4 Days in Miami: The Perfect Itinerary With Beaches, Culture & Day Trips
Wondering how to spend 4 days in Miami? I’ve grown up in central Florida, and with my brother living near Miami, I’ve been many times! Miami has long been a hotspot, but with so many people moving there in recent years, it has exploded. Visiting this vibrant city in south Florida is on many people’s lists and if it’s on yours, let me help!
I was most recently in Miami a month ago and I was shocked by the crowds and growth! So I’ll review the top spots, what’s worth it and what isn’t and I’ll also offer some insight to areas around Miami that would help make it a memorable first trip for you!
My Go-To Travel Tools
Hotels | Booking.com
Hotels & Cars | Expedia
Tours | Viator
Research & Hotels | Tripadvisor
Travel Insurance | Insubuy
4 Days in Miami: A Flexible Itinerary Overview
This 4 day Miami itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the city’s highlights without rushing. You’ll balance iconic Miami Beach sights, cultural neighborhoods, and optional day trips and all with flexibility built in depending on crowds, weather, and energy levels.
There are plenty of things to do in Miami in 4 days, but this itinerary hits the highlights! So if you’re wondering what to do in Miami, here is the quick overview of an itinerary that’s perfect for your first time.
- Day 1: Classic Miami Beach — beaches, Art Deco architecture, Ocean Drive, and waterfront parks
- Day 2: Culture & color — historic estates, Cuban culture in Little Havana, and street art in Wynwood
- Day 3: Slower pace — quieter beaches, walkable neighborhoods, and upscale areas like Coconut Grove and Coral Gables
- Day 4: Choose-your-own adventure — Everglades, Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park, or a relaxed Miami day
Local perspective: Miami has grown fast, and crowds can vary wildly. This Miami itinerary works best if you start early, avoid peak traffic hours, and treat Day 4 as flexible rather than fixed.
If you’re looking for a list of ideas rather than a 4-day itinerary, check out 33+ Ideas for What to Do in Miami (Beaches, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems).
4 Day Miami Itinerary Map
| Day | Area / Activity | Highlights | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami Beach & South Beach | Art Deco Tour, Lummus Park, Ocean Drive | Spa or bike along beachwalk |
| 2 | Little Havana & Wynwood | Food tour, murals, street art | Design District shopping |
| 3 | Key Biscayne & Coconut Grove | Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Lighthouse, CocoWalk | Jet ski or waterfront dining |
| 4 | Day Trip | Everglades, The Keys, Homestead, Biscayne | Biscayne National Park tour |
Best for: First-time visitors, beach lovers, and travelers who want variety without overpacking their days.
Day 1 | Miami Beach & South Beach: Art Deco, Beach & Ocean Drive
Let’s start your 4 days in Miami at its most iconic spot, Miami’s South Beach! You have choices of how to spend your day even in Miami Beach! Dine at a world class restaurant, do a bike tour, walk and shop, or simply relax on the beach!
Relaxing on the Beach
Living in central Florida, I try to avoid crowds, so relaxing on a crowded beach isn’t my thing. Thankfully, Miami Beach has plenty of other things to do! However, if a lively beach is your thing, then you’ll have some great options!
If you want to truly unwind, plan some time at a spa before or after your beach time!
Art Deco
My favorite thing I’ve done in Miami Beach is the art deco tour! Now I happen to love the art deco, so that is probably why I loved the tour! It gave a lot of context to Miami’s early days and I loved taking in all the various art deco designs!
I did the official art deco tour, but you can do it from a segway or in true Miami fashion with a cocktail!
Ocean Drive and Shopping
Ocean Drive has some of the best art deco in Miami as well as some world class restaurants. If you’re on a budget, they have some more standard fare as well, so don’t worry!
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, there’s a great mall called Lincoln Center! They have everything from Sephora to Nike and Macy’s to Marshalls, so head over to Lincoln Road if shopping sounds good for part of your 4 days in Miami itinerary.
Parks & Gardens
For the most iconic Miami experience, check out Lummus Park. You’ll get the beach, views of the art deco, shade from palm trees and green grass!
If you like gardens, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is for you! Admission is free to walk around these beautiful and lush grounds! Perfect for a quiet morning or a cool day!
Another good option for a stroll is South Pointe Park Pier. You can walk and admire the ocean, appreciate the people fishing and maybe even get a glimpse of the cruise ships passing by.
Restaurants
While in Miami Beach, don’t neglect the food scene! Here are some considerations, but this is not an exhaustive list! The options seem endless, so if you’re a foodie be sure to enjoy a meal in Miami Beach!
