Offering a vibrant mix of tropical beaches, colorful art districts and Latin American cultural influences, Miami is much more than a gateway to the Caribbean. It is definitely a destination worth exploring before boarding a cruise.
From the stunning coastline and distinctive architecture one can spot in South Beach to Wynwood’s street art and Little Havana’s Cuban influence, there is so much that the city has to offer. Each neighborhood reveals a different side of the city, making it a unique experience where visitors can explore beaches, art, food and culture without cramming too much into their existing itinerary.
If you have three days in the city before setting sail on one of the cruises from Miami to the Caribbean islands, you can carefully craft a three-day itinerary that allows you to make the most of your pre-cruise departure stay.
Check out a perfect itinerary below!
Day 1
Morning: Explore Wynwood Walls
One of the best ways to kickstart your tour of Miami is by visiting the Wynwood Walls. You can be here by or around 10:30 a.m., which is when the museum opens. This open-air street art museum is located in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District and is quite a unique experience compared to the regular art galleries you may have visited.
Established in 2009, Wynwood Walls has become a major destination for street and graffiti art in the United States. Visitors can browse large-scale murals created by street artists from different parts of the world, sculptures, indoor contemporary art galleries and even participate in an interactive spray painting experience.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, and visitors can easily spend an hour or more to explore the galleries and enjoy the artwork. Once you are done exploring the museum, take time to explore the street art that extends into the nearby streets and neighborhood. You may also want to enjoy a coffee or a light breakfast before you head to the next attraction.
Afternoon: Enjoy Art Exhibits at PAMM
From Wynwood Walls, you can take a taxi for a convenient door-to-door journey or use Miami’s free public transport. The City of Miami Trolley connects Wynwood with the Adrienne Arsht Center Metromover station, where you can transfer to the free Metromover and get off at Museum Park station, right beside PAMM.
Unlike the Wynwood Walls, Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) offers an international modern and contemporary art collection reflecting Miami’s connection with Latin America, the Caribbean and the wider world.
Originally opened in 1984 as the Center for the Fine Arts, PAMM offers extensive gallery spaces where visitors can browse paintings, photography, installations, and multimedia works. The museum also has outdoor spaces featuring sculptures, gardens and views of Biscayne Bay.
Exploring the galleries should take around 60 to 90 minutes.
After exploring the galleries, take time to enjoy a meal at Verde, the museum’s modern, casual waterfront eatery and bar offering art-inspired dishes, seasonal menus and gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay.
Evening: A Sunset Evening at Biscayne Bay
While you are in the waterfront area, spending an evening here would be the right way to end the day. You can hop on to a sightseeing boat for a memorable sunset cruise and enjoy views of the Miami skyline, waterfront properties and the surrounding islands.
If you’re looking for a better view, you can take a short walk to Bayside Marketplace and board the SkyViews Miami Observation Wheel, which offers you a private, climate-controlled glass gondola to enjoy aerial views of the cruise ships, the bay and the glowing downtown high-rise.
Eventually, you can settle down at one of the many restaurants or bars around Bayside Marketplace. Here you can enjoy bay-facing dining, cocktails and live entertainment to unwind and bring your first day in Miami to a close.
Day 2
Morning: Explore South Beach
If you prefer a quieter beach experience, visiting South Beach early in the morning seems agreat way to start your second day in Miami. This is an excellent way to enjoy the beach before the temperature rises and crowds build up.
Spend time walking the famous white-sand shoreline and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can take a swim, relax by the beach or simply soak in the surroundings. Also, look out for the colorful lifeguard towers and watch walkers, joggers and cyclists enjoying the beachfront promenade. You may also want to stop at a beachfront café for breakfast or coffee.
Afternoon: Explore Ocean Drive and the Art Deco Historic District
Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District are among the most recognizable attractions in Miami, known for their pastel-color buildings, distinctive architecture and lively atmosphere. Ocean Drive runs alongside Lummus Park and is known for its palm-lined streets, restaurants, outdoor cafés and lively atmosphere.
On the other hand, the Art Deco Historic District features hundreds of preserved buildings from the 1920s through the 1940s with pastel-colored facades, geometric patterns, curved corners and decorative details.
As you walk through the area, look out for some of its recognizable buildings, including The Colony Hotel, The Beacon Hotel, The Carlyle, and The Cardozo Hotel. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for a leisurely walk along Ocean Drive and through the historic district. You may want to set aside additional time if you plan to stop at a café or restaurant.
Evening: Spend Time at Lincoln Road
After spending your day exploring South Beach and the Art Deco District, you can head to a restaurant around Lincoln Road. This area has plenty of outdoor dining options, international cuisine and casual eateries.
If you enjoy shopping or simply want to browse the stores, Lincoln Road is a pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district. You can stroll along the street, stop at a café or bar, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as Miami winds down for the evening.
Day 3
Morning: Explore the Everglades National Park
Located around an hour’s drive from downtown Miami, Everglades National Park makes for an excellent morning excursion away from the city. This vast subtropical wetland ecosystem offers a refreshing change of scenery from Miami’s beaches, skyscrapers and urban attractions.
Visitors can explore the wetlands on guided excursions, including airboat tours in the surrounding Everglades area. These experiences offer an opportunity to learn about the ecosystem and look for native wildlife such as alligators, turtles and wading birds.
Afternoon: Discover Little Havana
After returning to Miami from the Everglades, a visit to Little Havana offers you an opportunity to explore Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart with Latin American art galleries and busy cafés and restaurants.
While you’re here, explore Calle Ocho (SW 8 th Street), which offers you a glimpse of Cuban-American culture. Try a Cuban sandwich, empanadas or traditional Cuban coffee at one of the local cafés, and explore colorful murals, music and local businesses. If you have time, head to Maximo Gomez Park, popularly known as Domino Park, where locals gather to play dominoes and socialize.
Evening: Unwind at Sunset Harbor
On your final evening before setting out on a Caribbean cruise, take some time to slow down. Located on the western side of South Beach, Sunset Harbor is a pleasant waterfront neighborhood to spend a relaxed evening.
Enjoy the views around the marina and waterfront after three days of sightseeing. Sunset Harbor also has a mix of restaurants, cafés and bars, making it a good place to enjoy your final dinner in Miami.
Make the Most of Your Three Days in Miami
Three days in Miami offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the city’s varied attractions before boarding a Caribbean cruise. With so many things to do in Miami, you’ll need to choose from the many experiences the city has to offer.
From relaxing on its sun-soaked beaches and admiring its distinctive Art Deco architecture to discovering the Cuban culture of Little Havana, Miami has something to suit different interests.
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