The BEST 4 Days in Miami Itinerary for First Time Visitors

So you’ve planned a trip to enjoy a wonderful 4 days in Miami and now you’re looking for the perfect itinerary for your visit…

I’ve got you covered!

So you've planned a wonderful 4 day trip to Miami and now you're looking for the perfect itinerary for your visit… well, this guide is for you! I’ve put together the ultimate 4 days in Miami itinerary that will have you seeing and experiencing all of Miami’s top sights and attractions. From South Beach to Little Havana, the Wynwood Arts District to the Everglades, and even a day trip to Key West! This really is the perfect 4 day itinerary to get the most out of your time in Miami.

Miami is the perfect place to escape to for all the tropical vibes without having to fly too far (if you’re from Canada or the United States that is!).

There are just so many things to do in Miami, from beautiful beaches, to a vibrant art scene, incredible restaurants, and of course world-famous nightlife and beach clubs!

If you’re planning on spending 4 days in Miami, I’ve put together this 4 day Miami itinerary to help you plan your trip.

(Or – if you’re planning on spending 3 days in Miami here’s a perfect 3 day Miami itinerary for you!)

This itinerary will have you seeing not only all of the top sights in Miami, but will also give you the opportunity to visit the Everglades and Key West which are two of the highest recommended places to visit in the area!

It really is the ultimate 4 day Miami itinerary to get the best out of your trip, especially if this is your first time visiting Miami.

Before we get started, you might also want to check out these posts:

And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. I share a lot of travel content on those that never make it to the blog!

Now, let’s get started on the perfect 4 day trip to Miami itinerary.

Is 4 days enough to visit Miami?

Although you could easily spend a week or two enjoying the sun in Miami, 4 days in Miami is absolutely enough to really get a great taste of the city and surrounding attractions.

With 4 days in Miami you’ll have the chance to not only experience Miami’s most popular sights and attractions, but also have enough time to visit some of the most highly rated attractions outside of Miami.

This means you’ll have the chance to see the world famous Everglades and Key West!

If there’s a chance this might be the only time you visit Miami, I would definitely not recommend doing less than 4 days.

There really are so many incredible things to see in and around Miami that you just can’t miss!

If however you only have 3 days to explore Miami, no worries!

I do have a perfect 3 days in Miami itinerary for you too that will be focused on all the best sights and attractions inside of Miami proper.

What to pack for your 4 day trip to Miami

Miami is all about bright colours and tropical vibes so my suitcase was full of everything to match.

To help make things easier for you I’ve compiled a Florida packing guide with a list of everything you need for your trip.

Check out my full Florida packing guide to help you pack for your Miami trip here!

Or if you’d just like a quick printable version, I’ve created this FREE printable summer vacation packing checklist that will make packing for your Miami trip a breeze.

Where to stay when visiting Miami

Miami has so many amazing hotels and it can definitely be a little daunting to pick one.

For this 4 day trip to Miami I highly recommend staying in South Beach.

And I have a full South Beach hotel guide that will help you pick the perfect South Beach hotel for you.

South Beach is known for its incredible beaches, glamorous nightlife scene, and incredible restaurants & culinary scene.

Here you’ll also find shops, beautiful art deco architecture, and so much more.

You can check out my full South Beach hotel guide here which will help you pick a hotel based on what kind of stay you are looking for.

It really is the place to be in Miami, and you will be happy you stayed here!

4 Days in Miami Itinerary: Best things to see and do in Miami in 4 days

I’ve designed this 4 day Miami itinerary to give you the best and most well rounded taste of what Miami and the surrounding area has to offer.

If you only have 3 days to spend in Miami though be sure to check out my 3 days in Miami itinerary!

I also have a guide to the best things to do in Miami for even more activities & attractions if you’d like to swap anything out that’s in this itinerary.

Although in my opinion, this really is the ultimate itinerary for 4 perfect days exploring Miami and I made sure to include all of the best sights!

