While many people could spend days on end lounging poolside in Miami, others are only in town for a few days, or in my case 24 hours. So how do you spend 24 hours in Miami?

If you’re the type who likes to sunbathe you could easily spend a day soaking up the rays at the beach or poolside at the many hotels along the Miami beach strip.

But if you’re not that way inclined there’s still plenty to see and do in Miami in just one day.

24 Hours In Miami

I started my morning with a coffee at Freehand Miami in Bayshore Miami, my home for the night in the ‘middle’ part of Miami Beach.

I headed across the road for coffee #2 at Shepherd Artisan Coffee – this time going for an iced latte – which I take with me as I head to the beach, just minutes away.

I hit the Miami beach boardwalk, a wooden boardwalk running almost the full stretch on the beach. The boardwalk comes as a relief, as even in the morning the sand is already brutally hot on the feet.

Joining morning joggers and cyclists I make my way down the boardwalk to the Art Deco Historic District, about 30 minutes away.

Here I take breakfast on the balcony of the Carlyle hotel, one of the many art deco hotels that line this strip. All the hotels have beautifully preserved facades, in the art deco style, but with bright pastels that are unique to Miami.

Strolling through the historical art deco district and down to South Pointe Park Pier I take in the stunning views of the channel and Miami’s other island. Street cats and lizards make this part of the beach their home.

From here I grab and Uber to the mainland and central Miami, where I head to the Wynward Walls, an outdoor gallery in a hip industrial area. Wynwood is one of the city’s most happening districts. Murals, graffiti art, installations, and sculptures sit in stark contrast to the areas of construction in what is still a rapidly changing area.

 

 

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is the perfect location for lunch and cocktail with a view of the murals and street art. A colorful Tuna tartare and a flamingo cocktail are as colorful as the setting around me.

For a mid-afternoon pick me up Panther coffee is on-hand just a short walk away. Voted the best coffee in Miami this is the perfect spot for people watching.

Capping the evening off I head back to Freehand Miami, where the in-house bar Broken Shaker serves eclectic cocktails and delicious bites to eat poolside.

It’s the perfect end to a whirlwind 24 hours in the city where the heat is on all night.