24 hours in Miami with a 2 year old!

Question

Hi I have just over 24 hours layover in Miami with a two year old. We arrive Saturday at 8.30 pm and leave Monday for a flight at 10.30 am. My 2 year old loves trains and i see there is gold cost rail train museum so was thinking of checking it out and i love beaches and wanted a hotel near or on a beach. i want to rest. i dont want to be late for my flight at 10.30am so dont want to be too far from the airport. I also recognise my experience will be unique as i will be walking around with my 2 year old in a buggy/stroller so we need somewhere walking distance- that we can walk around unless taxis are too expensive. Can you recommend family friendly hotel to meet both our needs- 2 nights. By the way my 2 year old hasn't insisted on seeing trains but i wanted to do something 2 year old friendly and enjoyable - maybe the zoo but i am conscious of the weather/heat as we are coming first week in August. I also have to find somewhere to eat that is BOTH diary and gluten intolerant. Thanks in advance for your help peoples.

Answer

With just over 24 hours in Miami and a 2-year-old, it’s important to plan a trip that balances relaxation, fun for your little one, and convenience, especially since you’re aiming to stay close to the airport. Here’s a suggested itinerary that takes into account your preferences for beaches, family-friendly activities, and dietary needs:

1. Hotel Recommendations:

For a short layover, you’ll want to stay somewhere comfortable, family-friendly, and close to the beach as well as the airport. Here are a few options:

1 Hotel South Beach: This eco-friendly hotel is family-oriented and located right on South Beach. It’s a great spot to unwind by the beach and offers easy access to restaurants and shops within walking distance. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA), but still close enough for your morning flight.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: Another excellent family-friendly option, this hotel is situated on a quiet beach and is just a short drive from the airport (about 20 minutes). It’s known for its luxury amenities and easy access to Miami’s quieter beach areas, making it a great spot to relax.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel: Right on South Beach and very close to the airport, this hotel is known for its family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club and child-friendly pools. You’ll be able to walk around the beach area easily, and it has plenty of dining options for dietary restrictions.

2. Things to Do:

Since your 2-year-old loves trains, the Gold Coast Rail Museum could be a fun option, but given the heat and the fact that it might be a bit far from the airport, you might want to consider alternative activities that are more accessible and enjoyable for a toddler in the summer heat. Here are some ideas:

Miami Children’s Museum: Located on Watson Island, this museum is a fantastic spot for toddlers. It has interactive exhibits tailored for young children, and it’s air-conditioned, so you can avoid the summer heat. Your little one can explore hands-on activities like building and art stations, and it’s just a short ride from South Beach.
Miami Seaquarium: If you want to spend time outdoors but not in direct sunlight, the Seaquarium is a great option. It’s a fun, family-friendly attraction where your toddler can enjoy marine life, including dolphin shows and other sea creatures, while staying relatively cool in shaded areas.
South Pointe Park: This park is located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, offering great views of the ocean and the Miami skyline. It’s a lovely, easy place for a walk with a stroller, and there’s a playground for your toddler. It’s also a great spot to relax and let your child enjoy some space to run around.

3. Dining Options for Dietary Restrictions:

Finding food that accommodates both dairy and gluten intolerance can be tricky, but Miami offers plenty of options. Here are a few family-friendly restaurants that should meet your dietary needs:

Pure Verde: Located in the heart of South Beach, this restaurant offers both gluten-free and dairy-free options. They focus on fresh, healthy meals, and they have a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families.
Green Bar & Kitchen: This place has several gluten-free and dairy-free options, and they focus on organic, plant-based meals. It’s located in the Sunset Harbour area, which is a short drive from South Beach, and perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Gluten-Free Cafe & Bakery: As the name suggests, this spot specializes in gluten-free and dairy-free options. They offer a variety of delicious dishes and desserts that cater to your dietary restrictions. It’s located in the North Miami area, but worth the short drive for the peace of mind it offers when it comes to dietary needs.

4. Itinerary Suggestion:

Since you only have a short time in Miami, here’s a simple plan for your 24-hour visit:

Saturday Evening: After arriving at 8:30 PM, head to your hotel (depending on your choice, the Ritz-Carlton or Loews Miami Beach would be great). Grab a light, family-friendly dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant that accommodates your dietary restrictions.
Sunday Morning: Start with breakfast at a local cafe with gluten-free and dairy-free options, like Green Bar & Kitchen. Then, head to the Miami Children’s Museum or South Pointe Park for a fun, relaxing morning with your toddler.
Sunday Afternoon: If your child is interested in marine life, visit the Miami Seaquarium for a family-friendly activity. Afterward, spend some time relaxing on the beach before heading back to the hotel to rest.
Monday Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and if you have time, walk along the beach or visit a nearby park before heading to the airport for your 10:30 AM flight.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to relax, enjoy some family-friendly activities, and ensure you’re close to the airport when it’s time to depart. Have a wonderful layover in Miami!

24 hours in Miami with a 2 year old!

More Miami Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions