miami? This charming Florida city is a perfect destination in the US for people looking for endless sunshine, warm weather, delicious cuisine, delightful beach vibes, and fantastic urban culture.
Miami is not all about its stunning beaches and sun, but the Magic City of South Florida is home to vibrant street art, wonderful parks and museums, buzzing nightlife, and various outdoor adventures.
Miami is not at all a cheap place in Florida, so it can be a little expensive if you visit at peak time. But if you research and plan well in advance, a relaxing weekend getaway to Miami won’t break the bank. This 2 days in Miami itinerary will help you to get the most of your Miami trip.
Table of Contents
- Miami Itinerary for 2 Days
- Best Things To Do in Miami
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Miami Itinerary for 2 Days
You may ask – “Is 2 days in Miami enough?” The answer is YES and it varies from person to person. If you are planning to cover all Miami attractions in a more relaxing way, you should have at least 7 days to explore.
However, you can see the best of Miami in two days if you plan properly.
In this Miami itinerary guide, I have prepared a list of the best things to do in Miami so you get a good taste of the city.
Best Things To Do in Miami
Wondering what you should do in Miami in 2 days? There are lots of things to see and do in Miami, Florida. You cannot cover all attractions and activities in a single visit.
In this 2 days in Miami itinerary guide, I have split the Miami itinerary into 2 days so that you can experience the best of Miami without missing any major attractions.
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Miami Itinerary Day 1
Wynwood Art District
Wynwood is a great place for art lovers. Even if you are not an art lover, you will be amazed to see the street art and murals on every corner and side street. The walls are covered with fantastic paintings. Exploring the street art throughout this hipster neighborhood is one of the best free things to do in Miami.
Not only colorful funky paintings, but also motivational, or peaceful messages are sprayed on the wall. Stroll through the Wynwood neighborhood and admire all these stunning artistic gems.
Take as many pictures of these murals as you can for your Instagram feed. There are several art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and bars on every street corner in Wynwood.
Explore Little Havana
After exploring the Wynwood neighborhood head toward Little Havana, another popular Miami neighborhood where you can experience Cuban culture. This place is packed with unique shops, colorful Latin American art galleries, crafts, authentic Cuban restaurants, and bars.
Getting to Little Havana is very easy as it is a tourist hotspot and most tour buses and public buses stop here.
Eat your lunch from any of the Cuban restaurants and try their authentic Cuban foods which are really delicious. Needless to say, Cuban coffee and cigars are famous globally. So, you shouldn’t miss trying them.
Tip: You will get the best of Little Havana if you visit during Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), on the third Friday of each month. The whole area comes alive with a new vibe – cigar rollers, domino games, cafecitos, and Cuban art. You will learn more about this vibrant community during Cultural Fridays.
Sunset Cruise in Miami
Watching the shimmering sunset from a cruise can be very romantic and it should be a part of your 2 days in Miami itinerary. Tour companies offer various boat tours in Miami but you should opt for the Millionaire’s Row Cruise.
This 1.5-hour long cruise takes you through Biscayne Bay. You can see the best views of the Miami skyline, Fisher Island, the Port of Miami, and Millionaire’s Row (home to the rich and famous celebrities).
Watch a Free Movie at Soundscape Park
End your first day in Miami by watching a movie under the stars with your family. This open-air cinema that is open on selected Wednesday nights is a fun and free activity that you can enjoy in Miami at night.
The cinema series start screening at 8 pm and runs from October to June on the corner of 17th Street and Washington Avenue in Miami Beach.
Day 2: Miami Itinerary
Bayside Marketplace
Start your second day in Miami by exploring the Bayside Marketplace. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace is a great spot to experience the real Miami. Enjoy a drink or breakfast at one of Bayside Marketplace’s renowned waterside restaurants.
This energetic place is filled with plenty of branded shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy free live music by the best local musicians. The Marketplace is extremely popular and always packed with tourists and locals.
Experience Parasailing in Biscayne Bay
Adventure seekers can go on a parasailing excursion and enjoy the incredible bird’s eye views of the stunning coastline, Miami skyline, and much more. This thrilling ride will take you 400 feet above the water.
In addition, you can enjoy a speedboat ride to the parasailing location and enjoy the breathtaking views of the seascape.
Walk Along Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District
Ocean Drive is such a remarkable spot and a must-visit place in Miami but I don’t recommend spending a lot of time here. It’s a busy area which becomes more crowded at night.
From beautiful boutiques and coffee shops to stylish bars, upscale restaurants, and gorgeous art deco hotels – Ocean Drive is a great walking road decorated with neon lights.
If you’re interested in the history of Miami Beach, check out the Art Deco Historic District on Miami Beach. You can see the colorful art deco hotels and gorgeous architecture. It offers a great opportunity to walk around or take photos.
Explore Miami Beach
After you are done with Ocean Drive, pay a visit to the famous Miami Beach. Your Miami itinerary for 2 days is incomplete without visiting the beautiful Miami Beach. Spend some time relaxing and soaking up the Miami vibes.
South Beach is another popular beach and probably the best beach in Miami where you will find plenty of things to do. The warm blue water is perfect for swimming and relaxing on the white sand.
Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive are within walking distance from South Beach. Make sure to watch the sunset from here in the evening.
