How to Spend One Week in Miami: Your 1 Week Miami Itinerary

Many people head to Miami for a weekend here or there, but the truth is that there’s a depth to the city of Miami that makes it ideal for a longer stay. If you want to fully understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of culture that is the city of Miami, then spending a full week is an awfully good way to do it. As such, here’s my preferred one week Miami itinerary, and I can only hope it serves you well in your adventures.

When it comes to US travel, there were few cities on my bucket-list that I was more intrigued to meaningfully explore than Miami. Naturally, Miami has always had some clout from a travel perspective, and hasn’t had issues bringing in visitors, but I do feel strongly that there are far too many people who just come to this city for the weather and the events, but don’t stop for long enough to properly engage with the city’s rich history and culture.

The Miami of today, as far as I’m concerned, needs to be understood through the Miami of years past. Yes, it is a city that is moving rapidly, and there’s no shortage of excitement around Miami’s present and future. Yet, it’s a mistake to come to Miami and not properly digest the city’s story up to the present.

The Art Deco Historic District, for example, is a place where you could conceivably arrive, snap a few pictures, and decide you’d “seen it” from a tourism perspective, but the reality is that, without a tour, or popping your head into the Art Deco Museum, you simply won’t be able to properly digest why this movement was so profound and impactful. The pictures you snap will not change - but how you understand and cherish them very well may.

I recently had the chance to spend some significant time in Miami. I dined at incredible restaurants and took a few exciting tours in the city, too. So the goal here is to help you fill a week in Miami with activities, meals, experiences, and more that showcase the many shades of Miami. I don’t love prescriptive itineraries (9am on Tuesday, do X sort of thing), but I do love to offer my insight into how you can build your own, ideal itinerary that suits your needs, and that’s what I hope to accomplish with this piece.

A week to dive beneath the surface, and understand that Miami might be one thing to some people (a place to party, a sunny destination etc.), but the real Miami is a lot of different things.

It’s a myriad of stories, all woven together - a quilt that, up close may seem disparate, but when you back away, you recognize that it actually flows together perfectly.

Miami’s Tourism Story

Oh hello, resplendent Art Deco architecture.

Miami's tourism story begins in the late 19th century, when a visionary by the name of Henry Flagler extended his railroad southward, opening up Florida to the rest of the US. This sparked the first wave of visitors, who were rather understandably allured by the warmer climes and balmy breezes.

Fast forward to the 1920s and 1930s, a period marked by the rise of Art Deco architecture (which I absolutely adore). Ocean Drive, a now-iconic stretch in South Beach, became a stronghold for pastel-hued facades, neon lights, and no shortage of glamour and sophistication. As you might imagine, once this stage was set, celebrities and socialites flocked in droves. Oh how I would have loved to be a fly on the wall during that time.

In the 1950s, a new wave of people arrived, driven by the political upheaval in Cuba. The Cuban Revolution of 1959 led to an influx of Cuban exiles seeking refuge in Miami, forever altering the city's cultural landscape. A cultural landscape, I might add, that absolutely must be explored on a visit to Miami. Little Havana’s cafes, restaurants, street art, music and general vibe isn’t (and frankly, can’t be) replicated anywhere else in the States.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the city continued to draw many tourists, but you could argue that more visitors were coming for some of the wrong reasons, fuelled by the way in which the city was painted in pop culture as a place for the partying elite. But the 1990s brought some of that back in check, when industrial areas started to become vibrant hubs for art and artists.

As I alluded to above, I don’t feel as if the Miami of present can be succinctly summarized as any one thing. There are a variety of movements all happening at once, while the city serves as a sort of cultural mosaic to be explored both patiently and intentionally.

The cultural strength of many of Miami’s neighbourhoods sometimes makes you feel as if you’re visiting multiple cities, and that’s largely why I advocate for the one week in Miami approach, as opposed to simply spending a weekend here.

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means that we may receive a small commission for our honest and heartfelt recommendations, at no additional cost to you.

