A day in Miami

Question

We will have a day in Miami soon at the end of our vacation. My husband has never been to Miami and with a rent car, I want to show him the sights. What can I reasonably get done in a day and get back to MIA for a 7:30pm flight? Biscayne Bay? South Beach? Cuban food for lunch or Joe’s Stone Crab? It will be on a Monday if that changes anything. If there is already a post on this subject, please feel free to redirect me.

Answer

With just a single day in Miami and a car, you can get a good taste of the city’s highlights without feeling too rushed, as long as you plan efficiently and keep airport timing in mind for your 7:30pm flight. Mondays can be slightly less crowded at popular spots, which works in your favor.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day in Miami:

Morning: Start with a drive down Biscayne Bay and the Downtown/Brickell area. You can enjoy views of the bay, the skyline, and perhaps make a quick stop at Bayside Marketplace for a stroll or coffee.
Late Morning: Head to Little Havana for a cultural experience. Try some Cuban coffee or pastelitos, and walk along Calle Ocho to see the street art, Domino Park, and local shops.
Lunch: Choose between authentic Cuban cuisine in Little Havana (like Versailles or La Carreta) or a seafood experience at Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach. Note that Joe’s is iconic but can be busy; Mondays are usually less crowded than weekends.
Afternoon: Drive to South Beach / Ocean Drive to see the famous Art Deco architecture and iconic beach area. You can park and walk along the boardwalk, dip your toes in the ocean, or take quick photos along Ocean Drive.
Optional: If time allows, a short drive along Collins Avenue or Lincoln Road Mall for a quick shopping stroll or iced coffee break.

Tips for timing and logistics:

Leave South Beach no later than 4:30–5:00pm to allow at least 1–1.5 hours to get back to Miami International Airport, accounting for traffic.
Parking in South Beach can take some time, so factor that in when planning your afternoon stop.
Carry cash or card for parking meters and consider using a rideshare if you prefer to avoid parking stress in busy areas.
Monday lunch might be slightly less crowded, but reservations are still recommended if you choose Joe’s Stone Crab.

In summary, your day could cover:

Biscayne Bay & Downtown drive
Little Havana experience
Lunch at Cuban restaurant or Joe’s Stone Crab
South Beach / Ocean Drive sightseeing
Optional quick shopping or stroll along Lincoln Road

This itinerary provides a balance of iconic sights, cultural experience, and relaxation, while leaving enough buffer to return to MIA for your evening flight.

A day in Miami

More Miami Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions