Miami is equal parts sunshine and story. Founded in 1896 and shaped by waves of Caribbean and Latin American immigration, it’s a city where Cuban coffee powers Wall Street deals in Brickell and salsa drifts over Calle Ocho at dusk. You’ll feel it in the pastel Art Deco facades of South Beach, in Wynwood’s technicolor murals, and on Biscayne Bay, glittering like a stage.

Beyond the postcards, Miami is a serious culture stop. The Pérez Art Museum Miami anchors the skyline, while nearby Frost Science adds a planetarium and reef aquarium. Step into Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for a Gilded Age fantasy, or hop west for the River of Grass—Everglades National Park—one of America’s most otherworldly landscapes.

Practical notes: hurricane season runs June–November; book flexible rates and keep an eye on forecasts. Sargassum seaweed can wash ashore in late spring and summer—Key Biscayne beaches often stay clearer. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate, and plan dinners in advance—Miami’s hottest tables go quickly.

Miami

Miami is a mosaic of micro-neighborhoods. South Beach delivers Art Deco, beach days, and nightlife; Wynwood brings street art and indie cafés; Brickell and Downtown offer rooftop bars and the free Metromover; Coconut Grove is leafier and laid-back; Little Havana keeps tradition alive with ventanita espresso and domino games.

• Top sights: South Beach & Ocean Drive, Wynwood Walls and local galleries, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Frost Science Museum, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida Lighthouse.
• Local flavor: Cuban staples at Versailles and La Carreta, stone crab at Joe’s (in season), fresh seafood on the Miami River, and destination dining from Stubborn Seed to Mandolin Aegean Bistro.
• Nightlife: Classic dives like Mac’s Club Deuce, craft cocktails at Sweet Liberty and Broken Shaker, rooftops like Sugar, and live music along Calle Ocho.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• South Beach – Iconic & walkable: Loews Miami Beach Hotel (family-friendly, beachfront pool scene), The Setai, Miami Beach (serene, Asian-inspired suites), Freehand Miami (stylish budget with the beloved Broken Shaker bar).
• Brickell/Downtown – Central & sleek: Four Seasons Hotel Miami (resort-style pool, easy Metromover access).
• Key Biscayne – Quiet escape: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (relaxing base near lighthouse and calm beaches).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Miami, Hotels.com: Miami Beach, VRBO: Miami, VRBO: Miami Beach.

Getting there & around: Fly into Miami International (MIA), 15–25 minutes from South Beach off-peak; Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is ~40–60 minutes. Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com; typical US roundtrips run ~$150–$450 if booked 2–8 weeks ahead. On arrival, use ride-hail, taxis, or Metrorail to connect to the free Metromover downtown. Parking can be pricey; walking or rideshares save time.

Day 1: Arrival, Art Deco Glow, and Ocean Drive

Afternoon: Touch down and check in. Ease into Miami with a slow stroll along Lummus Park, where pastel Art Deco hotels line Ocean Drive and lifeguard stands pop in bright hues. For a quick bite, grab a pressed Cuban sandwich at La Sandwicherie (ask for extra cornichons) or a café con leche from a beachside ventanita.

Evening: Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab (Oct–May; order the hashed brown and Key lime pie). Out of season, book A Fish Called Avalon for oceanfront seafood or Planta South Beach for inventive plant-based plates. Cap the night with cocktail craftsmanship at Sweet Liberty (don’t miss the cauliflower nachos) or a classic dive at Mac’s Club Deuce—neon, jukebox, no fuss.

Night: Take a self-guided Art Deco night walk along Ocean Drive; the neon comes alive after dark. If you’re up for one more, slip into Broken Shaker at Freehand for garden-party vibes and seasonal punches.

Day 2: Beach Cruising by Bike and South Beach Flavors

Morning: Sunrise on the sand, then hearty breakfast at Big Pink (retro diner portions; the huevos rancheros fuel a big day) or fresh pastries at Rosetta Bakery. Hydrate and lather sunscreen—you're biking soon.

Afternoon: See SoBe like a local on the Miami Beach Ultimate City Bike Tour (about 2.5–3 hours; from around $50–$70; ages 10+). You’ll roll past Art Deco gems, the Botanical Garden, and quiet streets most visitors miss.

Post-ride, refuel with a jambon-beurre at La Sandwicherie or tacos at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (peek behind the soda machine for the hidden lounge). Then claim a spot on the sand near 12th Street for clear water and people-watching.

Evening: Book Stubborn Seed (Top Chef alum Jeremy Ford; the tasting menu is a seafood-forward stunner) or head to Time Out Market Miami to graze local favorites under one roof. Nightcap at Tropezón on Española Way—gin-forward cocktails and Andalusian tapas.

