Things to do in Miami: Up to 10-day itineraries for a sustainable travel

The Miami metropolitan area has the best of all worlds: that mix of beautiful beaches, tropical forests, and the benefits of large urban centers. The American destination is in the south of Florida, and it is very popular among those who love to go shopping, relax at the Caribbean sea, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of its nightlife. There are so many things to do in Miami and its surroundings that putting an itinerary together can seem challenging. But don’t worry! In this travel guide, you will learn about Miami’s main attractions and will find suggested itineraries of up to 10 days for a sustainable trip to Miami. Are you ready?!

When to go and how many days to stay in Miami

Before knowing the best things to do in Miami, it is essential that you understand what the climate is like in the region, when is the best time to visit, and how many days you need there.

Miami weather

Miami has a tropical climate and the average annual temperature is 76.2°C. In winter, the minimum temperature can reach 64.7°F, while in summer, the maximum temperature reaches 86.3°F. See below what the weather in Miami is like in each month of the year.

When is the best time to go to Miami?

Your trip to Miami can be incredible at any time of year, but if you prefer to avoid the rain, the best time to go is between November and May – during winter and spring.

Important! It is worth paying attention to the months between June and October when there is a (low) possibility of hurricanes in the region. In any case, be aware that this phenomenon is predictable; that is, it can be discovered days in advance and the authorities are very competent in issuing a warning and evacuating the area if it is really necessary. This information is found on the National Hurricane Center website.

How long to stay in Miami

We suggest staying at least five days to understand the city’s dynamics and enjoy all of Miami’s opportunities, such as the beach, art, and lots of culture. But of course, it is possible to enjoy the city either during a weekend or for two full weeks.

In our Instagram highlights, you can check out our experience of spending five days between Miami and Miami Beach.

Things to do in Miami

From incredible museums to gardens inspired by the 17th and 18th centuries, there are plenty of things to do in Miami, regardless of your travel style. Below, you will find the main attractions of this trendy Floridian city.

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Wynwood Arts District

To begin with, we recommend that you set aside a full day to stroll through the Wynwood Arts District. This industrial neighborhood that was once considered dangerous and was transformed into an open-air museum, highlighting street artists from around the world. In addition to lots of art, the neighborhood is full of cool shops and restaurants. During your visit, be sure to:

1) Take a tour with Wynwood Buggies. On this tour, you learn about graffiti and the neighborhood’s hystory from a native graffiti artist while exploring the region in a buggy – which makes the experience less tiring and more comfortable, especially on very hot days or when you are with elderly people and children. Oh, during the tour, you can also make your own graffiti (my favorite part!).

Price: 1 hour guided tour costs between US$45* and US$65* per person. Check the updated information here.

Sustainable tourism 🍃: Buggies are electric and minimize carbon footprints. By taking this tour, in addition to supporting artists in the local community, you will also learn much more about art and graffiti than if you wander alone.

2) Visit the Wynwood Walls gallery museum. Are you thinking of an Instagrammable place? Like an open-air museum, here you will find several graffiti walls as well as an indoor gallery with works by street artists from around the world. Among the artists who have already had their work exhibited here are the American Daze and the Brazilians Kobra and Os Gemeos.

Wynwood Walls – one of the best things to do in Miami
Photos: Elaine Villatoro

Art and Sustainability 🍃: A really cool thing we saw there was that some pieces of work were made of reusable “trash” like the one in the third image above.

Opening hours: From 11 am to 6 pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 am to 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. If you opt for a guided tour, you can enter from 10 am.

Price: Entry costs US$12* for adults, US$10* for people over 65 years old and free for children under 12 years old. Differentiated tickets include a guided tour, early access (ideal for those looking to take photos for social media), and the possibility of learning graffiti in practice. See all the options here.

Address: 2520 NW 2nd Ave Miami FL 33127

Deering Estate

Discover the historic and natural charm of the Deering Estate. With centuries-old buildings – such as the Stone House and Richmond Cottage, Native American articles, and fossils of prehistoric animals that inhabited the region thousands of years ago, the place offers a journey through time. The park’s green area is extensive and provides an ideal environment for those who want to go bird watching, kayaking around Biscayne Bay, or even practice yoga during sunset and full moonrise. Check the schedule of activities and tours on the website.

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Price: From 15 years old U$15; children from 4 to 14 years old U$7; adults over 62 years old U$13* and children under three years old are free. Kayak and stand-up paddle rentals are available via the PADL app.

Address: 16701 SW 72nd Avenue Miami, FL 33157

Extra tip: It’s worth using a biodegradable repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and insects that are common in the region.

The Underline

How about cycling or even walking to discover and support a sensational project? The Underline aims to increase the quality of life for Miami’s citizens by transforming 16km of the area beneath the Metromover line into a linear park. The initiative has the support of some companies that finance the project and the non-profit organization called Friends of The Underline.

You can see the first phase of the project, which covers approximately 800 meters in the Brickell neighborhood and already has a court to play basketball or football, a space for yoga, an urban gym, public musical instruments, benches to sit on, a drinking fountain (for people and even for pets), bathroom, internet, and activities such as theater for children.

Address of the first phase of the project: SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130

Regenerative Tourism 🍃: In addition to visiting the space, you can do volunteer work by helping to take care of The Underline’s gardens. Cool huh?! See the schedule here.

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

The Pérez Art Museum Miami is a very creative environment with immersive and fun artistic exhibitions. He values Miami’s cultural diversity and prioritizes works made by Latin American, Caribbean, and African artists.

When I visited, I was pleased to see the work “LOVE IS CALLING” by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, which explores the look of polka dots, vibrant colors, and infinite reflections in mirrors.

Opening hours: Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday to Monday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Price: Adults US$16*, people aged 62 or over, and children aged 7 to 18 US$12*, and children aged 6 and under are free. People with disabilities and their companions do not pay.

Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Little Havana

A little piece of Cuba in Miami, like the Little Havana neighborhood. Calle 8 is undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions in Miami. Just step here, and you’ll hear Cuban music, find sculptures of roosters, and shops selling products typical of the country, such as cigarettes, hats, and dominoes. In fact, be sure to stop by Dominó Park and watch the locals play games.

What do you think about tasting the delights of Cuban cuisine? We tried some dishes at El Nuevo Siglo Supermarket, which was recommended by a Cuban woman we met. Want to enjoy live music? Stop by Ball & Chain.

Coconut Groove Farmers Market

Don’t know what to do for free in Miami? Go to a street fair in the city. With a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and other items from local producers, the Coconut Groove Farmers Market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine. Indulge in countless vegan food options such as pizza, salad, or perhaps Mexican food.

Address: 3300 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. From 10 am to 7 pm.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is a native wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in brown pelicans. Here, they rescue and treat animals with the aim of releasing them. All this while offering environmental education to visitors through guided or self-guided tours, free or paid (up to US$100*) that can vary each season.

Check out all the visit options on the website, remembering that the free guided tour, which takes place on Saturdays, needs to be booked in advance using the form.

Address: 1279 Northeast 79th Street, Miami, FL, 33138

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County offers theatrical and musical performances for audiences of all ages.

Timetables and tickets: You can find the entire schedule and buy tickets directly on the website.

Address: 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Sustainable Tourism 🍃: By visiting places like this, you end up supporting and encouraging the work of artists in the region.

What to do near Miami

Did you fall in love with the region and want to discover what to do near Miami? We will help you!

Miami Beach

Did you know that Miami and Miami Beach are different cities? Miami Beach is a must-see, known for its wonderful beaches, excitement, and parties. For activities such as diving, kitesurfing and standup paddleboarding, South Beach is the best option. Surfside Beach is a quieter beach for relaxing. Do you want to take your dog? Haulover Dog Beach and North Beach Ocean Side are pet-friendly.

On the famous Lincoln Road, you will find some of the best restaurants in Miami, some bars and eateries. For a late afternoon stroll, how about watching the sunset at South Pointe Park? You can also visit the Art Deco Historic District and be dazzled by the local architecture, visit unusual museums such as the Museum of Illusions (a great tip on what to do in Miami with children), or even the World Erotic Art Museum (for adults only) with arts and works on this topic, which is still taboo.

Fairchild Garden

Imagine a gigantic botanical garden with plants from all over the world and lots of butterflies. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a place where anyone who loves plants or nature will be enchanted. The space also has open-air exhibitions that are renewed every season. During my trip, there were dragons scattered around the place, and no one was having more fun than the kids.

