Flying in the morning of your cruise departure is risky business, so most travelers book flights that land the day before. That leaves you with roughly 24 hours in Miami before you head to the port.
Lucky for you, Miami is one of those places where 24 hours can feel like a mini vacation.
Instead of killing time at the hotel, you can spend the day on accessible beaches, cruise around the Art Deco streets, grab lunch and dinner at places with ramps and space, and basically kick off your trip a day early.
A Morning of Oceanfront Views
When you’re sailing from Miami, there’s no better way to get into vacation mode than starting your morning on South Beach, especially now that the area has made some real strides in terms of accessibility.
Long accessibility mats leading down to the beach, motorized wheelchairs, and wide paved paths are readily available, giving everyone equal access to one of the best parts of the area.
For a smoothie or a quick breakfast, make a stop at Lummus Park before heading to Ocean Drive.
Take a Late-Morning Art Deco District Tour
The Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District is the perfect way to spend some time after breakfast.
Because it’s compact and flat, it’s easy to follow a simple self-guided route that starts on Ocean Drive and loops around Collins Avenue, which is where you will find the most iconic buildings.
If you want someone to point out the details and stories, the Miami Design Preservation League offers guided tours.
Accessible Dining Options for Lunch
Once you’re ready for lunch, Lincoln Road is a good place to start. Restaurants like Havana 1957 and Tapelia have accessible entrances and spacious seating, plus the food comes highly recommended.
Over on Ocean Drive, A Fish Called Avalon offers seafood with a beachfront view and an accessible main floor.
If you would like to try something a little more under the radar, Mandolin Aegean Bistro is one of Miami’s hidden gems. The Ali Nazik, which is ground lamb covered in yogurt, is a staff favorite!
An Afternoon of Museums and Murals
If you feel like doing something after lunch, you have two great options.
Wynwood Walls is filled with bold, outdoor murals and creative installations. This is a fun way to spend the afternoon, especially if you want to grab some photos. Here, the pathways are smooth, there are step-free gallery entrances, and the restrooms are accessible.
If you would prefer something indoors, there is the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Not only are there some interesting exhibits to enjoy, but the building has some of the best views over Biscayne Bay. The open layouts of the gallery also make it a comfortable choice for all mobility levels.
Winding Down for Dinner
To wrap up your pre-cruise day in Miami, you can head to one of the many accessible waterfront restaurants in Brickell, Bayside Marketplace, or the Miami Beach Marina.
These areas offer several ride-share drop-offs, ramps, and plenty of outdoor seating, so getting settled is simple.
In terms of where to go, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Monty’s Sunset are right up there in terms of food and classic Miami vibes.
Just make sure to call ahead about a reservation if you happen to be traveling during peak periods.
Your Miami Send-Off
A day in Miami doesn’t need to feel like a filler before your real vacation starts. With beaches you can actually reach and waterfront restaurants that welcome everybody, those hours become a real part of the vacation instead of the part you skip.
