When I was younger, short trips were way easier. I could fly into a city on a redeye flight, hit the ground running, and fly home late the next day, having seen a dozen places. It’s harder to do that as I get older, but sometimes, I can still manage if I find a dirt-cheap flight and a nice hotel at reasonable prices.
A while back, I decided to celebrate my birthday (and shipping our first 2022 magazine to the printer) by taking a one-day trip to Miami. I had found a really insanely cheap flight on Frontier and a nice hotel in South Beach. My best friend was also free, so we made a quick little girls’ trip of it and had the most G-rated Miami vacation you can imagine. Here’s a quick and easy guide to 24 hours in Miami!
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Getting from Miami International Airport to Miami Beach
There are numerous shuttles you can take from Miami International Airport to get you to the beaches. Public transportation is also available, and it’s much cheaper, but it does take longer because of the stops. Because we were short on time this round, we opted for Uber. We made a couple of stops first before heading to the beach, so the trip was split a bit, and the prices fluctuated.
Where to Stay in Miami Beach
I’ve stayed in two different hotels in the beach areas.
This time we stayed at Beacon South Beach Hotel, and we loved it. The location was perfect—right by a ton of shops and restaurants, just across the street from the beach and right along a stretch of Ocean Drive that has no car traffic. The decor was super cute, and our room rate came with a free breakfast, which we got to enjoy on the hotel’s porch that faces the beach.
I’ve also stayed at Townhouse Hotel, which is further up in Miami Beach. The hotel was clean, cute and had a short walkway to the beach. Both hotels were comfortable and great for mid-afternoon naps between jaunts to the beach and dinner.
Morning in Miami: Little Havana & Cuban Breakfast
I love the food in Miami. Cuban food is one of my favorite cuisines, so anytime I can get a lot of it, I’m in Heaven.
I always start my trips with a visit to Versailles Restaurant for guava pastries and breakfast after a redeye flight—but you kind of can’t go wrong with just about anywhere on Calle Ocho (Little Havana).
La Carreta is down the street and has fantastic food—I usually get the churrasco with maduros and white rice.
Churromania is a great spot for a snack or dessert—the guava-filled churro bites are amazing!
Late Morning: City Views & Cultural Stops
On my first visit to Miami, I took the Big Bus Tours Miami tour. It was such a great way to acquaint myself with the city, figure out what I wanted to see and really get a good lay of the land.
On every trip, I try to spot new lifeguard stands because they’re all colorful and cute and perfect for Instagram photos.
There are several museums in Miami if you’re looking for some traditional arts and culture. If you’re looking for a modern take on art, head over to Wynwood Walls. I’ve sadly only seen them at night, but they’re so unique and such a great way to spend an hour or two.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a fantastic spot to visit—the gardens are spectacular, and you’ll find plenty of people doing photoshoots here because the place is just so stunning.
Afternoon: Beach Time & On-the-Water Activities
There’s so much to do in Miami, from watersports to day trips (you can find inexpensive tours that will take you all the way to Key West).
If you’re looking to get on the water, you can take a sunset sail, a cruise down Millionaire Row or even a tour that gets you on an airboat in the Everglades.
On this particular trip, we caught just a couple of attractions before heading to the beach for some relaxation by the water. There are stands all along the beach where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, daybeds and more. Consider booking ahead on Expedia to make sure they don’t run out!
Dinner in Miami: From Beachfront to Upscale
If you like ceviche, make a visit to Jaguar in Coconut Grove. They have a delicious selection of ceviche. SUGARCANE Raw Bar Grill is another wonderful option for exotic flavors and a fun selection of unexpected dishes.
On the beach side, Moreno’s Cuba has a fun menu and a great ambiance. Mango’s Tropical Cafe is a fun spot—even if you don’t go in for the show, you can enjoy the atmosphere, the music and the food, along with patio dining. The menu is fun and flavorful, with all kinds of tropical favorites and a ton of cocktail options. Serena Rooftop is a fun, poolside option atop Moxy Hotel. It’s especially cute for photos, and the food is pretty good too.
If you’re looking for some upscale options, Joe’s Stone Crab is world-renowned for its fresh seafood selection, and Estiatorio Milos is another fantastic option for super fresh seafood with traditional Greek flavors. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is a great spot for modern twists on classic Southern dishes.
Final Thoughts on Spending 24 Hours in Miami
There’s so much to do in Miami, whether you’re focused on beaches, Cuban food, modern art, or a quick celebratory girls’ getaway. Even in just 24 hours, you can mix cultural stops, incredible meals, and plenty of time relaxing by the water.
Check out more 24-hour guides here!
