A 4-Day Itinerary for an Ideal Long Weekend in Miami

Not long ago, Miami was synonymous with wild parties and the vibrant pastels of its southern beaches. Today, however, this alluring city has transformed into a global center for art, creativity, and design, celebrating both contemporary and historical Latin American and Caribbean cultures well beyond the sandy limits of South Beach.

“Miami has matured into a place where ideas can flourish in their respective neighborhoods, rather than all converging on South Beach,” states Mike del Marmol from the independent creative studio, Sun&Sons. “People are discovering pride in their neighborhoods and fostering their unique communities.” He notes that social media has played a crucial role in promoting pop-up events in areas like West Kendall and Little River. “The understanding has emerged that not everything worthwhile needs to occur in Wynwood or on the beach.”

Key events happening in the city in 2024 include the launch of Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer season featuring Lionel Messi, kicking off at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale this February. The team will transition to its permanent home, Inter Miami CF Stadium, when the 58-acre Miami Freedom Park opens in 2025. The year accelerates quickly with Miami Music Week and the Ultra Music Festival in March, showcasing electronic and house music at Bayfront Park and various smaller venues around town, from beach bars like Kill Your Idol to downtown speakeasies like Floyd. In May, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix will be in town, featuring numerous watch parties. The III Points music festival takes place in October, offering an indie/alternative experience with headliners such as Iggy Pop and Skrillex. The year wraps up with Art Basel Miami Beach and numerous pop-up and satellite art fairs, including Design Miami/ and the Untitled Art Fair. In summary, there’s always something exciting happening in Miami.

A long weekend in Miami guarantees vibrant nightlife, abundant wildlife, stunning natural beauty, and creative inspiration at every palm-lined turn, all wrapped in a sun-drenched experience. Here’s your guide to enjoying four delightful days in Miami.

Day 1: Discover the Little River Neighborhood

For an art and culture-focused district that exudes charm without pretense, check out Little River, a former warehouse area located just north of Wynwood and Little Haiti.

Start your journey at Dale Zine, a hub that promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the art scene, offering a diverse range of zines and print art contributed by individuals from all walks of life. Don’t miss the mobile bookshop housed in a converted 1996 Honda Acty minitruck, which is fully stocked with unique titles. The zine vendor represents the opposite of mainstream publishers like Taschen, as del Marmol notes. “They’re genuine scene creators without the pretense,” adds Alex Burnard, his partner at Sun&Sons.

Keep your shopping spree going at éliou, a ready-to-wear brand created by childhood friends, featuring a production and design studio right in the neighborhood. Celebrities like Harry Styles have been spotted wearing their jewelry. If you’re in town on the third Saturday of the month, be sure to check out Walter’s Mercado, a vibrant food and fashion market offering curated vintage clothing, tropical plants, food trucks, and more.

Refuel for a day of exploration with an array of delicious options. Stop by La Natural, known for its lovely garden, natural wines, and wood-fired sourdough pizzas, or head to the newly opened Japanese spot Ogawa, a cozy 12-seat restaurant that Burnard claims serves 'probably the best sushi in Miami.'

Conclude your day at The New Schnitzel House, where traditional German comfort food shines on the late-night menu, featuring a classic schnitzel that’s pounded thin, breaded, and served with a lemon wedge and fries. 'The food and drink are fantastic,' Burnard remarks. 'Plus, it’s an intimate setting, so you always feel well cared for.' Don’t miss Thursday jazz nights at Understory, which attract crowds to an urban garden filled with date palms, flowering vines, and tiki torches.

Day 2: Discover the Timeless Charm of South Beach

Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from your suite at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, a family favorite for its complimentary all-day kids' club catering to ages 4 to 12.

Take one of the complimentary bicycles (or catch a Miami-Dade Transit bus) for a relaxed ride down to South Beach. For lunch, Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Feb. 22–25, 2024), recommends two iconic restaurants. For an authentic taste of Miami, Puerto Sagua is a delightful Cuban eatery where the dishes truly shine. 'I always start my day with some croquetas or a medianoche sandwich, accompanied by a cafecito,' he shares. During stone crab season (Oct. 15–May 1), Joe’s Stone Crab is a must-visit, where you can savor the complete dining experience. Don't miss the stone crab and hash browns, and be sure to try the stone crab bisque for a quick lunch.

South Pointe Park, located at the southern tip of South Beach, is a lovely spot for an afternoon swim in the ocean. Nearby, in the South of Fifth neighborhood, indulge in Latin American and Mediterranean fusion cuisine at Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen, featuring dishes like Moroccan-spiced black grouper, shakshuka, and shawarma-spiced wagyu picanha steak.

