Ideas to fill 2 days in Miami pre-cruise

[britincanada]

Hello,

 

We are flying into Miami 2 days before our cruise, arriving at 9.30 am. We have 2 days to fill in Miami - any suggestions?

 

We are staying at the Hotel Indigo Brickell (thank you IHG points!).

 

We will be there May 25th-27th. 

 

Thank you!

 

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Rent a car when you arrive at the airport and make a day trip to Everglades National Park. If your hotel offers parking, keep the rental both days and visit Biscayne National Park the second day. Or vice versa, since the Everglades are farther. Return the rental car before the 48-hr mark the morning of your cruise so that you're only charged for 2 days.

[TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail]

We will have a few extra days around that time & will take advantage of attractions around Brickell: Bayside Marketplace, Brickell City Center and Bayfront Park.  All of which are accessible for free on the Metro Mover a block or so from your hotel.
 

Also really want to try Versailles Restaurant (Cuban cuisine).  We may either do an Everglades tour or Key Biscayne.  Would love to go to Key West but it seems such a waste to spend half a day on a bus/driving.

[britincanada]

Thank you KingBoboftheNorth and TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail! Great suggestions!

[Capt_BJ]

there is SO much to see IN Miami you really don't need to go OUT of Miami to see things. True it is an option, heck driving to Key Largo and visiting Pennekamp for a snorkel trip is an easy option.

 

However I'd say if this is your first time to Miami, explore the city and that can easily be done via a 'hop on hop off' bus which will provide access ALL OVER the city https://www.bigbustours.com/en/miami/miami-routes-and-tour-maps ... OR use the FREE trolley service which is EXTENSIVE    https://www.miamigov.com/Transportation-Roadways/Trolley-Information/Get-Trolley-Information-Schedules-and-Maps  

 

Hit Bayside and take a boat tour around the fancy homes of Star Island. Visit Coconut Grove and see where the locals hang out. Hit Little Havana for some Cuban food (a MUST). HoHo will take you to South Beach . . . maybe even hit a spring fed pool created in 1923   https://www.coralgables.com/departments/CommunityRecreation/venetianpool  ....  'nuf said.

Edited April 20, 2022 by Capt_BJ

[britincanada]

Wow, thank you CaptBJ! This will be our first visit to Miami - the cruise we took 16 yrs ago we flew in the morning of the cruise and straight out afterwards!

 

I really appreciate all the info.

[Mcgeneseo]

Consider the Miami Zoo if you have a car. Or go to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for a meal, or spa or day pass to swim in the magnificent pool. And Cuban food is a must! Versailles on 8th Street or even La Carreta across the street. I grew up in Coral Gables, so that's what I recommend! 

[britincanada]

Thank you Mcgeneso! We don't plan to rent a car this time.

[Iloveturtles]

Is it possible to use the trolley to get from our hotel to the cruise ship?

[Diver2014]

On 6/4/2022 at 2:27 PM, Iloveturtles said:

Is it possible to use the trolley to get from our hotel to the cruise ship?

Yes, it’s possible but getting luggage onto the trolley will be a task and the trolley only stops at the terminals closest to the entrance of Dodge Island. It would be impossible to walk to the new Royal Caribbean or NCL terminals.

[Capt_BJ]

the current map for the Coral Way loop of the trolley shows multiple stops in the port ... one near the new Royal terminal <right most on the picture>.  I'm not endorsing the plan .... just sayin' (old trolley map showed only ONE stop)