So, What Can You Do With 1 Week in Miami?

In short, a lot. Let’s run through, in-depth, how you too can see the many different colours and shades of this engaging metropolis.

Take the Official ARt Deco Walking Tour

There are a lot of different walking tours on offer to explore the Art Deco jewels of South Beach, but I’m partial to the official tour run by the Miami Design Preservation League.

It’s a roughly 1.5-2 hour tour which starts off at the Art Deco Welcome Center so that you can learn what it is you should be looking for out on your walk (of course, aided by your guide), but also to understand exactly what Art Deco is (in short, a design movement that made its way over from Europe in the early 20th century and changed the face of cities like Miami and Chicago).

You’ll explore South Beach, and set eyes on the iconic hotels, restaurants, and a number of interiors that exemplify the best of the movement. You’ll also learn a bit about the Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles.

Tours tend to run daily between 10:30am-12:30pm. You can look at availability here. These tours are popular, so if they’re unavailable on the day you’re looking, I’ve had some friends in my industry also recommend this particular Miami South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour.

Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Prepare to step back in time and immerse yourself in the opulent world of James Deering, a prominent industrialist of the Gilded Age, who envisioned this Mediterranean-inspired estate as his winter retreat (must be nice, right?). This reel might give you a little indication as to just how opulent a world I’m referring to.

The Italianate villa that you approach, complete with oppulent balconies and a coral stone facade, completely paused us in our tracks. We started by exploring the interior, and to set eyes on some of the European art and tapestries, and honestly to walk through some of the magnificent rooms and imagine what we might do with that kind of wealth!

You absolutely need to make time to explore the gardens. They were designed by renowned architect Diego Suarez, and they’re made to wow you. Manicured lawns, statued fountains, romantic pathways shaded in just the right way…it’s astonishing.

Once you’ve explored the interior and the gardens, make your way around back to get views of Biscayne Bay, and to see the property from one of its most beautiful angles (precisely where I shot that aforementioned reel).

There are always new exhibits and events happening at Vizcaya, so there’s always a reason to visit. There’s no other way for me to put this - if you’ve got a week in Miami, and you don’t find the time for Vizcaya, you’re making a mistake.

Make Time for the Wolfsonian

The Wolfsonian is located in the heart of the Art Deco District, so this may be the perfect place to stop after an Art Deco Walking Tour.

It’s a hard museum to summarize in just a paragraph, which is probably why I wrote a full article on The Wolfsonian, but at its core, it’s showcasing design's transformative power from the late 19th to mid-20th century. That may, on the surface, sound narrow, but it’s quite the opposite.

Their creative curated exhibits often incorporate more modern items as “mirrors”, where you have an older piece which is drawing meaning from the newer piece and vice versa.

The Wolfsonian describe themselves as a “documentorium,” and that feels rather apt to me. It’s a very thought provoking museum in that they seem focused on forcing visitors to ask important questions of themselves and society more so than pretending to have all the answers.

Set Eyes on the Wynwood Walls (+ Explore Wynwood)

If you’ve got a week to play with in Miami, then fitting the Wynwood Walls into your itinerary feels like a no-brainer.

The Wynwood Walls are “Miami’s Original Street Art Museum.” I would actually go step further and suggest that the Wynwood Walls redefined what a street art museum could be and, in a sense, validated the culture and implicitly gave permission for other cities and neighbourhoods to do the same.

The Wynwood Walls opened in 2009. As the Wynwood Walls themselves note, “these remarkable Walls have transformed the definition of modern art and become a career-defining moment for contributing artists, all while helping to make Wynwood one of the world’s most celebrated urban revitalization projects and an oasis for cutting-edge creativity.”

There are a number of ways that you can visit. There’s General Admission, an Official Tour + Admission, as well as Spray Freestyle + Admission. You can look at pricing here. The Spray Freestyle option, by the way, means you’ll get a 30 minute spray painting demo, an a full spray can to get creative.