Don’t miss the Growing Beyond Earth Experience, an extraordinary project carried out between them and NASA to study ways of growing vegetables in space, thus providing a healthier diet for astronauts. So far, it has been discovered that plants produce more antioxidants in space, which helps prevent aging – one of the problems that the human body faces when leaving Earth’s orbit.

Sustainable Tourism 🍃: Miami was once a place where orchids could be found on every corner, but with the arrival of trains and the city’s development, they began to be removed for trade, and unfortunately, some species became extinct. The Fairchild’s Million Orchid project aims to reverse this situation and plant one million orchids in Miami. To date, more than 500,000 have been planted. Admirable, right?

Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm

Prices: Adults US$24.95*, seniors US$17.95*, children aged 6 to 17 US$11.95*, and children aged 5 or under are free.

Address: 10901 Old Cutler Road Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33156

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park is the largest urban park in Florida. It offers bike trails (temporarily closed for maintenance), kayaking through dense mangrove forests, and opportunities for fishing and swimming.

Distance from Miami: About 30 minutes by car.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am until 1 hour before sunset. On Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am until 1 hour before sunset.

Prices: Entry costs U$6* per car with 2 to 8 passengers, U$2* per pedestrian, cyclist, or extra passengers, and U$4* for drivers alone in the car or motorcyclists. Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard rentals cost from US$100* per day.

Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Sustainable Tourism 🍃: Here, you can also take a guided ecological tour and learn about the animals that live in the region for US$40*.

Everglades National Park

During your trip to Miami, take the opportunity to visit one of the United States’ national parks. In Everglades National Park, you can explore varied ecosystems, such as mangroves, prairies, and forests, while cycling, hiking, bird watching, walking through the swamp, and even kayaking to spot crocodiles and dolphins.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, between December and April. During this period, the temperature becomes more pleasant; there is less rainfall, and more movement of birds and predators.

Distance from Miami: Approximately 1 hour away by car.

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm every day.

Price: Entry per car is US$30* and US$15* for pedestrians or cyclists, and every fee allows entry to the park for seven consecutive days. See prices for other vehicles here.

Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034

Sustainable Tourism Tip 🍃: Do not support any attraction where tourists can touch or take photos with wild animals! Furthermore, in this region, it is quite common for them to offer an airboat ride – a boat with a propeller on the back. Although it is a more ecological option than a fuel-powered boat, the airboat is very noisy and can harm their well-being. In this article, discover the best practices for safe and ethical tourism with animals.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park has diverse ecosystems that are home to more than 500 fish species. Impressive, right?! In addition to hiking and kayaking, you can snorkel and scuba dive through turquoise waters.

Distance from Miami: About 50 minutes by car.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours every day.

Price: There is no entrance fee, only for camping, at US$30* per night for up to two tents and six people. Check the information on the website.

Address: 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead 33033

Sustainable Tourism 🍃: What do you think about volunteering work during your trip? See available opportunities in Biscayne National Park here.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve was the first national preserve in the United States and is worth a visit. Visitors can go on buggy trails, boat trips, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and car rides.

Distance from Miami: Approximately an hour and a half by car.

Opening hours: In addition to the reserve, which operates 24 hours a day, there are two visitor centers that serve as support, with exhibits, information, educational material, and a shop. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is open every day, except Christmas, from 9 am to 4:30 pm; while the Oasis Visitor Center is open from Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and is closed during public holidays.

Price: Free entry. Camping costs must be confirmed on the website.

Addresses:

Reservation: 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141.

Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center: 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141

Oasis Visitor Center: 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141

What to do in Miami on a rainy day

Is there a rain forecast during your stay? Don’t worry, here is the list of what to do in Miami when it rains:

• Museums and Galleries: Museum of Graffiti, Museum of Illusions, World Erotic Art Museum, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Art Basel, HistoryMiami Museum, Rubell Museum, The Bass, Miami Children’s Museum and Haitian Heritage Museum and Freedom Tower (under renovation until May/ 2024).
• Music, Dance, and Theater: Arsht Center, Miami City Ballet, and New World Center.
• Shopping: The Falls, Brickell City Center, or Sawgrass Mills Outlet.

