Planning a Miami weekend getaway with friends? A Miami weekend may only last 48 hours, but the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime. The key to planning a perfect getaway in Miami is fitting in just the right mix of nature and fun city attractions. Here’s your guide to what to do in Miami for a weekend that everyone in your group will love!
A tour we think you'll love
1) Bring Your Weekend In Miami To The Next Level With A Miami Seaplane Tour
A seaplane tour brings you over the skyscrapers of downtown Miami to experience rare and sweeping views of South Florida! Whether you prefer to enjoy aerial views as you hover near the city or glide to remote natural landscapes, your Miami weekend getaway needs this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Miami Seaplane Tours invites you to hop aboard our world-class aircraft to experience a voyage with live narration and exhilarating views like no other. We’ve been offering the very best seaplane tours for tourists visiting South Florida since 1995! Here’s a look at our most popular seaplane tours in Miami:
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Ultimate Miami and Beaches Seaplane Tour – Soar above Miami’s stunning skyline and pristine beaches with this popular one-hour tour offering great views of Miami landmarks, lush green spaces, and the serene beauty of Biscayne Bay. The water is so clear you actually spot marine life from your seat!
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Miami Skyline Seaplane Tour – During this 30-minute tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Miami’s iconic skyline. The city’s most captivating buildings and architectural gems will be on full display from your vantage point.
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Big Cypress Seaplane Tour – Soar above 729,000-acre Big Cypress National Preserve to see a swampy wonderland that plays a crucial role in sustaining the neighboring Everglades and Florida’s marine estuaries. It’s common for our guests to spot wildlife from the sky!
Want to go farther? No problem! We also offer a wide range of seaplane tour itineraries that bring you to destinations throughout the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. You can even book longer excursions that include snorkeling, exploring remote islands, or dining at lovely oceanside restaurants.
Our experienced captains will cater to your every need to make this a true adventure of a lifetime! Explore Miami from the sky! Book your excursion with us today!
2) Enjoy Cuban Food And Culture In Little Havana
Nestled just a short walk away downtown and the Miami River in the heart of Miami, Little Havana is a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood. A street called Calle Ocho (8th Street) is considered the main artery of Little Havana.
This is where you’ll find restaurants and cafes serving authentic Cuban cuisine and coffee. The street is also lined with colorful murals and street art. Of course, you can’t fully explore the neighborhood without a stop at famed Domino Park to watch locals enjoy dominoes and chess matches.
Don’t Skip: Don’t miss the Bay of Pigs Memorial Monument inside Bay of Pigs Memorial Park, which honors the Cubans who worked with American forces during the Bay of Pigs invasion.
3) Visit The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum Of Science
Situated on four acres within Maurice A. Ferré Park (formerly Museum Park), this world-class museum consists of four separate buildings housing the Frost Aquarium, Frost Planetarium, North Wing, and West Wing.
Enjoy a campus-like layout that brings you on an unforgettable journey through multiple ecosystems. Visitors can learn about everything from the Florida Everglades to outer space.
Overwhelmed by the idea of fitting everything the museum has to offer into a single weekend in Miami? The crown of the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is the three-level Frost Aquarium that features a top deck called the Vista that showcases a Gulf Stream and 500,000 gallon aquarium.
4) Shop, Dine, And Explore At Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace offers iconic shopping and dining in the center of it all! This is the perfect place for a food tour that includes cherished waterfront cafes, elegant bistros, upscale restaurants, and familiar chain restaurants. You’ll even find a good array of cocktail bars serving up mojitos and margaritas made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
This epicenter for fun also has tons of upscale and mainstream shops and boutiques where you can shop for clothing, shoes, watches, and more for men and women. However, the highlight here has nothing to do with shopping or dining.
The big draw here for all ages is the iconic Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Climb inside one of the wheel’s 42 climate-controlled glass gondolas to enjoy stunning views of the Miami skyline from 200 feet in the air.
