How to Spend One Day in Miami: Best Things to Do, See & Eat
☀️ The Perfect 1-Day Miami Itinerary
Sun, sand, turquoise water, and unbeatable food — Miami, Florida has it all! Whether you’re squeezing in a quick visit before a business conference or adding a stop to your Florida road trip, this one-day Miami itinerary hits all the highlights so you leave feeling like you’ve truly experienced the Magic City.
🏨 Where to Stay in Miami
If you’re looking for a resort that feels like a tropical escape, we highly recommend the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. This luxurious property is perfect for couples, families, or business travelers who want resort-style amenities just minutes from Aventura Mall and top restaurants.
Resort Highlights:
Multiple on-site bars and restaurants
Resort-style pool with lazy river, slides, and surf simulator
Spacious rooms with private balconies
Championship golf course
Excellent conference facilities
Close to Aventura Mall and great dining options
Cons:
The only drawback is distance — it’s about a 45-minute drive to South Beach, so if nightlife is your focus, consider staying closer to Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue.
Poolside at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort
Alternative Options:
1 Hotel South Beach – chic and eco-luxury with ocean views
The Betsy Hotel – boutique stay with rooftop pool
Fontainebleau Miami Beach – iconic Miami glamour
☕ Morning: Coffee & Ocean Drive Exploring
Start your day with a quick coffee and breakfast at the on-site Starbucks (or a nearby local favorite like Panther Coffee) before grabbing an Uber down to South Beach.
Stroll along Ocean Drive — one of Miami’s most iconic streets — filled with pastel Art Deco architecture, boutique shops, and palm-lined sidewalks. If you’re into fitness or want a fun photo op, stop by Muscle Beach Miami, the outdoor gym made famous by locals and influencers alike.
Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive in Miami
🎨 Late Morning: Discover Miami’s Art Deco History
Next door to Muscle Beach, check out the Art Deco Welcome Center & Museum, where you can learn about Miami’s 1930s and 40s architectural boom. The district’s pastel hues and geometric details make it one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami.
👉 Fun Fact: Miami Beach’s Art Deco District is the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, with over 800 preserved structures!
🥘 Lunch: Authentic Cuban Cuisine at Havana 1957
When hunger strikes, grab a table at Havana 1957 on Ocean Drive — a top-rated spot for authentic Cuban food in Miami Beach.
Must-try dishes:
Ropa Vieja (shredded beef with rice and plantains)
Lechon Asado (slow-roasted pork)
Sampler platters for a taste of everything
Don’t miss their Coconut Mojitos — they’re legendary!
🏖️ Afternoon: Beach Time on South Beach
After lunch, head across Ocean Drive to South Beach — known for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and colorful lifeguard towers.
Whether you rent beach chairs or bring a towel, this is your time to relax and soak up the Miami sun. Beach vendors offer umbrellas, drinks, and gear rentals all along the shoreline.
Pro Tip: Walk north toward Lummus Park for the best photo spots and people-watching.
🍹 Evening: Rooftop Drinks & Dinner
After some beach time, head to 1 Hotel South Beach for sunset cocktails and appetizers at their rooftop bar. The panoramic views over the Atlantic are unbeatable.
Once the sun sets, make your way back toward Aventura for dinner. Here are a few can’t-miss Miami restaurants near your hotel:
🍴 Reunion Kitchen & Bar
A hidden gem serving upscale fusion dishes — every plate is an artistic masterpiece. Reservations recommended!
🍝 Joey Aventura
Trendy and modern with an energetic atmosphere and top-notch Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
🐟 Juniper on the Water
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, enjoy a peaceful dinner watching the boats drift by with a cocktail in hand.
Trying to figure out what to wear?
Miami is colorful, relaxed, fancy and unique all wrapped up in one! During the day, workout clothes or a swimsuit and cover up is a popular choice along the strip, while the nightlife brings out anything from your club wear to tropical chic. Here’s some of my choices for the few days we spent here!
🌅 Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Moment
Miami is a vibrant mix of culture, sunshine, and style — and even if you only have 24 hours, you can still experience its best highlights. From Ocean Drive and Art Deco buildings to Cuban cuisine and white sand beaches, this city knows how to make an impression.
Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return trip, Miami in a day is always worth it.