48 Hours in Miami Florida: Top Things to Do & See

Miami, the city where breakfast can be Cuban coffee, lunch is usually eaten on the beach, and a night out might even start at midnight.

Miami, the city where breakfast can be Cuban coffee, lunch is usually eaten on the beach, and a night out might even start at midnight. If you only have 48 hours in Miami, FL, don't freak out. This sun-kissed city manages to pack a wallop of art, nightlife, beach time, grub, and palm tree-driven drama into every nook and cranny. With only two days in the city, you can get a taste of the colorful neighborhoods, sample some incredible Latin-inspired food, and pretend like you've been hanging out on a yacht for years. This guide is here to show you the highlights of Miami in record time without needing a clone, a helicopter, or unlimited vacation days.

Day 1 mixes beach views, street art, local food, and evening rooftop dining in Miami itinerary.

Bistro Café calls home at 927 Alton Road in Miami Beach. They open up in the morning to get your day off to a good start with breakfast seven days a week. Their menu overflows with goodies such as avocado toast, fluffy omelets, fluffy pancakes, and a mean Cuban coffee. Plus, their interior is just as pretty as it sounds, think bright flowers and an airy feel.

If you prefer eating outside, you can grab a seat in their outdoor area, where you can soak up some sunshine. Service is counter service, but they do have table delivery if you want to sit back and relax.

They also whip up fresh juices and specialty lattes on the side, and the portions are generous, to say the least, so be prepared for a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Payment is cash or card, and it's a short drive from South Beach. Most folks spend about an hour here, and if you can make it before 9 AM, you'll avoid the peak breakfast crowds.

Address: 927 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Ocean Drive is the main drag along the eastern edge of South Beach. It runs alongside Lummus Park and the Atlantic Ocean, a pretty unbeatable view right there. You'll find some great preserved Art Deco buildings from back in the 1930s, and there's a path that runs alongside the road so you can take a stroll. If you prefer a different way to get around, there are bike rental stations just nearby, and you can rent through the city's bike program.

As you cruise along, you'll see some of the landmarks that South Beach is famous for, like those gorgeous pastel hotels and cafes, and there's a public beach access point in Lummus Park. Plus, the beach has those lifeguard towers scattered about.

The road has its own designated bike lanes, so you can feel safe as you ride by. Exploring this stretch usually takes about 90 minutes, but if you can do it in the morning hours, you'll avoid the crowds and the heat. There are even public restrooms in the park area for when nature calls.

Address: Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Naked Farmer has outposts in Wynwood and other parts of Miami, and they're all about using ingredients from the farm to make some tasty bowls. The menu is pretty simple; you can pick one of their pre-designed bowls or get creative and build your own with ingredients like sweet potatoes, chicken, rice, and all sorts of greens. They even use compostable packaging to reduce waste.

Indoors, it’s pretty simple, but you can grab a seat and enjoy your meal. When you order, you just plunk down at the counter before they start preparing your meal. On average, people hang around about 45 minutes, which is just enough time to refuel and get going. The Wynwood location is only about a 15-minute drive from South Beach, and parking is just a short walk away.

Address: 137 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, USA

Española Way, a historic pedestrian street in Miami Beach, really takes you back in time to the 1920s. This Mediterranean-style street is nestled between Washington Ave and Pennsylvania Ave, lined with all sorts of great places to eat and shop. You'll pretty much see restaurants and cafes spilling out onto the sidewalk on either side of the walkway, which is closed to traffic, so you can just stroll at your own pace.

The street's got charm, with pastel colors and arched windows on the buildings. It's just a 2-block stretch, but you could easily spend 45 minutes to an hour here taking it all in. Of course, being close to all the South Beach hotels and attractions means you can easily combine this with a day of sightseeing. Afternoon is a decent time to go; the crowds aren't too bad.

Address: Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Wynwood is a neighborhood just north of Downtown Miami that's famous for its massive street art murals. You can see some of the really good ones at the Wynwood Walls outdoor art museum, which is basically just a ticketed outdoor art gallery. They've got art from all over the world on display, and it's a real treat. Even if you don't go into the museum proper, you can take a stroll around the surrounding streets and see all the free public art on display, too.

The area's got loads of galleries, cafes, and shops to keep you entertained, and the pedestrian zones make it easy to get around on foot. Tours are available if you want to get the lowdown on the art and artists, or just take your time and soak it all in.

Address: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, USA

Giselle Miami is a rooftop restaurant in Downtown Miami that's a real treat. You can dine al fresco or head inside for a quieter meal; either way, the view of the city skyline is pretty spectacular. The menu's all Asian-inspired and seafood, so if that's your thing, you're in luck. Definitely book ahead of time, especially for dinner. The interior's all modern and sleek, with lounge-style seating and great lighting. Even if you do sit inside, the views are still pretty amazing. Average dinner time is about 1.5 hours, so not too long, just long enough to enjoy a meal. Dress code is smart casual to upscale, so dress up a bit! They've also got valet parking on site, which is always a bonus. If you're coming from Wynwood, it's only a 10-minute drive.

