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

Published: July 18, 2024

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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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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Things to do in Midtown Miami

Miami is an unbelievable city: with perennial sunshine, great culture and fantastic attractions, every visit is an absolute joy. Even after multiple stays, there’s no shortage of things to see and do there. And whilst South Beach earned its crown long ago as the perfect spot to kick back and dip your toes in the sand, Midtown is known as the vibrant epicenter of Miami. A trendy modern district with a lot to offer, the neighborhood encompasses Wynwood and Edgewater and is known for its luxury waterfront high rises, cutting-edge galleries and world-class shopping opportunities. As one of the more exciting neighborhoods of the Magic City, this area is perfect for those who like to be in the center of all the action. If you’re planning to explore the area, but still aren’t quite sure where to begin don’t worry – we've got you covered! You might not be able to fit it all in, but hey - there’s no harm in trying, right? Get Cultured Once a gritty industrial sector, Midtown Miami has seen something of a renaissance over the past few years, with visitors flocking over to Wynwood to experience the city’s artsy side. Whilst the area has many fantastic creative attractions, one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls, a massive outdoor urban art museum. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is known as one of the biggest of its kind. Walking around the space, you’ll be able to view some wonderful works by some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists. The walls here are constantly changing, though past artists have included the likes of Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink and Miss Van. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this vibrant spot is just perfect for a fun day trip - we recommend sticking around to check out some of the surrounding area. Great for those with a passion for alternative art, this spot is not to be missed. Whilst South Beach might have the monopoly when it comes to riding the waves, there’s no better place in the city to see some grade A art than Midtown. There are countless galleries in the area, but one of the most popular ones is The Margulies Collection. Modestly housed in a converted warehouse, this unique space works to place emphasis on the artists and their work. The museum’s impressive and diverse collection features artists such as Cindy Sherman, Anselm Kiefer and George Segal. This spot specializes in contemporary art, though it doesn’t discriminate between styles – walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view everything from photography and video work to sculpture and installation. The staff here are very friendly and informative, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total art geek or looking to learn something new, this place provides a wonderful cultural experience to remember. Eat and Drink in Midtown If you’re anything like us, then one of your favorite parts of travelling is the food! Thankfully, Midtown presents some of the best places to eat in all of the city. Still, 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood is our ultimate go-to for its great Asian-inspired offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Often buzzing with people, this popular food hall has a fun and casual feel which makes it perfect for kicking back and enjoying a craft beer under the sun. With seven food vendors and two bars, there really is a lot to choose from – popular dishes include Filipino burgers, Chinese bao buns and Peking duck. 1-800-Lucky is one of the most popular food halls in all of the city and is worth a visit to Midtown all on its own. We should warn you though, that this spot can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, so just beware of that. Miamians love a good drink – and trust us when we say that there are many places to indulge around Midtown. And whilst the options are unending in the Magic City, there’s no place quite like Cerveceria La Tropical. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this huge multi-level brewery and garden is one of the most popular spots to grab a drink in the city. This place has an industrial feel with towering tanks and a taproom with over a whopping 800 varieties of beers to try. Aside from its long list of beverages, Cerveceria also has a Latin-inspired menu which pairs nicely with the drinks. There is a spacious outdoor courtyard, perfect for sipping a cold one with good company. Taking advantage of the Miami weather, the garden features a sprawling lush tropical wonderland with a wide variety of exotic flora. Fun, funky and sophisticated all at once, this place is a total winner. Try Something Different Those coming to Miami looking for art and culture will be delighted by what the city has in store. Midtown especially is home to some fantastic options for those who want to get in touch with their creative side, as it is home to the Wynwood neighborhood, which is bursting at the seams with cool things to do. Standing out as one of our favorites, O Cinema Wynwood is a trendy arthouse movie theater known for its carefully-curated programming. From total classics and dramas to niche indies and new releases, there really is a little something for everybody here. Offering something a little different and at a more affordable price than your run-of-the-mill movie theater, O Cinema pretty much has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax on vacation or seeking out the perfect date spot, this is where you’ll want to be. Not much of a wallflower, the Magic City is packed with exciting activities and events all year round for you and your loved ones. Midtown is the perfect place to explore on foot, with a myriad of fantastic cultural attractions, exciting shopping destinations and enticing food options all in one spot. Explore the area 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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