Best things to do in Miami with kids

Anyone who thinks that Miami is just about partying for adults is wrong. See what to do in Miami with kids and make the most of this destination with the whole family:

• Museums: Miami Children’s Museum, Wynwood Walls, Museum of Illusions, or Pérez Art Museum Miami.
• Outdoor Activities: The Underline, Biscayne National Park, Fairchild Garden and Deering Estate.
• Beach: North Beach Ocean Side.

What to do in Miami for free

Are you short on money? No problem. There is a lot to do in Miami for free. You can stroll through Maurice A. Ferré Park, Little Havana, or The Underline, spend a day on one of Miami Beach’s beaches, or check out what’s new at street markets.

What to do in Miami at night

It’s impossible to go to Miami and not set aside at least one day, or better yet, at least one night, to enjoy the city’s nightlife opportunities.

If you’re looking for things to do in Miami at night, it’s worth including cultural events like the Arsht Center, as well as visiting the city’s best restaurants, dining with live music at the Bayshore Club, playing ping pong, and drinking with friends at the Regatta Grove. It’s also a good idea to venture out to the hustle and bustle of Little Havana or Ocean Drive and enjoy the city’s night view from the top of the Skyviews Miami ferris wheel.

Shopping in Miami

I imagine you’d like to include some time for shopping in your Miami travel itinerary, right? This city can be a great option, but we emphasize that you need to be aware and only buy what is necessary.

Tips to make the most of your purchases responsibly 🍃

• Make a list of what you need to buy to avoid impulsive purchases;
• Avoid fast fashion;
• Give preference to native stores;
• Search for sustainable stores and products

Where to shop in Miami

Discover where to shop in Miami:

Sawgrass Mills Outlet: the largest outlet in the United States has dozens of stores, entertainment and many restaurants to choose from.

The Falls: with more than 100 stores, this is considered one of the best shopping malls in the region.

Midtown Miami: this is a neighborhood with a large concentration of popular stores for shopping in the United States, such as Target, Ross, and Marshalls, among others.

Brickell City Center: Home to entertainment, restaurants, and premium or luxury shopping in Miami.

Good sustainability practices 🍃: Brickell City Center has an intelligent roof design that saves energy and ventilation, reduces temperature, and captures rainwater that is reused to water plants. Additionally, trees removed from the site during construction were replanted in other areas.

Travel itineraries for Miami and its surroundings

Below are some suggested itineraries for your trip to Miami and nearby:

1-day Miami and Miami Beach itinerary

If you only have one day and one night to get to know Miami, we suggest staying in Miami Beach and starting the day watching the sunrise from the beach, or a little later, renting a bike and riding along the coast. In the afternoon, for a different experience, you can visit Calle 8. In the evening, you can choose between staying in Little Havana or returning to Miami Beach and enjoying the nightlife on Ocean Drive.

2-day Miami itinerary

On the first day, follow what was mentioned in the previous itinerary, and on the second day, we recommend exploring the Wynwood Arts District. A stop at Wynwood Walls is practically mandatory, but if you are really into street art, it’s also worth taking the Wynwood Buggies tour. A good tip is to stop for lunch at Love Live Café, a restaurant with healthy and vegetarian food. If you want to fill your day even more, take the opportunity to do a little shopping (consciously, of course!) in the Midtown neighborhood.

3-day Miami itinerary

After seeing a little of Miami Beach, Little Havana, and Wynwood. How about visiting Fairchild Garden and the Deering Estate on the third day of your Miami itinerary?

4-day Miami itinerary

If you have more than three days to discover Miami and the region, we suggest you divide your accommodation between Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. On the first day, you can enjoy Miami Beach with more peace of mind, whether cycling, exploring Ocean Drive, visiting the Museum of Illusions and the World Erotic Art Museum or watching the sunset at South Pointe Beach.

On the second and third days, you can continue as previously suggested. On the fourth day, you can focus more on the city center, walking between the neighborhoods of Brickell and Little Havana or between Downtown and Little Havana.

Itineraries for 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and, 10 days in Miami

In addition to following the tips of the 4-day Miami itinerary, from the fifth to the tenth days, you can rent a car to explore more distant attractions such as Oleta River State Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades or Biscayne National Park. If you can stay in Miami for more than six days, it’s worth leaving the fourth day free for rest or with just one attraction close to your accommodation because traveling is tiring, right 🤪?!

