Are you planning a 1-day Miami Itinerary? I have got you covered.
I recently visited Miami with my friends and was unexpectedly head over heels for the city!
It’s vibrant, cultural, and full of unique neighborhoods. Surrounded by sandy shorelines along the Atlantic Ocean and two national parks, there are limitless amazing things to do in Miami in one day!
I have crafted a jam-packed itinerary so you can experience the most of Miami in a short amount of time.
As always, please modify this itinerary to meet your needs! Some people prefer a slower travel day, especially when relaxing along the coast. There is certainly no wrong way to explore Miami in one day.
Whether you’re here for art, history, food, or vibrant city life, this one-day guide helps you make the most of your time in Miami.
1 Day Miami Itinerary
Morning: Wynwood Arts District
1. Spot Art Murals
Begin your day exploring the art murals painted all across Wynwood, Miami’s Art District.
Wynwood’s art murals began as part of a grassroots movement in the early 2000s.
As galleries and studios moved in, local and international street artists were invited to transform blank warehouse walls into massive public canvases.
Today, Wynwood is filled with hundreds of murals, making the neighborhood a living showcase of global street art!
I was so happy walking around the neighborhoods and enjoying coffee from local shops like Suite Habana. They serve delicious Cuban coffee!
2. Wynwood Walls
For even more murals, consider paying a $12 entrance fee to visit the highly acclaimed Wynwood Walls.
Unlike the surrounding freeform murals, Wynwood Walls features work by handpicked artists worldwide. The space functions more like an outdoor gallery, with rotating exhibits.
I skipped this during my trip because I loved exploring the murals all over Wynwood on my own while simply walking the neighborhood.
It was also super hot outside, and I was hoping to continue ducking in and out of shops as I explored!
3. Wynwood Marketplace
Wynwood Marketplace has the colorful vibes like the rest of Wynwood, but is condensed into a spacious, walkable plaza.
They feature tons of open-air shops like restaurants, smoothies, drinks, and even an outdoor roller skating rink. Of course the entire rink is one giant mural!
I also recommend it as a great stop to get some shade while walking around Wynwood because the majority of the market is covered by a roof.
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Afternoon: Little Havana
4. Lunch
Eating in Little Havana is essential to understanding the neighborhood.
Classic spots like Versailles or La Carreta serve staples such as ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and strong cafecito.
Ventanitas—small walk-up windows—offer quick bites like pastelitos and empanadas, perfect for eating on the go.
5. Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho is the heart of Little Havana and a cultural landmark in Miami.
It’s one of the top spots recommended when visiting Little Havana for good reason. It’s filled with some of the best Cuban restaurants in the neighborhood.
It also features several local Cuban shops, cigar factories, and beautiful murals. There are plenty of amazing places to go for dinner or nightlife.
For drinks, visitors can try fresh guarapo (sugarcane juice) or stop at Ball & Chain, a historic bar with live music and salsa dancing.
Food here is central to the culture, blending tradition, hospitality, and flavor in every stop.
Late Afternoon and Evening: South Beach
6. 21st Street Beach Walk
The 21st Street Beach Walk is part of the larger Miami Beachwalk, offering a scenic, pedestrian-only path between the beach and nearby hotels.
You can bike, walk, or run along the approximately 7-mile Miami Beachwalk. The section on 21st Street is known to be a bit quieter!
7. Beach
South Beach features an amazing stretch of white sand along the Atlantic Ocean. It is completely free!
I spent a super relaxing day with my friends at 21st Street Beach.
Visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas or bring their own. My friends and I opted to just sit out on some beach towels.
There is a small building with free, public bathrooms directly outside of the 21st Street Dog Beach entrance.
There are drinking fountains here too, but we were advised not to drink the water during our visit. (Maybe it was just under maintenance during this time.)
Directly next to the bathroom building is B Cafe, serving hot and cold beverages to make your beach experience more comfortable.
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8. Dinner
After watching sunset on the beach, check out one of the many restaurants along 21st Street! I loved dining at Orange Blossom.
It features an indoor and outdoor section (entirely shaded). There are tons of other highly acclaimed restaurants in the area.
Tip: Watch sunset over the beach from a highly rated rooftop like La Terraza or Serena
Conclusion
In one day, you can experience Miami’s vibrant street art and local markets in Wynwood. Then relax on the sands of South Beach and admire its Art Deco architecture.
Next, immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of Little Havana. Finish the day with sunset views and nightlife in Downtown Miami.
This itinerary captures the city’s diverse spirit in just a few hours!
