Are you looking to spend 2 days in Miami? If so, we have an awesome itinerary for you. Miami is the biggest city in the state of Florida, commonly known as The Sunshine State. Visitors love the excellent nightlife, world-class beaches, and top attractions that the city offers; around 14 million people visit Miami each year.
The city is also home to many excellent art collections and an extensive array of art deco hotels and architecture. Incredible nature surrounds Miami, did you know that it is the only US city surrounded by two national parks? Diving enthusiasts love Miami for its coastal paradise, there are 50 different underwater sites to explore.
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Two Days in Miami: Where to Stay?
Hotel Ocean: Hotel Ocean is on South Beach’s famous Ocean Drive, and visitors love the fantastic range of facilities, including a full-service bar, restaurants, and 24-hour reception. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
The Marlin Hotel: The Marlin Hotel is next to the gorgeous white sands of South Beach, and the hotel includes free high-speed WiFi, a fully stocked mini-bar, flatscreen TVs, plus complimentary beach bags and beach towels for your trip to the beach! Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club: The Savoy Hotel has spacious suites in the heart of Miami Beach. You’ll love the European-style decor, raised sundecks that look over the ocean, and the American cuisine on offer. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
How to Spend 2 Days in Miami, a Perfect Itinerary
The Miami Pass
A good way to save time and money is to buy the Miami Pass. With the pass, you can save up to 50% on the top Miami attractions.
The Miami Pass is all-inclusive and provides access to popular attractions, like:
- Big Bus Miami Hop-On, Hop-Off Classic Tour
- Island Queen Millionaire’s Row Sightseeing Cruise
- Everglades Alligator Farm and Airboat Ride
- Key West Full Day Trip (From Miami)
Click here for more information and to buy your Go City Miami Pass.
Miami in 2 days: Day One
Stroll Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue
Stroll Ocean Drive is an excellent spot for tourists because of its bright neon signs, exceptional art deco architecture, the beach, and the boardwalk. The road begins at the South Pointe and continues for around 1.5 miles. Art Deco hotels are the most famous part of Ocean Drive because of Hollywood movies, but you can also find many iconic designer shops, including Tommy Hilfiger, Armani, and Kenneth Cole.
You should check out Collins Avenue because it’s home to many Art Deco hotels and significant nightclubs. You can watch the international boat show from Collins Avenue, which takes place yearly. If you’re interested in shopping, then you should visit both streets on your Miami itinerary because they are fashion meccas of the US and have been since the 1980s.
Swim and relax in South Beach
It is hard to think of Miami and not think of the world-famous beach resorts. Is there any better way to spend the first morning of your 2 day Miami itinerary than relaxing at South Beach? Travelers adore South Beach and the stunning blue seas, white sands, and local bars and restaurants.
The beach has an exciting history. During the 1980s, South Beach was crime-ridden and full of poverty. Over the last 30 years, the area has developed and became gentrified, leading to South Beach being one of Miami’s most prosperous regions. Also, visitors and locals consider Miami Beach as one of America’s best entertainment hubs.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is in Biscayne Bay and is located in the heart of Downtown Miami. You’ll find over 150 shops in the marketplace, including many unique retailers and big names such as GAP, Guess, and Victoria’s Secret. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau recognizes the Bayside Marketplace as Miami’s most visited attraction. The marketplace was frequently featured on the famous 80s TV series Miami Vice.
The marketplace is home to several superb restaurants, such as Bubba Gump, The Knife, and the Hard Rock Cafe. You can enjoy live music performances at the marketplace from many of Miami’s most outstanding performers. An excellent idea for your visit is to have a couple of drinks and hop on one of the Star Island celebrity cruises. It is a must-do on your 2 day Miami itinerary.
The Original Millionaire’s Row Cruise
So you’ve had a long day of exploring the city? Now it is time to check out one of Miami’s most fabulous boat tours. One of the best boat tours is the Original Millionaire’s Row Cruise because you get incredible views of Miami’s skyline, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s row, home to Miami’s wealthiest citizens.
Highlights include the 90-minute cruise through Miami’s world-famous Biscayne Bay. You’ll see the homes of P.Diddy, Thalia, Shaquille O’Neal, and Gloria Estefan. There is no better way to experience Miami’s skyline and it is a great way to end day one of your Miami itinerary.
Click here for more information and to book this cruise.
