Miami

Miami

Pack your flip-flops, your shades, and your fiesta energy, because we're diving into the neon jungle of Miami for a family adventure. You're in for a rollercoaster of Cuban coffee, art deco dazzle, and the kind of family bonding that only happens when you're all stuck in traffic on I-95. Here you can have every day full of extraordinary art and architecture, culinary adventure, and water fun.

Day 1: South Beach and Water Fun

Morning: Soak in the iconic Art Deco architecture of South Beach, with pastel-colored buildings like the Colony Hotel and The Carlyle.  Visit the Art Deco Welcome Center for a self-guided tour or join a guided Art Deco Walking Tour by the Miami Design Preservation League mdpl.org to learn about the 1930s aesthetic. For more active exploration, bike along the district. Don't miss the famous Versace Mansion.

South Beach Art Deco

Afternoon: Rent some chairs and enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters of this iconic beach, or play a volleyball game. Take a surfing or a stand-up paddleboarding lesson. Visit Lummus Park for people watching. If time permits, see the Botanical Garden or visit the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum to explore Art Deco artifacts and design history.

Miami Beach

Evening: Watch the sunset. Walk along Ocean Drive to experience the nightlife and vibes, enjoying street performers and neon lights.

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

Day 2: Culture and Art

Morning: Grab breakfast at Zak the Baker and enjoy the amazing baked goodies. Visit Wynwood Walls to explore some of the world's best street art. Take a self-guided tour or book a guided one for insights into the graffiti culture. Engage in a street art workshop where anyone can create their masterpiece.

Wynwood Walls

Afternoon: Head over to Little Havana for a taste of Cuban food and culture. Explore Calle Ocho with a tour or a scavenger hunt. Don't miss the Maximo Gomez Park to see Domino games. Join a Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour to sample Cuban coffee, empanadas and learn about the neighborhood’s history. Visit Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center for art and music. Check out the Bay of Pigs Monument.

Evening: Check out the Design District's luxury boutiques and public art installations like the Buckminster Fuller Fly’s Eye Dome.

Day 3: Museums and Jungle Island

Morning: Head to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami. Explore the aquarium, planetarium, and interactive science exhibits. Don't miss the Dogs and Cats Walkway, a statue park outside the museum.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Alternatively, visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)  for modern art and kid-friendly workshops.

Afternoon:  Pay a visit to Jungle Island for animal encounters, shows, treetop trekking, and zip-lining fun.

Ready for Treetop Trekking at Jungle Island

Evening: Enjoy Island Queen Cruises' Millionaire’s Row tour from Bayside Marketplace for a different perspective of Miami.  Explore the Marketplace for treats and dine at one of the eateries.

Day 4: More Exploration

Morning: Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a Mediterranean-style villa showcasing the grandeur of the early 20th century in Miami. The beautiful landscapes are a unique blend of European styles, local flora, and the seascape, with some of the gardens underwater.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Afternoon: Drive to Coral Gables and lunch at The Biltmore Hotel for a luxurious experience. Explore the Venetian Pool, a historic, spring-fed pool with caves and waterfalls (book ahead). Stroll the Miracle Mile for boutique shopping.

Alternatively, check out The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Evening: Head to Coconut Grove for dinner and gelato at Danielle Gelato.

Cocowalk in Coconut Grove

Day 5: Everglades or Key Biscayne 

Option 1:

Take a day trip to Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 45 minutes from Miami. Book an airboat tour with Everglades Safari Park or Everglades Alligator Farm, where families can encounter Florida's wildlife like herons, mangroves, and alligators. Catch a live alligator feeding show.

Everglades National Park

Option 2:

Visit Key Biscayne for a nature-filled morning at Crandon Park Beach, ideal for families with calm waters, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Rent kayaks or paddleboards from Miami Watersports to explore the mangroves and spot manatees or dolphins. The park's concessioner, Biscayne National Park Institute, runs snorkeling, paddling, and other experiences as well. For a quieter vibe, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and climb the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (tours at 10 AM and 1 PM) for stunning views of the Atlantic.

Evening: Visit Lincoln Road for some shopping, dining, and people-watching.

Lincoln Road

Info

Background: Miami, founded in 1896, is a cultural melting pot of Latin American, Caribbean, and American influences. Known for its Art Deco District, Cuban heritage, and natural gems like Key Biscayne and Jungle Island, it’s a family-friendly destination with 3.5 million residents.

Accommodation: Stay in South Beach for beach access (Loews Miami Beach, loewshotels.com) or Key Biscayne for tranquility (The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, ritzcarlton.com). Downtown offers urban vibes (InterContinental Miami, ihg.com).

Transportation: Rent a car for convenience or use Uber or Lyft. Metrorail ($2.25/ride, kids under 5 free) connects Downtown to the suburbs. Bus routes C, M, S, and 120 serve Jungle Island; Key Biscayne is accessible via bus route B miamidade.gov/transit.

Food: Miami’s culinary scene shines with Cuban, Peruvian, and seafood flavors. Try Sanguich for Cuban sandwiches or CVI.CHE 105 for ceviche.

Weather: Visit November–April for warm, dry weather (70–80°F). Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, and light layers for evenings.Budget: The Go Miami Card gocity.com/miami offers discounts on Jungle Island, PAMM, and more.