In recent years, I’ve noticed that, more and more, the Walls of Wynwood have made the neighbourhood at large a street art mecca. So, make time after you visit the Walls to explore the neighbourhood itself. You’ll find street art gems everywhere you look.

You can pop your head into the trendy boutique shops, visit the neighbourhood’s galleries, grab a beverage at a hip lounge, or sit down for a meal. I’ll talk more about this in my restaurant recommendation section, but we visited Doya for a meal and this former Istanbul resident was in heaven. They describe themselves as a “modern Aegean meze restaurant,” but the Turkish cuisine shone strongly. The interior was also stunning.

Check Out the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a cultural gem right in the heart of Miami - and more people should have it on their Miami itineraries.

Its situated along the picturesque Biscayne Bay, and this architectural masterpiece, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is honestly a work of art in itself. PAMM is renowned for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions from around the globe.

What I liked is that a lot of the exhibits were quite interactive, so it’s far from your prototypical museum visit. You’ll walk away with photos that you’ve snapped yourself, as you engage with exhibits, that feel like art unto themself.

Its located steps away from the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, so if you’re a museum lover, you may want to allot the time to visit both, especially if you’re travelling as a family.

Get your Beach Fix in Miami

Miami and beaches - a match made in heaven. Here are a few you might want to have on your radar:

South Beach: South Beach is an iconic stretch of shoreline in Miami, spanning from the southern tip of Miami Beach to 23rd Street. It's characterized by turquoise waves, white sands, and Art Deco hotels all along the coast. The main hub, from Fifth to 15th, bustles with activity, while the areas to the north and south offer a more laid-back atmosphere. At First Street, you might even catch surfers riding the waves in optimal conditions.
Crandon Park Beach: Located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach offers a more tranquil escape from the bustling city. In short, it’s a more relaxed beach experience.
Bal Harbour Beach: This upscale beach in the village of Bal Harbour is known for its pristine sands and clear, calm waters. It's a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. The nearby luxury shopping at Bal Harbour Shops adds to the allure.
Haulover Beach: Situated between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach, Haulover Beach is known for its white sands and excellent kite-flying conditions. It also boasts a clothing-optional section, making it popular among naturists!
North Beach Oceanside Park: The North Beach Oceanside Park, shaded by ample trees, provides easy beach access for one of those relaxed afternoons that we all long for. The park features walking trails, a bike path, a dog park, and a playground. I should also mention that picnic pavilions with barbecue grills are available for gatherings, all while the stunning Atlantic Ocean is just steps away.
Sunny Isles Beach: It’s a fairly uncrowded two mile long stretch of beach that’s often nicknamed “Florida’s Rivera.” It's a great spot for families to enjoy the sun, surf, and to take part in various water sports activities. I mean, the name says it all - how couldn’t it be great?
Surfside Beach: Located just north of Miami Beach, Surfside Beach is a quieter, more intimate option. It's characterized by its peaceful ambiance, shaded picnic areas, and a charming oceanfront promenade.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Situated on Key Biscayne, this state park features a historic lighthouse, nature trails, and one of the most picturesque beaches in the area.
Matheson Hammock Park Beach: Calling Coral Gables home, this beach offers a unique experience with a man-made atoll pool, providing a nice, calm swimming area. It's surrounded by lush greenery, which is not uncommon in Miami, though always welcomed.
Virginia Key Beach Park: Located on Virginia Key, this beach offers another more secluded option, but this time with beautiful views of the downtown Miami skyline. It's a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking.

Explore the Culinary Delights of Little Havana with Miami Culinary Tours

Who wouldn’t want to embark on Miami's top-rated food tour in the heart of the vibrant Cuban community?

Yes, it’s a food tour, but food is largely the vehicle that you’ll use to explore the cultural history of Little Havana. I was full when I left the tour, no doubt, but not just physically - also full of necessary knowledge and context about this beloved and historic neighbourhood.