Day 3: Wynwood Murals, Design District Bites, and Museum Park

Morning: Coffee at Panther Coffee (single-origin espresso) and a warm brioche from The Salty Donut. Wander Wynwood Walls and the surrounding blocks to catch new murals and indie galleries; step into small studios where artists are often at work.

Afternoon: Lunch at Zak the Baker (naturally leavened breads; the tuna melt is a sleeper hit) or COYO Taco for Yucatán-style cochinita pibil. Then head to Museum Park: take in PAMM’s hanging gardens and global contemporary art, and pop into Frost Science for the laser-guided planetarium show and the Gulf Stream aquarium, where rays glide above.

Evening: Dinner in the Design District at Mandolin Aegean Bistro (whitewashed 1940s cottage; share the Greek village salad and lamb kebabs) or Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (Miami staple for seasonal plates). End on the 40th floor at Sugar in Brickell—lush rooftop garden, skyline views, and precise tiki-leaning cocktails.

Day 4: Little Havana Rhythm and a Sunset Cruise

Morning: Start on Calle Ocho with a cortadito at Versailles’ walk-up window or La Colada Gourmet—pair with a pastelito de guayaba. Peek into a cigar workshop and watch torcedores rolling by hand; pause at Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park) where strategy and smack-talk rule the tables.

Afternoon: Eat the neighborhood with the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour (2–3 hours; from around $59–$79). Expect croquetas hot from the fryer, pressed Cubanos, guarapo sugarcane juice, and ice cream at Azucar.

Evening: Head to Bayside for the Miami Sunset and City Lights Cocktail Cruise (about 2 hours; wine, beer, prosecco, frozen cocktails included). Watch the skyline glow while you glide by Star Island and the Venetian Islands.

Night: Dinner by the river at Garcia’s Seafood Grille (old-school, fresh catch) or Kiki on the River (Greek plates and DJ-spun energy). If you’re still buzzing, return to Little Havana for live salsa at Ball & Chain and a mojito under the pineapple stage.

Day 5: Everglades Day—Airboats, Alligators, and Big Sky

Morning–Afternoon: Trade neon for sawgrass on the From Miami: Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show, and Roundtrip Bus (typically 4–5 hours; from around $45–$75). Skim across shallow prairies, spot gators and wading birds, and learn how this fragile ecosystem works—part science class, part thrill ride. Bring a hat and polarized sunglasses; it’s bright out there.

Evening: Back in town, aim for Coconut Grove’s leafy streets. Dinner at Ariete (Michelin-starred; Cuban-American flavors—ask about the famed foie gras with pastrami spice) or Lokal (Florida grass-fed burgers and local beers). Sunset drinks at Monty’s Raw Bar—conch fritters, stone crab claws when in season, and boats bobbing in the marina.

Night: If you have energy left, stroll CocoWalk for gelato or grab a mellow nightcap at Jaguar Sun downtown—pasta and cocktails if you decided to make it dinner instead.

Day 6: Vizcaya, Key Biscayne Waters, and Farewell

Morning: Step into another era at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens—Italianate courtyards, bayfront terraces, and orchids tucked into grottoes. Then cross the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne; keep an eye out for windsurfers catching the breeze.

Afternoon: Lunch with a skyline view at Rusty Pelican (ask for a bay-facing table; the seafood tower is shareable) or Lightkeepers at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne for Floridian coastal dishes. Walk the beach at Crandon Park or head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for the lighthouse trail and calmer water—ideal before departure.

Departure: Aim for the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight, 2 hours for domestic. Check last-minute options or adjust times with Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re staying an extra night, consider the tranquil Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne to end on a restorative note.

Miami dining short list (save these): Versailles (Cuban), Cafe La Trova (live music and award-winning cocktails), The River Oyster Bar (Brickell seafood), Mandolin Aegean Bistro (NE Greek/Turkish), Michael’s Genuine (Design District), Stubborn Seed (South Beach tasting menu), Joe’s Stone Crab (seasonal), Coyo Taco (casual), Zak the Baker (bakery/lunch), Garcia’s Seafood (riverfront), Sweet Liberty and Broken Shaker (cocktails).

Local logistics: The free Metromover loops around Downtown/Brickell; Metrorail connects to MIA; Brightline links Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Boca, West Palm, and Orlando if you extend your trip. Sun protection, day-to-night layers (indoor A/C runs chilly), and dinner reservations will keep you comfortable and happy.

Optional swaps and add-ons: PAMM + Frost deeper dive; Rubell Museum in Allapattah for contemporary art; Superblue for immersive installations; a Biscayne Bay kayak or paddleboard session; or a day trip to Key West on a coach tour if you want a scenic marathon.

In six days, you’ll have surfed sunrises, pedaled past Art Deco treasures, tasted Miami’s Cuban heartbeat, watched the skyline blush from the bay, and skimmed the Everglades’ grass seas. Miami is a city that lingers—on your palate, in your playlist, and in the light that seems to gild everything at golden hour.