How To Spend 24 Hours In Miami

Only have one day in Miami? No problem! Granted, 24 hours is rarely enough time to soak up the full flavor of a city — especially one as big and diverse as this. That doesn’t mean you can’t still pack plenty of unforgettable sights, food, and fun into a single day. With just a little bit of planning and research, you can easily hit a few of the city’s neighborhoods. Each has its own unique vibe, so here’s how to spend 24 hours in Miami.

9 AM: Visit Vizcaya Museum And Gardens

For what to see in Miami in one day, it’s worth it to wake up early and head straight for this historic landmark, which locals will agree is hands-down one of the best spots when visiting places in Miami, Florida. A hundred years ago, this stunning waterfront villa was the winter estate of businessman James Deering. These days, it operates as a museum with guided tours.

Once you see it for yourself, you’ll be glad you beat the crowds — Vizcaya is one of the most photographed spots in the city. You’re going to want to snap lots of photos throughout the palatial home and its sprawling gardens. Just make sure you save some time to take in the incredible views of Biscayne Bay.

12 PM: Have Brunch in Coconut Grove

Just a five-minute drive from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, this peaceful seaside Miami neighborhood has plenty of grand estates, leafy avenues, and lush green areas. Plus, there are several pretty marinas where you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh ocean breezes. It’s also a great place to be when you’re hungry, as Coconut Grove has no shortage of amazing cafés and restaurants for breakfast and lunch.

Load up on jamón serrano croquetas, refreshing watermelon salad, and the perfect Eggs Benedict at Glass & Vine by acclaimed Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli. It’s located in beautiful Peacock Park. If you’re in town on a Saturday or Sunday, you can also do brunch at Ariete, where James Beard Award semifinalist Michael Beltran has whipped up many incredible eats like guava pancakes, PB&J French toast, and fritas made with chorizo, papitas and spicy ketchup.

3 PM: Scope Out Street Art in Wynwood

Top things to do in Miami are in abundance. Now that you’ve refueled, it’s time to indulge in a little bit of eye candy. From Coconut Grove, head northeast along the coast to Wynwood, Miami’s Art District, where most of the walls are covered with impressive murals by talented local artists. This one’s extra special because it’s one of those free things to do in Miami.

The Wynwood Walls are a good place to start your art-fueled adventure — the pieces on display continuously change, so no two visits are ever the same. Once you’ve seen all the pieces here, you can pop into the many art galleries that line Northwest 2nd Avenue. Many of them are dedicated to showcasing local emerging talent, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up a piece you won’t find anywhere else.

If the Miami heat has you craving a cold treat by the end of your visit, stop by 1-800-LUCKY for some matcha-and-black-sesame-swirl ice cream by the beloved brand Taiyaki, served in an Instagram-worthy waffle cone that’s shaped like a fish.

5 PM: Do It up Deco-Style in South Beach

It’s time to hit the open streets for things to do on South Beach, FL, home to lots of great restaurants, trendy nightlife, and buzzing bars. Start your visit on lively Ocean Drive and soak up a hundred years of history as you stroll past perfectly preserved Art Deco hotels, like the Clevelander, Congress Hotel, and the Leslie. You’ll pass The Villa Casa Casuarina, formerly the Versace Mansion, as you head north. Don’t forget to snap a picture on the limestone steps that lead up to its gilded wrought-iron gates.

Once you’re ready for something to eat, grab a table at Havana 1957 for Cuban cuisine right on Ocean Drive. This family-friendly restaurant features live music most nights and a menu that spotlights delicious Cuban dishes like vaca frita (braised, shredded flank steak topped with tangy mojo), fricase de pollo (chicken stewed in a housemade criolla sauce with potato, raisins and olives), decadent tres leches, and of course, classic Cuban flan.

8 PM: Go Barhopping in Brickell

Once the sun goes down, Miami’s party scene heats up. Most of the nightclubs on South Beach don’t open until close to midnight. If you cross the bridge to Brickell, you’ll find tons of fantastic spots ranging from locally-loved karaoke bars, to rooftop lounges where expert bartenders sling some of the best craft cocktails in town.

If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, go to Sugar at EAST Miami. Perched on the 40th floor of the hotel and designed to resemble a lush rooftop garden, this gem is known for breathtaking views, delicious tapas, and Asian-inspired cocktails. If you want to keep the evening casual, swing by Better Days, a laid-back neighborhood dive staffed by bartenders who can craft any drink you name.

From there, you can branch out to late-night watering holes like Blackbird Ordinary, RedBar Brickell, and Sweet Caroline, which hosts karaoke every night.

11 PM: Hit the Club

If you’re not ready to call it a night, check out Komodo. The brainchild of Dave Grutman (he’s behind iconic Miami nightclubs LIV and STORY), Komodo is a high-end restaurant that specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine. On Friday and Saturday nights, its third-story lounge turns into a club with a full bar and guest DJs every weekend. It’s a great place to spot celebrities, and the walls are covered with pop art by trendsetting artists.

To keep the party going, you can always head back to South Beach, where after-hours mainstays like Mango’s Tropical Café, Basement, and Do Not Sit On The Furniture keep the beats going strong and long into the early morning hours.

Trying to experience Miami in 24 hours can seem like a tall order when you don’t know what to include, but you can dedicate some time to venturing deeper into this vibrant destination to reap unexpected rewards and surprises. If some locations and attractions don’t make it into your 24-hour itinerary, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore during a different Caribbean cruise from Miami.

There’s Plenty To Do in 24 Hours When You Cruise to Miami

There you have it: Miami sightseeing in one day! In just 24 hours, with some incredible meals woven in to boot, you’ll get a pretty well-rounded taste of this melting pot metropolis. Miami, Florida, is a major departure port for lots of cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean. It’s also a popular vacation destination for sun-seekers, foodies, culture buffs and nightlife lovers around the world.

Cruise to “Magic City” to find out for yourself why it tops so many travelers’ lists. The weather is sunny and warm year-round, the beaches are renowned and every corner is suffused with culture — from the Caribbean cool of Little Havana and Little Haiti, to the vibrant Jewish communities of Miami Beach.

If you happen to have a cruise from Miami coming up and you’re not from the city, you should definitely spend some time before or after your vacation to explore this unique, colorful destination. We’ve set you up just right with recommendations for beaches, art gallery visits, dining and nightlife escapades.

Visit Miami or cruise to other Florida destinations and check out our Florida cruise ports to make it even easier for you and your travel buddies. We also have cruise planning guides to help you curate the perfect vacation, including family-friendly Miami itineraries and tips.