- Macchialina | Italian
- Stubborn Seed | Fine Dining with Top Chef winner
- Joe’s Stone Crab | A Miami institution since 1913
- Pao by Paul Qui | Modern Asian Fare
- Pane e Vino | Italian
Wondering the best area to stay in Miami? I have an article dedicated to answering that question so you can decide what’s best for your trip!
Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip
Day 2 | Little Havana & Wynwood: Culture, Street Art & Food Tours
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
I visited Vizcaya Museum and Gardens not that long ago and loved it! The grounds and estate are absolutely beautiful. Go in the morning or on a cool day, so you can really enjoy the gardens. Plus it’s on the water which really adds to the beauty!
The current ticket price to visit is $25. While it’s not a free experience, you can spend a couple hours exploring and taking photos of this beautiful property.
For a detailed breakdown to help decide if Vizcaya is right for your Miami trip, check out Is Vizcaya Museum Worth It? My Honest Miami Experience & Tips.
Little Havana
I’ve been to Little Havana twice and I absolutely recommend it as a stop during your 4 days in Miami. My first time was to do the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour, which I loved! My second time there I just walked around and visited, but I have to say the food tour was worth it!
I recently did a food tour in St. Augustine and it didn’t live up to my experience in Little Havana. If you can afford it, I absolutely recommend the food tour in Little Havana!
However, if you just want to go and wander around, that is also an option! Versailles is a famous Cuban restaurant in Miami, and it’s okay. The food was decent, but the atmosphere is more diner than Cuban. On the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour, we stopped at Habana Vieja and it was excellent! I loved the vibe overall, the Cuban sandwich was delicious and the live band out front added to the whole experience!
For a more enriching experience in Little Havana, I recommend the
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour!
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood has grown leaps and bounds in recent years! I’ve been numerous times and saw the Wynwood Walls when it was free to see them. Then saw them again, when you had to pay due to crowd control after 2020. A couple months ago, I visited the area again and was amazed by the growth.
There are so many different types of restaurants now. Some swanky, some bohemian style, some modern and there is even a food court style area with pickle-ball courts! You’ll find various shops as well, and even if you don’t want to pay for the Wynwood Walls, there are murals all over the Wynwood area. This is a popular spot and for good reason, so consider spending some time here during your 4 days in Miami.
General admission to the Walls is $12 for adults and the official tour is $22, which would give added insight and color to the experience. While the walls are cool to see, I think the tour would make the experience better if you have it in your budget.
Book the Wynwood Walls “Inside the Walls” Official Tour
Design District
It’s been a while since I was last in the Design District, but I love this area in terms of atmosphere. However, it doesn’t offer much. There are some restaurants and shops, but it’s not as good for shopping as Brickell or Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road.
Since it’s not too far from Wynwood, you could potentially add this to your day, but unless they’ve added a lot more shops or you eat in this area, you won’t spend much time here.
Day 3 | Key Biscayne & Coconut Grove: Parks, Beaches & Waterfront Dining
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne has been on my list, but I have yet to make it. I’d love to explore the area including Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
If you want to visit the state park, I suggest doing that first thing if you visit on the weekend. It can get very busy or even full on the weekends. There’s a lighthouse and some trails in the small state park, but it looks beautiful! As of now, it costs $4 to visit.
Crandon Park is another option in Key Biscayne. This park can also get packed on the weekends, so keep that in mind. The cost is $7 during the week and $10 on the weekends. You can walk or bike the trails, or simply relax on the beach!
While I haven’t been to Key Biscayne, I have gone jet skiing in Biscayne Bay! It’s perfect as it’s a larger area with plenty of room for fun on the jet ski!
If you want a quieter beach experience than what South Beach offers, then consider Key Biscayne! It offers an upscale and quiet beach experience and is one of the best areas to stay in Miami.
Wondering where to stay in Miami? This post will help you decide:
Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip
Coconut Grove
My first time in Coconut Grove was several years ago and Ioved it! It feels very different from Miami Beach, at least to me. It is one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, offering a mix of lush streets, art galleries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and waterfront parks.
I was in the area a couple months ago and the crowds were NYC level! There was a line outside the door of a small coffee shop, and every restaurant was at capacity. It was a weekend, so I suggest going during the week if possible.
Enjoy the shops at CocoWalk or have a nice meal along Commodore Plaza. Of course, a nice dinner is also an option in Coconut Grove!
Coconut Grove Restaurants
The restaurant options are extensive in Coconut Grove, but below are some to consider!
Glass & Vine
Located in Peacock Park, Glass & Vine offers contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It’s a beautiful outdoor space surrounded by greenery, and a perfect spot for brunch or a sunset dinner.
