Miami’s story starts long before the neon. Tequesta people fished these waters for millennia; today, the city is a kaleidoscope of Caribbean, Latin American, and North American influences. The art deco facades of South Beach, the palm-lined avenues of Coral Gables, and the modern skyline of Brickell frame a city always reinventing itself.

Expect a feast for the senses: Wynwood’s murals, Pérez Art Museum Miami’s bayfront masterpieces, the scent of Cuban cafecito in Little Havana, and the breeze off Biscayne Bay at golden hour. Nature is never far—mangroves, manatees, and the wild Everglades are within easy reach.

Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Miami’s dining scene is dynamic—reserve ahead for hot spots, and bring an appetite for stone crab (in season), Cuban sandwiches, and Nikkei flavors. Rideshares are plentiful; sun, salt, and late nights are part of the rhythm.

Miami

Miami mixes beach vacation ease with big-city energy. Spend mornings on sugar-sand shores, afternoons in museums or colorful neighborhoods, and evenings with sunset cocktails and live music. Each district has a distinct vibe—from South Beach’s art deco to Coconut Grove’s banyan-shaded lanes.

• Top sights: South Beach & Ocean Drive, Wynwood Walls, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Frost Science, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
• Signature flavors: Cuban pastelitos, cortaditos, stone crab claws (Oct–May), Key lime pie, Caribbean jerk, and inventive Nikkei and coastal cuisine.
• Fun facts: Miami is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman (Julia Tuttle), and it sits at the gateway to Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay (curated picks + search all options):

• The Setai, Miami Beach — serene Asian-inspired suites steps from the sand; exceptional service and a standout courtyard pool.
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel — family-friendly beachfront resort with a prime South Beach location, great pool, and direct beach access.
• Freehand Miami — stylish, budget-friendly hotel/hostel with the beloved Broken Shaker cocktail bar and a social courtyard pool.
• Four Seasons Hotel Miami — elegant Brickell tower, resort-style pool, and easy access to city dining and nightlife.
• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami — secluded island resort vibe with tennis, bikes, and calm beaches ideal for families.
• Search more: Hotels.com: Miami | Hotels.com: Miami Beach
• Vacation rentals: VRBO: Miami | VRBO: Miami Beach

Getting there & around:

• Fly into MIA; most U.S. hubs offer 2–5 hour nonstops. Typical fares range ~$120–$350 round-trip domestically (seasonal). Compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• From MIA: Metrorail Orange Line runs to Downtown/Brickell (~$2.25); rideshares to South Beach are ~$25–$40, 20–30 minutes outside rush hour.
• Brightline trains connect Miami to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando if you extend your trip. In town, rideshare and walking are easiest; parking in South Beach and Brickell can be pricey.

Day 1: Arrival, Art Deco Glow, and South Beach Bites

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs on the Miami Beach Boardwalk and stroll Ocean Drive to admire pastel art deco hotels—many built in the 1930s with nautical lines and porthole windows. Pause at South Pointe Park for sweeping views of the channel and Fisher Island.

Evening: Dinner on the beach: try Stiltsville Fish Bar for local catch (snapper collar, smoked fish dip) and sunset views, or classic Joe’s Stone Crab in season (Oct–May) for chilled claws with mustard sauce. Nightcap at Broken Shaker (garden cocktails, house infusions) or Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. (award-winning bar with a warm vibe and a stellar jukebox).

Day 2: City Highlights, Museums, and Brickell Nights

Morning: Espresso and guava pastelitos at All Day in Downtown or a pour-over at Panther Coffee (Wynwood or Brickell). Get your bearings with a small-group overview:

Miami City Tours – 5 Sites, 4 Stops, One Tour – 3.5 Hours of Fun

This semi-private tour hits Miami Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, and more—ideal early in the trip so you know where to return.

Afternoon: Head to PAMM for contemporary art and breezy hammocks on the bay; lunch at Verde (charred octopus, seasonal salads) inside the museum. If you love science and views, pop next door to Frost Science for the aquarium oculus and rooftop.

Evening: Dinner in Brickell at COTE Miami (Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse; book for the Butcher’s Feast) or NIU Kitchen (Catalan small plates—boquerones, roasted cauliflower). Post-dinner drinks: Bayview at The Standard for a chill waterfront vibe or Blackbird Ordinary for craft cocktails and a lively scene.

Day 3: Wynwood Murals, Design District Style, and Aegean Nights

Morning: Breakfast at Zak the Baker (shakshuka, flaky pastries) and a stroll through Wynwood Walls and nearby side streets to see constantly changing murals. Peek into indie galleries and boutiques; grab a second coffee at Panther Coffee if needed.

Afternoon: Lunch at DOYA (wood-fired Aegean meze—beets tzatziki, octopus) or sample Asian hawker bites at 1-800-Lucky. Continue to the Miami Design District for architecture, public art (Buckminster Fuller Fly’s Eye Dome), and window-shopping across Palm Court and Paradise Plaza.