Day 1 in Miami – Explore South Beach

To get your most out of your first day in Miami, I recommend making sure you plan to either arrive in Miami the night before or in the morning day of.

This will give you all day to explore!

After all, who wants to waste part of their first day in Miami on a plane?

8am – Breakfast at (or near to) your hotel

Your 4 days in Miami will start bright and early with breakfast in South Beach before getting ready to enjoy a day of fun in the sun and your first real Miami beach experience!

Since you are starting your day early, I would suggest grabbing either a quick breakfast at your hotel, or something nearby before heading to the beach.

Some of the best rated places for breakfast in the South Beach area are Local House, Front Porch Cafe, and Cafe Americano.

10:00am – Visit the Miami Beach Boardwalk and take a dip in the ocean

The Miami Beach Boardwalk is an incredibly scenic boardwalk that stretches all the way from South Pointe Park (the south tip of Miami Beach) all the way up to Surfside Border.

You can spend your time walking along the boardwalk and taking in the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the swanky Miami Beach Hotels, parks and more.

Here you will get some of the most stunning views and see some of Miami’s best beaches.

In fact, my all time favourite beach, South Pointe Beach, is in South Pointe Park.

South Point Beach features the highest concentration of those colourful lifeguard towers that Miami is known for.

This is a great spot to stop for a swim, soak up some rays, and just enjoy the beauty all around you.

If you stay at The Marriott Stanton South Beach like I did, it also just happens to be right in the hotel’s backyard which makes it super convenient!

There really is no better way to start your first day in Miami.

1:00pm – Enjoy a delicious lunch in South Beach

After a morning of walking, soaking up the sun, and splashing in the waves, you’re probably hungry!

Now is the perfect time to grab a delicious lunch in South Beach.

I’ve got a whole guide to the best restaurants in South Beach which will give you some great lunch options.

My top picks for quick (but delicious) lunches in South Beach are Time Out Market, La Sandwicherie, and Oh! Mexico.

2:30pm – Spend the rest of the afternoon at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

After filling your bellies with delicious eats, it’s time to head to one of Miami’s most famous (and easily the most stunning) attractions!

Located just a 20 minute drive from Ocean Drive, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located in a beautiful villa and estate that’s truly incredible to visit.

Here you’ll catch a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Miami’s wealthy elite in the early 20th century.

The incredible 1916 waterfront estate home of Vizcaya features 32 rooms and 10 acres of stunning formal gardens to explore.

One step into the beautiful grounds at Vizcaya and you’ll quickly see why it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular spot for wedding photos, engagement shoots, and Instagrammers.

7:00pm – Have dinner at one of Miami’s famous seafood restaurants

After exploring the beauty of Vizcaya it’s time to head back to your hotel to get ready for dinner.

And this is going to be a memorable one!

After all, as if you could come to Miami without trying some of its best seafood.

From fresh-off-the-boat fish, to succulent stone crab, towering seafood platters and everything in between, Miami has no shortage of incredible seafood restaurants to try.

Be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in South Beach for a comprehensive list.

Some of the most notable seafood restaurants in Miami are Joe’s Stone Crab, Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Stiltsville Fish Bar.

Make sure to book your reservation in advance so you don’t have any issues getting a table!

Day 2 in Miami – Everglades National Park & Millionaire’s Row Cruise

It’s an early start on the 2nd day of your 4 day trip to Miami, but that’s because you have a very exciting day ahead!

Today you’ll be exploring the incredible Miami Everglades, and celebrity spotting along Millionaire’s Row!

7:30am – Grab a quick breakfast at or near your hotel

Since today is an early start you’re going to want to grab a quick grab & go style breakfast.

I recommend a nearby Starbucks or cafe near your hotel!

You can either enjoy this on site, or bring it with you to enjoy on the way to Everglades National Park.

8:45am – Spend the morning at Everglades National Park

Today is going to be a pretty epic day!

You’re going to spend your morning at the Everglades National Park where you can take an airboat tour and see alligators and other native wildlife.

