1 Day In Miami – The Ultimate Guide For Your Miami Trip!

If you know me, then you know that Florida is high on my list of fun places to visit! There are so many ways to have a good time in Florida. Which is why I’ve been there countless times! And it’s never the same trip twice. From going to Biscayne Bay, exploring the Keys, or touring the Fort Lauderdale canals, Florida has plenty of things going on. And if you only have 1 day in Florida, go to a city like Miami. Even with only 1 day in Miami you can see plenty.

Plan your 1 day in Miami using our guide and pack in all the fun you can into your day.

Believe me, you can still experience a LOT, especially if you grab a map and plan out your route.

Plus, even though Miami is a very large city, your 1 day trip doesn’t have to break the bank! We have lots of options that are inexpensive so you can save money while you have a great time.

No trip to the Sunshine State of Florida is really complete without a visit to Miami!  A  diverse and exciting city, Miami is overflowing with culture, delicious food, wonderful art and white sand beaches.

Located in South Florida and only a few hours drive from the Florida Keys and Key West, Miami is screaming with excitement! 

In fact, Miami has enough things to see and do that you could find a new adventure each day of the month. And, Miami is a great jumping-off spot because there’s a lot of good day trips to take from Miami.

A fun trip would be to spend 1 day in Miami and branch out from there – the  Everglades National Park is less than 90 minutes away and Biscayne National Park is only about an hour.

Plus all the fabulous Keys and 7 mile bridge aren’t far either. We’ve stayed in the Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton area many times and Miami is a short drive away. So, north or south, there’s plenty to see around Miami.

A day trip to this glamourous city is a great way to experience Miami and a single day trip can totally be just as fulfilling as a longer trip. Our guide is compiled of the absolute best and most inexpensive things that Miami has to offer. So, you make the most of your 1 day in Miami.

If you don’t want to drive in Miami, they have a perfect option: a free trolley system that will let you explore some of the best parts of Miami without having to worry about driving and parking. The trolleys are air-conditioned and yes, they’re free!

Read on for the ultimate guide to spending 1 Day in Miami:

Catch the Sunrise at South Beach

South Beach, Miami, should be the first stop on your trip. Frequently listed as one of the best beaches in the United States, this beach is a must do. One of the best times to hit the beach is in the early morning hours.

The sun rises along the coast of South Beach are unbelievable. So you’ll definitely want to get out onto a deserted stretch of sand and watch the majestic sun come up.

Early mornings on South Beach will bring you peace because there are very few people out during this time. There is nothing more peaceful than a quiet stroll down the beach as the sun rises. It’s total zen time with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing in.

If you aren’t a morning person or want to visit South Beach later in the day. It’s beautiful anytime of day. If you want to catch some sun, obviously go at midday. But just know that it gets REALLY HOT!! I like the coastline in the evening – you’ll see South Beach swathed in golden rays of sun.

Do A City Tour

I’d highly recommend a guided tour of the city of Miami so you get a real feel for the area. This is the best way to really get to know the city.

There are all kinds of tours you could opt for: a walking tour, a fun sightseeing tour, a boat tour, food tours, Miami bus tour, a tour of the art deco historic district and more! There’s a tour for everyone.

A tour is one of the best things you can do to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, especially if it’s your first time to Miami!

Savor the Cuisine, Culture and Latin Music in Little Havana

With the immense population of Miami being nearly three-quarters Latino and one-third Cuban, Miami has almost unmatched cultural diversity in the United States.

Little Havana is famously known as the beating heart of Miami. And your Miami itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a tour through it – it’s one of the best places to go in Miami! This culturally immersing community showcases the strength of the Latin and Cuban population who call Miami their home.

Little Havana is ripe with flavorful and authentic Cuban cuisine and coffee. Locals are welcoming and encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the culture. Some may even offer to play a dominos game.

Many people equate Cuban culture with top-of-the-line cigars, and Little Havana gives visitors the chance to see how they are made.

In fact, while you’re in Little Havana, we recommend doing a guided tour. There are numerous walking tours and guided food tours that will show you all that Little Havana has to offer.

These include mouth watering Cuban and Latin inspired food tours. You’ll also want to make sure you stroll down the famed Calle Ocho, the famous main drag in Little Havana.

Access to Little Havana is extremely convenient, making the trip to and from quick and easy. In addition, due to its importance in Miami, Little Havana is a stop that many tour buses make.

