Miami Itinerary – 3 Days in Miami for First Timers

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Katie Sagal
Beach

Spending a long weekend in Miami and aren’t sure what to do with your time? Check out this popular 3 Days in Miami Itinerary for ideas on what to do and where to go.

This 3 day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • Little Havana (free!)
  • Everglades Tour from Miami
  • Key West Day Trip
  • Duck Tours South Beach
  • Art Deco Walking Tour
  • Miami Seaquarium

Only have a few days in Miami? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2-day itinerary to help you with your planning. On the flip side, if you have more vacation time, we recommend you spend some additional time down in Key West - this Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a fun way to explore Miami and everything in between Key West.

DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour

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This hop-on, hop-off tour is an ideal introduction to the city of Miami itself. Big Bus Miami will take you throughout the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, hitting all the major highlights and hotspots. Some included sights on your tour include the Vizcaya Museum, the Freedom Tower, and much much more.

Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the Big Bus Miami Central Station. You can choose to hop on or off at any of the stops along the way, or, stay on for the full length of the tour (which will take about 3 hours).

Stop #2: Little Havana (free!)

Something you should not miss on your Miami vacation is the chance to explore on of the city's most famous neighborhoods – Little Havana. It's the locus of a whole bunch of cultural, social, and culinary traditions with a primarily Cuban influence (although many other Hispanic cultures are also represented here).

You'll find frequent festivals and special events (so check an event calendar before your visit). Cultural Fridays are a recurring one that should be easy to check out. Or, if you just want to get a taste for the area – literally – hit up one of their authentic restaurants.

Stop #3: Everglades Tour

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This Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour is the perfect way to see and experience the fantastic natural world of the Florida Everglades. It’s a half-day-long excursion that exposes you to the wild and wonderful throughout the swamplands.

Take an airboat ride, marvel at the Wildlife Nature Show, stroll the Jungle Walkway, and more at this enchanting attraction. Don’t forget your camera to capture some photos of the iconic Florida alligator (from a safe distance, of course)! This tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

DAY 2 Stop #1: Key West Day Tour

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Today is your day for total relaxation and fun. Take a Key West Day Trip and do nothing but lounge and enjoy the sunshine and waves. Or, you can opt to shop, dine, and otherwise explore Key West itself. Some optional activities you can do while in Key West include paying a visit to the Hemingway house, hopping aboard an eco-kayaking adventure, or setting sail on a dolphin-watching cruise.

Whatever suits your fancy, you’ve got all day in Key West to enjoy it. Be sure to time your trip so that you see the setting sun in Mallory Square – you'll get some of the most beautiful photos you'll ever take. This tour will take the entire day, beginning early in the morning.

DAY 3 Stop #1: Duck Tours South Beach

Take your last day in Miami to spend a little more time in South Beach. The Duck Tours South Beach will give you a broad overview of the highlights and hotspots of South Beach and beyond, providing some really stellar photo opportunities.

Some highlights of your tour will include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island, among many others. Plus, your tour guide is a professionally trained actor and comic who is sure to delight passengers the entire time. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Stop #2: Art Deco Walking Tours

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Another excellent perspective on South Beach comes with a stroll through its famous historic Art Deco district. Featuring the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the entire world (you read that right), this neighborhood is a must-see for architecture nuts and history buffs.

This tour will take approximately 90 minutes, and is conducted on foot. We recommend comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

Stop #3: Miami Seaquarium

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Located on lovely Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium is the premier destination for all things marine life in Miami. Filled with exciting animal shows, educational exhibits, and informative presentations, an afternoon at the Seaquarium will delight the whole family.

This institution is also dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue, so many of the creatures that call the Seaquarium home have actually been rescued and rehabilitated from the wild.

Be sure to pay a visit to the manatees, who represent the single largest population of rescued marine creatures at the park. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction.
Save on Attraction Admission

This 3 days in Miami itinerary is designed to combine the best of beachy, relaxing attractions with entertainment and education. Our suggested list of things to do will also help you really get a feel for the area, and allow you to leave knowing you’ve made the most of your limited time.

