Planning a weekend in Miami, Florida, and looking for the best options for what to do?
Miami was made for weekends: The white sand beaches have water in every hue of blue. Pastel-colored mansions line the waterfront in some areas; sleek modern mansions are the norm in other parts.
You’ll find no shortage of Daiquiris, nightclubs, and scantily clad strangers; you’ll find just as many family-owned restaurants, discreet sunset views, and silent moments.
Here’s what to do in Miami for a Weekend:
Cuban Culture in Miami
No Miami city guide is complete without a mention of the city’s Cuban history.
The Cuban culture is alive here (it is an absolute injustice not to try some authentic Cuban food while in Miami for a weekend), and you will see and feel its liveliness in every corner of the city.
The best way to experience Miami is through its cultural neighborhoods, like Little Havana or Little Haiti.
Important:
When in Miami, make time to dance to Latin music, eat good food, and be happy for the moment.
When to Visit Miami
- December and January are high tourist seasons, with people from every corner of the country traveling to Miami to escape the cold winter months.
- Miami’s hurricane season is from June through November. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit during those times; just keep a watch on the weather.
- September-November can be the sweet spot, with lower prices and fewer crowds, but the best budget accommodations are in the summer months.
Miami Airports: You’ve Got Options
Miami International Airport (MIA):
This airport is 10 miles from downtown Miami and 13 from South Beach. MIA is the 3rd busiest airport in the US and the best airport to choose for nonstop flights to nearly every country in Latin America.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL):
FLL is located 28 miles north of Miami and is often used by travelers as an alternate airport for those looking to experience Miami on a budget.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI):
Palm Beach’s airport will be the most convenient if you’re spending most of your time in PB or south of Boca.
Find the best flights to Miami with Skyscanner’s Price Alert.
How to Get Around Miami
You have a few options, each with its own pros and cons.
- The Miami Trolley is a cute and free option, but it only runs through certain parts of the city.
- Miami’s Metrorail is best used to get out of the Airport.
- Freebee is a free shuttle service through most of the city’s major tourist areas but will require an app download.
- Rideshare. Miami has a reputation for having some of the lowest rideshare prices of any big US city.
If you plan to visit many parts of the city, renting a car is the best option.
Most Iconic Things to See in Miami
From the nightlife on South Beach to the authentic Cuban experiences of Little Havana, Miami, is one of those cities that always has something to do.
If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, get excited- most of these things can be done for free!
South Beach
You can’t visit Miami without spending time at South Beach (SoBe).
South Beach is the most famous beach in Miami, so make sure to go and experience her soft, white sand beaches and iconic boardwalk at least once (plus, what is a weekend without a beach?).
Art Deco
Pastel Art Deco buildings meet modern luxury design, with palm trees that tie it all together. To get the best experience take the official walking tour hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League.
Where to stay in South Beach for a weekend
Budget: Consider South Beach Rooms, a super cute and clean hostel in the heart of everything.
Luxury: The Betsy Hotel has beach access, plus a courtyard and rooftop pool and beautiful Art Deco furniture.
Little Havana
Cuban culture culminates in Little Havana.
In the 1960s, Cuban citizens fled Castro’s regime and landed in one particular neighborhood of Miami. By 1970, the area was 85% Cuban.
Today, the residents, business owners, and artists of Little Havana are still predominantly Cuban, making Little Havana one of the biggest pockets of Cuban culture in the US.
Calle Ocho
Little Havana is centered around Calle Ocho (Eighth Street), a vibrant place lined with Latin restaurants, fruit stands, cigar shops, and art galleries.
Other Things To Do in Little Havana
- Máximo Gómez Park (known as Domino Park) is a world-famous park where locals gather over games of dominoes.
- The Walk of Fame is stylized the same as Hollywood’s but dedicated to Latin artists.
- Take a Cuban Food Tour of Little Havana.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
If you’re a fan of posh palaces, this one is for you!
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was the former estate of James Deering (a businessman of McCormick fame). Vizcaya is well preserved a true time warp into a 1916 Italian Renaissance-style mansion.
The Wynwood Arts District
It’s a tale as old as time: What was once a group of warehouses has been transformed into a hip arts district.
Local shops, tons of people, and art breathe life into Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Wynwood is known for colors, portraits, street art, inspiring quotes, and colorful murals.
On the second Saturday of every month, Wynwood transforms into a street party/arts festival, complete with pop-up art galleries, food trucks, and live music.
For the best experience, consider a walking street art tour of Wynwood.
This is a must-do when visiting Miami for a weekend!
The Best Beaches in Miami
Always pack for the beach when you head to Miami for a weekend. These are a few of my favorite beaches:
Bal Harbour Beach
Bal Harbour is a small stretch of silky soft white sand backed by some of Miami’s most luxurious beachfront hotels, The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
The beach is also home to The Bal Harbour Shops, an upscale mall that opened in 1965- expect breezeways with lush palm trees and koi ponds, a wonderland of tropical selfie backdrops.
