Port Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, as is nearby Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Even apart from the more than 5 million cruisers that come through annually, Miami is a top draw for more than 50 million annual visitors seeking sun, sand, sips, and style. Yes, it’s a major party capital, perhaps topped only by Las Vegas in the United States, but there’s more to do here than stay up until dawn with your besties. It’s equally appealing to art buffs, architecture afficionados, foodies, beach bums, and anyone looking for a few days of fun with a lifestyle that somehow blends the laid back with the dynamic. Here’s what to do with 48 hours in Miami.
TRY THESE TOP MIAMI BITES
It’s no secret that Little Havanna is one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods and overflows with delectable must-try bites. Head here and seek out a proper Cubano sandwich (so-named even though it hails from neither Cuba nor Miami) from a favorite like Sanguich. While you’re here, skip your espresso order and ask for a cafecito at any Cuban coffee counter. It’s similar to an espresso shot, but typically comes topped with a thin layer of sweet foam. For a different form of liquid strength, you can opt for a mojito at the lively Ball & Chain instead. Outside of Little Havana, sample as many slices of Key lime pie as you can—it’s the official state pie of Florida and, while it likely originated in the Florida Keys (hence the name), you’ll find it in abundance across Miami, where venues compete to offer the best.
For proper meals that exude the abundance and flash of Miami style, reserve a table in one (or more) of Major Food Groups eye-popping restaurants around the city. Contessa brings old-world Italian to Miami’s modern Design District with sumptuous interiors as glamorous as the dishes, ranging from bingeworthy pizzas to spicy lobster cappellini. But for serious showmanship, Dirty French is dripping in maximalist interiors across multiple hyper-designed rooms of tables topped with seafood towers, duck a l’Orange, and prime rib service.
CATCH A FEW OF MIAMI’S MOST ICONIC TOP DRAWS
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the city’s top tourist attractions, boasting a massive art collection ranging from ancient to modern, and the Mediterranean mansion, itself, remains a sight to behold more than a century after it was built. Be sure to stroll the namesake gardens. Downtown, Bayside Marketplace is an indoor-outdoor shopping zone on Biscayne Bay with marina views. This is also a great spot to charter a boat for a fishing or diving adventure if you’d prefer to spend one of your days on (or in) the water. Everglades National Park is less than an hour from the city, and you can easily tour the highlights by airboat in half a day or less, including transportation to and from the city.
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER KEY MIAMI NEIGHBORHOODS
It’s unconscionable to visit Miami without paying a visit to South Beach. It almost never dips below 70°, so you can enjoy the sand and sea year-round, but you can also just stroll the promenade between the beach and Ocean Drive for coastal views and incredible people watching if you’re not down for a dip. This is a great spot for a bike ride, too, and rentals are readily available. While here, take an Art Deco walking tour with the Miami Design Preservation League for insights into the history and culture of this area through its heritage structures.
You may already know that Miami is home to the country’s buzziest art fair, Art Basel, but you may not have realized you can take in a plethora of street art year-round. Wynwood is home to murals and outdoor art of epic scale, always available for a full day of gazing and Instagramming. There are plenty of galleries and museums here, too.
STAY WHERE THE ACTION IS
It’s a swimsuit city, so choose a hotel with a thriving pool culture, like Moxy Miami South Beach. There’s both a large main pool with loungers and cabanas for a vibrant afternoon of fun in the sun, and a shallow pool on the rooftop for more of a respite. Silent movies play at an outdoor screening area by this pool nightly. Rooms are sleek with bold color pops, and many of the hotel’s restaurants and bars offer outdoor seating to take advantage of the enviable climate. Pets are welcome.
