5-Day Miami Itinerary: The Perfect Week in South Florida (2026)

Content by: USAtripvibe Content Team

Last Updated :

This 5-day Miami itinerary is ideal if you want more than a quick weekend trip but don’t have a full week. Five days gives you enough time to explore Miami’s famous beaches, cultural neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and even squeeze in an Everglades adventure or Keys day trip without feeling rushed.

Shorter on time? Check out our Miami City Break (2–4 days) for condensed weekend itineraries.

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📌 Is 5 Days Enough for Miami?

Yes — 5 days is the sweet spot for first-time visitors. Here’s what you can realistically experience:

✅ Properly explore South Beach (not just a quick walk)
✅ Deep dive into Wynwood & Little Havana (not touristy drive-throughs)
✅ Enjoy Miami’s nightlife without sacrificing daytime activities
✅ Add an Everglades tour or beach day (Key Biscayne, Bahia Honda)
✅ Relax — you’re not constantly rushing between attractions

Too long? Some travelers feel 3 days is enough if they skip nature excursions. Too short? Seven days allows time for a Florida Keys extension or multiple beach days.

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🗓️ 5-Day Miami Itinerary Overview

Day	Focus	Highlights
Day 1	South Beach & Art Deco	Ocean Drive, beach time, sunset at South Pointe Park
Day 2	Wynwood & Design District	Street art, galleries, nightlife, trendy dining
Day 3	Little Havana & Downtown	Cuban culture, Calle Ocho, Bayside, waterfront views
Day 4	Everglades OR Beach Escape	Airboat tour OR Key Biscayne snorkeling
Day 5	Relax, Shop & Depart	Brunch, last beach visit, Lincoln Road shopping

Flexible itinerary: Swap days based on weather. If it rains on Day 2, do Wynwood (galleries are covered) and swap with a beach day.

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📍 Day 1 – South Beach & Art Deco Icons

Theme: Arrival, beach orientation, iconic Miami vibes

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Check-in & Orientation

• Drop luggage at hotel (most hotels allow early luggage storage even if rooms aren’t ready until 3 PM)
• Grab coffee and breakfast at Front Porch Cafe (Ocean Drive) or The Local House (14th & Washington)

Art Deco Historic District Walk (1-1.5 hours)

• Start at Ocean Drive between 5th-15th Streets
• Notice the pastel-colored buildings, porthole windows, and geometric designs
• Key buildings: Colony Hotel (iconic), Breakwater Hotel, Carlyle Hotel (The Birdcage movie location)
• Free self-guided walk or $30 guided tour with Miami Design Preservation League (11 AM daily)

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

South Beach Time

• Lummus Park Beach (5th-15th Streets) — most iconic stretch
• Rent beach chair & umbrella: $25-35 for the day
• Where to sit: 12th Street (less crowded) or 10th Street (lifeguard tower, good people-watching)
• Swim, sunbathe, or walk the shoreline

Lunch (beachfront or nearby)

• Puerto Sagua (700 Collins Ave) — Cuban food, local favorite, $12-18
• 11th Street Diner — retro diner, burgers $14-16
• News Cafe (Ocean Drive) — touristy but good location, $15-22

Evening (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Sunset at South Pointe Park

• Walk south from Lummus Park (20 minutes) or Uber/bike ($5)
• Best sunset viewing: 6:00-7:30 PM (varies by season)
• Watch cruise ships departing from Port of Miami

Dinner Options

• Joe’s Stone Crab (if visiting Oct-May, closed May-Oct) — iconic, expensive ($40-70), reservations essential
• Carbone (upscale Italian, $50-80 per person)
• Big Pink (casual American, $15-25, huge portions)

Optional Nightlife

• Mango’s Tropical Cafe (Ocean Drive) — live music, salsa dancing, touristy but fun
• Rooftop at The Broken Shaker (Freehand Miami) — craft cocktails, chill vibe
• LIV at Fontainebleau — mega club (expensive, dress code, expect $50+ cover)

💰 Day 1 Budget:

• Beach chair rental: $30
• Meals: $40-60
• Optional tours/nightlife: $0-100
• Total: $70-190

👉 Best area to stay: South Beach hotels — walkable to everything on Day 1

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🎨 Day 2 – Wynwood & Design District

Theme: Street art, culture, trendy dining, nightlife

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Wynwood Walls (free outdoor museum)

• Location: 2520 NW 2nd Ave
• Best time: 9:00-10:00 AM (fewer crowds, better photos)
• Massive murals by international street artists
• Murals change annually — always something new
• Allow 1-1.5 hours to explore properly