From savouring a perfect Cubano to sipping authentic Cuban coffee (and cocktails!), all the way to witnessing expert cigar rolling at a local factory - this tour has it all. It sells out fast, but you can check availability here.

This was a major highlight for us during our week in Miami, and I can’t see a future trip I’d take to Miami where I wouldn’t find an excuse to come back to Little Havana. Use the tour as a launching point to discover the neighbouhood in more depth. Bri actually wrote a whole article about our experience on our Little Havana Food Tour.

We heard about the famous live music venue Ball & Chain because of the tour, then made a note to check out this Cuban restaurant that’s known for their nightly live performances and DJs.

Add a Little Sports to the Mix

As something of a sports obsessed individual, I don’t see how you can spend 7 days in Miami and not at least take a peek at some respective schedules to see if they’ll be a game in town. Here are the big ones to take note of:

The Miami Dolphins (NFL)
The Miami Heat (NBA)
The Florida Panthers (NHL)
The Miami Marlins (MLB)
Inter Miami (MLS)

Beyond that though, there always seems to be something going on in Miami. There’s F1, there’s marathons and triathlons, there’s beach volleyball, water sports, and so much more. It’s a sport lover’s dream in all honesty.

Bring Your Appetite and Explore Miami’s Culinary Scene

A pre-dinner cocktail at A Fish Called Avalon

You could easily spend a week in Miami just exploring the food scene. Each neighbourhood has its own gems, but here are a few in particular that you may want to highlight:

A Fish Called Avalon: Located on what many would call “the best corner of South Beach,” dining at A Fish Called Avalon is truly an experience. It offers award-winning seafood at its core, but it’s so much more than that. It’s playful cocktails served in toy Havana cars, world-class service, carefully curated ambiance, and exceptional cuisine. Bri and I would most certainly come back here on our next visit.
Doya Restaurant: Located in the heart of Wynwood, this restaurant is utterly fantastic. It’s modern Aegean meze, with an incredible list of drinks and a menu in which everything I tried lived up the expectations of someone who called Istanbul home for three years. Not to mention, the hip decor fits right into the neighbourhood vibe.
Joe’s Stone Crab: Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Joe's Stone Crab is an iconic seafood restaurant renowned for its world-famous stone crab claws. Established in 1913, it's one of Miami's oldest and most beloved dining institutions.
The Surf Club Miami: A very elegant dining destination within the Four Seasons Hotel offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The menu features a diverse array of dishes, from seafood to expertly crafted pastas, all served in a refined beachfront setting. It aims to blend Miami's coastal charm with a dash of old-world opulence.
La Cañita: We headed here before our Thriller Speedboat Ride since this restaurant is located in Bayside Marketplace. They aim to bring “bold, exciting Caribbean and Cuban food to Miami's Bayside Marketplace” - and they succeed. Do yourself a favour and start with a drink. I had the mango mojito and thought it was excellent. Empanadas, ceviche, classic Cuban sandwiches, and everything from ropa vieja to arroz con pollo alla plancha.
Phuc Yea: Situated in Miami's MiMo District, Phuc Yea is a Vietnamese-Cajun fusion restaurant known for its unique blend of flavours and casual, welcoming atmosphere. Think seafood boils, banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls and more.
Paradis Books & Bread: Paradis Books & Bread in Miami's Little Haiti is a charming independent bookstore and bakery (so you know it stole my heart). It offers a carefully curated selection of books, including local authors, alongside freshly baked bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
Versailles: Situated in the heart of Little Havana, Versailles is an institution in Miami's Cuban community. It's a bustling and lively restaurant known for its authentic Cuban cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Think tropical beverages, vaca frita, cuban sandwiches and a nice selection of Cuban desserts.
Zak the Baker: Located in Wynwood, like Doya, Zak the Baker is a renowned bakery that has gained a loyal following for its commitment to artisanal, handcrafted bread and pastries. I’m told they supply bread to many of the top restaurants in the city!
Mignonette: Mignonette in Miami is a well-known seafood restaurant in the historic Edgewater neighbourhood. With a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood, it offers a diverse menu of oysters, clams, and expertly prepared fish dishes. It’s long been touted as a spot to be in Miami’s expansive restaurant scene.
News Cafe: This isn’t a place that you come as much for the food as the ambiance and the people watching. What sets it apart is its bookstore component, which features a curated selection of books and magazines - and yes, it’s a little “touristy,” but not in a bad way. We were happy to be there, taking it all in, in the heart of the action just off Miami Beach.
Zuma: Zuma is a contemporary Japanese izakaya-style restaurant known for its sophisticated ambiance and top-notch cuisine. They offer a wide variety of dishes cooked over an open robata grill, as well as a wide selection of sushi and sashimi.
Stubborn Seed: The first thing to know - this place is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremy Ford. He’s known for having a focus on legitimately innovative modern American cuisine, all with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Check Out the Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is a chic and culturally rich neighbourhood that is worth having on your radar.

It's a hub for design, fashion, art, and gastronomy, making it a must-visit destination for many travellers. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Miami Design District seems to have been carefully and intentionally designed.

Think high-end boutiques, flagship stores of renowned fashion brands, and cutting-edge galleries showcasing contemporary art. Personally, it’s the architecture that I like here, with unique facades and open-air spaces aplenty.

You can also explore the district's galleries. For fashion enthusiasts, the designer boutiques offer a chance to peruse the latest trends and perhaps even acquire a one-of-a-kind piece (not my cup of tea, but I know it is for many others). If you’re hungry (my cup of tea), you’ll also be happy to know that The Miami Design District boasts a collection of world-class restaurants and cafes.

I'd start or finish your exploration of this area with a visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art, and, if you’ve got the time, the de la Cruz Collection, too.

Stay in memorable properties

We organized our trip so that half the week we were staying in one property (and by extension, neighbourhood), and then the remainder of the week we were based elsewhere. Both properties were fantastic bases for us, and I couldn’t recommend them higher.

Here’s where we stayed:

The Eden Roc Miami Beach: When we pulled up to the Eden Roc, we officially felt like we’d arrived in Miami. We got a cocktail in the lobby, walked the grounds, and were transported to another era. Simply put, this is an utterly iconic luxury hotel known for its glamorous architecture and prime oceanfront location. Designed by architect Morris Lapidus in 1956, it epitomizes the mid-20th century glamour of Miami Beach.

We enjoyed the unparalleled views from our room, spent some by the pool, were steps away from the beach itself, appreciated top-tier massages, and dined at the heavily underrated Ocean Social restaurant on the property.

You can look at availability or your upcoming visit to Miami here.

Have you *ever* seen an interior of a hotel quite like this one? I’m not even sure we can call this “interior,” based on how interconnected it is with the outdoor environment.

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden: If this is another hotel in the world quite like The Mayfair, I am most certainly unaware of it. With its strong mediterranean and moroccan influences, entering the Mayfair is like being transported to another city altogether - yet it still is somehow unquestionably Miami.

The lush greenery all around you is difficult to even put into words, and the room itself made us feel like we were diplomats visiting from a far away nation, and the city (and hotel) had put together their finest offering for us.

We borrowed bikes from the hotel to explore the surrounding Coconut Grove neighbourhood, and had picnics and water packed for us to take to a local park.

This is one of the most unique hotels we’ve ever stayed in, and it’s hard to think about how this incredible place doesn’t make it onto our personal Mount Rushmore or hotels - we adored it. You can look at availability for your visit right here.

The Black Precinct and Courthouse Museum

This museum's mission is to acquire, preserve, and display historical collections that educate about the struggles and achievements of Black Police Officers in Overtown during the pre-Civil Rights era of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. It aims to promote the educational value of African American history in this context, and tells a story that more visitors to Miami, and humanity at large, needs to understand.

It stands as the sole museum of its kind in the entire country, largely because of its covering a unique history - and yet, the stories that visitors can understand here are as important to understand and internalize as ever if our goal is to be a society that welcomes all into the fold.