Shop at the Bayside Marketplace

Get a taste of the authentic Miami atmosphere at the outdoor shopping mall, known as the Bayside Marketplace. Bayside Marketplace has everything a dedicated shopper could ask for: posh boutiques, restaurants, and even live music. If you’re like me and don’t want to spend much money, just go look around. That doesn’t cost anything! Then grab a cold drink and take in the view.

Wander through the Art Deco Historic District

 Miami is home to a renowned Art Deco Historic District. The district has over 800 historic buildings located centrally around Ocean Drive. This collection of historic buildings is the largest concentration in the United States and one of the largest worldwide.

Mixed in amongst the beautiful Art Deco architecture, you will find Mediterranean and Miami Modern architecture styles. The Art Deco District is a great place to see so much of the art and culture of the city. It’s definitely not to be missed!

For a deeper dive into the Art Deco world of Miami, stop at the Art Deco Museum. The Art Deco Museum offers the chance to learn about 3 different design styles Miami is known for: Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco and Miami Modern (Mi-Mo).

What a great way to learn about the design and architectural history of Miami! And admission is less than $10 per person!!

Walk Down Española Way

Designed in the 1920s, Española Way was one of Miami Beach’s first commercial developments.

A short walk off of Ocean Drive, Española Way is an awe-inspiring strip designed to as an historic Mediterranean village. This quaint street feels like taking a step back in time and is a unique experience worthy of your time. It’s a must see when you’re in Miami.

Take a Stroll through Wynwood

Art lovers and dream seekers absolutely can’t miss the magic of Wynwood, the vibrant and unique artistic heart of Miami.

A trip across Biscayne Bay will land you in whimsical Wynwood, an area made famous by its fantastic street art. Set aside some time to walk through Wynwood Walls, the outdoor art museum showcasing over 80,000 square feet of walls covered in jaw-dropping graffiti and wall art. Wynwood Walls boasts art from over 50 different artists spanning 16 different countries, providing diverse art with unique perspectives.

If you work up an appetite, the area is known for having a delicious culinary scene. Wynwood has a wide selection of hipster craft breweries, restaurants, bars, and cafes. All are built inside the many once abandoned warehouses of the community.

Vizcaya Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is where you can get a taste of historic old Florida. The Vizcaya houses the historic James Deering mansion and 10 spectacular acres of Italian inspired gardens.

The mansion and grounds were built by Deering, of International Harvester, back in the late 1910s-1920’s. Afflilcted with asthma, he needed a warm place in the sun to escape the harsh winters.

It’s all set on Biscayne Bay with gorgeous waterfront views. It’s a stunning throwback in time so if you’re into amazing architecture and opulence, Vizcaya is not to be missed. And, admission is very reasonable, less than $25.

Watch The Sunset

End your day in Miami with a sunset and a dinner! I’d recommend Sunset Harbor for a great place to watch the sunset. And if you want to enjoy a good, non-fancy, cheap dinner as well, check out the La Sandwicherie.

It’s not upscale by any means, BUT it’s good food that fits in with my budget conscious brain. And they’re been on Miami Beach since the 1980’s – so they know what they’re doing.

And while I wouldn’t have dinner on Ocean Drive, I would check out Ocean Drive and South Beach at night just to get a look at the illuminated building. All the art deco buildings and all the bright neon is totally cool.

If you’re in the area in the day time, you may also want to check out Muscle Beach. This is the famed outdoor fitness beach where all the bodybuilders go to work on their six packs. Located at 9t & Ocean, It’s great for people watching!

Final Thoughts For Your 1 Day In Miami

This guide shows only a few of the gems that Miami has to offer. The vast opportunities for art, culture, nightlife, fun and sun are what makes the Miami area so popular with tourists and locals alike,  and are why it’s such a famous destination.

Let’s face it, the population in Miami and the surrounding area is so dense because it’s a great place to live!  So yeah the traffic can be a nightmare, but knowing that there’s so much diversity and culture in the area; and the beach is only minutes away, more than makes up for it. (Along with the beautiful winter weather!!).

While you’re in Miami, make sure you take a peek at the Miami skyline as well! I was surprised as we drove through Coral Gables North on I-95 at just how many skyscrapers there are in downtown Miami. It kind of gave me a different perspective about just how big Miami is!

Above all, sample all the food you can, catch some live music and view all the cool art & art deco around town. This is what Miami is all about! 

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