Hosting nearly 100 airlines and over 1,000 flights per day, Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the largest airports in the United States. It also has a great location, making it an enticing stop for travelers on long layovers. Why sit around the terminal waiting for your next flight when you have time to explore one of the world’s most-exciting destinations? Use our insider guide to make the most of your layover of three hours or more and enjoy a mini vacation discovering the many wonderful sights and things to do nearby.

Little Havana (15 Minutes Away)

What to Do: 

• Stroll down famous Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) and stop in at art galleries like Futurama 1637 Art Building and Cuban cigar shops. There are also colorful rooster sculptures along the way to take photos with.
• Go to one of the many walk-up windows that sell Cuban coffee and enjoy a cortadito. While sipping on your delicious coffee, stop by Máximo Gómez Park (also known as Domino Park) and watch the locals discuss politics in Spanish while playing dominoes.
• If you are a music lover, head to the iconic Ball & Chain nightclub (it dates back to the 1930s), where there is almost always a live salsa band playing, even in the daytime. Or check out Cafe La Trova, which was named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars for its hand-crafted cocktails and “cantineros” (bartenders) who sing along to the live Cuban music. It’s even MICHELIN-recommended. While you’re there, try the Cuban cuisine by award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein.

Wynwood (20 Minutes Away)

What to Do: 

• The Wynwood Walls are the must-see attraction of the artsy Wynwood neighborhood. It’s a mostly outdoor museum featuring the brightly colored work of graffiti muralists from around the world.
• Wynwood Art Walk offers a variety of tours, such as a Graffiti Golf Cart Tour, the Best of Wynwood: Street Art Walking Tour and a Graffiti Spray Paint Station so you can create your own spray art.
• Wynwood is also home to some of the trendiest restaurants in Miami, such as MICHELIN Bib Gourmand choice Doya and MICHELIN one-star Hiden. Or try El Bajareque, which has been around for four decades. It serves authentic, affordable Puerto Rican cuisine.

Coral Gables and Miracle Mile (20 Minutes Away)

What to Do: 

• The Biltmore Hotel Miami – Coral Gables is a National Historic Landmark that is worth a visit. Open since 1926, its extravagant 150 acres are home to the largest hotel pool in the Eastern U.S., a golf course, a cigar room, a spa and several top-rated restaurants. 
• Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables is a beautiful street lined with towering palm trees and Mediterranean-style architecture. In addition to cafés for dining alfresco and boutiques offering the latest fashion, Miracle Mile is known for its many luxurious bridal shops.
• Nearby Giralda Plaza is a pedestrian-friendly area with many restaurants, bars and places to shop. At night, the beautifully lit trees make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

South Beach (30 Minutes Away)

What to Do:

• The Art Deco Historic District in South Beach is home to the iconic pastel-colored stucco buildings of the 1920s and ‘30s that have become an iconic symbol of Miami. The district, made up of approximately 800 buildings, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking tours are offered daily from the Art Deco Welcome Center.
• South Pointe Park is at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. If you love the beach, you must see the turquoise blue ocean from the 450-foot South Pointe Pier or take a dip in the warm water of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also walk along the water and take in views of Downtown Miami, upscale Fisher Island, and PortMiami’s cruise ships. 
• Lincoln Road is an eight-block-long outdoor mall with fountains and a botanical garden. You can shop and eat at more than 200 boutiques and restaurants as well as purchase some colorful Miami artwork souvenirs at Romero Britto’s gallery. If you have time, the Art Deco-style Colony Theatre is a great place to see a play.

Practical Tips for a Layover

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is on the second level of Central Terminal E and open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Prices range from $12-24 per bag (depending on size). Call (305) 869-1163 for more information.

Transportation Options 

Taxis and rideshares (such as Uber and Lyft) are the quickest and most-efficient methods of transportation. You can catch a taxi or rideshare at the arrivals (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas.

The MIA Mover is a free elevated train service that connects passengers to the Miami Rental Car Center and Miami Central Station, where you can catch public transportation. It is located on the 3rd level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages. Use the 3rd level Skyride (moving walkways) to connect between terminals and the train station. Trains depart every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.

If you prefer public transportation, use the Metrobus or Metrorail (Orange line) to reach Downtown Miami and beyond. To get to Miami Beach, one of the easiest (and least expensive) ways is to take the Route 150 Miami Beach Airport Express bus. It operates seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. and picks up passengers every 30 minutes. The fare is $2.25 each way.

Nearby Hotels For Longer Layovers

If you need a close place to stay overnight, or just rest, the Miami International Airport Hotel, located on the 2nd level of Central Terminal E, is the only hotel inside MIA. Service animals are welcome and conference rooms and restaurants are onsite. Or explore one of the many other hotels in the MIA area.

Plan Your Return

Allow at least two hours to return to MIA departures and enough time to pass through security and get to your gate. If you’ve checked bags or need to recheck them, add more time.

Originally published on miamiandbeaches.com.