Hop on a Thriller Miami Speedboat Tour

Firstly, Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures operates in and out of Bayside Marketplace, so taking this tour is an easy way to check a visit to Bayside Marketplace off the list as well.

The tour offers a a Miami Vice-style sightseeing experience. It showcases celebrity mansions on Star Island, Fisher Island, and Miami Beach, as well as the Art Deco District of South Beach from an offshore perspective, covering three times the area of other tour vessels. Those who run the tour also ensure they’re offering commentary that’s both enjoyable and interesting.

They’ve been running tours for over 15 years, so they’ve got this down to a tee. Also, these things go fast. We relished the loud music and wind in our hair as we cruised around Miami, getting some unique sight-lines that you can really only get if you’re on the water.

You can check availability for your visit right here.

Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

83 acres of rare tropical plants just south of Miami? Where do I sign?

It likely makes sense to start by wandering through the various gardens and exhibits. These include the Tropical Plant Conservatory, Butterfly Garden, Rare Plant House, among others. Don’t forget to bring a camera on this visit, as there’s no shortage of flora that will light up a camera lens.

The most popular draw is probably the Wings of the Tropics Exhibit where you can walk among free-flying butterflies and the most heavenly of tropical environments. That being said, there are also guided tours, workshops, lectures, and special events for those who want to really dive into this world, and for nature-loving families.

Not unlike the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden just outside Richmond, Virginia, it’s one of the top botanical gardens in all of the United States.

What Else Could You Consider Doing During Your Visit to Miami?

If you’re a lover of museums, and want to add a couple more to the mix, consider HistoryMiami Museum and The Bass. HistoryMiami offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of Miami and South Florida, while The Bass is a contemporary art museum known for its thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse range of artistic styles.
The Deering Estate offers a captivating blend of history and nature along the shores of Biscayne Bay. With a beautifully preserved mansion, lush tropical landscapes, and archaeological sites, it provides a window into South Florida's cultural and ecological heritage.
It’s often said that the Wynwood’s artistic spirit has now extended west to Miami’s Allapattah neighbourhood. Big names in the art world have planted their flag there, and it seems as if more flags are being planted by the day. Beyond art, there’s a diverse culinary scene there now as well that is also getting its due. It’s creative, it’s fun, and it’s worth exploring if you’ve got some space to fill in your one week Miami itinerary.
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a stunning and historic aquatic facility. It’s carved from a former limestone quarry, and it has no shortage of lush vegetation, coral caves, and waterfalls. Photographer’s tend to appreciate the crystal clear pool, and the chance to cool off in those pools right after! It’s a little piece of the Mediterranean right in Miami.
I’d also make a point of checking to see what concerts and festivals are going on in the city. There’s literally always something going on in Miami, so you might as well check to see if something is happening while you’re here. You may want to take a look at Miami’s annual events calendar here.
If you’ve got little ones in tow, consider the Miami Children’s Museum. The Miami Children's Museum is a dynamic and interactive educational hub located on Watson Island. The museum's interactive exhibits covers topics such as art, culture, science, and technology, and try to provide a stimulating environment for children to explore, create, and discover.
Another place that comes to mind - Superblue Miami. It’s a cutting-edge art space known for pushing the boundaries of immersive and experiential art. They focus on featuring large-scale installations, multimedia exhibits, and interactive artworks created by a wide range of contemporary artists. Their tagline/ethos is that they try to blur the lines between art and artist.

Well, my friends, I’d like to think that I’ve put in the work here for you to have an awfully fruitful week of exploration in Miami.

It’s funny, putting this all together has me wanting to head right back to Miami all over again, and it’s comforting to know that they’ll never be a time that I visit the city where there won’t always be more to do - more that will capture my heart, as so much of the above has done so prominently and so convincingly.

We want to humbly thank Greater Miami & Miami Beach for hosting us as media. All opinions are our own.