For a quick introduction, it helps to understand Miami’s main areas: Miami Beach is the barrier island known for its beaches and the Art Deco district centered around South Beach. On the mainland, you'll find Downtown along Biscayne Bay, the creative street-art hub of Wynwood, and the Cuban-influenced neighborhood of Little Havana. Distances between the beach, the city, and nature attractions are relatively short. The car-free Beachwalk connects South Pointe Park with North Beach Oceanside Park, making it easy to explore the coastline on foot or by bike.

South Beach (Miami Beach): Miami Vice vibes and breakfast all day long
Between the pastel-colored façades along Ocean Drive and Lummus Park, visitors will find one of Miami’s most iconic settings. Early in the morning, when yoga classes take place on the beach, joggers are out, and dog owners stroll along Ocean Drive, the area is still relatively quiet. The colorful lifeguard towers define the shoreline and are among South Beach’s most photographed landmarks.

Lummus Park stretches along Ocean Drive, roughly from 5th Street to 15th Street, linking the beach, promenade, green spaces, and play areas. Just a few blocks away is News Café, a South Beach institution since the late 1980s that originally combined a café, restaurant, and newsstand. Today, breakfast is served all day long—a practical option for families still adjusting to jet lag. From here, it is worth making a detour to the Miami Design District. State of Kid combines a carefully curated selection of children’s brands, accessories, and gifts with creative workshops for kids and families. Additional locations can also be found elsewhere in Miami.

For those who would like to experience Miami’s skyline from the water while adding a dose of adrenaline, the Thriller speedboats depart from Bayside Marketplace. The tour races across Biscayne Bay and recalls the famous boating scenes from the television series Miami Vice.

Sunset is particularly atmospheric at South Pointe Park, where visitors can watch cruise ships glide past the shoreline. For a more relaxed and family-friendly beach experience, Surfside and Sunny Isles Beach are excellent alternatives. Families who enjoy outdoor activities will find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and kitesurfing at Oleta River State Park and Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne.

Coconut Grove and Downtown: Green parrots and walkable art
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood and one of its greenest, with banyan tree-lined boulevards, historic villas, pocket parks, and inviting cafés. Don’t be surprised if bright green parrots suddenly fly overhead—they are usually monk parakeets. A good place to start exploring is the open-air shopping center CocoWalk. For creative pizza combinations, head to Mister 01. Dessert is best enjoyed at Salt & Straw. If it’s available, be sure to try the Tacolate—a chocolate taco that has become a local favorite.

Downtown provides an urban contrast with its skyline, vibrant arts scene, and Bayfront Park, which was designed by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The park’s best-known artwork is Slide Mantra, a sculpture carved from white Carrara marble. Children love climbing on it and sliding down its smooth surface. Once again, it offers a memorable backdrop for family photos.

Wynwood: Street art, trendy cafés, and picture-perfect backdrops
Between swaying palms and former warehouse buildings, Wynwood showcases how an industrial district has been transformed into an open-air art gallery. Murals spill from the walls onto the streets, turning entire façades into vibrant canvases. Within just a few blocks, visitors will find a concentration of restaurants, galleries, design studios, and trendy cafés, including The Coffee – Wynwood and Panther Coffee, where beans are roasted on-site. At Wynwood Arcade, The Salty serves donuts that are hard to forget. For something savory, Zak the Baker is a local favorite. Unique souvenirs can be found at The Wynwood Shop. As evening approaches, changing light transforms the murals, while bars and courtyards fill with people and artists open the doors to their studios. For a change of pace, FunDimension offers laser tag, duckpin bowling, and virtual reality experiences, making it a fun stop for families with older children.

