Cruise from Miami: The 5 Best Activities During an Extra Day at Port

It’s always recommended that you arrive at your cruise port a day early in case of travel issues, which can be a nice treat when you cruise from Miami. Miami is a bustling beach town that is a worthy destination all on its own, so spending an extra day here is really just like adding another day to your vacation. It is a town full of premier shopping, spectacular seafood, vibrant city streets, and more fun in the sun than you can shake a selfie-stick at! If you don’t know what we are talking about, then read on as we review the best activities to do during an extra day in Miami.

Art Deco District and South Beach

Located just a few miles from the Miami cruise port, the Art Deco Historic District is like a time capsule for early 20th-century architecture and design and it is a great place to spend a day before a cruise from Miami. Recognizable for its intricate, geometric motifs, neon signs, and iconic pastel facades, the district is a treasure trove of architectural wonders with over 800 preserved Art Deco structures. Take a walk along the vibrant Ocean Drive to find trendy cafes, bustling boutiques, and a lively atmosphere that gets even more exciting after the sun goes down. Once you’ve had your fill of shops and stalls, bask in the sun on South Beach’s sandy shores or take a little stroll down the Beach Walk.

Cultural Hotspots Near the Miami Cruise Port

If you want to see what kind of cultural attractions are here before your cruise from Miami, then you are in luck, as there are a few good spots not far from the cruise port that should satisfy your desire. The Pérez Art Museum Miami is a modern art museum that features international art from the 20th and 21st centuries, and the Wynwood Walls display urban art in the form of large, colorful murals. If you want to experience the local culture, head to Little Havana, where the Cuban population brings their heritage to life with music, cuisine, and art. Stop by for a bite to eat or a late night cocktail and enjoy the energy of Miami’s Cuban community.

Everglades Adventure

The Florida Everglades are one of the most well-known features of Florida and are more than worthy of a spot on this list. Here you can book an airboat ride through the marshland, see alligators in their natural habitat, and admire the unique flora and fauna of this vibrant ecosystem. This spot is a little farther from the Miami cruise port, so if you plan to enjoy a day of tranquility in the pristine wilderness, you’ll have to drive a little ways out of town. Wherever your cruise from Miami is bound for, a stop at the Everglades before or after is sure to be the perfect compliment to your tropical vacation.

Dine and Shop Til You Drop

Miami is packed full of shopping malls and market streets, with many bustling shopping areas right near the Miami cruise port. This is a shopaholic’s dream come true, with premier shopping destinations like Lincoln Road Mall and Aventura Mall providing luxury brand outlets and designer boutiques. If designer brands aren’t your thing, check out local markets like the Bayside Marketplace to try and find a hidden gem or two. While you are indulging in a shopping spree, take a break every now and then to check out the diverse culinary scene, featuring Cuban coffee and a wide range of fresh caught seafood. A day or two on the town sipping cocktails and shopping up and down the coast is the perfect way to spend the before a cruise from Miami!

Beach and Water Activities

Wherever you are headed to on your cruise from Miami, there is a good chance that you are going to be hopping from one tropical beach to another. Since the Miami cruise port is itself in a beach town, then you can just start the beach crawl early by spending a day soaking up the sun at South Beach. There is as much to do in the water here as there is at any Caribbean destination, so there is plenty for you to take advantage of during your time here. Grab a beach chair, a snorkeling set, a couple of cocktails, and start your tropical beach vacation a day early!

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