Itineraries for Your Trip to Miami
3 Days in Miami for Families
Although you may not think of Miami as a place to visit with family, I love vacationing there with mine. My son adores this coastal destination—with its stretches of sandy beaches rolling along the salty Atlantic waters—as much as I do.
Miami is the perfect place to introduce kids to distinct types of cuisine, art, and culture. Who knew my son would love ropa vieja, a traditional Cuban shredded beef dish as much as I do? It’s now a tradition that we hit the beach, explore the city’s street art, and dine in Little Havana. Whether you’ve got teenagers, grandparents, or a baby in tow, here are the best things to do and see in Miami with your family.
Summer in Miami is hot and humid. Expect intense sun and occasional showers.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a day at the beach.
Miami is expansive and often congested with traffic. To explore several neighborhoods and sites in a day—like Wynwood’s art walls, the art deco of South Beach, and the culture of Little Havana—try a combination walking tour with transportation between neighborhoods by bus, which lets the kids cool off in air-conditioned comfort between stops.
Another iconic way to view Miami is by boat. On the water, you can see the city’s skyline and peek at gorgeous mansions along the coastline. From private sunset yacht cruises to Miami Vice-style speedboat tours, there’s a boating experience ideal for every family.
Introduce the family to Little Havana, Miami’s traditional Cuban neighborhood. From the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame to some of the city’s best ice cream, Little Havana has cultural attractions and food for the whole family. Azucar is my favorite for ice cream with signature Miami flavors like Key lime pie and Cuban coffee and oreo.
It’s not a trip to Florida without seeing an alligator. Take a trip to the lush UNESCO-listed Everglades National Park. Ride through this biosphere reserve on an airboat, keeping an eye out (but hands in) for turtles, deer, birds, and of course, gators.
Kids, teens, and adults alike love the beach. And with lots of sandy beachfront and several islands reachable by boat, you can spend the entire day, whether you want to play on the sand or do water sports. Some of Miami’s most popular beaches are South Beach, North Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach.
The Miami Zoo is the perfect place to see animals in cage-free environments. From big mammals to local swamp birds to tropical reptiles, there’s plenty to do and see for children of any age.
