One Day in Miami Itinerary - Experience Miami in a Day for Under $100

In Miami with limited time to explore? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your one day in Miami, complete with top attractions, free activities, and even dining options. This one day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Miami Beach Botanical Garden (free!)
  • Bike and Roll Bike Rental OR Duck Tours South Beach

Spending more time in Miami? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries.

Save on Attraction Admission

Visit all of these attractions with the 3-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami, there are so many attractions and things to do in Miami to choose from. Depending upon which attractions you choose, you could save up to 40%! Our pass 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. There are tons of great things to do down in Key West, too. Check out our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for ideas on ways to expand your vacation!

Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

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These open-top, double decker buses offer comfortable seating (and a nice way to work on your tan) and ensure you’ll see the attractions from a great vantage point. Along the way, your charismatic tour guide will provide an in-depth background to everything you see. With two routes to choose from (a beach loop and a city loop), you're sure to find exciting attractions to explore. Featured stops on the beach route include Central Station, the Perez and Frost Museums, Bass Museum, the Riviera, and more. Stops on the city route include Coconut Grove, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and more. A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. However, tours follow a specific route and time schedule and factors such as traffic or weather can lengthen the amount of time between each stop, so be sure to plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Getting In: Big Bus Miami 1-Day All-Loops Tours are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #2: Miami Seaquarium

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Start off your day with a visit to one of the most unique attractions in all of Miami -- the Miami Seaquarium. Watch live animal shows, witness scheduled feedings of crocodiles and sharks, and enjoy other interactive animal exhibits. Spanning 38 acres, this must-see marine park is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Some featured critters include Lola the Orca, sea turtles, sharks, colorful tropical birds, and dozens of fish species. They are also particularly known for their work with manatee rehabilitation, so be sure to see those amazing creatures during your visit! Its view of Downtown Miami's skyline is one of its hidden gems, be sure to bring your camera for a fun tourist photo with Miami in the backdrop! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours to explore the Seaquarium, especially if you plan on taking in one of their animal shows. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #3: Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (free!)

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This tiny little oasis in the middle of Miami Beach is 2.6-acre garden that's well worth a half hour or so of your time. Home to various subtropical plants from across the globe, bizarre palms, and plants native to South Florida, the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is the perfect little piece of nature in the middle of an urban setting. They also frequently offer themed guided tours (for a small suggested donation), so if you're traveling in a group or want to spend more time here, you might want to consider that option. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is free.

Stop #4 (Option 1): Bike and Roll Bike Rental

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Miami is such a beautiful city. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean and filled with the striking Art Deco facades, there is always a lovely sight on the horizon in Miami. So why not explore the great outdoors with a bike rental from Bike and Roll? It's an easy and fun way to get around the South Beach area - especially near the beaches - and is even a sneaky way to get some exercise into your vacation. Everyone will love the chance for a leisurely pedal along the beach. After all, if you only have one day in Miami, you can't risk missing out on the gorgeous ocean vistas! Your bike rental comes with a free, easy-to-use map of Miami Beach to make for convenient route planning. Guests typically take a few hours to explore by bike, although you have the rental all day if you want to use it to get around to other attractions. Bike and Roll's helpful staff can help you decide on which route is best for your sightseeing interests, too! Getting In: Miami Bike rentals by Bike and Roll are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #5 (Option 2): Duck Tours South Beach

End the day with an entertaining-yet-relaxing 90-minute Duck Tour of South Beach. One of the loveliest parts of Miami, this famed beachfront locale has plenty of sights and sounds for tourists to enjoy. You'll get to see sights from both land and sea in the famed amphibious vessels that travel on both roads and in the water. Some of the amazing places you'll see on this informative tour include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and more. And besides, who doesn't love the aquatic fun of a duck tour? Be sure to bring your cameras -- you'll go by lots of iconic landmarks on this interactive tour! Reservations are required for South Beach Duck Tours, so be sure to make them in advance, and arrive a fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure time. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Let's Recap

Follow this one day in Miami itinerary and save on combined admission to the Miami Seaquarium, Duck Tours South Beach, and a Bike and Roll Bike Rental with the 3-Choice Miami Explorer Pass®. Or, choose from over 25 included attraction options to make a sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests. Either way, your one day in Miami is sure to be tons of fun! The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility during your vacation. Pick whichever Miami attraction pass works for you and get exploring!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert
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Christmas in Miami

