Every weekend can feel like a mini vacation in Miami, Florida. The weather’s on point all year round, and there’s no season where you can’t enjoy Florida’s gorgeous coast. Whether you’re looking to mingle with the tourists or blend with the locals, we want you to relax as much as possible on this trip. We put together this itinerary for you so you can make the most of your time in paradise.
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10 Things To Put On Your Miami Getaway Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Arrive and Relax
Whether you've just gotten out of the car after a long road trip, or were on a flight, stretch your legs before having a great dinner. Here's what we recommend for your first Get started by finding a great weekend vacation rental in Miami.
1. Take a trip to “Cuba”
You’ll find traces of Cuban culture around Miami, but you’ll find the most concentrated influence in the neighborhood of Little Havana. This famed Cuban neighborhood is where you’ll find great Cuban food, coffee and culture. Calle Ocho, the main street in Little Havana, is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants. The weekend is a great time to visit this neighborhood, especially if it’s the last Friday of the month. That’s when you’ll catch Viernes Culturales, or Cultural Fridays, a monthly event showcasing the best of the area.
2. Catch a show
Actor’s Playhouse, a theater company in the Coral Gables Neighborhood, has an ongoing free movie series. They typically feature classics like Grease or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. They also run shows like West Side Story or Jungle Book. It’s a great weekend option for when you’re in a ‘dinner and show’ date night kind of mood.
Saturday: Relax on the Beach and Explore Get started by finding a great weekend vacation rental in Miami
Sleep in and wake up to stunning ocean views in a vacation rental like this one in South Beach. Take a morning swim in the water or go enjoy a delicious brunch. If you have enough time and energy to go somewhere today, we recommend the following options.
3. See the great outdoors
There’s so much nature to explore right in Miami’s own backyard, no matter how well you know the city. Whether it’s your first time in the area, or you know the city like the back of your hand, a great weekend activity is exploring the Florida Everglades. Tour operators provide transport from Miami to the Everglades, where visitors can explore parts of the 1.5 million acre National Park. You can opt for an airboat tour, which is one of the most popular tour options. You can also hike, canoe, or rent out private boats to get around. For those who can’t get enough of the Everglades in a day, a weekend camping trip is another option for another time.
4. Immerse yourself in the arts
On the second Saturday of each month, the Wynwood Arts District hosts art walks. This area is home to numerous art galleries, shops, and bars, with some of the most amazing street art you’ll find in Miami. There are always tons of events in the area, from exhibitions to walking food tours. There’s so much to see and do that downloading a district map and exploring each nook and cranny of this neighborhood isn’t a bad idea.
5. Relax at the beach
Miami’s quintessential coastal hot spot is South Beach, famous for its trendy locale, shopping and nightlife. You’ll find tons of options for things to do at any time of day. Miami Beach is another top destination. It’s located on an island connected to the city by a network of bridges. But if beaches aren’t relaxing in the least, head to one of Miami’s spas. They offer some of the best rest and relaxation money can buy. Head to the Baltimore Spa for one of the most well-booked luxury facilities in the city.
6. Embrace your child
Zoos are not just for kids. Zoo Miami is one of the most interesting places you’ll visit, thanks to its excellent collection of wildlife. Miami’s climate makes it a good environment for animals from all over the world including Asia, Australia and Africa. The Miami Zoo is one of the first free-range zoos in the United States, which means that the exhibits are entirely cageless. Animals that can live peacefully in the wild are placed together according to their geographic territory. There’s also lots of interaction available with the animals, so you’ll feel more like you’re on a safari than at the local zoo.
7. Watch a game
It’s hard not to get caught up in the sports craze if you happen to visit during basketball season. The Miami Heat plays at the American Airlines Arena in downtown, which is also the main venue for concerts and special events. Watch a game or catch a performance at this standout venue over the weekend.
8. Grab a classic south Florida meal
There’s good food to be found in Miami, whether you’re looking for quick beach bites on the go or a classy meal in a fine dining establishment. You’ll find food truck eats so good that they’re now served at restaurants, like grilled cheeses at Ms. Cheezious on Biscayne Boulevard. You’ll also find fun, farm to table establishments like Yardbird, where they serve Southern-inspired food that’s great for brunch or dinner. There are also beachside restaurants like Hyde Beach Kitchen and Cocktails, where they offer bottomless rosé for brunch on Sundays, as well as beautiful outdoor seating areas where you can hear the sound of the ocean waves.
Sunday: Take That Vacation Feeling Home
9. Indulge in some retail therapy
Miami is home to numerous shops and boutiques of every size, shape and kind. Forgot to pack a beach read? Check out Books and Books, located in various spots throughout the city, and browse through a fantastic collection. Want a vintage outfit to dress up your look? The Rabbit Hole on 125th Street is where you’ll find second-hand treasures worth gold. Aventura Mall is Miami’s most well-rounded collection of shops for a one-stop shopping experience. And Lincoln Road Mall is Miami Beach’s outdoor mall with tons of well-known retailers.
10. Visit a gorgeous landmark
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a local treasure. The 28-acre estate is filled with European furniture and art from the 15th to 19th century. There are 34 rooms around a central courtyard, the grounds of which took more than 1,000 workers and craftsmen to complete. This National Historic Landmark has been the site of a number of important events. But it’s also a great weekend spot to find some tranquility in the action-packed city.
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This article was written by Hanna Choi.