Evening: Dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in a 1940s bungalow—order the grilled halloumi and lamb kebabs. Alternatively, try Uchi Miami for pristine sashimi and inventive hot tastings. Finish with live music and a glass at Lagniappe, a New Orleans–style wine garden with mismatched chairs and string lights.

Day 4: Little Havana Flavors and Coconut Grove Romance

Morning: Start on Calle Ocho with a cafecito and pastelito at Versailles, the social heart of Miami’s Cuban community. Watch dominoes flick at Domino Park and admire the roosters and murals honoring Celia Cruz and other icons.

Afternoon: Dive into food and culture on this guided walk:

Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

Expect croquetas, pressed Cuban sandwiches, and hand-rolled cigars, all set to the rhythm of salsa spilling onto the street.

Evening: Head to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for golden-hour strolls among coral-stone grottos and bayfront terraces. Dine in Coconut Grove: Ariete (contemporary Miami cuisine—can’t miss the pastrami-style short rib) or Los Félix (heirloom corn, wood-fired fish; Michelin-starred). Nightcap at Café La Trova for a daiquiri and live Trova music from the masters behind Cuba’s classic cocktail canon.

Day 5: Everglades Airboat Adventure + Beach Time

Morning & Afternoon: Swap the skyline for sawgrass on this small-group escape:

Everglades Tour from Miami with Transportation

Glide by airboat through alligator country and mangrove channels as naturalists point out birds and unique habitats. Door-to-door transport makes it easy; you’ll be back mid-afternoon.

Evening: Unwind on Lummus Park Beach or at your hotel pool. Dinner on Española Way at Tropezón (Andalusian tapas and a gin-focused bar) or book Macchialina for hand-rolled pasta and an Italian wine list that overdelivers. For late-night energy, experience E11EVEN or the terrace at Club Space, both Downtown institutions.

Day 6: Key Biscayne, Lighthouse Views, and a Sunset Cruise

Morning: Grab café con leche and tostada at La Carreta, then drive or rideshare over the Rickenbacker Causeway to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Rent bikes to the 1825 lighthouse, snorkel in calm water, or walk shaded trails among sea grapes.

Afternoon: Lunch bayside at Boater’s Grill in No Name Harbor (whole fried fish, tostones). Return to the mainland for a spa break or quick shopping in Brickell City Centre.

Evening: Toast your trip on the water:

Miami Sunset and City Lights Cocktail Cruise

As the skyline glows, sip prosecco or a frozen cocktail while you glide past Millionaire’s Row and South Beach. After, dine at La Mar by Gastón Acurio on Brickell Key for cebiche and anticuchos with glittering bay views.

Day 7: Farewell Miami—Beach Walks, Brunch, and Last-Minute Finds

Morning: Sunrise walk or dip at South Beach, then brunch at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove (Nutella-stuffed French toast, truffle omelet) or the lavish Sunday spread at the Biltmore if timing aligns.

Afternoon: Quick souvenir stop—Lincoln Road for easy browsing or a culinary lap of Time Out Market Miami (grab a Cubano from Sanguich de Miami’s stall if featured or a slice from Lucali’s outpost). Depart for the airport; rideshare to MIA is ~25–40 minutes from the beach outside rush hour.

Local dining favorites to bookmark (mix and match through the week):

• Versailles (Little Havana): Cafecito, croquetas, pressed Cuban sandwiches—Miami icon since 1971.
• Sanguich de Miami (Little Havana): Buttery-pressed Cubanos with house-brined lechón and pickles.
• Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Design District): Sun-drenched courtyard, mezze and grilled meats.
• Uchi Miami (Wynwood): Modern Japanese; order the Hama Chili and hot tastings.
• Macchialina (South Beach): Spaghetti pomodoro and short rib lasagna—book ahead.
• Joe’s Stone Crab (South Beach, seasonal): The city’s classic claw experience—arrive early or reserve next door at the takeaway for a beach picnic.

Pro tips:

• Reserve top restaurants 1–3 weeks ahead; arrive early for bar seats if you can’t snag a table.
• Pack a light layer—indoor A/C is serious. Hydrate and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Peak beach hours are late morning to mid-afternoon; sunrise and sunset are quieter and cooler.

Optional add-ons (swap into any open afternoon):

• Thrills on the water: 45-minute offshore ride hugging the skyline.
• Biscayne Bay sightseeing: Millionaire’s Row and Star Island views on a narrated yacht.

Ready to book flights? Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays, browse Hotels.com Miami and VRBO Miami.

Summary: In seven days, you’ll taste Miami’s many flavors—art deco shores, Wynwood murals, Little Havana rhythm, Everglades wilds, and sunset on Biscayne Bay. This itinerary balances relaxation and discovery so you leave refreshed, a little sun-kissed, and already planning your return.