Wynwood Neighborhood Walk

• Wander north/south on NW 2nd Avenue
• Every building is art — literally painted warehouses
• Instagram spots: Wynwood Walls main entrance, “Good Vibes Only” mural (NW 26th St)

Coffee Break

• Panther Coffee (local roaster, $5-7)
• Zak the Baker (excellent pastries, $4-8)

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Miami Design District (15-minute Uber from Wynwood, $8-12)

• High-end shopping: Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton
• Even if not shopping, walk around — architecture is stunning
• Museum Garage (parking structure designed by 5 architects — looks wild)
• Institute of Contemporary Art (free admission!) — modern art museum

Lunch

• Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Greek/Turkish, outdoor garden, $18-30)
• Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (farm-to-table, $20-35)
• Kush Wynwood (burgers & craft beer, $15-22)

Evening (5:00 PM – Late)

Return to Wynwood for Dinner & Nightlife

• Wynwood transforms at night — everything lights up

Dinner Options

• KYU (Asian BBQ, trendy, reservations needed, $25-40)
• Coyo Taco (street tacos, casual, $12-18)
• Alter (upscale, tasting menu, $60-90)

Nightlife

• Wynwood Brewery (craft beer, outdoor seating)
• Gramps (dive bar vibe, live music, DJs)
• Wood Tavern (rooftop bar, good cocktails)
• Bar hop along NW 2nd Avenue — everything is walkable

💰 Day 2 Budget:

• Transport (Uber/Lyft): $20-30
• Meals: $50-80
• Drinks/nightlife: $30-60
• Total: $100-170

👉 Great for: Art lovers, Instagram content, nightlife fans
👉 More to explore: Things to do in Miami

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🌶️ Day 3 – Little Havana & Downtown Miami

Theme: Cuban culture, food, waterfront views

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

Little Havana — Calle Ocho Walk

• Start: SW 8th Street & SW 13th Avenue
• Cuban coffee stop: Versailles Restaurant (iconic, $2-4 for café con leche)
• Grab pastelitos (guava & cheese, $2-3)

What to See:

• Ball & Chain (historic bar, open during day for photos)
• Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park) — watch locals play dominoes
• Cuban Memorial Boulevard — monuments honoring Cuban history
• Little Havana Cigar Factory — watch cigars being hand-rolled ($15 tours available)

Walk the neighborhood (1-1.5 hours)

• Colorful murals, Latin music playing from shops
• Tower Theater (historic Art Deco cinema)

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

Lunch in Little Havana

• Versailles (iconic Cuban restaurant, $12-20)
• El Exquisito (local favorite, $10-15)
• Doce Provisions (modern Cuban brunch, $15-25)

Head to Downtown Miami (15-minute Uber, $10-15)

Bayside Marketplace

• Outdoor shopping mall on the waterfront
• Not high-end shopping — touristy but good location
• Free live music most evenings

Optional Boat Tour

• Biscayne Bay Cruise: $30-40, 90 minutes
• See “Millionaire’s Row” (celebrity mansions)
• Views of Port of Miami, Miami skyline

Alternative: Skip Bayside, visit Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) instead

• Contemporary art museum
• Admission: $16 adults
• Great waterfront location, outdoor terraces

Evening (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Dinner by the Waterfront

• Zuma (Brickell, upscale Japanese, $50-80)
• Area 31 (rooftop, seafood, $35-55)
• Casadonna (Italian, trendy, $30-50)

Night Skyline Views

• Walk along Brickell Avenue — Miami’s financial district lights up beautifully
• Or grab drinks at Sugar rooftop (40th floor, 360° views, $15-20 cocktails)

💰 Day 3 Budget:

• Transport: $20-30
• Meals: $40-70
• Boat tour (optional): $30-40
• Total: $90-140

👉 Cultural & food-focused day
👉 Full guide: Miami Travel Guide

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🌿 Day 4 – Everglades OR Beach Escape Day

Choose based on interests:

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Option 1: Everglades Day Trip (Nature & Wildlife)

Best for: Animal lovers, adventure seekers, first-time Florida visitors

Half-Day Airboat Tour (4-5 hours total)

• Pickup time: 8:00-9:00 AM from Miami hotels
• Duration: 3-4 hours (includes transport + 1-hour airboat ride)
• Cost: $60-90 per person (book online in advance)
• What you’ll see: Alligators (guaranteed), birds (herons, egrets), sawgrass marshes

