MiamiDay Planner
Day One
MStart the day with a morning stroll along the lovely shoreline of South Beach. Afterwards, stop in the small Art Deco Museum for an overview of this fabulous architectural district. Then take a wander along Ocean Drive and see these deco beauties in person.
RHave a seafood lunch at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant. Afterwards, take a stroll along Lincoln Rd, a pedestrian boulevard lined with eye-catching stores and outdoor restaurants. Peruse fiction at Books & Books, pick up some beach footwear at Havaianas and browse eye-catching apparel at Alchemist.
NIn the evening, feast on high-end Southern fare at Yardbird. Catch a show at the Fillmore Miami Beach or a concert at the New World Center. End the night over at Bodega, a taco stand with a decadent bar hidden out the back. For something a little more raucous, join the party over at Mango’s.
Day Two
MBegin the day in Wynwood over pastries from Salty Donut and espresso from Panther Coffee. Thus fortified, begin the gallery and shopping stroll of this fascinating neighborhood. Check out the latest murals at Wynwood Walls, look for gifts at Malaquita and explore the outstanding installations at the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse.
RSpend the afternoon at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which has some of the best contemporary art exhibitions in the city – plus a great lunch spot. Afterwards, head over to Bayfront Park to check out a few Noguchi sculptures, and join locals for a bit of riverside relaxing on the grass.
NThat evening, return to Wynwood to see the district by lamplight. Book a table at culinary hot spot Kyu, check out the microbrew scene at Wynwood Brewing Company, then take in a band in the backyard of Gramps, the Wynwood Yard or Lagniappe. If you’re still out late, join the party people at DJ-fueled Bardot.
Day Three
MSpend the morning wandering around the lush grounds and art- and antique-filled interiors of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Next, go over to Coconut Grove for window shopping and snacks (try the ice cream from Bianco Gelato). Take a peak at Barnacle Historic State Park for waterfront views, then have lunch at the Spillover.
RHead to Little Havana for a dose of Latin culture. Check out the domino action in Máximo Gómez Park, learn a bit of Cuban history at Cuban Memorial Park and shop for guayaberas (Cuban dress shirts) and cigars along 8th St. Stop for a freshly squeezed pick-me-up at Los Pinareños Frutería.
NHave an early dinner at the Cuban icon Versailles. Afterwards, go to the intimate Cubaocho, where you can hear Latin jazz, flamenco, Cuban son, and other styles. For something more spirited, head over to the long-running Ball & Chain, which has a full calendar of events and music (including salsa – with free lessons – on some nights).
Day Four
MExplore Miami’s wilder side at the Fairchild Tropical Garden, with its rainforest sections, colorful butterflies and pretty woodland paths. After a dose of nature, go up to Coral Gables, for a stroll along its shop-lined Miracle Mile. Learn about this curious master-planned village at the Coral Gables Museum.
RStop in for a flat white and creative lunch specials at Threefold. If the weather is steamy, head over to the Venetian Pool for a dip in one of America’s loveliest swimming spots. Otherwise, opt for the Biltmore Hotel for a wander through a grand building modeled on Seville’s Giralda Tower. Be sure to have a drink at the elegant poolside restaurant.
NHead downtown for an early seafood feast at the always lively River Oyster Bar. Afterwards, attend a show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Be sure to check out the subtle art designs (by José Bedia) on the inside. Cap the night with drinks at a Downtown rooftop bar such as Sugar, Area 31 or Pawnbroker.