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When to Visit Miami
Miami has a tropical climate, so the summer months (June to October) are generally very hot and humid. Moreover, deadly hurricanes are quite common during this time period. Winter is the peak season in Miami and most people visit Miami between December and March when the weather is pleasant and the chance of rain is much less.
Miami is considered one of the best romantic getaways in Florida. If you don’t like crowds and want a peaceful vacation, spring is the best time for you to visit Miami. The sun is bearable, the temperature hovers around the 70s to 80s and most importantly, you will see smaller crowds from March to May.
Budget travelers prefer to visit during these shoulder months as you can book amazing hotel rooms at a very affordable price.
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How To Get to Miami
Miami International Airport is just 12 miles away from downtown Miami. This busy airport is connected with 70 other cities around the world. Another option is the neighboring Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport which is approximately 30 miles away but has fewer options for international routes.
If you want to reach here by train, Amtrak is the best option. It connects Miami to Washington D.C., New York, and other stations along the eastern coasts.
How To Get Around in Miami
The most convenient way to get around Miami is to drive your own car or rental car. It will give you flexibility and save your precious time when you have just 48 hours in Miami. Keep in mind that you may have to struggle to get parking near busy tourist attractions.
Not keen on driving? No worries. Miami is well-connected on the bus network, but it takes a longer time. Hence I recommend using Uber or Lyft to explore Miami and nearby areas. Uber is plentiful and cheaper than a taxi.
You can explore South Beach and Miami Beach on foot or take the advantage of a free South Beach Trolley. If you travel from one neighborhood to another, the bus fare starts at $2.25 per person.
Metro is another cheaper transportation that will not disappoint. It is easy to navigate and connects important places in the city. Metrorail fares start at $2.25.
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Two Days in Miami Accommodation
Wynwood, Downtown Miami, and South Beach are the popular neighborhoods where most tourists prefer to stay. However, my personal choice is always South Beach. You will find plenty of hotels, even ones with rooftop pools, hostels, and Airbnbs for all budget categories.
The Art Deco architecture, the popular South Beach, countless restaurants, and branded shops are within walking distance.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
If you prefer to stay closer to Miami Beach, Faena Hotel is a great choice. This oceanfront hotel features a big outdoor pool, a Latin American-inspired spa service, a fitness center, and salon services.
The rooms are spacious and have modern amenities. Premium shopping areas like the Lincoln Road Mall and the Art Deco District are just an 8-minute drive away from the hotel.
Urbanica The Meridian
This boutique hotel is also located near to the beach but far from the busy nightlife, and madness of Ocean Drive. Urbanica The Meridian is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Miami.
The hotel features free WiFi for its guests, an on-site bar, and a small pool to chill in the hot summer. The rooms are cozy, modern and the staff is very polite and helpful. In short, Urbanica The Meridian has everything for a relaxing holiday.
SoBe Hostel
Located in the heart of the Deco District, SoBe Hostel is the perfect place for travelers and backpackers looking for an affordable stay in Miami Beach.
This boutique hostel has a trendy and cozy ambiance with a lounge bar where you can meet other travelers. They offer free breakfast for their guests and the best part is you can book a private room too at a cheap price.
Where To Eat in Miami
Miami has a reputation for being an amazing foodie destination in the US. You will find a lot of upscale restaurants as well as affordable, casual eateries in Miami.
During your 2 days in Miami trip, explore the below restaurants to experience Miami’s robust food scene.
Don’t forget to try Cuban sandwiches, empanada, and crab bites while traveling in Miami.
Havana 1957: If you are looking for a classy and cozy restaurant, visit Havana 1957. They serve authentic and delicious Cuban food at a reasonable price. You will definitely love their ropa veija and mojitos.
El Pub Restaurant: Another popular spot for dining in Miami. It is a perfect place to grab coffee, wine, and dine in an amazing ambiance. Try their empanadas, colada, and Cuban sandwiches.
Alter: Located in the Wynwood neighborhood, Alter can give your tastebuds a treat with their lip-smacking dishes. This restaurant is highly recommended for couples.
Sriracha House: It is a great spot for a quick bite at an affordable price. There is a good variety of noodle dishes. The restaurant is small but they have outdoor seating as well. Their bubble tea and Vietnamese green coconut milk curry are too delicious.
Miami Travel Tips
- Don’t leave your hotel room without your sunscreen. You should not take the Florida sun lightly. Always carry sunscreen, a hat or umbrella, and a water filter bottle.
- Most Uber and taxi drivers don’t speak English. Learn some basic words in Spanish and use Google Translate when communicating with the drivers.
- The real party scene in Miami usually starts pretty late in most nightclubs. It is not surprising to find the nightclubs empty before midnight.
- Go Miami Card can save a good amount of money. You can even choose exactly which attractions you want to include in the pass while booking online. So, it is definitely worth it.
- Try to book your accommodation 2-3 months before your journey to Miami to avail yourself of great deals.
- Taxis are expensive in Miami. Download the Uber app, it is cheap and easy to navigate.
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I’m Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff, a software engineer by profession and a travel blogger by heart. Besides being a blogger, I have also a passion for Motorcycle Riding. I am based out in the city of the joy of India – Kolkata. I spent 5 years in California and Florida for work purposes and explored these beautiful states.
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