Ariete
Ariete is an upscale modern American restaurant with a unique blend of Cuban flavors. The tasting menu here is spectacular, and the creative cocktails are top-notch. It’s an ideal spot for a special night out in Coconut Grove.
Monty’s Coconut Grove
A local institution with stunning waterfront views, Monty’s is a relaxed, seafood-heavy restaurant famous for its chilled oysters, conch fritters, and happy hour drinks. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying fresh seafood with a laid-back, tropical ambiance.
Jaguar Latin-American Kitchen
A go-to for Latin fusion cuisine, specializing in fresh ceviches, tacos, and flavorful dishes inspired by Central and South America. The relaxed setting and excellent happy hour make it a great stop.
Bartaco
For a good, casual spot, consider bartaco! It’s an elevated taco chain with a menu inspired by the beach cultures of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California.
Coral Gables
Not far from Coconut Grove, you’ll find Coral Gables. It’s more upscale, formal, and historic, with Mediterranean Revival architecture. Visit Miracle Mile, an elegant shopping district, for a stroll or enjoy some excellent dining!
I haven’t spent much time in Coral Gables, but I have driven through and can confirm it’s a beautiful area! A few places to consider for this area include Venetian Pool, Biltmore Hotel, or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Coral Gables Restaurants
Coral Gables has a fantastic dining scene with a mix of upscale and casual options. Below are some good choices to consider!
Caffe Abbracci
A beloved Italian restaurant known for its classic dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. Their homemade pastas and veal dishes are standout favorites.
Zitz Sum
A creative, Asian-inspired eatery known for its handcrafted dumplings and bold flavors.
Fiola Miami
An upscale Italian restaurant offering refined dishes and an elegant dining experience.
SHINGO
A high-end sushi spot with an intimate omakase experience featuring premium ingredients.
Luca Osteria
A stylish Italian eatery known for innovative dishes and contemporary takes on classics.
Graziano’s
An Argentine steakhouse that’s a must-visit for meat lovers. Their perfectly grilled meats, extensive wine selection, and authentic empanadas make it a standout in Coral Gables.
Zucca
An upscale Italian spot inside the St. Michel Hotel, known for its refined pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and an excellent wine list. It’s a great choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Motek Coral Gables
A lively Mediterranean café serving Israeli-inspired dishes like hummus, shawarma, and kebabs. Known for its fresh ingredients, cozy ambiance, and great brunch options.
If you want a more neighborhood vibe for your stay in Miami, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are great places to stay in Miami!
Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip
Day 4 | Day Trips from Miami: Everglades, Florida Keys & Biscayne National Park
If you don’t want to do a day trip, check out my post on what to do in Miami for more ideas for your fourth day in Miami: 33+ Ideas for What to Do in Miami (Beaches, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems).
Of course, there are some great day trip options to consider that can really add fun, nature, and adventure to your Miami itinerary.
Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades are near Miami, but still a bit of a drive. If you want to visit the national park, you are better off renting a car and driving. However, if you are happy to experience an airboat in the Florida everglades, but not technically inside the National Park, then an Everglades tour with a pickup option is the way to go!
Book this Everglades Tour from Miami with Transportation
if you don’t want to rent a car!
If you rent a car and want to visit the Everglades National Park, the closest area to Miami is Shark Valley Visitor Center. It will take anywhere from one to two hours depending on traffic. Should you decide this route, be sure to have water, a hat and sunscreen especially if you decide to walk the trails.
As with all national parks, the cost is $35 per vehicle or you can purchase an annual pass for all national parks in the country for $80. There is a tram tour, which will cost extra. If you plan to visit November through April, it’s recommended to make reservations!
If you want to check this national park off your list, then it’s a perfect option as a day trip during your 4 days in Miami!
Florida Keys
Another day trip option for your 4 days in Miami is a visit to the Florida Keys! Key Largo is the closest of the Florida Keys to Miami and will take about an hour and ten minutes without traffic. Of course, no traffic is unlikely these days so expect closer to two hours on average.
Key West
Key West is the furthest of the Keys and will take three hours and ten minutes up to four and a half hours to drive! However, there is a tour that offers transport from Miami and will give you six hours in Key West. If you really don’t want to drive, this Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options is worth considering for a taste of Key West.
Key Largo
If you don’t mind driving and enjoy snorkeling, my recommendation is a snorkel tour in Key Largo! One reason is the drive is half of what it is to Key West and while Key Largo doesn’t have a downtown area to explore like Key West, it is a great snorkeling spot! There’s a Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo and you can explore some of Florida’s barrier reef! Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour is the one I did, and it was a great experience!