Address: 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Day 2 continues with Little Havana, Biscayne National Park, Frost Museum of Science, and waterfront meals among famous attractions in Miami.

Fiore Caffè Miami, in the heart of the Brickell area, is a pretty great spot for breakfast or coffee. They've got a menu full of all the good stuff: croissants, toast, eggs, pastries, sandwiches, and, of course, all the usual espresso drinks like cappuccino and iced coffee.

If you're lucky with the weather, you can even get a spot of outdoor seating, but there's always a comfy spot inside too, where you'll get the full table service treatment. Yeah, it's pretty popular among office folk and hotel guests around here. It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to grab a bite and maybe even chill out a bit before work gets underway.

Payment is easy as can be at the counter, and if you are in a rush to get moving, it's no problem; there are loads of parking spaces around (street or garage), and you're just a stone's throw from the main roads into Downtown. Early risers get the best of it; get there by 9, and you'll avoid the really busy rush hour lunch crowd.

Address: 121 NE 34th St, Miami, FL 33137, USA

Now you're off to Cuban Memorial Boulevard on Southwest Eighth Street, and you can't miss it, right in the heart of Little Havana. This stretch of road is all about celebrating Cuban history and those brave exile figures. Stand along the median there, and you'll see some pretty cool monuments and markers that tell the story of the place.

There's even a monument to Brigade 2506, pretty moving stuff. The palm trees and the landscaping really add to the atmosphere here, and there's a nice, wide sidewalk you can stroll on so you can take your time. You'll find plenty of options for a coffee or snack nearby, as the street's lined with those Little Havana cafes and shops.

You can easily spend a good 30 minutes to an hour wandering along here, and your own car, a taxi, or even an Uber will get you there in no time.

Address: SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA

Last stop is Crazy About You, a pretty great restaurant in the Brickell district right on Brickell Bay Drive. You can get stuck into some real food: salads, burgers, pasta, seafood, and even a mean steak.

The indoor seating is nice, but the real treat is sitting out on the terrace and enjoying your lunch and the view of Biscayne Bay. Table service is on hand, of course, and the place is pretty popular, so you might want to think about booking ahead on a busy weekday.

Most people tend to grab a bite and then be gone; an hour or so is about the right time. Parking isn't a problem; paid or valet options are right on hand. They've also got some pretty tempting desserts and coffee drinks on the menu, and payment is easy as pie.

Address: 1155 Brickell Bay Dr #101, Miami, FL 33131, USA

Biscayne National Park is situated just a short drive south of Downtown Miami. The park itself protects all sorts of amazing features: coral reefs, little islands, and bay waters. To be honest, the bulk of the park is actually underwater. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located in Homestead, where you can find all sorts of exhibits explaining marine life and park history.

When you get there, you can even book a scheduled boat tour that departs from the visitor area. If organized boat tours aren't your thing, they also offer kayaking and snorkeling programs seasonally.

If you are driving from Brickell, you can expect the journey to take around an hour, though that can, of course, depend on traffic. It's a good idea to check the tour times before you arrive so you don't miss out on anything. There are restrooms and a parking lot at the visitor center, which is handy.

Address: 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, USA

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is situated in the heart of Downtown Miami at Museum Park. When you go in, you'll find yourself surrounded by a planetarium, aquarium, and all sorts of science exhibits. The Gulf Stream Aquarium is pretty impressive, with multiple viewing levels.

The planetarium itself uses a massive 67-foot dome screen. The exhibits cover all sorts of topics: space, physics, weather, and biology. There are timed shows throughout the day, but you will need to have a ticket to get in.

The good news is that it's only about a 20-minute drive from Biscayne National Park, assuming you don’t get caught in any bad traffic. People usually spend 90 minutes to two hours in the museum before moving on. You can get around the building using elevators and ramps. There is also a gift shop and café on site.

Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Marabú Restaurant is tucked away in Brickell City Centre in Miami. It specializes in all sorts of delicious Cuban dishes: ropa vieja, croquetas, seafood, grilled meats, the list goes on. Cuban coffee and desserts are also on the menu, of course. If you like, you can sit in the stylish modern dining room.

Just be aware that on evenings and weekends, it's always a good idea to book in advance, just in case. The restaurant is really close to the Frost Museum of Science, so you can easily get there without having to worry about getting a cab.

There are also parking garages nearby for all visitors to Brickell City Centre. Most people spend about 90 minutes over dinner. They accept card payments, and the location makes it easy to pop out and get some shopping or transit done before or after dinner.

Address: 701 S Miami Ave Suite 422, Miami, FL 33131, USA

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