The Ultimate Itinerary for a Weekend in Miami (& Blogger Round Up)
Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
When it comes to cities along the coast, Miami, FL has an allure like no other place in the country. From the warm climate, to the white sandy beaches, clear waterways and vibrant nightlife, Miami has a lot to offer for visitors looking for their dream vacation destination. Even just spending a few days in the city, you can make the most of your weekend and never run out of places to go and things to see.
If you’d like some help determining when to visit the area, be sure to check out our feature on The Key—Biscayne—Times to Hit the Waters. On the other hand, if you already have your trip scheduled and you’re ready to book your Miami boat rental, then read on for our ultimate itinerary for spending your weekend down south.
Sandbars
Any weekend in Miami wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to one of the region’s most popular sandbars. Without argument, most locals will name Haulover Sandbar as their favorite spot drop anchor and enjoy an afternoon. You can find this sandbar by heading towards North Miami Beach and then going just west of Haulover Beach Marina.
Be sure to pack a cooler, but you might also want to try one of the offerings from the “food boat.” To prepare yourself for this experience, be sure to read our feature on Sandbar Parties.
Dock and Dine
After the sandbar, you may find that you want to relax and enjoy some great food while also enjoying some nice waterside views. There are plenty of restaurants in South Florida where you can dock and dine. Staying local around the Miami area, we highly suggest Seaspice or Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish.
Heading just north to Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, there are even more options to explore. To check out all the area has to offer for restaurants along the water, read The Best of Dockside Dining in South Florida.
Island Hopping
Similar to the abundance of sandbars surrounding Miami, there are also a long list of islands to explore. Many of the local islands are actually home to residents—some whom hold celebrity status. For example, entertainment stars like Opray Winfrey and Julia Roberts are rumored to call Fisher Island home, while Jennifer Lopez and Matt Damon reside on the island of La Gorce.
If you’re in the mood for an adventure, we suggest island hopping around these locations:
- Fisher Island
- Indian Creek Island
- Key Biscayne
- La Gorce
- Venetian Islands
- Star Island
- Sunset Islands
Skyline Sunset
The Miami skyline is definitely a sight be seen from the water—particularly around sunset. Set your course to Biscayne Bay and secure your spot to take in the scenery just as the sun begins to fall on the horizon.
If you’d like to learn more about catching the sunset while out on the water, you’ll want to complete your research by reading our Sunset Cruising experience guide.
Of course, these are just some of the many activities you could add to your weekend itinerary. For a full rundown of the best places to see and best things to do in the Miami area, head over to our Miami Boating Guide.
Our Favorite Miami Travel Guides From Across The Web:
This is just a brief summary of some of our favorite things to do in Miami. Here are some of our favorite destination guides for your next trip to Miami:
MIAMIANDBEACHES.COM– Miami & Beaches provides a complete list of free vacation guides for every lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to spend your vacation at museums or exploring national parks, there is a guide for you.
FODORS.COM– Fodors is well known for its detailed travel guides, and their guide to Miami does not disappoint. This is one of the internet’s most complete lists of things to do, places to eat, and places stay while in Miami.