Free with the Miami City Pass
Miami in 2 Days: Day Two
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is an excellent way to begin day two of your Miami itinerary. America’s Everglades is a subtropical wetland that spans a total of 1.5 million acres across South Florida. An incredible abundance of wildlife surrounds the Everglades National Park, and it is easily accessible from Miami.
The Everglades is one of the world’s most unique landscapes because it combines various distinct habitats, diverse species, and a subtropical climate. Water moves from north to south from Lake Okeechobee forming a 100-mile-long river. Also, there are nine habitats home to 16 endangered species of animals. A popular way to see the Everglades is through the Half-Day Everglades Airboat Ride & Wildlife Show where you’ll see the best of the Everglades.
Click here for more information and book this half-day tour.
Free with the Miami City Pass.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a prime example of European architecture within the American context. Owner James Deering designed the buildings in an Italian Renaissance-inspired style and lived here each winter until he died in 1925. The mansion has more than 70 rooms and 34 of these rooms have treasures that date back to the 15th century.
Landscape architect Diego Suarez designed the beautiful gardens to feel like a great outdoor room, and they span a total of ten acres. The Casino pavilion provides an aerial view of the gardens, it is a spectacular view and well worth the visit.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
If you’re in Miami, you should visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The Garden spans 83 acres and includes palms, flowering trees, rare tropical plants, and vines. Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens consists of a museum, learning center, laboratory, and conservation research facility.
There are many guided tours of the gardens available, with expert tour guides that will show you every aspect. However, you can easily do a self-guided tour, and you’ll get a map and information booklets on arrival. Visit here on the second day of your Miami itinerary and relax in the beautiful tropical sun.
Little Havana
Little Havana is one of Miami’s most vibrant areas and a hub of America’s Hispanic culture. You’ll find Little Havana has various venues, restaurants, Latin-inspired cafes, and Hispanic markets. Little Havana lies west of Miami’s downtown area and is easily accessible.
The central part of Little Havana is Calle Ocho which has live music, Cuban street food, and various cultural activities. There are so many incredible things to do here and it is an excellent addition to a 2 day Miami itinerary.
Visit the Wynwood Wall
The Wynwood Wall is a collection of aging warehouses in the 1970s. Still, in the early 2000s, Tony Goldman, a local entrepreneur, saw the potential to build an oasis of art and culture.
Today, the Wynwood Wall is a pedestrian-friendly art hub with buildings covered in art and murals. Many modern artists come to the Wynwood Wall to find artistic inspiration. It is one of America’s most artistic areas and a superb way to finish your Miami itinerary.
Practical Information for Your 2 Day Miami Itinerary
When is the best time to visit Miami?
The best time to visit Miami is in the springtime because the weather is warm, without the oppressive summer humidity, so it’s the perfect time to walk around and explore the city.
How to get from the airport to the city center
Taxi: The fastest way to get from the airport to the city center is via taxi. You can catch a cab, take a super shuttle, or hop in an Uber and it should take around 20 minutes. If you’re on a Miami 2 day itinerary, you’ll want to move quickly, and a taxi is a good option.
Private Transfer: Welcome Pickups offer a superb pickup option with minimal stress or hassle. Their services include an on-time taxi driver, SIM-cards to buy, and extensive knowledge of Miami for local tips. Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.
Metro: Another fast and cheap option is to catch the metro. The MIA mover train station is at the airport on the third level between Flamingo garages and the Dolphin. You’ll hop on the train to the Miami Intermodal Centre and then take Metrorail Orange Line to the government center stop in Downtown Miami.
Metrobus: The Metrobus is a great option, and you can catch numerous buses for around $2.25, including the Miami Beach Bus and the Metrobus to downtown areas.
How to get around the city
Metrobus: The Metrobus is a great way of getting around Miami because there are more than 95 routes throughout the city. A regular fare is $2.25, but you can get discount plans if you have student cards, senior citizens, or country employee.
Metrorail: The Metrorail covers a total of 25 miles of Miami’s most popular areas. There are 23 stations, including one at Miami international airport, so it is a superb way to get around the city.
Taxis: Taxis are the fastest way to get around, and you can wave numerous yellow taxis down. Alternatively, you try an app like Uber or Lyft to get to Miami’s best attractions.
Trolleys: Miami has a free trolley service that runs through the city. You can find trolley services here at Miami Trolleys.