3 Days in Miami: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Get ready for pastel Art Deco facades, turquoise water, open-air street art and the smell of Cuban coffee drifting down Calle Ocho. Three days in Miami is enough to get a real feel for the city’s three moods: the beach, the arts scene and its strong Latin American culture. This plan suits first-time visitors, couples, friends and families who want a mix of beach time and culture without dashing around.

The pace is relaxed. Each day sticks to one part of the city, so you spend your time exploring rather than sitting in traffic. You can do most of it on free trolleys, the free Metromover and Metrorail, with a ride-hail or taxi for the odd gap. One thing to plan around: some museums close on certain weekdays, so check the day-order tip below before you lock in your dates.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Miami Beach (South Beach)	Art Deco walking tour, Ocean Drive, beach time, Lincoln Road, neon evening
2	Downtown and Wynwood	Biscayne Bay, free Metromover ride, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Wynwood Walls
3	Vizcaya, Little Havana and Brickell	Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Calle Ocho, Domino Park, Cuban food, Brickell evening

Day-order tip: PAMM is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Vizcaya is closed on Tuesdays. Make sure Day 2 doesn’t land on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and Day 3 doesn’t land on a Tuesday. If Day 2 falls on a Thursday you get a bonus: PAMM stays open until 9 p.m. and entry is free after 5 p.m.

Day 1: South Beach and the Art Deco District

This is the day for pastel facades, warm sand and glowing neon. Welcome to Miami Beach!

Morning

Start right in the middle of the postcard. The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) runs its official Art Deco Walking Tour every day from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive. It lasts about two hours and covers roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on foot through the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District, so you’ll see the curves, neon signs and pastel colours with someone explaining the stories behind them.

• Tickets on the MDPL site: adults $50 (18-64), seniors $40 (65+), youths $35 (13-17), children 12 and under free.
• Groups are capped at 20 people, so book online on the official MDPL site and check the start time for your date.
• The Welcome Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Arrive a little early and look around the Welcome Center’s small museum before your tour sets off.

Afternoon

After the tour you’re steps from the sand. Cross Ocean Drive to the beach, find a spot near a lifeguard stand, and give yourself a slow afternoon of swimming and people-watching. When you’ve had enough sun, stroll a few blocks inland and north to Lincoln Road, the pedestrian street with shops and cafés.

If your feet are tired, hop on the Miami Beach free trolley. The City of Miami Beach runs it from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, about every 20 minutes on each route. You can track trolleys live in the Transit app, and the city covers the app’s premium tier for you.

Evening

Head back to Ocean Drive at dusk, when the Art Deco hotels switch on their neon and the whole strip glows. Grab dinner in South Beach, then take an easy walk along the beachfront promenade. It’s a lovely, low-effort first night.

Day 2: Downtown Miami, PAMM and Wynwood

Save your energy for art today: bayfront views in the morning, a whole neighbourhood of murals in the afternoon.

Morning

Cross the causeway to the mainland and start downtown by the water along Biscayne Bay. A fun and free way to get your bearings is the Metromover, Miami-Dade’s elevated people mover. It costs nothing to ride, and the raised tracks give you a good view of the skyline. Use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app to find the nearest station.

Time it so you reach the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) at 1103 Biscayne Blvd when it opens at 11 a.m. The museum sits right on the bay, with modern and contemporary art inside and shaded terraces outside.

• Hours: Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday; Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tickets: adults $18; seniors (62+), students and youth (7-18) $14; children 6 and under free. Thursdays after 5 p.m. are free.
• PAMM says tickets can sell out, so buy them online on the official site. Tickets stop being sold 30 minutes before closing.

Afternoon

Have lunch at the museum or downtown, then head north to Wynwood Walls, the open-air street art museum at 2516 NW 2nd Ave. Wynwood has no Metrorail station. According to Wynwood Walls, the nearest stations are Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre (Orange Line) and Culmer (Green Line), about 1.5 miles south, where you can change to Metrobus Route 2. The free City of Miami Trolley also stops on NW 2nd Ave, Monday to Saturday. A ride-hail is the simplest door-to-door option.

• Hours: daily, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Doors close 30 minutes before closing.
• Tickets: adults $12, youth (13-17) $5, seniors (65+) $10, children 12 and under free. General admission includes a free spray-painting experience.
• Wynwood Walls sometimes closes early for private events and posts notices on its site, so check before you go.

Evening

Stay in Wynwood after the Walls close. The surrounding streets are covered in murals, so keep wandering, then settle in for dinner and drinks in the neighbourhood. If it’s a Thursday, you could swap the order: do Wynwood first, then go to PAMM for free entry after 5 p.m. and enjoy sunset over the bay.

