First Time in Miami - Where to stay and how many days

Question

To all Miami Experts - Your advice please We shall arrive Miami 23 March, plan to stay 2-3 full days in Miami either in Miami Beach or Downtown before driving to Key West. Then drive back to Miami for a couple of days before driving to West Palm Beach, Cocoa Beach and St Augustine. Please advise whether this is a good plan or should we stay in Miami for 5-6 days but which location will be good for both downtown and South Beach sightseeing. We are not swimmers so won’t spend time on the beach but want to spend time to visit the Art Deco district and perhaps have afternoon tea or meals in a couple of the art deco hotels. Your suggestions will be much appreciated

Answer

Your proposed plan of 2-3 days in Miami before driving to Key West, followed by a few more days after returning, is workable but could feel a bit rushed if you want to explore both South Beach and Downtown properly. Since you’re not interested in swimming, you can focus on cultural, architectural, and culinary experiences without worrying about beach time.

Suggested Duration and Itinerary

Consider staying in Miami for 4-5 days in total rather than splitting it too tightly. This allows time to enjoy Art Deco sightseeing, museums, and leisurely meals without rushing.
Staying in South Beach is ideal if your priority is the Art Deco District and iconic hotel experiences. You can easily walk around, enjoy cafes, and visit museums like the Wolfsonian or the Art Deco Welcome Center.
Staying in Downtown / Brickell is better for museums, galleries, and urban dining. The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and Frost Museum of Science are in this area.

Accommodation Strategy

If you want to experience both areas, one option is to stay a couple of nights in South Beach to explore the Art Deco District and hotel dining experiences, then move Downtown/Brickell for museums, cultural sites, and easy access to Wynwood.
If minimizing hotel changes is preferred, South Beach is walkable and well connected by public transport and rideshares, so you could base there for all days and take day trips into Downtown/Wynwood.

Activities & Dining Suggestions

Art Deco District walking tour: Self-guided or guided tours give a great sense of history and architecture.
Afternoon tea or light meals in Art Deco hotels: Consider The Betsy Hotel or The Raleigh for tea, snacks, or brunch.
Wynwood Walls: Colorful street art and galleries, easy half-day excursion from South Beach or Downtown.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: Short drive from Downtown Miami, beautiful gardens and historical architecture.
Little Havana: Explore Cuban culture, coffee shops, and local markets.

Tips

Use rideshare or short-term rentals for convenience if staying in one area and visiting multiple neighborhoods.
Morning or late afternoon visits are best for walking tours and sightseeing to avoid midday heat in March.
Plan hotel dining or afternoon tea reservations in advance, as popular Art Deco hotels can book quickly during spring season.

In summary, 4-5 days in Miami gives a comfortable pace to enjoy both South Beach and Downtown attractions. South Beach is recommended for your base if Art Deco sightseeing is the priority, with optional day trips to Downtown, Wynwood, and Vizcaya. This approach balances sightseeing with relaxation without the need for swimming or beach time.