There’s only one way to really experience the best of the Everglades, and that’s with an airboat tour and wildlife show – which are the highest rated Everglades tours with over 2500 reviews!

Depending on whether or not you need transportation to the Everglades, you will book either the Everglades Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer package or the The Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show (self drive package).

With the Everglades Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer package, you will get picked up at Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd) at 9:00am and take a bus to the Everglades National Park where you will continue your day.

Otherwise, you can self drive to The Everglades and carry on with your experience once you arrive!

On the both the Everglades Airboat Ride, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer package and Everglades National Park Airboat & Wildlife show you’ll get to take an educational and exciting airboat tour of the Everglades National Park.

You’ll get to spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds that are only found here.

Snap a photo with Jaws the famous gator before enjoying a wildlife show followed by enjoying specialties like alligator tail and alligator sausage at the restaurant.

This makes for a truly epic morning!

Once the morning is complete, you’ll either hop back on the bus or drive back to South Beach.

You should arrive back between 12:30-1pm, just in time for lunch!

1:00pm – Have lunch in South Beach

By now you’ve certainly worked up an appetite!

As you know, South Beach is full of great restaurants to pick from.

Here are a few great South Beach lunch options to pick from:

Yardbird Table & Bar: Looking for a little Southern Comfort in Miami? Yardbird is for you! Here you can expect to go on a culinary journey through a menu of unapologetically indulgent dishes and heady bourbon cocktails. Expect comfort food like chicken & waffles, cornbread, lobster mac & cheese, and so much more.
Tapelia Spanish Cuisine: Feeling like some Spanish food? Tapelia offers Spanish cooking & specialty cocktails in a relaxed setting with TV sports. This extremely highly rated restaurant is one you definitely don’t want to miss during your time in Miami!
Ole Ole Steak House: Another extremely highly rated restaurant (4.9 stars on Google with almost 18k reviews!) is Ole Ole. This steakhouse offers grilled meats & paella in a vibrant eatery. Feeling a little more basic? They also have pizza, pasta & burgers.

3:00pm – Take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay to spot celebrity mansions and more

One of the most popular and most often booked tours in all of Miami is the Millionaire’s Row Cruise and now is your chance to experience it!

During your Millionaire’s Row Cruise you’ll get to take in the gorgeous views of the Miami skyline on a cruise along Biscayne Bay.

Millionaire’s Row is where you’ll get to see the homes of famous stars, so if celebrity spotting is your cup of tea you will really enjoy this!

The cruise will also take you to the Venetian Islands, and along South Beach where you will get incredible views.

Sit back and relax, and enjoy an unbelievable afternoon at sea!

5:00pm – Shop around at Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is a super popular destination in downtown Miami for those looking for a blend of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Because the Millionaire’s Row Cruise departs from and returns to the dock at Bayside Marketplace, now is a great time to actually browse around the marketplace and do a little shopping.

Here you’ll find over 150 shops and restaurants featuring a combination of local and national brands, with a wide variety of options for fashion, accessories, and souvenirs.

Get in a little souvenir shopping for family and friends, or pick up some goodies for yourself!

7:30pm – Dinner in South Beach

After such a fun-filled day you’re probably feeling pretty hungry by now, so it’s time for another memorable dinner in South Beach.

South Beach really has so many incredible restaurants to choose from.

You can check out my South Beach dining guide for some of the top recommendations for restaurants in the area.

I highly recommend booking a reservation at either Byblos for unbelievable Mediterranean cuisine, Gianni’s for an unforgettable dinner dining in luxury, or Mango’s Tropical Cafe for dinner & a show (plus it turns into a nightclub if you want to carry on the night here)!

10:00pm – Experience some of Miami’s world famous nightlife

There is no denying that Miami’s nightlife is world famous, and if you’re traveling without little ones it’s now the perfect time to experience some of that nightlife yourself!

Grab a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in South Beach before carrying on the evening at one of Miami’s ultra famous clubs.

There are a lot of great night clubs and bars for you to experience in Miami, depending on the vibe you are looking for.