Day 3: Vizcaya, Little Havana and Brickell

Get ready for gardens, dominoes and Cuban coffee on your last day!

Morning

Start early at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a grand bayfront estate with a historic Main House and formal gardens. Arriving at the 9:30 a.m. opening gets you the cooler part of the day. Vizcaya’s own site highlights Metrorail access, so ride Metrorail to the Vizcaya stop and walk over. The estate is at 3251 South Miami Avenue.

• Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission and entry close at 4:30 p.m., the Main House at 5 p.m. and the gardens at 5:30 p.m.
• Tickets: adults (18+) $22, seniors (65+ with ID) $16, college students with ID $15, children 6-12 $10, children 5 and under free. Buy online on the official Vizcaya site.
• A free audio tour comes with admission through the Vizcaya app. Download it before you go.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe, low-heeled shoes. There are many steps and uneven surfaces (more under Heads-up).

Allow two to three hours for the house and gardens.

Afternoon

Take a short ride-hail or taxi to Little Havana and walk along Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), the heart of the neighbourhood. Don’t miss Máximo Gómez Park, which locals call Domino Park, where you can watch games of dominoes. Look out for the colourful rooster sculptures made by local artists along the street.

This is your Cuban lunch stop. Miami’s tourism board suggests croquetas, lechón, Cuban sandwiches, sweet pastelitos and a strong little cafecito. Take it slowly, pop into the shops and enjoy the music spilling out onto the pavement.

Evening

End your trip in Brickell, Miami’s high-rise financial district, a short ride east of Little Havana. The free Metromover links Brickell with downtown, so getting back to a downtown hotel is easy. Find a rooftop or a bayside spot for sunset, then go out for a final dinner.

Getting there and getting around

Visas and entry: Entry rules for the United States depend on your nationality. Many travellers need a visa, and some may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Check your situation well before booking on the U.S. Department of State’s official visa site (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html) and, if relevant, apply only through the official ESTA portal (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/).

From Miami International Airport (MIA)

Metrorail (to downtown): MIA has its own Metrorail station on the Orange Line. On weekdays, Orange Line trains run between the airport and downtown. On weekends, the Orange Line runs only as an airport shuttle between MIA and Earlington Heights, every 15 minutes. Change there to the Green Line. A single fare is $2.25.

Metrobus Route 150, Miami Beach Airport Express (to Miami Beach): This bus leaves from the MIA Metrorail station and serves 41st Street, Alton Road, Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue. At the station, the bus stops are on the ground level, with pick-up on the west side. Check the current fare on the Miami-Dade Transit site.

Taxi: Taxi stands are on the arrivals (ground) level, outside baggage claim. Taxis use the meter:

• $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile
• $0.85 for each additional 1/6 mile up to one mile
• $0.55 for each additional 1/6 mile after that
• A $2.00 charge for trips starting at the airport
• A minimum fare of $15 from MIA
• Road tolls are extra
• Larger vehicles (SUVs and vans) can add a 30% surcharge and must display a decal inside saying so

Ride apps: Pick-ups are on Level 1 (arrivals) and Level 2 (departures). Your app will show the exact door.

Getting around the city

• Metrorail: runs from 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. A single fare is $2.25.
• Passes: a 1-day pass is $5.65 and a 7-day pass is $29.25.
• How to pay: tap a contactless bank card or a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) at the gate, or use an EASY Card ($2), a free EASY Ticket, or a mobile pass in the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. Fare gates don’t accept cash.
• Metromover: free, and handy around downtown and Brickell.
• Miami Beach free trolley: runs daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., about every 20 minutes on each route.
• Ride-hail or taxi: best for gaps the trains don’t cover, such as Little Havana and getting between the beach and the mainland in the evening.

Where to stay

South Beach (Miami Beach): best if the beach and nightlife are your priority. You can walk to the Art Deco District, Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, the free trolley covers the neighbourhood, and Route 150 runs straight from the airport. The downside is a longer trip to the mainland on Days 2 and 3.

Downtown and Brickell: the most practical base for this plan. You’re on Metrorail and the free Metromover, close to PAMM and Biscayne Bay, and a short ride from Wynwood, Little Havana and Vizcaya. It suits travellers who care more about easy transit than beach views.

Coconut Grove: a leafy, laid-back area by the bay, south of Brickell and near Vizcaya. It’s a good fit for families and anyone who wants quieter evenings, with ride-hail or Metrorail for getting around.

Budget

These are the verified costs for this plan’s sights and local transport. Not included: hotels, food and drink, tips, airport taxis and ride-hails, and shopping. Prices for those change constantly, so check current rates before you book.