Good To Know: While mall hours are from 10 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, many bars and restaurants keep extended hours. Confirm ahead of time if you’re coming for a night of live music and drinks.
5) Experience One Of The World’s Only Outdoor Art Galleries
Wynwood Walls is Miami’s original street art museum. Opened in 2009 near the Miami Design District, Wynwood Walls features bold artwork from world-renowned muralists, graffiti artists, and fine artists. In total, the museum spans more than 80,000 square feet of walls.
Wynwood Walls is a must-visit for anyone spending a weekend in Miami. This vibrant outdoor art gallery bursts with colorful murals and creative energy that’s truly contagious. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a fun spot to snap some amazing photos, Wynwood’s ever-changing street art scene offers a unique glimpse into Miami’s cool, artistic soul. It’s a perfect place to explore, get inspired, and soak up the city’s creative vibe!
Good To Know: While this is an outdoor attraction, tickets are still needed to enter Wynwood Walls. In addition to traditional tours, guests can also book immersive experiences and art lessons.
6) Admire Art Deco Architecture In The Miami Beach Architectural District
Also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District and the Miami Art Deco District, this neighborhood is a U.S. historic district in Miami’s South Beach neighborhood. You may know it from popular culture as the neighborhood where Gianni Versace lived.
The Miami Art Deco district is famed for its vibrant colors and peppy architecture dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, the neighborhood contains more than 800 designated historic buildings from different eras. Highlights to enjoy while visiting South Beach to tour the neighborhood include:
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Lincoln Road – This 10-block pedestrian-only space consists of a promenade with shops, restaurants, and bars.
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Lummus Park – This 74-acre public urban park is bordered by Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to offering some of the best views of the city’s Art Deco skyline, it also provides access to a scenic 9-mile oceanfront promenade for walkers, joggers, and cyclists called the Miami Beachwalk.
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Villa Casa Casuarina – The former estate of Gianni Versace is now a boutique hotel with a restaurant that’s open to the public.
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Nikki Beach – Located on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, this famous eatery buffering the Art Deco District offers one of the most decadent meal experiences in the city! Choose from table service or cabana service. For a cheaper alternative, consider weekend brunch at Nikki Beach.
Pro Tip: Stumped on where to start with this South Beach gem? The Miami Design Preservation League offers daily walking tours by experienced local tour guides who provide historical information and architectural knowledge while also discussing the lore of the biggest mysteries and scandals of South Beach through the decades.
7) Take A Day Trip To Coral Gables
If you’re wondering what to do in Miami for a weekend just a few miles from downtown, consider a little trip to nearby Coral Gables. There’s nothing better than spending a long weekend with friends enjoying these gems:
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The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – This 83-acre oasis features peaceful trails, a butterfly exhibit, and diverse plant life.
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The Venetian Pool – This historic public swimming pool built in a coral rock quarry has been offering refreshment since 1924.
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The Coral Gables Merrick House – Explore the historic home of the city’s founder!
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Shops at Merrick Park – This outdoor mall offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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The Lowe Art Museum – Located on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, this museum offers an eclectic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.
Good To Know: If you’re not renting a car for your long weekend, you can get to Coral Gables using public transportation. From Miami International Airport (MIA), use the MIA Mover to get to the Miami Intermodal Center to hop on the Metrorail’s Orange. From there, you can use the free trolley service.
Visit Miami With Friends – Your Perfect Long Weekend Is Waiting
Miami is such a fun city to experience with friends! From the twinkling lights of the skyline to the clear, pristine waters of Biscayne Bay, there’s no shortage of wonders to explore. However, there’s only so much you can see by land.
That’s why Miami Seaplane Tours brings you in the air for unforgettable views of the skyline, water, surrounding islands, and more. There’s simply nothing like the feeling of salty, invigorating sea air against your skin as you look down at the bay!
Ready to see Miami from above? Book your seaplane tour today and discover why they call it the Magic City!
