5 Days Miami, USA Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary explores the best of Miami, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences. It focuses on affordable activities, delicious food, and cultural immersion, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$500-1000
Best Time
The best time to visit Miami is during the dry season, from November to April, when temperatures are pleasant (mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit) and humidity is low
Activities
20
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
Miami is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, Art Deco architecture, and Latin American culture. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from relaxing on the sand to exploring its unique neighborhoods and enjoying delicious cuisine.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 10 must-have experiences
A Pristine Beach Getaway
Day 1: South Beach Stroll
An Immersive Art & Design District
Day 3: Wynwood Walls
An Upscale Culinary Journey
e.g., Carbone Miami, KYU Miami
A Taste of Local Flavors
Day 2: Lunch at Versailles Restaurant
A Chic Rooftop Bar Experience
e.g., Sugar (EAST Miami), Watr at The 1 Hotel South Beach
A Wildlife & Nature Expedition
e.g., Everglades National Park (Anhinga Trail), Shark Valley Observation Tower
A Luxury Shopping Destination
e.g., Miami Design District, Bal Harbour Shops
A Historic Cultural Neighborhood Stroll
Day 5: Lunch at Lokal Coconut Grove
An Iconic Boat Cruise Adventure
Day 4: Lunch at Boater's Grill
A World-Class Museum & Garden Visit
Day 5: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami's culinary scene is a vibrant fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and American influences. Expect bold flavors, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere. From upscale dining to casual street food, there's something for every palate.
Must-Try Dishes
A pressed sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. An absolute Miami staple!
📍 Little Havana, Versailles Restaurant, any Cuban cafe
A local delicacy, especially in season (October 15 - May 15). The claws are cracked and served chilled with mustard sauce.
📍 Joe's Stone Crab (South Beach), Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market
A tart and creamy pie made with Key lime juice, a local citrus fruit. Often topped with whipped cream or meringue.
📍 Almost any restaurant or bakery, especially in the Keys (though easily found in Miami)
Venezuelan corn cakes filled with various ingredients like cheese, shredded beef, chicken, or black beans. A popular and affordable snack.
📍 Venezuelan restaurants, food trucks, Wynwood area
Food Neighborhoods
Authentic Cuban cuisine
Trendy restaurants and street food
Upscale dining and seafood
Diverse culinary scene with waterfront views
Miami offers numerous options for dietary restrictions. Many restaurants have vegetarian and vegan options, especially in areas like Wynwood and South Beach. Halal food can be found in specific areas, primarily around mosques and Middle Eastern restaurants. Always check menus or ask your server about ingredients and preparation methods to accommodate allergies.
Tipping is customary in Miami restaurants. A 18-20% tip is generally expected for good service. Dress codes are generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may require more formal attire. Reservations are recommended, especially for popular restaurants during peak season.
Art Deco Weekend
JanuaryCelebrates Miami Beach's Art Deco architecture with tours, lectures, and events.
Ultra Music Festival
MarchA large electronic music festival attracting huge crowds and causing traffic congestion.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
FebruaryA culinary event featuring celebrity chefs, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚗From your hotel in South Beach, walk to Ocean Drive to start your South Beach Stroll.FREE
9:00 AM - South Beach Stroll
Start your day with a walk along Ocean Drive, admiring the Art Deco architecture. Take photos and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Free, but be aware of expensive parking.
Book on Klook - 🚶South Beach Stroll ends at the beach. Beach Time! is right there.$20 (chair & umbrella rental)
11:00 AM - Beach Time!
Head to South Beach for some sunbathing and swimming. Rent a beach chair and umbrella for ultimate relaxation. Pack your own towel to save money.
Book on Klook - 🚶La Sandwicherie is a short walk from the beach.$15
1:00 PM - Lunch at La Sandwicherie
Grab a delicious and affordable sandwich at La Sandwicherie. This popular spot offers a variety of fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations. Expect a short wait during peak hours.
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- 🚶The Art Deco Welcome Center is a short walk from La Sandwicherie.FREE
3:00 PM - Art Deco Walking Tour (Self-Guided)
Explore the Art Deco Historic District with a self-guided walking tour. Download a map or use a guidebook to learn about the architectural styles and history of the buildings. Look for the Welcome Center for maps.