Item	Typical cost (USD)
Metrorail or Metrobus single fare	$2.25
Metrorail/Metrobus 1-day pass	$5.65
Metrorail/Metrobus 7-day pass	$29.25
EASY Card (one-off purchase)	$2
Metromover	Free
Miami Beach trolley	Free
MDPL Art Deco Walking Tour (adult)	$50
PAMM (adult)	$18 (free Thursdays after 5 p.m.)
Wynwood Walls (adult)	$12
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (adult)	$22
Taxi from MIA	Metered, $15 minimum
Everglades National Park (optional, private vehicle)	$35, plus $100 per non-US resident aged 16+

For one adult, the three paid sights come to $102. Add a 1-day transit pass on Days 2 and 3 ($11.30), and sights plus local transit work out at roughly $30-55 per day. That’s what the frontmatter budget covers.

Practical tips

• Book ahead: reserve the Art Deco Walking Tour (groups are capped at 20) and buy PAMM tickets online, since PAMM says they can sell out. Vizcaya and Wynwood Walls also sell tickets on their official sites.
• Closing days: PAMM is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and Vizcaya is closed Tuesday. Both, along with the MDPL Welcome Center, close on some major holidays, so check the official pages around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
• Dress code: keep beachwear for the beach. Vizcaya has a written dress code, and other museums may too.
• Money: prices are in US dollars. Contactless cards work right at the Metrorail gates, and the Everglades entrance stations take credit and debit cards only. Carry a card even if you also have cash.
• SIM or eSIM: an eSIM set up before you fly means you can use ride-hail apps, the GO Miami-Dade Transit app and the Transit app (for trolley tracking) as soon as you land.
• Apps worth downloading: GO Miami-Dade Transit (mobile passes and trip planning), Transit (live Miami Beach trolley tracking) and the Vizcaya app (free audio tour).

Heads-up

Miami is a joy to explore, and a few known issues are easy to avoid if you know about them in advance.

• Ignore transport offers inside the airport. Miami International Airport warns that soliciting ground transportation inside the terminal is illegal, and many of these solicitors are unlicensed and uninsured. Go to the official taxi stands on the lower-level curb outside baggage claim, or use your ride app’s marked pick-up points. If you need help, look for uniformed airport staff with MIA ID badges, and turn down offers from anyone not in uniform.
• Check taxi extras. Tolls are added to the meter fare. Larger vehicles can charge a 30% surcharge, but only if a surcharge decal is displayed inside.
• Plan around closing days. If your dates fall on the wrong day, you’ll find PAMM closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Vizcaya closed on Tuesdays. Wynwood Walls sometimes closes early for private events, so check its site on the day.
• Vizcaya dress code and footwear. You must stay fully clothed. Bathing suits and mesh or sheer clothing are not allowed, and footwear is required. Vizcaya recommends closed-toe, low-heeled shoes and suggests avoiding open-toe sandals and high heels. The estate has many steps and uneven surfaces, so if you have limited mobility, contact Vizcaya beforehand about accessible routes.
• No cash at the Metrorail gates. Have a contactless card, phone wallet, EASY Card or mobile pass ready.
• Weather: for beach days and outdoor plans, check the official National Weather Service Miami forecast (https://www.weather.gov/mfl/) before you head out, and always follow lifeguard instructions on the beach.

FAQ

Is three days enough for Miami?

Yes, for a first visit. Three days gives you a full day each for South Beach, the downtown and Wynwood arts scene, and Vizcaya with Little Havana. If you have a fourth day, use it for more beach time or a day trip to the Everglades.

Can I see Miami without a car?

For this itinerary, yes. Metrorail, the free Metromover and the free Miami Beach trolley cover most of it, with ride-hail for Little Havana and evening trips. A car only really helps for trips beyond the city, such as the Everglades.

What does it cost to visit the Everglades from Miami?

The National Park Service charges $35 per private vehicle, valid for 7 consecutive days. Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless they have an Annual or America the Beautiful pass. The Homestead and Shark Valley entrance stations take credit and debit cards only.

Which days are best for this plan?

Any three days work if Day 2 isn’t a Tuesday or Wednesday (PAMM closes) and Day 3 isn’t a Tuesday (Vizcaya closes). Friday to Sunday, or Thursday to Saturday, works well.

How do I get from the airport to South Beach cheaply?

Take Metrobus Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Express, from the MIA Metrorail station. It serves Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue. Check the current fare on the Miami-Dade Transit site before you travel.

Is Wynwood Walls free?

No. Adults pay $12, youths (13-17) $5 and seniors (65+) $10, and children 12 and under go free. The murals on the streets around it are free to see while you walk the neighbourhood.