BEST THINGS TO DO & VISIT IN MIAMI
Things to Do in Miami for Cruise Passengers
Miami is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, and many passengers choose to arrive early or stay a little longer after their sailing.
With warm weather year-round and a lively atmosphere, the city is easy to enjoy even on a short visit.
Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, Miami offers a wide range of activities within easy reach of the cruise terminals. Waterfront areas near PortMiami, cultural neighborhoods, beaches, and shopping districts can all be reached quickly by taxi or ride-share.
From iconic spots like South Beach and Little Havana to downtown parks and bayside promenades, Miami works especially well for pre- and post-cruise exploration.
Below you’ll find a curated selection of things to do in Miami, specifically chosen for cruise passengers based on time available, location, and ease of access.
Quick Guide for Cruise Passengers
Things to Do Near the Port of Miami (Short Visits)
For cruise passengers with limited time before embarkation or after disembarkation, staying close to the port makes it easy to enjoy Miami without long travel times. Several popular attractions are located just minutes from PortMiami and work well for short visits of one to three hours.
Bayside Marketplace
Located directly across the causeway from the cruise terminals, Bayside Marketplace is one of the most convenient spots for cruise travelers. The waterfront complex offers restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and bay views, making it ideal for a relaxed pre- or post-cruise stop.
🚕 Travel time from Port of Miami: 5–7 minutes
Bayfront Park
Adjacent to Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park is a waterfront green space overlooking Biscayne Bay. It’s a good option if you want to stretch your legs, enjoy the views, or spend some quiet time outdoors before heading to the ship or airport.
🚕 Travel time from Port of Miami: 5–7 minutes
Pérez Art Museum Miami
For travelers with a bit more time, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) offers modern and contemporary art in a striking waterfront setting. The museum is well suited for a short cultural visit without venturing far from the port area.
🚕 Travel time from Port of Miami: 10–15 minutes
Why these attractions are convenient for cruise passengers:
These spots are located close to the cruise terminals and can be reached quickly by taxi or ride-share. They’re well suited for short visits and don’t require advance planning or long travel times, making them ideal for cruise passengers with limited time in Miami.
Best Things to Do with a Few Hours in Miami
If you arrive in Miami early or have a few hours after disembarkation, it’s still possible to experience some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods without committing to a full-day itinerary. The following spots are well suited for short visits and can be reached easily by taxi or ride-share from the cruise terminals.
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood is Miami’s most famous street art district, known for large-scale murals, galleries, and cafés. A short visit to Wynwood Walls gives you a strong sense of the neighborhood without needing to explore the entire area.
🚕 Approx. 15–20 minutes from the cruise terminals
Little Havana (Calle Ocho)
Little Havana offers a glimpse into Miami’s Cuban heritage, with cigar shops, coffee windows, street life, and music along Calle Ocho. Even a brief walk through the area provides a cultural contrast to the waterfront and downtown districts.
🚕 Approx. 15–20 minutes from the cruise terminals
Miami Design District (Optional)
For travelers interested in fashion, architecture, and contemporary art, the Design District is a compact area with luxury boutiques, public art installations, and modern cafés. It works well as a short stop rather than a full shopping excursion.
🚕 Approx. 15–20 minutes from the cruise terminals
Why these places work for short visits:
These neighborhoods are easy to reach by Uber or taxi and can be enjoyed in one to two hours without advance reservations. They’re ideal for cruise passengers who want a taste of Miami beyond the port area while keeping travel time and planning to a minimum.
Beach & Waterfront Experiences Before or After a Cruise
These beach and waterfront experiences are best suited for cruise passengers who have half a day or more available either before embarking or after disembarking. Travel times are longer than for attractions near the cruise terminals, so these options work best if you’re staying in Miami at least one night outside your cruise schedule.
South Beach & Ocean Drive
South Beach is Miami’s most iconic beachfront area, known for its wide sandy beaches, Art Deco buildings, and lively atmosphere along Ocean Drive. A walk along the beachfront or a short stop on Ocean Drive gives a classic Miami experience, even without spending an entire day.
🚕 Reaching South Beach usually takes 25–40 minutes by taxi or ride-share, and can take longer during busy periods.
Miami Beach Boardwalk
The Miami Beach Boardwalk stretches along the coastline from South Beach northward, offering ocean views, beach access, and a more relaxed atmosphere away from the busiest streets. It’s well suited for a longer stroll, light dining, or simply enjoying the waterfront.
🚕 Allow 25–40 minutes by taxi or ride-share, depending on traffic conditions.
Key Biscayne (Optional)
Key Biscayne is a quieter island just south of Downtown Miami, popular for its beaches, parks, and calmer pace. It appeals to cruise travelers looking for a more relaxed waterfront experience away from the crowds of South Beach.
🚕 Travel times are typically 20–30 minutes, but can increase on weekends.
Important to know:
While these locations are among Miami’s highlights, they require more travel time than downtown attractions. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekends, so allowing extra buffer time is recommended when planning beach visits before or after a cruise.
Cultural & Museum Attractions in Miami
For cruise passengers interested in culture, architecture, or indoor activities, Miami offers several museums that can be visited comfortably in half a day. These attractions are well suited for travelers arriving a day early, staying after their cruise, or looking for an alternative to outdoor sightseeing.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya is a historic waterfront estate featuring European-style architecture, formal gardens, and views over Biscayne Bay. It’s one of Miami’s most distinctive cultural landmarks and works best if you have several hours available, as both the house and gardens take time to explore.
🚕 Allow 20–30 minutes by taxi or ride-share
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Located on the waterfront near Downtown Miami, PAMM focuses on modern and contemporary art with an emphasis on the Americas. Its central location and manageable size make it suitable for a focused museum visit without committing an entire day.