Lummus Park
Located in South Beach, within the city’s colorful Art Deco District, along Ocean Drive, is Lummus Park.
The Park has some of the best people-watching in Miami. Artificially proportioned bodies, celebrities jogging with paparazzi in tow, and adorable rollerbladers line the beachside path.
Unsurprisingly, episodes of Miami Vice have been filmed at Lummus Park.
Tip: On the weekends locals sell handmade goods, authentic food, and crafts at in front of Lummus Park.
Crandon Park Beach
When you’re looking for an escape from the famous and populated South Beach, consider Crandon Park Beach. This beautiful white sand beach reaches into Key Biscayne and requires a drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Crandon Park Beach is calm, and mostly shallow, good for those who aren’t strong swimmers.
21st to 45th Street Beach
21st to 45th Street Beach has long stretches of sand, calm water, a section of the Miami boardwalk, and one majorly cool thing that the other beaches on this list don’t- a history of organic celebrity sightings.
This beach is less-crowded, an excellent spot for people-free photos!
Other Miami beaches I love
South Pointe Park Pier is the best dog-friendly beach in Miami, complete with a dog park!
Matheson Hammock Park: A golden sand paradise filled with palm trees and hammocks, the unique round shape of the beach makes for great pictures.
Best Nature in Miami
- The Florida Everglades are an incredible wild West wetland.
- Biscayne National Underwater Park. I admit I have a thing for underwater parks. Biscayne is 95% underwater and teeming with colorful fish, manatees, and sea turtles! Grab a canoe, snorkel gear, or a glass-bottom boat tour to truly enjoy Biscayne National Underwater Park.
- Bear Cut Nature Trail for a paved walk with lots of wildlife sightings.
- Virginia Key North Point Trails are perfect for biking and hiking. There’s also a small private beach.
Best Photo Spots in Miami
Urban Vibes
Beach Vibes
- South Beach (iconic)
- Alice Wainwright Park
- Matheson Hammock Park
Read More: How to Take Travel Photos on Your Phone
Views of the Skyline & Downtown
- Venetian Bridge
- A Boat Tour leaving from Downtown
LGBTQ Community in Miami
Miami Beach has a history of being a welcoming and all-inclusive city and is home to many gay bars and LGBTQ-specific events!
Hotel Gaythering. The ‘Gayest Hotel in Miami Beach,’ Hotel Gaythering, is the hub for the LGBTQ community, hosting themed nights and events most days of the year.
Wynwood. check out Gramps or R House.
South Beach. When in South Beach, try Palace for the best drag bar in Miami.
Unique Things To Do in Miami
Miami is a city that’s seen some shit.
These are a few more unique things to do in Miami:
- World Exotic Art Museum is a look at erotic art from ancient to modern times.
- The Venetian Pool is the largest freshwater swimming pool in the US. Built in 1923 out of an abandoned coral quarry, the pool has a photo-worthy bridge and connects to several natural caves that can be explored.
- The Miami Circle is a series of 24 holes that form a perfect circle, believed to be 20 thousand years old. Archeologists found all sorts of fun things in the holes, from human teeth to prehistoric tools and animal bones.
Frequently asked questions
No other city guide of Miami will explain this to you, so take note:
The truth about big butts in Miami
Big butts are a big thing here. Even if you’re only in Miami for the weekend, you’re likely to see some massive butts. Does this mean that everyone from Miami is big from the back?
Not necessarily. Miami is one of the largest producers of butt-enhancing BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) surgery in the US.
Is Miami safe?
Miami, Florida, has some sketchy areas, but they are far from the usual tourist landmarks. Watch for suspicious activities wherever you go, and make sure you watch for hurricanes near your travel dates.
What Miami neighborhood should I stay in?
I’ve done extensive research for you, friend- check out the most popular neighborhoods in Miami.
Does Miami ever get cold?
January is generally the coldest month in Miami, with nightly lows around 60 degrees and daytime temperatures around 75 degrees.
So, what do you think? Does Miami ever get cold? I’ll let you decide 🙂
What are some common nicknames for Miami?
Like most iconic US Cities, Miami goes by many names.
Miami’s most common nicknames:
- Magic City is the most common nickname for Miami because it essentially came into being overnight.
- Little Cuba, due to the rich Cuban culture in the city.
- The Gateway to Latin America. Miami is the city you will likely fly from or layover in on your way to Latin America.
What are the best day trips from Miami?
Hey, hey, you’re in luck! There are so many amazing places you can see from Miami in just one day. Check out my guide to day trips from Miami.
Where can I get the best Cuban food in Miami?
Pretty much every street in this city is rich in delicious and authentic Cuban food. Some of the most popular Cuban restaurants include the family-owned Isla Canarias and La Rosa Restaurant.
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Now that you know what to do for a weekend in Miami, you’ve got one less thing to worry about!
Let me know what you plan to do in the comments below 🙂 or tag me on social media:
