Miami. Just the name makes one think of sunshine and beaches, Deco architecture, and the Latino beat. Three days are not many, but with some prior preparation one can easily get the taste and flavour of the city. Here is how you can work otherwise and get the most out of your day without burning out.
Day 1: Beaches, Boardwalks, and People Watching
If you’re wondering what Miami is famous for, then let us remind you that it is all about the beaches. South Beach can easily be said to be the most famous there, but it is not as simple as people make it to be. There are art deco lifeguard stands, ripped, glistening bodies of joggers by the Ocean Drive, and water temperature that will make you feel you are still in bed.
However, if the sun becomes unbearable then there is the boardwalk just right next to the park, where one can take a break and walk around. Pick up a beverage at one of the cafes and do not linger too much though, since people watching in Miami is always delightful. The people it attracts are heterogeneous, non-conventional, at times even confusing but everything fits in well. And of course, for those people who are having a direct flight to Miami airport – a well timed taxi Miami airport journey could get you to the sand within a very short time. A taxi is a great choice.
Day 2: The Art and Flavour of Wynwood
Wynwood is probably Miami’s art district as it also houses Miami’s raw side. It’s a district that lavishly features murals and graffiti, it seems as if each wall gives you a glimpse of its tales. An art lover one doesn’t have to be to enjoy this neighbourhood – all one needs is the ability to enjoy colours painted at the right places.
Around here, you’ll find no shortage of galleries, bars, and food trucks that will tempt you to linger longer than planned. The aromas of street food, mingling with the faint scent of spray paint, are enough to make anyone pause. And when you’ve finished strolling through the murals, there are trendy restaurants nearby serving cuisine from around the world. A little-known secret is Wynwood’s thriving coffee scene – a must-visit before you leave.
Still, it’s a place you’ll want to explore on foot, because driving through could feel like missing the point entirely. However, for those who prefer being driven, a car service, preferably pre-booked, with a taxi driver happy to avoid the artistic chaos of traffic, might be a decent option.
The Ever-Tempting Street Food
Street food in Wynwood isn’t your typical taco truck, although there are plenty of those. You’ll find gourmet fusion, fresh ceviche, and desserts that’ll make you rethink every meal you’ve ever had. But more than the food, it’s the atmosphere – loud, unpredictable, and strangely comfortable – that keeps people coming back.
Day 3: Little Havana’s Rhythms and Flavours
You could argue that Little Havana is more about Cuba than Miami itself, but that would miss the point. The neighbourhood is alive with history, yet feels like it’s still writing its own story. Start with a stroll down Calle Ocho, where you’ll find elderly men playing dominoes in the park and smells of strong coffee wafting through the air. Miami without Cuban coffee would be like a book missing its last chapter – unfinished and unsatisfying.
The food, you wonder? Well, the empanadas, guava pastries, chimichangas and fried plantains are worth the trip alone. Add a stogie shop or two, where you might see cigars hand-rolled in front of you, and it’s an experience for the senses. No fancy tours needed, just a keen sense of smell and a good appetite.
Before you leave, don’t forget the music. Cuban rhythms flow from nearly every bar, and even if dancing isn’t your thing, it’s hard to resist tapping your foot, if only to feel like part of the scene. If nothing else, it’s a nice finale to your three-day adventure.
Wrapping it Up – Miami in Three Days
Three days in Miami may feel like trying to eat a five-course meal in one sitting. But there’s a beauty in the chaos. From the sunlit beaches to the graffiti-clad walls of Wynwood, and the Cuban flavours in Little Havana, it’s a city with no shortage of things to do – or things to avoid, depending on your perspective.
Of course, before heading back home, making sure you’ve got your airport transfers sorted (because no one wants to rush back and miss their flight) is just common sense. Pre-booking a taxi with child seats, if you’re travelling with kids, makes life easier – little details like that can make or break a trip.
Miami isn’t perfect, but therein lies its charm. Or, well, whatever word people prefer nowadays. Three days is enough to dip your toes in the water, literally and figuratively, before moving on. Or maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with plans to return, long after your taxi takes you to the airport.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