🚕 Approx. 10–15 minutes from the cruise terminals
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Optional)
The Frost Science Museum combines interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium overlooking Biscayne Bay. It’s a good option for families or travelers looking for an engaging indoor activity close to Downtown.
🚕 Typically 10–15 minutes by taxi or ride-share
Good to know:
Museum visits generally require more time than short downtown stops, especially during weekends or peak travel seasons. If visiting before embarkation, allow extra buffer time to account for traffic and entry queues.
Family-Friendly Things to Do Near Miami Cruise Port
Cruise passengers traveling with children often look for activities that are engaging, easy to reach, and suitable for different age groups. Miami offers several family-friendly attractions that work well if you arrive a day early or stay after your cruise.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is one of the largest open-air zoos in the United States and is home to hundreds of animal species in spacious, natural-style habitats. The zoo is best suited for families with a full half day available, as exploring the grounds takes time.
🚕 Allow 35–45 minutes by taxi or ride-share
Jungle Island
Jungle Island is an interactive wildlife park located closer to Downtown Miami. It offers animal encounters, shows, and outdoor activities, making it a popular choice for families who want a shorter visit without traveling far from the cruise port.
🚕 Typically 10–15 minutes by taxi or ride-share
Miami Seaquarium
Located on Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium focuses on marine life exhibits and educational shows. It’s an option for families interested in ocean wildlife, though travel time and crowds should be considered, especially on weekends.
🚕 Reaching the Seaquarium usually takes 20–30 minutes
Important for families:
These attractions are best planned on a non-embarkation day. Allow extra buffer time for travel, ticket lines, and rest breaks—especially if you’re visiting with younger children.
Nature & Outdoor Activities (If You Have a Full Day)
For cruise passengers combining their sailing with additional time in Miami, South Florida’s natural landscapes offer a very different experience from the city itself. These outdoor activities require a full day and advance planning, but they’re popular with travelers who want to explore beyond urban Miami.
Everglades Tours
Visiting the Everglades introduces you to one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States, known for wetlands, wildlife, and wide-open landscapes. Guided tours typically include transportation, park access, and time to explore key areas.
🚕 Expect 45–75 minutes of travel time each way, depending on the tour location
Airboat Rides
Airboat tours are one of the most well-known Everglades experiences, offering fast-paced rides through wetlands while spotting wildlife such as alligators and birds. These tours usually operate outside the city and are best booked in advance.
🚕 Travel time varies by operator, often 50–90 minutes from the cruise terminals
Important to know:
Everglades visits are not suitable for tight cruise schedules. They work best if you arrive in Miami at least one full day before your cruise or are staying overnight after disembarkation. Weather conditions, pickup times, and traffic can all affect timing.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
Miami is an easy city to explore, but cruise days follow a different rhythm than regular city travel. Timing, traffic, and logistics matter more when you’re boarding or leaving a ship. The tips below are based on real cruise departures and short stays around Port of Miami.
Timing Matters More Than Distance
Even attractions that look close on the map can take longer to reach during peak hours. Traffic around Downtown Miami, the PortMiami Tunnel, and Miami Beach can build quickly on embarkation mornings and weekends. Planning activities with realistic travel buffers reduces stress significantly.
Allow Extra Buffer Time on Cruise Days
When visiting Miami before or after a cruise, always plan with extra time in mind:
- Add at least 30–45 minutes buffer for any activity involving travel
- Avoid tightly scheduled plans on embarkation mornings
- Expect longer travel times between 8:00–11:00 AM, especially on weekends
A short Uber ride can easily double in time if traffic builds around the port.
Luggage Considerations
If you’ve already checked out of your hotel or disembarked from your cruise, luggage can limit what you’re able to do comfortably. Many attractions are walkable or outdoors, but museums, beach visits, and longer excursions work best if luggage storage is arranged in advance or your hotel can hold bags temporarily.
Ride-Share vs. Walking
While some Downtown locations appear walkable, walking to or from the cruise port is usually impractical with luggage due to heat, bridges, and traffic. Taxis and ride-share services are inexpensive compared to the stress saved, especially on cruise days.
From Our Experience
We’ve visited Miami multiple times before and after cruises, using different terminals and sailing schedules. Downtown and waterfront attractions were the easiest to combine with cruise days, while beach visits and Everglades tours worked best when we had a full extra day available.
The biggest mistake we see is trying to fit too much into embarkation day. Keeping plans simple and flexible almost always leads to a smoother start or end to a cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do Before or After a Miami Cruise
If you’re traveling with luggage, activities close to the port are the most practical, but only if you don’t need to carry bags with you. Places like Bayside Marketplace and Bayfront Park work well after dropping luggage at your hotel or using a luggage storage service. Carrying suitcases while sightseeing is generally not recommended.
Yes. Popular areas such as Downtown Miami, Brickell, Miami Beach, Wynwood, and Little Havana are commonly visited by cruise passengers. As in any large city, using ride-share services, staying in well-trafficked areas, and avoiding isolated streets is advised.
Miami Beach can be visited on cruise day if you have enough time and plan carefully. Travel times are longer than downtown attractions, and traffic can be unpredictable. It’s best suited for passengers arriving a day early or staying after their cruise rather than tight embarkation schedules.
Exploring Miami before a cruise is generally less stressful, as you’re not constrained by flight schedules or disembarkation timing. Post-cruise sightseeing is still possible but works best if you’ve arranged late flights or an overnight stay.
For short visits and outdoor attractions, advance booking is usually not necessary. Museums, Everglades tours, and family attractions are better booked ahead, especially during peak cruise season or school holidays.
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