Recommended Tours:

• Everglades Safari Park — closest to Miami (40 minutes drive)
• Gator Park — smaller, more authentic
• Official Everglades National Park tours — best for serious nature lovers (further drive, 1.5 hours)

What to Bring:

• Sunscreen (no shade on airboats!)
• Sunglasses
• Camera/phone with good zoom
• Light jacket (airboats are windy even in summer)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes are real)

Return to Miami: 1:00-2:00 PM

Afternoon Back in Miami:

• Relax at hotel pool
• Late lunch in Coconut Grove (15 minutes from Everglades)
• CocoWalk for shopping/dining

💰 Everglades Day Budget:

• Tour: $60-90
• Meals: $30-50
• Total: $90-140

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Option 2: Beach Escape (Relaxation & Water Sports)

Best for: Beach lovers, wanting less touristy spots than South Beach

Choice A: Key Biscayne (20 minutes from Miami)

Why go:

• Less crowded than South Beach
• Beautiful clear water (better snorkeling)
• Family-friendly

What to do:

• Crandon Park Beach — ranked top 10 US beaches, calm shallow water
• Rent kayaks or paddleboards ($25-40/hour)
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — historic lighthouse, nature trails

Where to eat:

• The Rusty Pelican — waterfront seafood ($25-45)
• Boater’s Grill — casual beachside ($12-20)

Getting there: Rent a car (parking $8-10) or Uber ($15-25 each way)

Choice B: Miami Beach (North End) (Free, close to hotels)

Why go:

• Free, close, no car needed
• Quieter than South Beach

Where:

• 46th-63rd Streets — locals’ favorite stretch
• Surfside Beach (90th-96th Streets) — very quiet, residential

What to do:

• Beach clubs: Nikki Beach ($50+ day pass) or Soho Beach House (members only, but beach is public)
• Rent jet skis ($80-100/30 min)
• Beach volleyball courts (free)

💰 Beach Day Budget:

• Car rental (optional): $50-70
• Beach gear rentals: $30-50
• Meals: $30-60
• Total: $60-180

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👉 Renting a car makes Day 4 easier: Compare car rentals in Miami

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🌅 Day 5 – Relax, Shop & Depart

Theme: Leisurely morning, last-minute shopping, departure

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Sleep In

• No alarm clock needed
• Miami mornings are beautiful — enjoy the slower pace

Final Beach Visit or Pool Time

• Quick dip at South Beach (2-3 hours)
• Or relax at your hotel pool if afternoon flight

Brunch Options

• Greenstreet Cafe (Coconut Grove, outdoor seating, $15-25)
• Yardbird (Miami Beach, Southern comfort food, $18-30)
• OTL (Brickell, Argentinian brunch, $20-35)
• The Local House (South Beach, casual, $12-20)

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

Shopping Time

Lincoln Road Mall (South Beach)

• Outdoor pedestrian mall
• Mix of chains (H&M, Zara, Apple) and local boutiques
• Street performers, cafes

Brickell City Centre

• Indoor/outdoor luxury mall
• Air-conditioned (nice if it’s hot)
• Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, etc.

Bal Harbour Shops (if you have time, 20 min north)

• Luxury: Gucci, Chanel, Hermès
• Beautiful outdoor setting

Last-Minute Sightseeing (if not shopping)

• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — European-style mansion ($25 entry, allow 2 hours)
• Coconut Grove — charming neighborhood, good for wandering

Departure (4:00 PM+)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

• From South Beach: 20-30 minutes (no traffic), 45-60 minutes (rush hour 4-7 PM)
• Uber/Lyft: $20-35
• Rental car return: Follow airport signs, allow 30 min extra for shuttle to terminal

Airport Tips:

• Arrive 2 hours early for domestic, 3 hours for international
• Security wait: 15-45 minutes depending on time
• TSA PreCheck/CLEAR lanes available

💰 Day 5 Budget:

• Brunch: $20-35
• Shopping: $0-500 (your call!)
• Airport transport: $20-35
• Total: $40-570

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🏨 Where to Stay for a 5-Day Miami Trip

Location matters for a 5-day itinerary. Here’s where to base yourself:

🥇 South Beach (Best for First-Timers)

Why stay here: ✅ Walking distance to beach, Ocean Drive, nightlife
✅ Most “Miami” atmosphere
✅ Don’t need a car for Days 1-2

