Life is all about balance, right? That’s what they say, at least. And that’s why, when planning a vacation, it’s important to mix things up – relaxation and adventure, history and modernity. If you’re looking for the perfect balance on your next trip, Miami Beach is the place for you! With plenty of activities to keep you busy and a beautiful setting to relax in, Miami has something for everyone. Here’s a ten-day itinerary to help get you started!
In Miami there is a huge range of things to do that will appeal to people from all different lifestyles. You can go watch a Miami Heat game, or you can take a day trip to the Everglades. Miami has some beautiful beaches where you can lay out and soak up some sun, as well as various restaurants where you can explore Miami’s Cuban culture.
For those looking for a more cultured vacation, Miami also offers many museums and sites worth visiting throughout the city. Miami is one of those cities that have something for everyone- so use this Miami Itinerary as an outline, but feel free to mix it up according to your interests!
Day 1: Beaches & Outdoor Activities
Ocean Drive
Miami Beach offers 16 miles of beautiful beaches to explore. South Pointe Beach is one of the most popular of all the beaches so make sure to come early in the morning for a great spot. I would recommend bringing coolers, umbrellas, plenty of snacks and beverages, and a canopy with collapsible chairs if possible for the best experience.
Chairs and umbrellas can also be rented, however, if you can bring your own or borrow from a friend that would be the better option. Make sure to pack any sports balls to play volleyball or football, frisbees, and other beach games to stay entertained.
Pro Tip: Miami is not the best surfing location due to the low waves, so leave the surfing gear at home or for a different destination.
Miami Seaquarium
Miami is also home to one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Miami Seaquarium! You can pet stingrays and sharks here, as well as check out dolphins and whales performing their daily shows.
Venetian Pool
Another Miami beach hot spot is the Venetian Pool. This Miami pool was originally built in 1923 and restored in 1987, it’s a great place to relax and soak up the Miami sunshine. Great place for families to spend the day in a natural pool for only 20 dollars. Bonus: great spot to take amazing pictures!
Miami Zoo
The Miami zoo has nearly 300 species of animals represented throughout their zoo, making it one of the larger zoos in the country. This zoo is great for animal lovers who want to get up close to some pretty unique beasts.
Jungle Island
Jungle Island is Miami’s home to many unique animals, including parrots, tigers, and flamingos. The park has a very Miami feel to it- with a waterfall, lush greenery, and small islands for the animals to live on. Be sure to stop by the Miami Parrot Head Club just outside the Miami Zoo – it’s Miami’s only parrot head bar and patio! Sit back, sip on a drink, and relax!
Day 2: Cuban Food & Culture
Little Havana
Explore Miami’s Cuban culture by exploring Miami’s Little Havana, complete with beautiful architecture and delicious Cuban cuisine. A legendary restaurant to experience is Versailles, an authentic Cuban cafe. In Versailles, there tend to be long lines so make sure to arrive ahead of time to beat the crowd.
American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora
The best Cuban museum to learn about the history of Cubans in Miami and the significance of Cuban culture everywhere you look. Admission is 12 dollars but is discounted to 8 dollars for students and seniors, children under 12 have free admission.
Day 3: Miami Attractions
Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
Explore a smaller version of Miami’s exotic wildlife at Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. This attraction includes over 50,000 plants from around the world and 200 different species of palm trees alone!
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami is also home to a great children’s museum if you’re traveling with young children who might get bored from time to time. This museum features various exhibits related to science and arts.
Pro Tip: Bikes and electric scooters can be rented for the whole day anywhere in the downtown or beach areas of Miami for a relatively cheap 30 dollars.
Day 4: Miami Waterfront Activities
Crandon Park Beach
Miami is also home to an amazing beach located in Crandon Park. Crandon Park Beach is far more relaxed and less packed with rarely any waves so it’s perfect for families with young children. This park offers a whole slew of activities for Miami beach-goers to enjoy, such as fishing, volleyball courts, and water playgrounds for children!
Rentable Water Sport Activities in Miami Beach
In South Beach, you can rent Jet Skis, Banana Boats, go parasailing, and more! These activities tend to get sold out quickly so make sure to rent the day before but preferably the earlier the better. Jet Ski rentals can cost about 100 dollars for a few hours, and Parasailing also costs about 100 to 150 dollars for a 10-minute ride.
