Miami, Florida, is one of those magical places that makes you feel just a little bit cooler as soon as you step foot inside the city limits — maybe it’s the never-ending rows of open-air nightclubs dotting South Beach or the delicious flavors brimming from the Cuban bakeries lining Calle Ocho in Little Havana.
No matter what you’re after, head to this southern Florida hot spot to take in art, culture, and a whole lot of mouthwatering food.
Once the sun sets, the vibe shifts. Surround yourself with the energy Miami is known for and head to the many spaces that will fill your head with music and your eyes with flashing lights.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take in the Street Art
Wynwood, a former warehouse district, was completely transformed by the late Tony Goldman (an iconic real estate developer and supporter of the arts) in 2009, who saw the giant walls of each building as inviting blank canvases and created Wynwood Walls.
But rather than just any old art, Goldman specifically wanted to display graffiti works to help elevate the art form. “By presenting it in a way that has not been done before, I was able to expose the public to something they had only seen peripherally,” Goldman shared.
Though you can go and view the art for free, there are a few official tours that offer guests even deeper insights into the works and the neighborhood.
Fuel up with breakfast before tackling the neighborhood. You’ll find some of the best sourdough bread, sandwiches, and pastries at Zak the Baker every day but Saturday.
After grabbing a bite and viewing the art, hop around the neighborhood to do a little shopping at places like the Wynwood Walls Shop for some seriously chic home goods and BASE for trendy scents, books, and men’s apparel.
It’s always a good time for a snack, but if you snagged a reservation, which we recommend, settle in for a full meal at Hiyakawa Miami for a menu of simple, seasonal, phenomenally prepared Japanese dishes, including their popular omakase. For Peruvian and fusion flavors, including Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine and many fresh ceviche options, grab a table at Manta. After filling up, linger over a drink at Casa La Rubia, a craft brewery with lots on tap and plentiful outdoor space.
Stroll into Bakehouse Art Complex to see local resident artists’ studios in action before enjoying an excellent dinner of Greek meze plates and cocktails at Doya, toasting to a great first day in Miami.
Saturday: Hit the Museums, Gardens and Clubs
Continue your artistic journey through Miami by visiting the city’s museums. Kick off the day with a visit to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, first admiring the gorgeous building itself, designed by Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.
From there, step inside to immerse yourself in the museum’s massive collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, including works that showcase Miami’s richly diverse communities. Make sure to head back outside to get a view of the sculpture garden and grab a snack at Verde, the in-house restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
Next, head to the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a Mediterranean-inspired estate built in the early 20th century. Roam its collections both indoors and out, including formal gardens featuring sculptures and ornate fountains and a mangrove-lined shoreline. Inside, you’ll find beautifully preserved Italian furniture and an eclectic collection of artifacts from around the world.
Head to South Beach for a late-afternoon dip in the hip rooftop pool at AC Hotel by Marriott Miami Beach (you can purchase a day pass if you’re not a guest). After your art-filled day spent feasting your eyes, indulge your other senses at night in energetic South Beach. Stop for dinner at Pubbelly for a Latin take on sushi, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila for tacos, or Zaytinya, José Andrés’ outpost serving up Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese mezze-inspired dishes.
Post-meal, take the party to Do Not Sit on the Furniture for a taste of the underground music scene or Mango’s for bottle service, dancers, and live DJs.
Sunday: Head to Little Havana
No visit to Miami is complete without spending time in Little Havana, the vibrant neighborhood center of Cuban culture.
The area is packed with restaurants, cafés, and markets, all selling goods you’ve got to see, smell, and taste. You can do that by going on a food tour of Little Havana with companies like Miami Culinary Tours.
If you’ve got a little more time to spare, head down to Calle Ocho to soak in the best of the neighborhood. The street is lined with shops and bakeries all worth a taste, and it leads down to Máximo Gómez Park, where you’ll likely find more than a few locals smoking cigars and playing dominoes.
Try to plan a trip around the Calle Ocho Music Festival in March, the nation’s largest Latin music festival set across 15 street blocks of stages, food stands, and dancing spots.
Once the sun starts to set, head to the iconic Versailles Restaurant, which is known for its Cuban cuisine, turning out everything from croquettes and stuffed green plantains to paella and picadillo a la cubana.
This neighborhood is full of fun little bars around every corner. Check out Ball & Chain for live music and the ambience — the space was a music hot spot in the 1930s that superstars like Billie Holiday and Chet Baker frequented. If you’re into the vibe of being transported to a different time, find a seat at Café La Trova, which oozes classic Cuban style.
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