Miami 3-day itinerary

Start early on South Beach — the sunrise over the Atlantic from the sand is golden. Walk the boardwalk from South Pointe Pier (where cruise ships pass close enough to wave at) north past the iconic lifeguard stands. Each one is painted in a different Art Deco color scheme. Breakfast at Big Pink on Collins Avenue — oversized diner plates, pancake stacks ($14), and a menu the size of a newspaper. Or grab a Cuban coffee and pastelito ($2) from any ventanita.

Walk the Art Deco Historic District — the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Ocean Drive gets the fame but Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue have more authentic gems. Espanola Way between 14th and 15th Streets is a Mediterranean village within the city — pink stucco buildings, string lights, and outdoor restaurant tables. Lunch at Havana 1957 on Espanola Way for Cuban sandwiches ($14). Visit the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum ($12) for design and propaganda art.

Ocean Drive comes alive at night — neon signs, thumping bass from every restaurant, and a constant parade of people and cars. Start with cocktails at The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami — one of the world's best bars, set in a hostel courtyard (cocktails $14–18). Then walk Lincoln Road Mall — a pedestrian shopping street with open-air restaurants and bars. For clubbing, Basement at the Miami Beach Edition (bowling + club + ice skating) or LIV at the Fontainebleau ($40–80 cover).

Uber to Wynwood — every wall is a canvas in this former warehouse district. Wynwood Walls ($12) is the curated centerpiece with works by Shepard Fairey, Retna, and other international artists. But the real treasure is the streets outside — NW 2nd Avenue from 21st to 29th Street is an open-air museum that changes constantly. Grab coffee at Panther Coffee ($5–7) — the roastery that helped kickstart Wynwood's transformation. Browse Wynwood Marketplace (weekends) for local designers.

Head to Little Havana on SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho). Start at Maximo Gomez Park where older Cuban men play dominoes — just watch respectfully. Walk past the cigar shops where hand-rollers work in the window. Stop at Azucar Ice Cream for their signature "Abuela Maria" flavor ($5) — guava, cream cheese, and Maria cookie. Lunch at El Exquisito — ropa vieja, black beans, and tostones ($14–18). End with a cafecito ($1) from Versailles' ventanita window.

Head to Brickell — Miami's financial district turned nightlife hotspot. Mary Brickell Village is an outdoor mall with restaurants and bars. Start with happy hour at Sugar at the EAST Hotel — a rooftop bar 40 floors up with Biscayne Bay views and Asian-inspired cocktails ($16–20). Then Brickell's growing cocktail scene: The Wharf has waterfront drinks on the Miami River, Blackbird Ordinary is a dark speakeasy with craft cocktails ($14), and Baby Jane has natural wines and small plates.

Drive or Uber across the Rickenbacker Causeway ($2.25 toll) to Key Biscayne. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park ($8 per vehicle) has one of the best beaches in the US — calm turquoise water, white sand, and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (1825). Rent a bike ($25/day) and ride the island's flat, palm-lined paths. The Lighthouse Cafe at the park serves Cuban sandwiches ($10) and cold beer with ocean views. Snorkeling off the seawall is surprisingly good.

Head to Coral Gables — "The City Beautiful" with Mediterranean Revival architecture, banyan tree-lined streets, and the Venetian Pool ($18) — a freshwater pool built from a coral rock quarry in 1924, fed by natural springs. Then Vizcaya Museum and Gardens ($25) — a 1916 Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay with formal gardens, grottos, and water features. It's one of the most beautiful estates in America. Lunch on Miracle Mile — Threefold Cafe for Australian-style brunch ($14–18).

Return to South Beach for one last sunset. Walk to South Pointe Park for the best vantage point — the sun sets over the Miami skyline while cruise ships glide past. Farewell dinner at Joe's Stone Crab on Washington Avenue (seasonal, Oct–May, expect a long wait or order takeout) or at Juvia on Lincoln Road — a rooftop restaurant combining Japanese, Peruvian, and French cuisine ($25–45 mains) with 360-degree views. One last mojito with sand between your toes.