Day 5: Miami Art & History
Frost Science Museum
This science museum is perfect for families, as well as a great first-date location for couples. In the 4 levels of the museum, there are interactive learning booths and displays. The top level is a rooftop garden with a panoramic view of the city. On level 3 you can pet stingrays in their open tank. On level 1 during showtimes, you can go inside the dome-shaped theatre to watch a film (Warning: Can cause headaches after some time inside).
Perez Art Museum
Located right next to the Frost Science Museum, both can be done on the same day if desired. Perez Art Museum displays modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. To view the whole museum can last about 2 to 3 hours.
Pro Tip: For the greatest experience, I would begin at Perez Art Museum and then make my way to the Frost Science Museum, as it takes much longer to see thoroughly.
Versace Mansion Museum
For Miami locals, this is a great place to go on date night! This museum can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how long you’re willing to stay there. This is a great date location for couples, however, prepare to spend a lot of money for either the entrance fee, the hotel room suite prices, or the restaurant bill.
Day 6: Relax & Pampering
Miami spas have many great spas for visitors to enjoy when visiting Miami. If you’re looking for something relaxing and refreshing after a long day in Miami, try heading over to your local spa for some pampering.
Jardin de Asia Spa
Located on South Beach, this spa offers some truly high-quality services at really affordable prices (for Miami standards anyways). Be sure to check out their Miami facial and Miami massage services.
Miami Spa Castle
For those who want to enjoy a truly Miami experience, be sure to head over to Miami Spa Castle. This Miami attraction might not be the cheapest on this list but it’s definitely one of Miami’s most unique attractions. This Miami spa has everything from hammams, saunas and even day passes!
Day 7: Explore Miami’s Wildlife
Everglades National Park
Take an airboat tour through the swamps, hike through the many trails the park offers, or you can also camp the night in the Everglades as well but remember to bring a large can of quality bug spray. Those mosquitoes are determined and no joke, from personal experience even with Off! bug spray I left the park with at least 10 mosquito bites.
Day 8: Miami Beach Nightlife
LIV Nightclub
If you’re looking for Miami nightlife that offers the ultimate Miami experience, it would be hard to find a better option than LIV Miami. This Miami club is regularly frequented by A-list celebrities and offers some of the most exclusive VIP experiences in all of Miami!
Space Nightclub
Space is Miami’s most popular nightclub, sometimes even New Year’s Eve events are hosted here. Locals will tell you that if you want Miami’s best parties, you need to head over to Space Miami. Even Miami rappers such as Flo Rida and Rick Ross hold events here occasionally!
Mansion Nightclub
For those who want something slightly less extravagant, but still want an amazing Miami nightclub, try Mansion located on South Beach. This club regularly brings in industry legends such as Skrillex and Deadmau5 for unforgettable shows at their weekly Mansion Saturdays parties!
Mango’s Tropical Café
For Miami’s best happy hour or Miami nightlife experience, try Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Enjoy karaoke three times a week at their Miami nightclub. Be sure to visit on Monday for Miami Margarita Mondays where you can get 3-for-1 drinks all night! Enjoy a salsa lesson with drinks and great food included all for 80 dollars. You must book a reservation in advance, but this is the perfect club for a couples night out!
Day 9: Photoshoots
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is Miami’s oldest mansion-turned museum. With Miami scenery, lush gardens, and antique decor dating back to Miami’s glory days. This location is also where a lot of quinceaneras take their pictures.
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls Miami is one of Miami’s most famous street art. Miami has a lot of lively and colorful street art, so photo opportunities are endless! Miami street art is one of Miami’s most popular attractions for Miami visitors and locals alike. Take some time to explore this mural art and snap some photos!
Day 10: The Bayside Experience
Bayside Marketplace Miami
Bayside is an outdoor mall with over 120 Miami retail shops, restaurants, and bars, there’s something to fit every budget. As well as a great location to buy Miami merchandise to take back home. In the Bayside Marketplace, you can ride the skyline Ferris wheel for 17 dollars, or take a speed boat tour.
Bayside Park Miami
Just across the street from Bayside Miami is beautiful Bayside Miami Park. This is a great park for a picnic or a stroll with a bike or scooter. A great spot for families as well to take in nature and beautiful skylines.
Conclusion
There are so many things to do in Miami that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created a 10-day itinerary for you, so you have the best experience possible during your time there! Bring plenty of swimsuits and sunscreen because Miami is an unforgettable city! Check out our Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter pages for more information on our blog posts.