Here are some of the most popular and highest rated Miami night clubs:

Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach: is a very popular nightclub along Ocean Drive that’s a lot of fun. They have latin music, shows, great food, and a really great vibe.
LIV: is another very popular spot that is known to attract celebrities. Located in the opulent Fontainebleau Hotel, you can experience world famous DJ’s here and a party you will never forget!
Club Space: This club is located in the heart of downtown Miami and is known for its cutting-edge electronic dance music (EDM) scene. It features multiple rooms with different music genres and is open until afternoon next day.
Story: This modern and trendy club is located in South Beach and is known for its star-studded guest list and exclusive atmosphere. It features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, and hosts some of the world’s top DJs.
E11even: This club is located in the heart of downtown Miami and is known for its 24/7 operation schedule, variety of music styles and its go-go dancers. Yes, you heard that right. It’s open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Day 3 in Miami – Little Havana & Wynwood Arts District

Today we are exploring two of Miami’s most famous neighborhoods to visit, Little Havana and the Wynwood Arts District!

8:30am – Head to Little Havana and have a light breakfast there

Little Havana is the colorful and rich in culture latino dominated neighbourhood of Miami that is a very famous tourist destination.

Located about 20 minutes from South Beach, this historic neighbourhood will give you a glimpse into the heart of Cuba, from the culture, to the architecture, art, history, music and of course the food.

Start your day here with a light breakfast and some authentic Cuban Coffee.

I do recommend keeping it light for breakfast because you’ll be having a big, hearty Cuban lunch in a few hours!

Some great spots I recommend trying out are Parcela, Rico Bakery & Cafe, and Versailles Cuban Bakery.

10:00am – Spend time exploring Little Havana

There is just so much to see and do around Little Havana, and you have a full afternoon to explore!

You can either just wander around or check out my post on how to spend a perfect day in Little Havana here.

It’s chock full of all the things you should see and do while you are there!

Some things you’ll definitely want to do though are visit Calle Ocho (the main street of Little Havana), check out the street vendors, art galleries, cigar shops and bakeries.

1:30pm – Food tour of Little Havana OR lunch at Versailles

For lunch you have two great options to pick from, you can do either the Little Havana Food & Walking tour which is a great way to not only learn all about Little Havana, but try some of the best Cuban food Little Havana has to offer, or have lunch on your own at Versailles.

Let’s star with the Little Havana Food & Walking Tour which is rated 5 stars and has almost 4000 people who have rated it on Viator!

This 2 hour tour will take you on an incredible journey through Little Havana, and it’s full of great eats!

On the Little Havana Food & Walking tour you’ll get to not only learn all about Little Havana, it’s rich history and culture, but also get to stop to eat at some of the best family-owned Cuban restaurants in the area!

You’ll get to try the most mouthwatering Cuban food including guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, flan cups, and many more.

This is a GREAT way to experience the food and culture of Little Havana.

If you’d rather enjoy lunch on your own, head to Versailles to enjoy an incredible authentic Cuban meal.

Versailles Is the #1 recommended Cuban restaurant in not only Little Havana but all of Miami, so you know it’s going to be an incredible meal!

4:00pm – Admire the street art and visit Wynwood Walls in the Wynwood Arts District

You’ve now had a great taste of Little Havana (no pun intended) and it’s time to explore the Wynwood Arts District!

Known for its many colorful murals, Wynwood is one of the city’s most happening districts and you’ll find art wherever you go.

Within the Wynwood District you’ll find Wynwood Walls which is a very popular Miami tourist attraction.

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum that showcases incredible graffiti murals by some of the world’s best-known street artists.

There is lots to explore in and around Wynwood Walls!

Wynwood Walls is free to enter making it a great activity for those who are visiting Miami on a budget.

But if you want to experience Wynwood Walls in an even more unique way, you can book a private golf cart small group tour of it!

Your driver will teach you all about the revitalized neighborhood’s history, art, and architecture as you ride around marvelling at the stunning street art.