Where to stay in Miami, Florida

The trip becomes even more perfect when we select good accommodation, right? Check out our hotel suggestions in Miami and Miami Beach:

The Palms Hotel & Spa – Miami Beach

In a privileged location on Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa is on the seafront, with a swimming pool, spa, and a restaurant with delicious food. My favorite experience here was watching the sunrise right from my bedroom window.

Sustainable Accommodation in Miami Beach 🍃: The hotel’s initiatives go beyond the basics, such as encouraging guests to reuse towels, recycle, etc. In the bathroom, shampoo and conditioner are kept in containers that are refilled, avoiding the use of single-use plastics. Something new for me was seeing that the bathroom tap is attached to the toilet’s water tank, so the water used to wash your hands is reused for flushing. Wonderful!!

I also had the opportunity to participate in a beach cleaning action organized by them. In fact, any guest can request accessories (bucket, gloves, tongs) and make their contribution.

citizenM Miami Worldcenter – Downtown Miami

If your goal is to enjoy the center, citizenM Miami Worldcenter is a cool hotel downtown with excellent costs X benefits and a great location for you to enjoy the best things to do in the city on foot or using Miami public transport.

The room is all technological and the lights and curtains are controlled by a tablet. You can observe the neighborhood from your bedroom window or even from the pool at the top of the building. At night, the view is breathtaking!

Other accommodations in Miami

Booking.com

Sustainability in Miami

There is still a lot to be done for large cities like this to become a reference in sustainability, but we cannot help but admire and highlight the good practices we see in each destination we visit. In the case of Miami, it is clear how the city is truly inclusive and welcomes both the Latino community and the LGBT community with open arms.

In addition to the already mentioned initiatives, such as Fairchild Garden and The Underline,the Miami Beach Convention Center is worth highlighting . The building received LEED silver certification for its innovative architectural design, which balances natural lighting and energy efficiency. Here, they also promote composting of organic waste in partnership with the company Compost For Life, generate post-event sustainability reports, and during their renovation, they transformed an old parking lot into a green area.

Sustainable transportation can be achieved through the use of bicycles and public transport with lower carbon emissions, such as Metromover, Metrorail, and Metrobus.

Extra tips for being a responsible tourist in Miami

Throughout the text, we brought some tips, but it doesn’t hurt to mention a few more, right?! LOL. After all, every choice and attitude we have matters. Let’s go:

• Give preference to using public transport or even walking or cycling around the city;
• Refuse straws, avoid buying bottled water, and try to generate as little waste as possible on your trip;
• Practice observation tourism instead of supporting attractions that keep animals in captivity or use them as entertainment (such as zoos, aquariums, swimming with dolphins, etc.);
• Support native entrepreneurs and/or those with good sustainability practices;

What to pack

Would you like to know what to pack for Miami? Here are some items that will make a difference to your trip:

• Protect yourself from the sun: take reef-safe sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, and light clothing with UV protection;
• Protect yourself from the rain: pack an umbrella, a waterproof jacket, and a pair of waterproof sneakers;
• Practice sustainable tourism: bring a reusable water bottle, cup, bag, and cutlery.

Fox Tip 🦊: Columbia Sportswear is our inseparable adventure partner due to its high quality and innovative technologies. Check out their products!

Travel Insurance for Miami

Travel insurance is extremely important to ensure peace of mind and security during your international adventures. It offers coverage and assistance during the trip in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or unforeseen events. We currently use Safety Wing travel insurance due to its competitive price, good coverage, and flexibility for digital nomads. See more information on the website.

Now that you know the best tourist attractions and things to do in Miami, tell us: what will be your first stop during your trip?

🦊 Sincere fox informs:

*All values reported in this article were collected in August 2023 and may have additional taxes and changes at any time.

** Our beautiful trip was held at the invitation of Visit Miami (Greater Miami & Miami Beach), but you can rest assured that all opinions expressed here are sincere and based on our experience 💖.

*** This post contains affiliate links, which means that when you purchase a product/service after clicking on our links, LMTM earns a commission that helps us maintain free content for all traveling foxes in the world, including you ✌🏽🦊 .

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