1 day in Miami itinerary
A balanced one-day Miami itinerary mixing street art, Cuban neighborhood culture, historic gardens, waterfront parks, and local meals with realistic transfers and breaks.
Highlights
- Wynwood street art (Wynwood Walls)
- Cuban culture on Calle Ocho (Little Havana)
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
- Sunset and waterfront stroll at South Pointe Park
- Locally loved breakfast and dinner spots
Itinerary
Day 1
A full but relaxed day sampling Miami's creative neighborhoods, iconic gardens, waterfront views, and local restaurants.
Morning coffee — Panther Coffee (Wynwood)
Start with a quality third-wave coffee and a light pastry to fuel the morning. Panther Coffee is a Wynwood local favorite.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a cold brew or cappuccino and try a small pastry to save room for later.
- Seating is limited; consider grabbing to-go and enjoying a short Wynwood stroll.
- Card accepted; busy on weekends—go early.
Walk to Wynwood Walls
Short stroll into the open-air Wynwood Walls mural district to view large-scale street art.
Tips from local experts:
- Wynwood's murals are best seen on foot; wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring sunscreen — many stretches are exposed.
- Check for rotating murals; photos are great early in the day.
Explore Wynwood Walls and surrounding murals
Spend time wandering the curated Wynwood Walls and adjacent streets to see both famous and ever-changing murals.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time to meander on surrounding side streets; some of the best pieces are off the main block.
- Light is usually good for photos in the morning; expect other visitors.
- There is a paid entrance area and many free murals in the neighborhood.
Brunch / bakery stop — Zak the Baker
Local bakery known for breads, pastries, and brunch-friendly items — a relaxed sit-down or takeaway option.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a savory sandwich or a fresh pastry; lines form on weekends.
- If you plan to sit, allow extra time for seating during busy periods.
- Cash and cards accepted.
Drive/transfer to Little Havana (Maximo Gomez Park / Calle Ocho)
Short drive to Little Havana — prepare for a walk-focused visit around Calle Ocho and Domino Park.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow ~20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic; a rideshare is usually easiest.
- Keep a printed or offline map if you prefer to wander without cell use.
- Drop-off near Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park) to start the walking loop.
Stroll Little Havana — Calle Ocho & Domino Park
Explore Cuban bakeries, cigar shops, galleries, and the lively Domino Park (Maximo Gomez Park) to experience local culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Sample a cortadito or cafecito from a local ventanita (walk-up coffee window).
- Visit small specialty shops for guayabera shirts, cigars, and Cuban pastries.
- Respect locals playing dominoes — observe and ask before photographing close-ups.
Lunch — El Rey de las Fritas (classic Cuban frita)
Affordable, iconic Miami frita (Cuban-style burger) and other Cuban comfort foods in Little Havana.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the frita regular and consider a side; portions are generous.
- Counter service—cash and cards accepted; seating may be communal.
- Great local flavor without the tourist markup.
Transfer to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Coconut Grove)
Drive from Little Havana to Vizcaya for a relaxed afternoon among historic architecture and gardens.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 25–35 minutes by car depending on traffic; parking is limited — consider arriving a bit early.
- Have museum hours confirmed; tickets may be timed-entry.
- Destination: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens visit
Tour the historic villa and its extensive European-inspired gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes; gardens include paths and stairs.
- Photography is allowed in many outdoor areas; interior rooms may have restrictions.
- Check for guided tour times if you want a deeper history.
Short transfer to Coconut Grove café area
A brief walk/transfer to a nearby café for a mid-afternoon break.
Tips from local experts:
- Short walk—Coconut Grove is compact and pleasant for strolling.
- Follow signs toward CocoWalk or local side streets to find GreenStreet and other cafes.
- Drop-off: GreenStreet Cafe area.
Afternoon break — GreenStreet Cafe (Coconut Grove)
Relax with a coffee or light snack at this popular Grove cafe—good for people-watching and recharging.
Tips from local experts:
- Outdoor seating is great for people-watching; service can be slow when busy.
- Try a small salad or pastry if you want to keep dinner appetite.
- Accessible and family-friendly seating options available.
Stroll Coconut Grove / CocoWalk
Walk through Coconut Grove's main stretch and the CocoWalk area—shops, trees, and relaxed neighborhood vibes.
Tips from local experts:
- A good spot for boutique shopping or quick gelato.
- The Grove is shade-friendly; bring a light jacket if breezy by the bay.
- CocoWalk is a compact, central starting point for the stroll.
Transfer to South Pointe Park (Miami Beach)
Drive toward Miami Beach to catch a waterfront sunset at South Pointe Park — allow time for beach traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 30–40 minutes depending on traffic; head toward the southern tip of Miami Beach.
- Consider using a rideshare to avoid parking hassles near the park.
- Destination: South Pointe Park, Miami Beach.
South Pointe Park — waterfront walk & sunset
Relax on the promenade, watch boats, and enjoy sunset views of the ocean and downtown skyline from the park's vantage points.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light layer for ocean breezes; pathways are stroller-friendly.
- Photo opportunity: panoramic views of downtown Miami and Fisher Island.
- There are food vendors nearby if you want a quick snack.
Transfer to dinner neighborhood
Short transfer to a well-regarded local-favorite restaurant on Miami Beach for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a 20–30 minute buffer for seating; reservations recommended for dinner.
- If you prefer other cuisine, consider nearby local options in South Beach.
- Destination: Pubbelly Sushi area on Miami Beach.
Dinner — Pubbelly Sushi (Miami Beach)
End the day with inventive, locally popular small plates and sushi-style dishes — great for sharing.
Tips from local experts:
- Reservations recommended; try signature small plates to taste a variety.
- Service can be lively—expect a buzzy South Beach atmosphere.
- Consider leaving room for a walk along Ocean Drive after dinner if you’re not too tired.
