3 Days in the 305: Take Your Miami Weekend Getaway to a Whole New Level

Arriving in Miami is like seeing in Technicolor for the first time.

The South Florida subtropical paradise is awash in pastel and neon, from the aquamarine ocean, sunny blue skies and emerald green palms to the fuchsia and seafoam neon lights and stucco of South Beach’s famed Art Deco District.

That’s why we’ve designed an itinerary optimized for soaking up these vibrant colors — and Miami’s sultry heat — in the beauty of the lush, great outdoors. From lavish resort pools to a tropical botanical garden and public art in a glittery al fresco shopping center, here’s your guide to a weekend well spent in Miami.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday

Head straight to South Beach and check into your stylish home for the weekend. The W South Beach is a classic luxury hotel with a vibrant pool scene and stunning suites with balconies boasting panoramic views of the ocean. For a budget-friendly option, Moxy Miami South Beach makes for a fun stay with its breezy lobby courtyard and bar, rooftop lounge and multiple restaurants.

Of course, one of Miami’s major draws is the beach, so head straight to the sands for a dip in the warm salty Atlantic waters. If the hotel pool is more your vibe, reserve a cabana or snag a lounge chair and work on your tan.

For a more active communion with water, rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks from South Beach Kayak in Sunset Harbour and explore the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay. Afterward, stroll through this stylish neighborhood loved by locals and grab lunch on the patio at Pubbelly Sushi.

For rooftop vibes and upscale Mexican fare at dinnertime, Serena is your destination. You can’t go wrong with their verde scallop ceviche or squash blossom quesadillas in blue corn masa tortillas. Or get off the beaten path and take a 20-minute drive to Little River for wood-fired pizzas and natural wine at La Natural.

Saturday

Start your morning with a cappuccino and flaky focaccia topped with egg, ham and cheese from Rosetta Bakery on Collins Avenue. You’re fueling up to explore the lush oasis of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Spanning 83 acres with more than 3,400 plants, the garden houses palms, cycads, orchids, butterflies and so much more. Enjoy a light lunch at the onsite Glasshouse Café surrounded by live oaks and palm trees.

You’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island paradise of Key Biscayne, where you’ll find Crandon Park, home to nature trails, a tennis center, golf course, marina and beach. At the southern tip of the island, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a beach and nature preserve with a historic lighthouse.

On your way back to the mainland, stop at the iconic Rusty Pelican for sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline, which pairs perfectly with a sunset dinner of fried snapper and margaritas.

And if you’re up for a night on the town, street-art-splashed Wynwood is home to buzzy open-air breweries and food halls, like La Tropical, Veza Sur and 1-800-LUCKY, with live DJs spinning.

Sunday

Sunday is dedicated to Miami’s art and fashion scene. Your first stop is Allapattah, Miami’s latest emerging-arts district, home to the Rubell Museum. The world-class private art collection includes works by Basquiat, Keith Haring and Jeff Koons in a sweeping industrial space. They’ve also installed an artful dining experience with sumptuous Basque restaurant Leku, perfect for lunch.

Next stop is the Design District where you’ll find the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami showcasing local, emerging and underrepresented artists; admission is always free. The neighborhood is a feast for the eyes with upscale boutiques punctuated by colorful interactive public art and stunning architecture.

For a truly indulgent dinner, make a reservation at the clubby Michelin-starred Cote Korean steakhouse for choice cuts of USDA prime and wagyu sizzling on gilded tableside grills. Just down the street in Palm Court, anchored by a geodesic dome by mid-century futurist Buckminster Fuller, Itamae’s mouthwatering Japanese-Peruvian fare makes for an enchanting dinner under the stars.

And for a sultry nightcap paired with DJ beats, Swan’s Bar Bevy is an indoor-outdoor spot with a rooftop lounge and expansive patio from nightlife impresario David Grutman and Pharrell Williams.