The private golf cart small group tour is an especially great tour for those with mobility issues who still want to experience the beauty of Wynwood Walls.

Beyond Wynwood Walls, the surrounding streets have converted warehouses that have all sorts of neat things from craft breweries to funky art galleries, so you have lots to check out!

Even if you’re not really an art person, I can promise you’ll have a great time spending the afternoon exploring Wynwood Walls and the surrounding Wynwood District.

7:00pm – Have dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in the Wynwood area

The Wynwood District has some great and super trendy restaurants so why not take advantage of being in the are this evening?

Here are some of the top trendy restaurants in the Wynwood District that I suggest checking out:

Beaker & Gray: Recognized as one of the best restaurants and craft cocktail bars in Wynwood, Beaker & Gray features a globally inspired menu of shareable plates alongside an incredible and award-winning cocktail menu.
Hiyakawa Miami: This restaurant is absolutely stunning, the architecture is to die for. But what’s even more amazing is the sushi, it’s both beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. The menu is a celebration of Japanese cuisine and offers a wide range of options such as fried dishes, soups, appetizers and sushi, including nigiri and handrolls, which can be ordered individually.
Doya: Doya is a proud recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand, so you know it’s going to be good! Doya is an Aegean Meze Bar + Restaurant (meze means appetizer, meaning the restaurant focuses on share plates). Their menu is inspired by the Meze culture from Greece & Turkey, as well, as the greater Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Here you can expect to share incredible food with the people you love.

Make sure to reserve your dinner reservation in advance!

Day 4 in Miami – Day Trip to Key West

Your last day of your 4 day trip to Miami is going to be spent exploring one of the most colorful and fun places in all of Florida, Key West!

In fact, I have a whole guide to the best things to do in Key West so be sure to check it out.

If you have your own vehicle you can easily do the road trip to Key West and back yourself.

But if not, don’t worry you can take the Miami to Key West Day Tour which will take you there!

The Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options package on Viator is so popular it’s flagged as being likely to sell out!

So be sure to book in advance if you can.

6:00am-7:30am – Head to Key West

If you’re taking the Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options package tour, your coach bus will pick you up at your hotel between 6:00am-7:30am.

Don’t worry though, they will let you know in advance what time they are grabbing you!

You will also be stopping along the way to grab breakfast (food and drink not included in the tour price, but you will have a chance to grab something for yourself).

If you’re driving yourself, it’s time to get on the road!

The drive to Key West will take about 3.5 hours each way, but is 100% worth it.

Especially if you won’t find yourself in this area ever again!

You definitely don’t want to miss Key West during your time in Florida.

Plus the drive itself is very scenic and enjoyable.

12:00pm – Spend the day exploring Key West

The Miami to Key West Day Tour will give you 6 hours to spend exploring the incredibly colorful island community of Key West once you arrive.

Check out my guide to the best things to do in Key West for all sorts of great activities, sights, and attractions you won’t want to miss during your time in Key West.

In Key West there’s lots to do from visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, taking a tour of the island on a trolley or bike, visiting the Southernmost Point, and enjoying the laid-back beach vibe.

Be sure to check out my list of the best things to do in Key West to get the most out of your time exploring this amazing island!

6:00pm – Return to Miami

After spending an incredible 6 hours exploring colorful Key West, it’s now time to return to Miami.

If you took the Miami to Key West Day Tour they will let you know where the bus will pick you up to return to Miami.

The coach bus should have you back at your hotel by 9:30pm-10:00pm depending on traffic.

If you are self driving, you can actually stay a little longer and enjoy dinner in Key West before heading back to Miami!

Final Thoughts

With sun, beaches, and an incredible nightlife scene it’s really no surprise that Miami is one of the top tourist destinations in all of the United States.

I hope you found this 4 days in Miami itinerary useful and that it helps you plan your incredible 4 day trip to this beautiful, sunny city.

If you’re visiting Florida soon, don’t forget to check out these posts:

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