Planning a trip to Miami - first time

Question

Hello,

We are planning a trip to Miami with a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas in the last week of November/First week of December. We are thinking of 10 days right now. We would like to explore beaches, national parks and anything else that first timers do. Any suggestions for accommodation location and trip itinerary will be most appreciated. If public transport is good enough we can use that but don’t mind renting a car if we need to.

Thanks

Answer

For a first-time trip to Miami with a 3-day Bahamas cruise at the end of your visit, a 10-day itinerary gives you plenty of time to explore the beaches, national parks, and cultural highlights of the area. Your choice of accommodation will depend on whether you want to be close to the beach, nightlife, or have easy access to the cruise port.

Accommodation Recommendations:

South Beach / Miami Beach – Ideal for first-timers who want a classic Miami experience: beach access, trendy restaurants, and nightlife. Walking and public transport are good in this area, but parking and traffic can be challenging.
Downtown Miami / Brickell – Convenient for exploring cultural attractions, museums, and shopping, as well as closer to the cruise port. Less beach access but good for using Uber, Metromover, or Metrorail.
Key Biscayne / Coconut Grove – Quieter, more residential areas with beautiful beaches and parks. Ideal if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere and are renting a car.

Suggested 10-Day Itinerary:

Day 1-3: Miami Beach / South Beach – Relax on the beach, stroll along Ocean Drive, enjoy Art Deco architecture, and try local cafes. Optional activities: visit Lincoln Road Mall, Espanola Way.
Day 4: Everglades National Park – Take a day trip to explore the Everglades via airboat tours, wildlife spotting (alligators, birds), or short hikes. Renting a car is easiest for this trip.
Day 5: Biscayne National Park / Boat tour – Snorkeling or boating day trips to see coral reefs, mangroves, and marine wildlife. Many tours leave from Miami or Homestead.
Day 6: Little Havana & Wynwood – Explore Cuban culture in Little Havana (Calle Ocho, street art, coffee), then visit Wynwood Walls for street art and galleries.
Day 7: Key Biscayne – Enjoy Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, ideal for beach walking, picnics, and lighthouse visits.
Day 8: Shopping & Leisure – Explore Bayside Marketplace, Brickell City Centre, or Dolphin Mall for souvenirs, local crafts, and retail therapy.
Day 9-10: Cruise Preparation & Departure – Use the last day to relax, pack, and enjoy a final stroll on the beach. Stay near PortMiami for convenience to the cruise.

Transportation Considerations:

In South Beach, most areas are walkable, and Uber/Lyft are convenient.
For Everglades, Biscayne National Park, and Key Biscayne, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of access.
Public transport is limited for cross-city trips; buses and Metrorail cover some areas but can be slow compared to driving or ride-sharing.

In summary, for a first-time Miami trip, staying in South Beach or Downtown provides the best mix of beach, culture, and convenience, while renting a car for a few days will allow you to explore national parks and outlying areas comfortably. Balance your days with a mix of beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and outdoor excursions to make the trip memorable before your cruise.