Cruisin Tikis Key Largo is a great option if snorkeling doesn’t interest you, but being on the water does! You will float in a Tiki hut as the sun sets. Bring your own beer and wear a swimsuit so you can take a dip as well!
Book the Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour if you rent a car to visit the Keys! Or read my review to help you decide if it’s right for you: Tropical Fish and Coral Reefs: Best Snorkeling in Key Largo.
Homestead
If you choose to drive to Key Largo, I have some recommendations before or after in Homestead. I just visited Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery a couple months ago and loved it! I’m not really into wine, but my friend and I booked a tasting.
Florida isn’t known for good wine, but this winery doesn’t make wine from grapes. Rather they make wine from various types of tropical fruit that can grow in south Florida! My friend and I both LOVED the coconut wine, but everything from lychee to pineapple to avocado was so fun to try!
I really enjoyed the experience, even though I’m not a big drinker of any alcohol. While at the tasting, a local couple suggested we visit Robert Is Here Fruit Stand, so we headed there after. The experience is the opposite end of the spectrum from the winery, but an experience nonetheless! There is a small zoo with goats and birds, which is the first thing we noticed. There is also a fruit stand as the name suggests, or you can order a milkshake!
Homestead is the country town of south Florida and is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Miami. It’s worth stopping if you are driving to Key Largo. You can do the snorkel tour in the morning and then visit Homestead on the way back, or stop at the winery in the early afternoon before you drink some more on the Tiki hut during sunset.
If you have more time, Knaus Berry Farm sells cinnamon rolls that people line up for! My friend and I visited and enjoyed them. It’s worth a quick visit if you have time and you enjoy cinnamon rolls!
For your 4 days in Miami, Homestead is an easy add-on, especially if you drive to Key Largo.
Biscayne National Park
If you love ocean and nature, but you don’t want to drive to the Florida Keys, consider Biscayne National Park. I have only made it to the visitor center, but they offer some great tours!
The tours offered by Biscayne National Park will need to be booked through them. However, one well reviewed tour to consider of the bay is Sail Biscayne Bay: An Intimate Eco-Adventure. I considered doing this during one of my visits to south Florida, but ended up snorkeling in Key Largo. However, I’d definitely consider this on another trip.
Miami Weather & Best Time to Visit
It’s a year round destination, so you can spend your 4 days in Miami anytime! Summers can be scorching, but if you plan to do water activities, then it’s a good time to visit! Winter is perfect for cooler temperatures! It’s much more pleasant weather overall, but still warm enough (most days) for the beach.
There really isn’t a true fall or spring, but both time frames can offer a slight dip from the super high summer temperatures.
Miami’s rainy season runs from May to October, bringing humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, while the dry season from November to April offers cooler and more comfortable weather.
Deciding on the best time to visit, will be when the crowds are less and accommodations cheaper. Since it is a year round destination, consider September and October as those months are generally slower for travel overall. Just be advised, it’s technically still hurricane season until November. Late April and early May could also work as kids are in school and the spring break crowds are gone.
- Winter (December–February): Highs in the mid-70s°F, lows in the mid-60s°F
- Spring (March–May): Highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s°F, lows in the upper 60s to low 70s°F
- Summer (June–September): Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F, lows in the upper 70s°F
- Fall (October–November): Highs in the low to mid-80s°F, lows in the low 70s°F
Since I live in central Florida, I always have a car because I drive down to Miami. While I can’t speak to the public transportation, you do have some good free options. Consider looking into Freebee or MetroMover because they service some popular areas of Miami for free! If you’re in Miami Beach area, look into the Trolley system.
For Miami in general, the easiest and best option will just be ride share apps like Uber and Lyft. Renting a car is also an option, but just know that parking can be difficult and also very costly. Once you’re in the neighborhoods you want to be, walking or biking will be perfect. Or utilizing the free public transport options.
The Big Bus Miami: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour is also an option! I’ve never utilized one in Miami, but it can be a great resource in a big city to hit all the major sights.
If you do want to venture out of Miami, renting a car or booking a tour are options. For ultimate freedom, the rental car is best, but if you have a specific place you want to visit and a tour is offered with pickup and dropoff, then that could be a great option during your 4 days in Miami.
Traffic: Miami has always had bad traffic, but it does seem to be bad throughout the day in more recent times. However, definitely try to avoid peak times of 7AM to 9AM and 4PM to 7PM.
