A Guide to Your First 24 Hours in Miami

Miami is one of the most exciting, vibrant cities in the United States. Situated at the southern end of Florida, the sun shines on Miami for most of the year here. As a result, Miami has a laid-back, beachy vibe mixed with modern culture. There are plenty of quality hotel options in Miami, making it easy to linger here for days and get to know the city’s many faces. Get your bearings in this fun city and start planning your trip with this guide to your first 24 hours in Miami.

Image via Flickr by Mohmed Althani

Biscayne Bay Cruise

Biscayne Bay is the stretch of water that runs for about 35 miles along southern Florida’s Atlantic coast. The bay meets Miami and runs alongside the entire city, offering a unique way to view the best of the city.

Many companies operate cruises around the Biscayne Bay, with spectacular views of the skyline and running commentary about what you can see. These cruises usually last a couple of hours, making them perfect for getting your bearings on your first morning in Miami.

Wynwood Walls

An explosion of colour and one of the coolest spots in Miami, the Wynwood Walls are an urban graffiti project started in 2009. The visionary behind the project, Tony Goldman, wanted to revitalise the warehouses in the city’s Wynwood district. He commissioned artists from all over the city to breathe new life into the neighborhood.

The Wynwood Walls have showcased work from over 50 artists from around the world. The street art on display here rotates frequently, and it promotes emerging artists as well as established creatives. This is one of the best year-round, free things to see in the city, and it’s the perfect place to stroll around for an hour or two.

Image via Flickr by Phillip Pessar

Hit the Beach

As a coastal city, Miami has several long stretches of beach well within reach of downtown. One of the best sections of shoreline is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a place where you can catch some rays, bicycle, and windsurf. Spend the afternoon relaxing and taking in the beautiful natural scenery.

If you prefer a stretch of sand in Miami Beach, visit South Beach. This popular section of shoreline offers something for everyone, with family-friendly sections, shops and restaurants, gay-friendly parts, and more.

Little Havana

Since it’s so close to the Caribbean, Miami has a heavy Cuban influence. Little Havana is the ideal place to connect with Miami’s Cuban side, and it’s home to numerous bars and restaurants. Live music pulses through the area on most nights, making it one of the best places to spend a fun evening in Miami. Don’t forget to find a Cuban cigar shop here to try some of the world’s finest smokes.

From culture to history to beautiful sights, your first 24 hours in Miami will give you a solid grip on what this incredible city is all about. With things to see and do from dawn till dusk and beyond, you’ll enjoy a jam-packed day that you won’t soon forget.