Pick up a 3-day pass for Miami by Go City® and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate.

Remember, this 3-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Top 10+ Things to Do in Miami for First Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Miami? We've got everything you need to soak up some sun and keep the whole family happy and entertained. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Miami.
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Miami in January

Don’t miss the best things to do in Miami. You can fill your days and nights with visits to incredible museums, tropical gardens, and historic sites, and still barely have scratched the surface. Or maybe you just want to just kick back at the beach with a podcast and soak up the sun. Trust us when we say that the possibilities are endless. No, really – we mean it. Drawing in 25 million visitors each year, Miami ranks as America’s second most popular tourism hub – after New York, of course. Yep, I guess we could say that you'll never be bored here. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Not sure quite where to start? Well, luckily for you, we've done all of the heavy lifting here! We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are sharing our favorite things to do in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more. See the Sites On January’s hotter days, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the fantastic outdoor attractions that the city has to offer. Around this time of the year, we recommend bringing a light jacket, just in case the weather decides to change up on you. If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, Fairchild is considered amongst the best tropical gardens in the world. A sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet and serene space is brimming with all kinds of rare and exotic flora. Some are bold and vibrant, whilst others are small and delicate. Undeniably, all of them are a treat for the senses. In addition, this site is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. A total Instagrammer’s dream, it would be easy to spend an entire day getting lost in this spectacular display of greenery. If you’re an animal lover, this next item on our list will be right down your alley. Located just east of the city, Jungle Island is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of wonderful animals from near and far, this place is pretty much the perfect day out. Walking around this spacious and natural habitat, you’ll be able to appreciate these beautiful creatures thriving happily in a safe and appropriate home for them. The site houses around 3, 000 critters, with over 1, 000 parrots (as the institute was formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’). For those who want to interact with the animals, you can visit the petting zoo, or catch feedings at certain times. In addition, the park is home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. With so much to see and do, this place provides an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones. Learn Something New For those looking to learn about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Built into Miami Beach’s first synagogue, the Miami Jewish Museum seeks to cultivate interest in the cultural history of the area. As one of the most highly populated Jewish states in America, Florida has a long and storied Jewish history just waiting to be explored. Inside the interesting building, you’ll be able to view a comprehensive collection of over 100, 000 artifacts, including historic photographs, documents, religious objects and artworks. The museum’s core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, tells the story of nearly 250 years of the development of the community. In addition, the institution has a number of temporary exhibits which serve to preserve and interpret different periods of Jewish history. Thoroughly fascinating, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Though Miami is well known for its sugar-sand beaches and perennial sunshine, January is one of Florida’s coldest months. Whilst that might not sound like much in an area with a subtropical climate, the city can definitely have some ‘’off days’’ around this time of the year. Should a cloudy January day crop up on you, we recommend checking out one of Miami’s wonderful cultural attractions. One of our ultimate favorite places in the city is Pérez Art Museum for its wonderful collection of contemporary art. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 pieces, focusing on works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The perfect stop for all art lovers, the institute provides a fantastic visual and cultural experience for those of all ages. Try Something Different Those who come to Miami seeking something a little different will not be disappointed. No doubt one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, Coral Castle has been baffling visitors for decades. The mystery surrounding the park begins with its creative process. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone at a time when no modern construction technology was available, the sculptures bring up many questions. In fact, this site has long been the subject of many conspiracy theories, theorizing that artist Edward Leedskalnin used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to create the piece. Whilst nobody is ever quite sure how Coral Castle came to be, the outcome has remained a defining characteristic of the city ever since its opening in 1940. An undeniably mind-bending attraction, this spot is a total must-see. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture some snaps of this utterly unique site! Well, what else can we say? Some places are popular for a reason, and Miami is definitely one of them! January is a fantastic time to visit since it’ll still be warm enough to hit the beach and enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions, sans all of the crowds and humidity. You should also be able to find great deals on accommodation and travel around this time of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
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Miami in September