Beach life: The most beautiful beaches and smart sun protection
Many of Miami’s beaches have gently sloping shorelines, making them ideal for families. However, strong rip currents occur regularly and can quickly carry swimmers away from the shore. Always pay attention to the beach warning flags and follow the guidance of lifeguards. A green flag indicates low hazard conditions, yellow signals moderate risk, and a red flag means the water should be avoided. If a purple flag is flying, potentially dangerous marine life—such as jellyfish or sharks—has been spotted nearby, so extra caution is advised. Florida’s sun is exceptionally strong, making consistent sun protection essential. UV-protective clothing is highly recommended, especially for children. One money-saving tip: consider buying your own beach umbrella for the trip, as rental fees can be surprisingly high. Affordable options are widely available at supermarkets and stores such as Walmart.

But which beaches are best for families? North Beach stretches roughly from 63rd Street to 87th Street. Its North Beach Oceanside Park offers parking, restrooms near the pavilions, a playground, and shaded walking paths. Near 75th Street and Ocean Terrace, Taquiza Tacos serves convenient grab-and-go tacos. For families with young children, the atoll beach at Matheson Hammock Park is an excellent choice. The shallow, protected water is perfect for splashing and playing, while boardwalks, kayak rentals, and stand-up paddleboards add extra opportunities for outdoor fun. Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne is another family favorite, thanks to an offshore sandbar that creates exceptionally calm and shallow swimming conditions.

More Miami highlights worth adding to your itinerary

Little Havana
A walk through Little Havana takes visitors along the famous Calle Ocho, past cigar shops, colorful murals, and locals playing dominoes in Máximo Gómez Park. A stop at Azucar Ice Cream Company is well worth it. The homemade ice cream is known for flavors such as guava, Cuban coffee, and tropical fruits.

Collins Park
In the heart of Miami Beach, Collins Park is home to the free Art Outside collection. Set among palm trees and landscaped gardens, colorful sculptures and contemporary artworks create an open-air gallery experience.

SoundScape Park
From October through May, SoundScape Park hosts free outdoor movie nights on selected evenings. Visitors bring picnic blankets and snacks to enjoy films on a giant screen under the stars.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden
For a quieter pace, head to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Tropical plants, ponds, palm trees, and an edible garden make it a peaceful retreat from the city's energy.

Outlet shopping
Those looking for a break from sightseeing will find plenty of bargains at outlet centers such as Dolphin Mall, which features numerous brand-name stores alongside a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.

Everglades National Park
About an hour from Miami, Everglades National Park offers a completely different side of South Florida. In Shark Valley, visitors can explore the landscape by bicycle rather than by airboat. For families with younger children—or on particularly hot days—the narrated tram tour provides a more relaxed way to experience the park.

Where to stay
A hotel pool is practically a must in Miami. For a luxurious family stay, Faena Miami Beach offers direct access to a wide sandy beach, shaded pool areas, and family-friendly suites. The property is known for its striking art collection, lavish design, and tailored children's programming. For a Downtown location with views toward Bayside, YOTEL Miami is a great option. Its pool on the 12th floor provides a welcome place to cool off after a day of sightseeing. Families who like the flexibility of preparing simple meals can book a YOTELPAD studio, which comes equipped with a kitchenette and bunk beds. For a more budget-conscious and relaxed stay, KAYAK Miami Beach is an appealing choice. This stylish boutique hotel is located next to Collins Park, while the beach is about a 15-minute walk away. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace, relax on the loungers, and cool off in the small rooftop pool.

Good to know
Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have a biometric passport and obtain ESTA authorization online before departure. It is also worth keeping local tipping customs in mind. In restaurants, tips of 15 to 20 percent are generally expected, which can add a noticeable amount to the overall travel budget.

Getting around
The free Miami Beach Trolley is a welcome way to cool off while exploring the city. Operating on several routes, it connects the northern and southern parts of Miami Beach with ease. Also free to use are the city’s water shuttle, which links Miami Beach and Downtown, and the Metromover, an elevated people mover that glides between the skyscrapers of Downtown Miami. For parks, more distant beaches, and excursions to the Everglades, having a car offers the greatest flexibility.

SWISS operates one flight per day between Zurich and Miami. The average flight time is 10 hours and 25 minutes.

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