Weekend in Miami for Couples (Top Things to Do in 3 Days)

A weekend in Miami for couples offers the perfect mix of beaches, colorful neighborhoods, great food, and lively streets. There’s plenty to see and do in just three days, and this itinerary covers the top spots, experiences, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.

Start your weekend in Miami for couples with a morning at South Beach. This is the best time to visit because the temperatures are cooler, the crowds are lighter, and parking is much easier than later in the day.

The beach is wide and clean, the water is usually calm in the mornings, and the colorful lifeguard towers make great photo spots.

PRO TIP: If you prefer a quieter stretch of sand, walk north of 10th Street or toward the southern end near South Pointe. The central area along Ocean Drive gets busy quickly, especially on weekends.

South Beach offers countless places to eat, but a few stand out.

The Local House is just a short walk from the beach and serves fresh seafood and salads in a quieter setting. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is known for modern Southern comfort food, though reservations are a good idea on weekends. Joe’s Stone Crab is a Miami classic and especially worthwhile during stone crab season, which runs from mid-October to mid-May.

If you prefer something easy and casual, there are plenty of cafés along Collins Avenue between 5th and 15th Streets where you can grab sandwiches, bowls, or smoothies and head right back to the beach.

After lunch, make your way to South Pointe Park at the southern tip of Miami Beach.

This is one of the most scenic areas in the city, with wide walking paths, open lawns, and views of the ocean, Fisher Island, and the ships moving in and out of PortMiami. The South Pointe Pier, located just next to the park, gives you a good vantage point perfect for photos.

South Pointe is one of Miami’s best sunset locations! On clear evenings, the sky often turns beautiful shades of orange, pink, and gold. You can watch from the pier, the grassy hill, or the southern stretch of the beach, all of which are great spots.

If you want to finish the day with a nice dinner, several excellent restaurants are within a short walk or quick ride. Smith & Wollensky sits directly on the waterfront and offers outdoor seating with views of the passing cruise ships. Joe’s Stone Crab is another strong choice for seafood, especially if you haven’t visited earlier in the day. Prime 112 is known for its steaks and modern atmosphere, though reservations are a must. Or, try Juvia, located on a rooftop with stunning views. It offers a fusion of French, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisine.

For something more relaxed, South of Fifth has casual spots like Pura Vida and Planta, which are good options if you prefer a quieter evening.

Begin Day 2 with a visit to Wynwood, Miami’s famous arts district known for its large-scale murals and constantly changing street art.

The area is easy to explore on foot, and mornings are the best time to visit before the crowds and heat build.

Wynwood Walls is the main highlight, featuring work from well-known international artists. It requires paid admission, but the quality and density of the murals make it worthwhile.

Outside the Walls, the surrounding streets are filled with independent murals, small galleries, cafés, breweries, and local shops.

From Wynwood, drive about fifteen minutes to Little Havana, Miami’s cultural center for Cuban food, music, and traditions. The best area is on Calle Ocho, where you’ll find cigar shops, bakeries, restaurants, and the famous Domino Park.

Versailles is the most iconic stop for Cuban pastries, croquetas, and strong Cuban coffee. Or, check out my favorite Porto’s Bakery.

Across the street, La Carreta is another reliable choice for traditional dishes like ropa vieja, lechón asado, and Cuban sandwiches. Expect lines during lunch hours, but fast service.

As you explore, stop into a ventanita for a cafecito, watch the locals play dominoes, and browse small shops selling guayaberas, cigars, and Cuban crafts. The neighborhood is small and walkable, so an hour or two is often enough.

The best way to experience the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood is on a guided walking food tour. The Little Havana Food and Walking Tour is one of the best ones. It stops at some of the best family-owned and operated Cuban restaurants in the area. You will get to sample the local cuisine, like guava pastries, chicken plantain cups, and flan ice cream. Also, meet some of the local artists, watch skilled Cuban cigar rollers, and listen to traditional Cuban music.

After Little Havana, make your way to the Art Deco Historic District on Miami Beach. Walk Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue to see the pastel façades and classic 1930s architecture.

This area is compact and best explored on foot; if you’re interested in deeper history or architecture, then join a guided tour.  Miami Beach Art Deco Tour is the best. You will get to sip on signature cocktails as you learn about the people and events that shaped the district’s culture, including hurricanes, the mafia, nouveau riche entrepreneurs, and even the television show Miami Vice.