Cons:
❌ Most expensive area
❌ Parking is terrible ($35-50/night if you rent a car)
❌ Can be loud at night (especially on weekends)

Hotel picks:

• Budget: Freehand Miami ($80-150/night) — hostel/hotel hybrid, rooftop bar
• Mid-range: Z Ocean Hotel ($150-250) — Art Deco, beachfront
• Luxury: The Setai ($400-800) — ultra-luxe, private beach service

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🥈 Brickell (Best for Modern Vibe)

Why stay here: ✅ Central location (easy access to all neighborhoods)
✅ Modern high-rise hotels
✅ Better value than South Beach
✅ Walkable restaurants, bars, shops

Cons:
❌ Not on the beach (15-20 min Uber to South Beach)
❌ Less “Miami vibe,” more business district

Hotel picks:

• Budget: YVE Hotel ($120-180) — boutique, rooftop pool
• Mid-range: EAST Miami ($180-300) — stylish, great rooftop
• Luxury: Four Seasons Brickell ($350-600) — full service

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🥉 Downtown Miami (Best for Budget)

Why stay here: ✅ Cheapest area
✅ Close to Bayside, museums
✅ Good public transport access (Metromover is free!)

Cons:
❌ Least exciting neighborhood
❌ Need Uber/car to reach beaches and trendy areas
❌ Can feel empty at night

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👉 Full guide: Where to Stay in Miami — neighborhood breakdowns, hotel recommendations, budget tips

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🚗 Getting Around Miami (5-Day Trip)

Do You Need a Car?

YES, rent a car if:

• Doing Everglades day trip (Option 1 on Day 4)
• Visiting Key Biscayne (Option 2A on Day 4)
• Want flexibility/freedom
• Traveling with family (cheaper than multiple Ubers)

NO car needed if:

• Staying in South Beach entire time
• Comfortable using Uber/Lyft ($15-30 per ride average)
• Booking Everglades tour with hotel pickup
• Sticking to walkable neighborhoods

Transportation Options:

Method	Cost	Best For
Uber/Lyft	$10-35 per ride	Most flexible, no parking hassle
Car rental	$50-70/day + $35-50 parking	Day trips, families, freedom
Citi Bike	$5/30 min or $20/day	South Beach, short distances
Metromover	FREE	Downtown only (limited use)
Trolley	FREE	Coral Gables, Wynwood routes

Parking costs in Miami:

• South Beach hotels: $35-50/night
• Brickell hotels: $25-40/night
• Street parking South Beach: $3-5/hour (meters), hard to find
• Garages: $10-25/day

👉 Compare prices: Car rentals in Miami

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🌤️ Best Time to Follow This 5-Day Itinerary

✅ Best Months: November – April

Weather:

• Temps: 70-85°F (perfect!)
• Low humidity
• Minimal rain
• Best beach weather

Cons:

• Most expensive (peak season)
• Hotels $200-400/night
• More crowded

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✅ Good Alternative: May & October

Weather:

• Warming up (May) or cooling down (Oct)
• Still mostly dry
• 80-88°F

Pros:

• Cheaper hotels ($120-250/night)
• Fewer crowds
• Good deals on flights

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⚠️ Hot & Humid: June – September

Weather:

• HOT (88-95°F)
• Very humid (feels like 100°F+)
• Daily afternoon thunderstorms (brief, 30-60 min)
• Hurricane season (June-Nov, peak Aug-Oct)

Pros:

• Cheapest hotels ($80-180/night)
• Locals’ secret: mornings are still beautiful
• Pools/beaches less crowded

Cons:

• Can be uncomfortably hot
• More rain
• Potential hurricane disruptions

Best months overall: March, April, November, December

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💰 Total 5-Day Miami Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveler ($800-1,200)

• Hotels: $400-600 (budget options, 4 nights @ $100-150)
• Food: $200-300 ($40-60/day, mix of cheap eats & mid-range)
• Transport: $100-150 (Uber/Lyft, no car rental)
• Activities: $100-150 (free beaches, one paid tour)

Mid-Range Traveler ($1,500-2,500)

• Hotels: $800-1,200 (mid-range, 4 nights @ $200-300)
• Food: $400-600 ($80-120/day, nicer restaurants)
• Transport: $200-300 (car rental or lots of Ubers)
• Activities: $100-400 (boat tour, Everglades, nightlife)

Luxury Traveler ($3,000-6,000+)

• Hotels: $1,600-3,200 (luxury, 4 nights @ $400-800)
• Food: $800-1,200 ($160-240/day, fine dining)
• Transport: $300-500 (car rental + valet parking)
• Activities: $300-1,000 (VIP clubs, private tours, spa)

Not included: Flights, shopping, souvenirs

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❓ 5-Day Miami Itinerary FAQs

Is 5 days too much for Miami?