The Four Seasons’ concierge, Brian Bean, also recommends a trip to Palomino Ranch, located 20 miles south in Key Biscayne, for an unexpected eco-tour on horseback. Just minutes from the downtown skyline, this adventure combines history and nature as you traverse the beautiful coastal hammock trails cared for by volunteers at Virginia Key Beach Park. 'You begin your journey through breathtaking scenery and finish with a peaceful trot on gentle horses through warm waters. It’s not crowded and offers a fun, tranquil, and memorable experience,' says Bean.

Day 3: Discover Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and Brickell

Kick off day three with a visit to Little Havana, where visitors flock to the renowned Versailles Restaurant and the salsa hotspot Ball & Chain, beloved by the Cuban community. Carlos Ayala, concierge at Mandarin Oriental Miami, recommends Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina for a taste of authentic Cuban fare, featuring dishes like fricasé de pollo (chicken fricassee), picadillo, and vaca frita (crispy shredded beef) in a charming courtyard adorned with tropical plants and island decor. Alternatively, head a few blocks west to the walk-up window at Sanguich de Miami, where the husband-and-wife duo, Daniel Figueredo and Rosa Romero, serve a gourmet twist on the traditional Cuban sandwich, loaded with house-fermented mustard, homemade pickles, and ham brined on-site.

In downtown Miami, the Underline is set to be completed in 2025. This 10-mile linear park and public outdoor art trail is gradually transforming 120 acres of downtown land into vibrant recreational space. For families, Ayala suggests the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, offering an immersive and engaging experience for both parents and children. With its 250-seat planetarium, rooftop observation deck showcasing native vegetation, and aquarium habitats representing Gulf Stream, mangrove, and Everglades environments, you can easily spend hours discovering its wonders. Additionally, nearby is the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Pérez Art Museum Miami, featuring hanging gardens and remarkable artworks by Cuban artists like José Bedia Valdés and Wifredo Lam, alongside renowned Latin American artists such as Colombian painter Beatriz González and Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.

Conclude your day with a sunset stroll around Brickell Key, which Nichole Walz of the social group and community resource Brickell Women describes as the best walking loop in the city. "You can walk right by the water while watching for dolphins and manatees, all set against the stunning Brickell skyline," she notes. Treat yourself at the new Brickell bar P.N.O., known for its excellent cocktails, live piano music, and comfy couches.

Day 4: Explore Coconut Grove, two national parks, and a hidden gem for sunset

Nature is omnipresent in these subtropical areas. Begin your day in Coconut Grove, located about four miles south of downtown Miami and Brickell, with breakfast at Chug’s, a trendy Cuban diner offering dishes like cast-iron pancakes and short rib boliche (pot roast). Directly across the street, Barracuda Taphouse & Grill is described by Burnard as "one of the last authentic spots that feels like you're in a quirky Florida setting," and he recommends the snapper or mahi sandwich. Get on the water with tours provided by Biscayne National Park Institute, which offers boat trips from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove to explore historic sites within Biscayne National Park, including the lighthouse at Boca Chita Key and the Stiltsville wooden shacks originally constructed in the 1930s, hovering over crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking.

Alternatively, enjoy a simple day trip to Everglades National Park by entering through the Homestead entrance, located beyond the Ernest Coe Visitor Center. Walk along the boardwalk at the Anhinga Trail, where you're likely to spot alligators and various wading birds. Ayala recommends maximizing your park experience by hiring a private tour guide from Magic City Adventures, who can take you on hikes through the Everglades' diverse ecosystems and arrange private airboat tours.

For some beach time on your last day, both Burnard and del Marmol recommend the relaxed atmosphere of Matheson Hammock Park, just south of Coral Gables, or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, featuring a historic lighthouse and 1.25 miles of untouched beachfront at the southern tip of Key Biscayne.

Conclude your trip by witnessing what is arguably the most stunning sunset in Miami at The Cleat, a charming bar tucked away inside Bill Baggs State Park at No Name Harbour.

"It has a bit of a Key West vibe," del Marmol says of this hidden gem. "There’s a tiki bar with live bands, and you can see all the way out to Stiltsville."

Where to stay in Miami

For luxurious oceanfront stays away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, consider reserving a suite or ocean bungalow at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside, Florida. It's an ideal starting point for the first two days of your itinerary.

Located at the southern tip of Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental Miami features an outdoor infinity pool that offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, along with one of the finest spas in Miami, renowned for its Ayurvedic facials, massages, and body treatments.