For more help on deciding where to stay:
Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip
Where to Stay in Miami: Hotels, Neighborhoods & Local Tips
Choosing where to stay during your 4 days in Miami, will depend on what you plan to do! I’m a beach girl, so I’d recommend Miami Beach area, but you could also stay in other neighborhoods that are walkable and with good restaurants like Coconut Grove or Coral Gables. Stay in Brickell for good shopping and to be a short drive to Miami Beach.
I go into more detail on the best area to stay in Miami in this post: Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip. It offers a map, Miami neighborhood guide, and hotels at various price points for each area!
There are seemingly endless hotels to choose from, but the below have good ratings at their various price points.
Miami Beach
1 Hotel South Beach | Luxury
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel | 4 Star
MB Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | Beachside Budget
The Meridian Miami Beach By Kasa | Budget Friendly
Walkable Areas
Coconut Grove | Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove | 4 Star
Wynwood | Sentral Wynwood | Under $400 4 Star
Brickell | Citizenm Miami Brickell Hotel | 4 Star
FAQ
How many days do I really need in Miami?
For Miami proper, you could spend three days, but I think four days is ideal for first-time visitors. This gives you time for Miami Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, and one or two nearby day trips like Key Biscayne, the Everglades, or Key Largo. You could extend to 5–7 days if you want a more relaxed pace or explore the Keys in depth.
When is the best time to visit Miami?
The dry season, November through April, is the most comfortable. The best time to visit Miami is basically not summer. You will still have warm weather without extreme humidity or heat and you don’t have to worry about hurricane season.
Summer is very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June–November.
How do I get around Miami?
Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are the most convenient. Miami Beach and walkable neighborhoods like Coconut Grove or Coral Gables are great on foot or by bike. Public transport options include the free Trolley, MetroMover, and Freebee shuttles. Renting a car is best for day trips outside the city, but rideshare is better for around Miami, especially so you don’t have to deal with parking!
Is Miami Beach too crowded?
This is very subjective and as someone who doesn’t like a crowded beach my answer will be yes.
South Beach can get busy, especially on weekends or during spring break. For a quieter experience, visit beaches north of 42nd Street or Key Biscayne.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
For popular experiences like the Art Deco tour, Little Havana Food Tour, or snorkeling in Key Largo, booking ahead is recommended. If you visit during the week or other less busy times, you may be okay with waiting, but don’t risk it for anything you really want to do!
Are Miami beaches safe for swimming?
Yes! Lifeguards are stationed at most major beaches, including South Beach and Key Biscayne. Water is generally calm, but pay attention to posted warnings, especially after storms.
Where should I eat in Miami?
There are amazing options citywide.
For Miami Beach: Joe’s Stone Crab, Stubborn Seed, Macchialina. Coconut Grove: Glass & Vine, Ariete.
Little Havana: Habana Vieja, Versailles.
Wynwood: 1-800-Lucky, Dante’s HIFI.
Weekdays are always less crowded, especially for popular spots.
Can I visit the Everglades in one day from Miami?
Yes! You can do an airboat tour or drive to Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Tours with pickup are convenient if you don’t want to rent a car. Just know the tours take you to the everglades, but typically not to the national park.
The Shark Valley Visitor Center is just over an hour from Miami by car in normal traffic. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes if walking trails.
How safe is Miami for tourists?
Miami is generally safe in well-traveled areas during the day. Use standard precautions: avoid poorly lit streets at night, keep valuables secure, and stay aware of your surroundings. Neighborhoods like South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables are tourist-friendly.
What should I pack for a 4-day Miami trip?
Light clothing, swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
If you head down during the cooler (winter) months, be sure to check the weather for any cold fronts. It may not get super cold, but you still want to be prepared for a random dip in temperature.
4 Days in Miami
I hope this guide was helpful as you create the perfect 4 day Miami itinerary. There is so much to do in this hot and vibrant city in the United States, and there is so much in the surrounding area as well! Whether you want culture, design, or nature, Miami has got you covered!
Of course, relaxing on the beach is also an option or enjoy the spa after some shopping! Your 4 days in Miami can be as busy or relaxed as you want.
I hope you have the best time on your mini Miami holiday!
For more help planning your Florida trip:
Best Area to Stay in Miami: Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Trip
33+ Ideas for What to Do in Miami (Beaches, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems)
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour Review | Is It Worth It?
Is Vizcaya Museum Worth It? My Honest Miami Experience & Tips
Tropical Fish and Coral Reefs: Best Snorkeling in Key Largo
Things to Pack for Florida | Local Advice by Season and Region
Christmas in St. Augustine: The Ultimate Guide to Lights, Markets & Holiday Fun
29 Best Day Trips from Orlando (with Driving Times)
Best Area to Stay Near Disney World: Hotels With Shuttles, Top Neighborhoods & More
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