How to Spend a Weekend in Miami

Even if you only have a few days to spend in Miami, you can still experience the best the city has to offer. This guide will show you everything to do for a memorable weekend in Miami.

Friday Evening

Friday night begins your 72 hours in Miami. Once you check into your hotel near the central downtown district, you can head out on the town to experience Miami’s legendary nightlife.

Miami has plenty of delicious restaurants bursting with ethnic flavors. After dining, you can visit the Midtown area for live music and a great atmosphere in local bars. If you prefer a club environment, the downtown area and South Beach have dozens of nightclubs to choose from, all offering dancing, music, and indoor and outdoor spaces.

For a more low-key clubbing atmosphere, you could visit places like Mango’s Tropical Café, which boasts a stylish atmosphere, live entertainment, and a sophisticated dining experience. Plenty of Miami clubs have offbeat entertainment, such as cabaret singers or magicians.

Saturday Morning

Saturday morning, head to a local café or coffeehouse to enjoy breakfast or brunch before sightseeing in the city. If you want to relax from the night before, you could visit the iconic Miami Beach to relax in the sun and enjoy the crystal-blue water.

From there, you can explore Jungle Island. This popular attraction is only minutes from downtown and offers interactive wildlife experiences and shows that feature Florida’s exotic tropical species. Then, unwind with a stroll through the famed Art Deco District to see the restored pastel buildings and experience a little 1930s nostalgia. The district has numerous restaurants to enjoy lunch by the water.

Saturday Evening

For Saturday night, you can choose between more nightlife and bar experiences or something a little more unique. Grab dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for your night on the town.

One of the best spots in the city is Nikki Beach in South Beach, which boasts private cabanas and hammocks on the beach to sip on cocktails and people watch. You can then head to Pearl Lounge, a huge champagne lounge with gleaming white decor, bottle service, and shows like DJs and burlesque to dance the night away.

If you’d rather stay out of the bar, you’ll have plenty of options for how to spend the night. You could try a Jeep tour of the city, which passes by all of the famous landmarks lit up for night, or try an air tour to see the city skyline.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning begins your last 24 hours in the city. After enjoying a hearty breakfast in one of the city’s restaurants, you can take the time to see any sights you may have missed.

Work off your meal with a walk around the Bayside Market, a large outdoor marketplace with over 150 specialty and tourist shops. You’ll find everything from chain stores to charming boutiques, all along the picturesque waterfront. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a renaissance-style villa with exquisite period furniture and a vast estate, is another must-visit.

Little Havana is the place to go for a little cultural flavor. You can experience street art, specialty food shops, Cuban restaurants, and open-air social areas filled with the sound of lively Latin music. This is a great place to grab lunch before getting ready for the night out.

Sunday Evening

On Sunday night, you can choose between another electrifying night on the town or a low-key experience. Plenty of bars serve both drinks and dinner to start the night, and you can head to the clubs after you eat to enjoy local musicians, table service, and unique performance events. You’ll also like Coconut Grove, a historic area with lively bars, trendy seafood restaurants, and sophisticated nightclubs near the waterfront.

If you’d rather see more of the city, you can take a nighttime walking tour. Miami is a living museum in itself, and a walking tour takes you through the art district to see the buildings lit up at night. A boat trip along the coast gives you a unique view of the South Beach and downtown skyline at night while you enjoy some drinks.

If you’re planning a short trip to Miami, Expedia can help you find flights and accommodation to prepare your itinerary and make the most of your experience.