Book on Klook
South Beach
South Beach is the heart of Miami's tourist scene, with easy access to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Miami is during the dry season, from November to April, when temperatures are pleasant (mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit) and humidity is low. This period offers ideal beach weather and vibrant outdoor activities, though it is also peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds. The summer months (June to September) are hot, humid, and mark the beginning of hurricane season, often bringing afternoon rain showers, but also fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. Spring (May) and Fall (October) offer a good balance of warm weather, fewer crowds, and potential for festivals before the busiest season fully kicks in.
During peak season, Miami enjoys warm, sunny days with low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. Evenings are mild and comfortable.
The dry season (November to April) is peak tourist season with pleasant weather.
Major holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break can significantly increase prices and crowds.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$100-200 (depending on origin and booking time)Accommodation
$250-400 (hostel or budget hotel)Food
$150-250Activities
$100-150Utilize Miami's free Metromover in Downtown and Brickell, and consider using the Metrobus for longer distances. Also, take advantage of happy hour specials common in many bars and restaurants for discounted drinks and appetizers.
Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for your beach days to avoid paying inflated prices at beachside concessions. Explore Miami's many free attractions like beaches, parks, and walking tours of neighborhoods.
Indulge in a gourmet meal at one of Miami's acclaimed fine dining establishments, many featuring celebrity chefs and innovative cuisine, especially in South Beach or Brickell.
Treat yourself to a private boat charter or a luxury yacht tour to experience Miami's stunning coastline and clear waters from a unique perspective.
Explore vibrant, less touristy neighborhoods like Little Havana for authentic and more affordable Cuban food, or Wynwood for diverse and budget-friendly street art and casual eateries. Check out local food trucks for delicious and inexpensive options.
Look for 'prix fixe' menus or lunch specials at upscale restaurants; these often offer a taste of their fine dining experience at a significantly lower price point than dinner. Also, check local event listings for free festivals or live music.
- Tipping is customary and expected in the US. A 15-20% tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and for rideshare drivers is standard.
- Miami is a sprawling, car-centric city. While rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are plentiful, consider renting a car for flexibility if you plan to explore beyond South Beach, or utilize public transport like the free Metromover in downtown.
- The Miami sun is intense year-round. Always apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM).
- Stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors or on the beach. Drink plenty of water to combat the heat and humidity.
- Explore Miami's diverse neighborhoods beyond just South Beach. Discover the art scene in Wynwood, the Cuban culture in Little Havana, or the upscale vibes of Brickell.
- Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Petty theft can occur, so keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- Many popular restaurants, especially those in South Beach or Brickell, require reservations, particularly for dinner on weekends. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Plastic straws are generally banned or discouraged in Miami Beach and some other areas. Be prepared to use paper straws or no straw at all, aligning with local environmental efforts.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for hot and humid weather
- 2Swimwear for beaches and pools
- 3High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- 4Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- 5Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring
- 6A dressier outfit for Miami's upscale dining and nightlife
- 7Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste
- 8Light rain jacket or compact umbrella for sudden afternoon showers (especially May-Oct)
- 9Insect repellent, particularly if visiting parks or natural areas like the Everglades
- 10Portable power bank for charging devices on the go
Flights
Book 2-4 months in advance for the best fares, especially during peak season (Nov-Apr) or holidays.
Accommodation
Reserve 3-6 months ahead for prime locations (South Beach, Brickell) and better rates, particularly for peak season or major events.
Rental Car
Book 1-2 months in advance if planning day trips outside the city center or not relying solely on rideshares. Factor in parking costs.
Everglades Tours / Airboat Rides
Book 2-4 weeks ahead, especially during peak season, as popular tour slots can fill up quickly.
Popular Restaurant Reservations
For high-demand or upscale dining, make reservations 1-3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
Boat Tours / Cruises
Book 1-2 weeks in advance for sightseeing cruises, party boats, or specific water activities, particularly during busy times.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking major travel components (flights, accommodation) to cover unforeseen cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile store, Best Buy, or online
📍 AT&T store, Best Buy, or online
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and many public areas in Miami. Check with your hotel for specific access details. Many restaurants and coffee shops offer complimentary WiFi to customers.
Useful Apps
Download offline maps for areas you plan to visit to avoid relying solely on data. Consider purchasing a portable power bank to keep your devices charged while you're out and about. Be aware of data roaming charges if you choose not to purchase a local SIM card or eSIM.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Miami is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
Customize This Trip
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Miami is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and low humidity. However, this is also peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
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- Real-time pricing
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