How To Spend The Perfect Weekend in Miami

Miami is an exciting, vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, legendary nightlife, delicious food, and unique culture. With so much to see and do, planning the perfect weekend getaway can seem daunting. The key is crafting an itinerary that allows you to experience Miami's highlights at a relaxed pace, while still having time to unwind and enjoy the glorious weather. This guide will walk you through how to best spend two days in Miami in order to have an unforgettable weekend escaping the cold weather and everyday responsibilities.

Day 1: South Beach and Art Deco District

Start your first day in South Beach to enjoy the area's famous stretch of sand and surf. Arrive in the morning when parking is more readily available and the beach is less crowded. Be sure to wear swim-friendly clothing with sun protection since you'll be spending significant time relaxing under the sun and splashing in the turquoise blue, gently lapping waves. Rent beach chairs and an umbrella or find your own patch of sand near Lummus Park. Spend a leisurely afternoon alternately swimming, reading a good book, people watching, and trying your hand at beach sports like spikeball or paddleball. Work up an appetite walking along the white sand taking in the Art Deco buildings in vibrant pastel colors.

When you start to get hungry, meander over to the Lincoln Road Mall, just a few blocks away from the water. This open-air pedestrian shopping center boasts an eclectic mix of high-end retail alongside inexpensive souvenir shops. While sampling this smorgasbord of shopping choices, have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants nestled amongst the stores. For amazing tacos, try Taquerias El Mexicano or Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. In the mood for a juicy burger? Look no further than Shake Shack. Craving sushi? Makoto serves up fresh, innovative rolls.

After refueling, spend more time wandering down Lincoln Road people watching and popping into any galleries, boutiques, or stores that catch your fancy. Once you reach the eastern end, walk over to Ocean Drive to admire the iconic Art Deco buildings like the Carlyle, Colony, and Cardozo Hotels. Then start heading back west, weaving through the side streets and admiring the colorful architecture and elaborately designed exteriors that give South Beach its style and flair.

As the afternoon winds down, settle in for dinner at a restaurant in the Art Deco neighborhood along Ocean Drive or Collins Ave. For Spanish-inspired tapas and sangria on a budget try Los Fuegos. If you want to splurge on a romantic, upscale meal head to Azul at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. To be amongst the beautiful people drinking and dining al fresco pick Prime Italian or Big Pink. End your first epic day in Miami watching the sunset over the water before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: Wynwood Arts District and Little Havana

Kickstart your second day with a tasty Cuban breakfast in Little Havana, like the classic eggs, roasted pork, toast, and cafe con leche combo plates at Versailles Restaurant. Or grab a guava and cheese stuffed pastry at Azucar Ice Cream Company while you take an early morning stroll around the colorful neighborhood. Work off your meal by learning some salsa moves during afternoon dance lessons at the famous Ball & Chain nightclub.

Then, make your way to the Wynwood Arts District to view cutting-edge street art covering entire buildings in eye-popping murals. The neighborhood’s hip, industrial vibe also boasts trendy shops, microbreweries, distilleries, gastropubs, and unique boutiques. Standouts include: Wynwood Brewing Company, connoisseur popsicle purveyor Cold Pressed Raw, independent bookstore Books & Books, and the experiential store Basement.

Stop for a late lunch at one of Wynwood’s hot new restaurants like KYU for wood-fired Asian fare, Dizengoff for hummus and salads, or Coyo Taco for Mexican flavors. Make sure to grab an artisanal ice cream, paleta, or sorbet to beat the Miami heat at local favorite Sweets Boutique. Continue exploring the ever-changing artwork as it paints the buildings in a riot of patterns, portraits, landscapes, and graphic designs. Check out the special exhibits at Into the Rabbit Hole and be sure to pose for selfies in front of the huge, iconic Wynwood Walls.

If there’s time before dinner, head back toward South Beach checking out any museums, gardens, or neighborhoods that looked interesting earlier. Then enjoy an early dinner so you can partake in a quintessential Miami activity: sunset viewing. Arrive at a west-facing restaurant about an hour before the sun goes down to watch the city skyline bathed in golden light. For seafood with a view try Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge rooftop patio. If seeking a deal on happy hour specials and small plates check out Sugar Rooftop Bar. End your weekend escape sipping cocktails during a dazzling light show put on by mother nature sinking into the horizon beyond Biscayne Bay.

Conclusion

With world-famous beaches, a funky arts scene, delectable cuisine, and sizzling nightlife there are endless ways to spend an incredible weekend in Miami. Following this relaxed itinerary lets you delight in Miami's eclectic neighborhoods, admire the tropical Art Deco architecture, and soak up the best of the city’s food, culture, shopping, and natural beauty. You’ll return home from this quick sunny getaway feeling refreshed, recharged, and eager to come back to explore more of what Miami has to offer.

FAQS

FAQ 1: Do I need a car to get around Miami for the weekend?

Getting around by public transportation like trolleys, metro buses, and the free monorail between downtown and Brickell can be challenging on a short weekend trip. Staying around South Beach makes exploring by foot, rideshares or taxi easiest. But renting a car allows more freedom at your own pace. Just factor in costs of parking, which can get pricey.

FAQ 2: How much does an affordable hotel cost near South Beach?

Reasonably priced hotels a block or two inland from the busy beach start around $100-$150 a night during peak season for a basic room. Look for options downtown if seeking cheaper rates under $100 per night. Just allow extra time to commute to the beaches and hotspots each day.

FAQ 3: What’s a can’t miss restaurant for an exceptional meal in Miami?

Miami’s multicultural heritage means you’ll find dynamic fusions of Latin, Caribbean and Floridian cuisines. For a special dinner try one of the latest cutting-edge restaurants like Boia De tapping into locally sourced ingredients or elegant Italian spot Casa Tua serving elevated comfort food. Be prepared to spend $50+ per entree at destinations making dining an experience.

FAQ 4: Is Miami safe for solo female travelers?

Absolutely! Miami is very tourist friendly and relatively safe, especially taking normal precautions any visitor should follow in a major city. Stay in well-populated areas like South Beach or Wynwood Arts District at night. Only take registered taxis or Uber/Lyfts versus unmarked cars. And be alert when using ATMs or checking phones late night walking alone. Taking basic steps allows solo visitors to comfortably enjoy all Miami offers.