Miami: City Highlights Tour & Millionaire Row Boat Ride

Summary

Colorful streets, Cuban coffee, art walls and a breezy cruise

You’ll sip strong Cuban coffee in Little Havana, wander Wynwood’s electric murals with a local guide, feel the ocean air on South Beach, then cruise past wild waterfront mansions on Millionaire Row—all in one small group day trip from Miami. Expect laughter, stories, flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Miami really feels like beyond the postcards? I did too, so I signed up for this city sightseeing tour that promised a bit of everything—South Beach, Wynwood Art District, Little Havana. We started in South Beach, weaving through the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive while our guide (I think his name was Carlos?) pointed out the Versace Mansion. The pastel colors looked almost faded in the morning sun, and honestly, I half expected to see rollerbladers zip by like in old movies. Instead it was mostly people walking tiny dogs and sipping iced coffee. There was this salty breeze coming off the ocean that made me wish I’d worn lighter shoes.

Wynwood was next—totally different vibe. The bus let us off and suddenly we were surrounded by these wild murals everywhere you looked. Our guide told us stories about some of the artists (I only remembered one—Aiko, because her work had these bold pinks). The smell of spray paint still lingered near one wall. I tried to take a photo but ended up just staring at this one piece with a huge blue face until someone nudged me along. It’s easy to get lost in those colors. And then we hit Little Havana—Calle Ocho is loud in the best way: domino tiles clacking at Domino Park, music spilling from doorways, old men laughing over Cuban coffee shots. I tried saying “cafecito” with my best accent; Li laughed and said I sounded more Italian than Cuban. The empanadas were flaky and hot—burned my tongue but worth it.

After all that walking (and eating), Coconut Grove felt quieter. Carlos slowed down as we passed big leafy trees and glimpses of those crazy waterfront mansions behind hedges. He joked about which one he’d buy if he won the lottery (everyone picked a different house). Then came Bayside Marketplace—a bit touristy but good for people-watching during lunch before the boat ride. That cruise along Millionaire Row? The water was choppy and there was this moment when sunlight bounced off a glass mansion so bright it almost hurt my eyes. Our boat guide pointed out celebrity homes—I only recognized two names but everyone cheered anyway.

I still think about that mix of noise and color from Little Havana—and how Miami feels both fast and slow at once. If you want to see Miami’s personality up close (with someone else handling the driving), this day trip from South Beach or Downtown really gives you all those layers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Miami city tour and boat cruise

• Start tour in South Beach Art Deco District
• Drive along Ocean Drive, see landmarks
• Visit Wynwood Art District walking tour
• Explore Little Havana cultural sites
• Pass through Coconut Grove neighborhood
• Lunch break at Bayside Marketplace
• 90-minute Millionaire Row boat cruise

Top questions

How long does this Miami city sightseeing tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours including all stops and activities.

Is hotel pickup included for this Miami tour?

Pickup is available in South Beach and at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami.

What neighborhoods are visited on this tour?

The tour visits South Beach (Art Deco District), Wynwood Art District, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, and Bayside Marketplace.

Does the tour include a boat ride?

Yes, it includes a 90-minute narrated boat cruise along Millionaire Row after lunch at Bayside Marketplace.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get bottled water and a complimentary shot of Cuban coffee plus food samples in Little Havana; lunch is not included but there’s time at Bayside Marketplace to buy your own meal.

Is the tour suitable for families or people with mobility needs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed as well.

Who leads the tours? Are they local guides?

Tours are led by bilingual English-Spanish guides who share local history and stories throughout each neighborhood.

Where does the boat ride depart from?

The Millionaire Row cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace after your lunch break.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from South Beach or Downtown Bayside Marketplace if you need it, all transportation between neighborhoods in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water along for the ride; guided walking tours through Wynwood’s murals and Little Havana’s streets; entry tickets where needed; a complimentary shot of Cuban coffee plus food tastings; then your narrated boat cruise past celebrity homes before returning on your own schedule from Bayside Marketplace.