Leave the beach area and drive south to Coconut Grove. The Grove has shaded streets, small parks, and a relaxed, village-like feel.

If you want a formal visit, head to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens just east of Coconut Grove. The lavish villa showcases Mediterranean Revival architecture and lush gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay. You will probably need one to two hours to tour the villa and grounds.

End the day by watching the sunset and enjoying a relaxed drink by the water. Miami has several good spots where you can sit back, take in the views, and unwind after a full day of exploring.

If you want a true beachfront setting, Nikki Beach sits at the southern end of South Beach and offers outdoor seating steps from the sand. It’s an easy place to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the shoreline.

For a classic marina sunset, Monty’s Sunset at the South Beach Marina is a favorite. It’s casual, right on the water, and known for its views as the sun drops behind the boats in the harbor.

If you prefer something quieter, Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard offers a calm bayfront setting on Belle Isle. It’s not on the beach, but it’s a good place for a laid-back drink with wide views across Biscayne Bay.

Begin your final day with a visit to Matheson Hammock Park, one of Miami’s most peaceful waterfront spots. It sits on Biscayne Bay and is known for its man-made atoll pool, a circular lagoon flushed naturally by the tide.

There are short walking paths along the water, picnic areas, and plenty of shaded spots to sit. On clear days, you can see the outline of downtown Miami across the bay.

PRO TIP: Matheson Hammock Park faces east, so it’s a good sunrise spot if you’re willing to start early.

If you want to spend a bit more time on the water, consider a Biscayne Bay boat tour. It’s a straightforward way to see the skyline, Star Island, and the southern end of Miami Beach from a different angle.

Two options worth considering:

Biscayne Bay Millionaires’ Row Sightseeing Boat Tour – you will get to see the downtown Miami skyline, the mansions of the rich and famous, the Venetian Islands, the Port of Miami, and Miami Beach.

Miami Sunset and City Lights Cocktail Cruise – this is a great sunset cruise where you get to see Miami’s spectacular nighttime skyline light up before you. You get 2 hours of relaxing music, unlimited drinks.

End the day with a waterfront dinner. Miami has several restaurants where you can eat outdoors with direct views of the bay or marina.

Smith & Wollensky – Located in South Pointe Park with views of the channel, Fisher Island, and the marina. It’s one of the best spots in Miami for watching the boats come through at sunset.

Red Fish Grill – Inside Matheson Hammock Park in a historic coral rock building. Good for those who prefer a quieter setting away from South Beach. Outdoor seating faces Biscayne Bay.

Where you stay in Miami can make a big difference in your trip. Your choice depends on whether you want budget-friendly, mid-range, luxury, or a quieter, family-friendly vibe.

Budget-Friendly Stays
If you’re looking to save, hostels and lower-cost hotels are starting around $25–$60 per night in areas like Mid‑Beach or Wynwood/Miami River. They’re clean, convenient, and a good base for exploring the city.
Top picks: Freehand Miami in Mid‑Beach has a pool, café, and social vibe, while Selina Miami River offers modern rooms, co-working space, and easy access to Wynwood’s art scene.

Mid-Range Hotels
For a mix of comfort and convenience without a big price tag, neighborhoods like Downtown, Brickell, Little Havana, or Mid‑Beach have hotels around $100–$250 per night. You’ll be close to transit, restaurants, and attractions.
Top picks: Aloft Miami Brickell has modern rooms and a rooftop pool near restaurants, and Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables offers a quiet neighborhood, spacious rooms, and a short drive to the beach.

Luxury / Miami Beach Experience
If you want the full South Beach experience—beaches, nightlife, and Art Deco charm—look for luxury hotels right on the sand.
Top picks: The Betsy South Beach is a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool in the heart of the Art Deco District. Fontainebleau Miami Beach is an iconic resort with multiple pools, restaurants, and ocean views.

Calm Neighborhoods
For a quieter stay, Coconut Grove, Brickell, or Key Biscayne offer a more residential feel while still giving easy access to beaches and city sights.
Top pick: The Mutiny Hotel in Coconut Grove offers spacious rooms, marina views, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.