No — 5 days is ideal for a relaxed pace. You can explore beaches, neighborhoods, nightlife, and day trips without rushing. Some travelers find 3 days enough if skipping Everglades/Keys, but 5 days is the sweet spot for first-timers.

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Do I need a car for this itinerary?

Not essential for Days 1-3 (South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana work with Uber).
Helpful for Day 4 if doing Everglades or Key Biscayne.
Budget: Car rental $50-70/day + $35-50 parking vs Uber $80-120 total for 5 days. It’s close — depends on your flexibility preferences.

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Can I combine this with the Florida Keys?

Yes! Two options:

Option 1: Replace Day 4 Everglades with Day trip to Key Largo (1 hour drive)

• Snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park
• Drive back same day

Option 2: Extend to 7-8 days total

• Follow this 5-day itinerary
• Add 2-3 days in Key West (3.5-hour drive from Miami)
• See our Miami to Florida Keys road trip guide (coming soon)

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What if it rains?

Miami rain is usually brief afternoon thunderstorms (30-60 minutes). Wait it out at a café.

Rainy day backups:

• Swap beach days with Wynwood (galleries are covered)
• Visit Pérez Art Museum (indoor)
• Go shopping at Brickell City Centre (air-conditioned mall)
• Museum day: Vizcaya, Frost Science Museum, Bass Museum

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Is Miami safe for tourists?

Generally yes, but use common sense:

Safe areas: South Beach, Brickell, Wynwood, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove
Be cautious: Downtown Miami at night (empty streets), Liberty City, Overtown, parts of Little Haiti
Tips: Don’t leave valuables in rental cars, avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas, use Uber instead of walking long distances after dark

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Best area to stay for families?

Key Biscayne or Coconut Grove — quieter, family-friendly beaches, less nightlife chaos than South Beach.

Or: North Miami Beach (Surfside area) — calmer water, cheaper hotels, still close to attractions.

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Can I do this itinerary without speaking Spanish?

Yes! English is widely spoken everywhere. Little Havana has more Spanish, but tourist spots all have English-speaking staff. Knowing basic Spanish (“Hola,” “Gracias”) is appreciated but not required.

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🔗 Related Miami Guides

Planning your trip:

• 📍 Complete Miami Travel Guide — attractions, neighborhoods, when to visit
• 🏨 Where to Stay in Miami — neighborhood breakdowns, hotel picks
• ✈️ Flights to Miami — airports, booking tips, transport from MIA
• 🚗 Car Rentals in Miami — when you need a car, where to rent

Other Miami itineraries:

• 🌴 2-4 Day Miami City Break — weekend getaway version
• 🏖️ Miami Beach Guide — best beaches, where to stay
• 🎨 Wynwood Art District Guide — street art, galleries, nightlife

Nearby destinations:

• 🌊 Florida Keys Road Trip — Miami to Key West itinerary
• 🌿 Everglades Day Trip — tour options, what to expect
• 🏝️ Fort Lauderdale — 30 minutes north of Miami

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📝 5-Day Miami Packing List

Don’t forget:

• ☀️ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Florida sun is strong!)
• 🕶️ Sunglasses + hat
• 👙 Swimsuit(s) — bring 2 so one can dry
• 🩴 Flip-flops for beach, sandals for walking
• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk 5-8 miles/day)
• 👗 Outfit for nice dinner (one upscale restaurant night)
• 💳 Credit card (most places don’t take cash)
• 🔌 Phone charger + portable battery pack
• 💊 Bug spray (for Everglades day)
• 🧴 Aftersun lotion/aloe

Leave at home:

• ❌ Heavy jackets (even in winter, temps rarely below 65°F)
• ❌ Too much cash (cards work everywhere)

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🎯 Save This Itinerary

Print-friendly checklist:

1. Day 1: South Beach & Art Deco
2. Day 2: Wynwood & Design District
3. Day 3: Little Havana & Downtown
4. Day 4: Everglades OR Beach Day
5. Day 5: Relax & Depart

Pin to Pinterest | Email to travel buddies | Save to Google Drive

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Questions about this 5-day Miami itinerary?
📧 Email us: info(@)usatripvibe.com

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Content Team: USAtripvibe

Last Updated :

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