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and perennially sunny disposition, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the American south. September is a fantastic time to visit since it will be hot enough to enjoy all of the city’s wonderful outdoor attractions to their fullest. Still, Miami is much more than just a place for beach bunnies to wash their feet in the sand. From fantastic cultural amenities and hidden gems to great shopping opportunities and dining, the city has so much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re planning to make a trip to Miami, and aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – that's where we come in. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in the area. Let’s dive in! See the Sites Since Florida is well-recognized for its unusual subtropical climate and beautiful greenery, it only makes sense to visit one of the area’s wonderful botanical gardens. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best parks of its kind. Established and opened to the public in 1938, this space works to showcase the unique collection of keen botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Throughout his lifetime, Fairchild brought over 200, 000 specimens back to the United States – many of which grow in the garden. Walking through the space, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful mixture of local and native flora. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, each display is a total sight to behold. No doubt one of the most breathtaking places in all of Miami, this wonderful treasure trove of natural beauty is a total must-see. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Ranking way up high on our travel bucket list, Coral Castle is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and culture of the city at the same time. Sat just off the South Dixie Highway, this unique historic attraction draws in visitors for its beautiful handiwork as well as the mystery surrounding it. Built out of 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, nobody is quite sure how the artist created this piece. As a result, this sculpture garden is not only a beautiful art piece but a weird and wonderful accomplishment that continues to stump its visitors. Though it has been decades since the artist’s passing, scientists, engineers and scholars still debate Leedskalnin’s creative process. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this popular attraction is no doubt one of the most interesting stops in the city. Find Interesting Activities September has always been one of Miami’s hottest months. For those who have trouble dealing with all the heat and humidity, the city has plenty of great indoor activities to offer to keep you cool. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, Miami's museums are the perfect place to take refuge from the heat and soak up some knowledge at the same time. Just downtown, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking through the establishment, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 works covering a wide variety of styles. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Both fun and interesting, the institute works to provide a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Though Miami is known for all of its glitz and glamor, the city has a grungier side that’s well worth checking out. Situated in the city’s coolest neighborhood, is a fantastic outdoor street museum showcasing bold and colorful works from some of the world’s finest graffiti artists. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, the space works to spotlight alternative artists. At Wynwood Walls, you’ll see realist, surrealist, and pop art all in one space. To gain further insight into the artists and styles which are shown here, look for guided tours of the area. Since this spot is always transforming itself, you can visit over and over again and still be blown away each time. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch some snaps of the incredible pieces! Relax! With daily high temperatures rarely falling below the mid-80s, September would be a great month for hitting the beach. Whilst Miami is home to a great number of legendary beaches, our favorite is always South Beach for its soft turquoise surf and sugar-sand shores. With a long history of glitz and glam, this beach is well known for drawing in visitors with its picturesque views. You might see modelling shoots whilst walking along the sand, or even recognize it from one of your favorite TV shows. Amongst the various things to do here, surfing, paddle boarding, longboarding, and sailing are all popular choices. A total crowd-pleaser, this place has long served as one of the city’s most beloved visitor attractions not only for its crystal-clear waters but also because of the area in which it is situated. Venture a little off from its pristine shores to enjoy fantastic Art Deco architecture and tempting eateries close by. We also recommend staying in the area come nightfall, since South Beach is a total hub for exciting nightlife hotspots. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored at South Beach. Forever fun and bursting with life, there’s no place quite like Miami. Once the heat cranks up, you’ll find tourists soaking up the sun and exploring the boardwalk at South Beach. Still, there are so many things to do in September, that it’s difficult to count. From interesting museums and historic sites to wonderful tropical gardens and outdoor exhibits, the city has a little something to offer everybody. Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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