Christmas in Miami Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, though we especially love it around Christmastime. Though the city often conjures up the image of long days spent at the beach, we can assure you that it’s a great spot to visit in the winter. This is largely because it’s shoulder season, meaning that the crowds have calmed down and the weather is more comfortable for touring. Still, with its perennial subtropical climate, the city is never fully cold-cold, so you can enjoy most of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions just as you normally would. In addition, Miami pulls out all the stops for Christmastime, with fantastic activities and events cropping up all over the shop. Still not sure how to plan your trip to Miami during December? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’re making your way to the Magic City during the festive season and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of what to see and do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the best time of the year, we’re sure it’ll be just magical. See the Sites As one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, Miami has countless points of exploration and adventure to be enjoyed. If you’re looking to see the sites during the holidays, you’ll be in luck, since many of the attractions pull out all of the stops for Christmas. There are so many places to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Zoo Miami for its true dedication to exotic wildlife and conservation initiatives. We especially love this spot because it’s a fantastic place to see animals without putting them in any discomfort. If you’re the type who likes to see wildlife up close, this place offers animal encounters, feedings, and educational presentations – so don’t miss out! During the holiday season, you’ll find that the zoo switches it up with a dazzling light show, glowing animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. In addition, there are rides, themed nights and arts and crafts to be enjoyed. Combining the allure of the animal world with the magic of Christmas, there’s absolutely no way to hate this one. Unlike a lot of other American cities, Miami’s weather doesn’t noticeably cool down in the wintertime. This means that Christmas is actually one of the best times to explore the city‘s wonderful outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for something out in the wonderful natural backdrop of area, we recommend checking out Jungle Island. Combining the lush tropical greenery of Florida with a jungle full of extraordinary animals, this place is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. The attraction was first opened under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936, and still lives up to its original basis with an expansive collection of native and exotic birds. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Visitors can also expect to see everything from giraffes and hippos to lions and tigers. During the holidays, the park transforms into a dazzling Chinese lantern festival, with enormous, handcrafted pieces representing every type of animal you could think of. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this place should rank way up high on the itinerary. Get Festive When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the city's art scene. Creative types and lovers of the performed arts will be pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer during the jolliest time of the year. Supporting a wide array of local talent, City Theatre’s Winter Shorts has been a longtime winter classic for visitors and locals alike. Running from early December, this fun play festival is known for its focus on short seasonal pieces. From indisputable classics like A Christmas Carol and popular musicals to fun humor pieces, there’s a little something for everybody here. One of the event’s most popular showstoppers is Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which runs each and every year without fail – but of course, since the plays are only around ten minutes or so long, you’ll be able to squeeze in a number of pieces. Showcasing a true dedication to theater, music and comedy, we couldn’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit. A fantastic visual and cultural experience, this one is great for those of all ages. Soak Up the Atmosphere Whilst Orlando may usually have the monopoly on theme parks in the United States, things are a little bit different when Christmastime rolls around. Recognized as one of the world’s largest Christmas-themed amusement parks, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is where it’s at for those who like to go all out the holidays. Boasting over 100 rides, games, and shows to be enjoyed, this pop-up seasonal attraction is the perfect spot for spending time with friends and family. Aside from all of the hustle and bustle, there are seasonal snacks, captivating light displays and the grand opportunity to take a photo with Santa himself! We recommend setting an entire day aside for this one, because it’s incredibly busy and there’s so much to see and do here. We love this place because it truly rekindles our sense of childlike wonder. If you’re travelling away from home during the holidays but still want to soak up those sweet Christmas vibes, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Taking place during Christmas day, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a great seasonal event with fun and festivities all around. Kicking off from downtown Fort Lauderdale, this can’t-miss extravaganza gives a uniquely Miami twist to the meaning of Christmas. The parade draws in over a million visitors each year, making it one of the city’s most popular seasonal attractions. At the event, spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, and corporate mega yachts adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights. Dubbed as ‘’the best show on H20’’, this spectacular event is not to be missed. With so much to experience and endless amounts of holiday cheer, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend Christmastime than Miami. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Enjoy the city to its full potential with GoCity’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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