Flight cancellations, delays, reschedules, and long layovers are unfortunately a reality of air travel. But being stranded at the airport doesn’t have to be a bad experience. If you find yourself with some time to kill at Miami International Airport (MIA), there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Within the airport, you can take advantage of the many shops and restaurants. There are also a few amenities that you may not expect to find, like a yoga room and an art gallery.
If you’re looking to get out of the airport for a bit, there are plenty of options nearby. Take a walk on the Miami Beach Boardwalk, explore Wynwood’s street art, or visit one of the city’s many museums.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, there’s no need to be bored during a layover in Miami.
Things to Do at Miami Airport
Visit South Beach:
If you’re looking to get out of the airport and enjoy some of Miami’s famous beaches, South Beach is a great option. It’s just a short taxi or Uber ride away from MIA.
Once you arrive, you can soak up the sun on the sand, go for a swim in the ocean, or people watch along Ocean Drive. If you get hungry, there are plenty of beachfront restaurants to choose from. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight.
Visit Wynwood:
Wynwood is another popular spot that’s located just a short distance from MIA. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene.
You can explore the Wynwood Walls, check out local galleries, or simply wander the streets to see the murals. There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars in Wynwood if you need to grab a bite. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight.
VIsit Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach is a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. It’s located just a short distance from MIA, making it a great option if you have some time to kill during your layover.
The memorial features a series of sculptures and plaques that tell the story of the Holocaust. It’s a powerful and moving experience that’s worth checking out if you’re interested in learning more about this dark period in history.
Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight.
Visit Art Deco Historic District:
The Art Deco Historic District is another great option if you’re looking to get out of the airport during your layover. This area is home to a large concentration of art deco buildings, making it a great place to explore if you’re interested in architecture.
You can stroll down Ocean Drive to see some of the most iconic examples of art deco architecture or visit one of the area’s many museums. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight.
Check out Miami Beach Botanical Garden:
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a great spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the airport. It’s located just a short distance from MIA, making it an easy place to visit during your layover.
The garden features a variety of beautiful plants and flowers, as well as a tranquil waterfall. It’s a great place to take a break from the airport and clear your head.
Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight.
Everglades Safari Park:
The Everglades Safari Park is a great option if you’re looking for an adventure during your layover. This safari park offers airboat tours of the Florida Everglades.
- Open:9 am to 6 pm.
You’ll get to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors and see a different side of Miami.
Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport for your next flight. it is a 30 to 40-minute airboat ride from Miami airport to the Everglades safari park.
Take a nap at the closest hotel:
- MIA Hotel – inside the airport, concourse E, before security
- Hilton Miami Airport – free airport shuttle
- Miami Airport Marriott – free shuttle
- Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center – across the freeway from the airport; free airport shuttle
Enjoy Airport Lounges at Miami Airport:
If you’re looking for a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, then an airport lounge may be just what you need. MIA offers a variety of lounges that offer comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and other amenities.
Some of the lounges at MIA include:
– American Airlines Admirals Club
– Delta Sky Club
– United Club
– Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
If you’re a member of one of these airlines, then you’ll have access to their lounge. If not, you can purchase a day pass for about $50. This is a great option if you want to relax and escape the airport for a bit.
Take a Dip in the Pool:
If you’re looking to cool off during your layover, then take a dip in one of MIA’s pools. There are two pools located inside the airport, so you don’t even have to leave the terminal to enjoy them.
The first pool is located in Concourse D and is open to all passengers. The second pool is located in the American Airlines Admirals Club and is only accessible to members and guests of the club.
Both pools offer stunning views of the runway, so you can watch planes take off and land while you relax in the water.
Explore Miami’s Shopping Scene:
Miami is home to a variety of great shopping options, so if you’re looking to do some shopping during your layover, then you won’t be disappointed.
The Miami International Merchandise Mart is located just a short distance from the airport and features over 1,000 wholesale vendors selling a variety of products.
If you’re looking for designer brands, then you’ll want to head to the Dolphin Mall, which is located about a 20-minute drive from the airport. This mall features over 240 stores, including high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Neiman Marcus Last Call.
What to do at Miami Airport During 3,4,5 or 6+ hours Layover: 10 things
If you have a layover in Miami Airport, you can try any of the 10 things to do in Miami Airport detailed below:
| Activity to do | Details |
| Eat up | Miami is a cosmopolitan city but one has plenty of options to sample Cuban food from different restaurants like Café Versailles and Café La Carreta, which are more popular for such meals because they’re cheap. Other locales include Shula’s Bar and Grill, Half Moon Empanadas and Estefan Kitchen. |
| Lounging | Several airport lounges offer cheaper access to lounging services to any travelers. Their entry fees may be inclusive of food, drinks, and rooms. They can be accessed online. |
| Shopping | Airport staples like newsstands, travel stores, and tech-stores offer diversity in the commodities that tourists can purchase to suit their needs. The fanciest boutique area actually found in the Northern Terminal. They include Havana Collection and Prive Gourmet. |
| Spa relaxation | There are several spas to freshen up in between flights. They provide massages, and beauty treatments like manicure, pedicure, and facials. |
| Yoga | In Terminal H (pre-security) there are yoga rooms that are important for relaxation. |
| Art | Art galleries and exhibits are found in pre and post-security. It is worth your time, for the art lovers. |
| Dog therapy | Along the paths of the airport, one could find a trained therapy dog who love to snuggle with travelers. They’re brought several times a week. |
| Exploration | The world-class beaches, architecture. Culture and warm weather, which are steps away from the airport make Miami a great city to have a walk to enjoy the fascinating structures. For people having breaks between flights, and stop by Miami, one can leave the luggage by the airport and use public means to explore the town. For example, Miami Beach Airport Flyer the cheapest option. The bus connects the airport with Miami Beach for $2.65 each way and it departs every 30 minutes. |
| Connection | The airport provides free airport Wi-Fi to ensure that travelers are connected to their family and friends via social media platforms. |
| Sleep | Hotels around Miami such as The Miami International Airport Hotel (rooms available from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) offer accommodations at an affordable cost for travelers who have their flights canceled or stranded. But for those who aren’t willing to spend some extra cash, the airport staff offer places for sleep like carpeted floors and seats. You just need a blanket and some earmuffs to keep out the unnecessary noise and enjoy your sleep. |
6 Hour layover at Miami Airport:
If you have a 6-hour layover at Miami Airport, then you’ll have plenty of time to explore all that the airport and surrounding area has to offer.
Here are some ideas of things you can do during your layover:
- Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden:
- Take short cruises at Miami Port
- Visit Bayside Marketplace
- REad more on this tripadvisor forum
If you’d like to go shopping check out all the shops here.
My name is Alex Mutuma and I founded this blog, Airport LLC as a way to document and engage with clients in my travel consulting business. Airportllc.com is the only source of over 2,000 fun things flyers could do during layovers.
Over the past 7 years, I have designed and planned tour packages for hundreds of clients and have recently focussed on the mission of changing boring layovers to excellent mini-vacations by giving you the best suggestions on must-do activities when flying over different airports.
Next time you or your friend are looking for suggestions on what to do in some airport, remember Airport LLC or Airportllc.com. On this site, you’ll get the best suggestions available on the internet regarding hand-picked activities that will fulfill your airport experience.
I currently reside in New York City and have obtained a license to provide professional tour guidance at Airports in the US and across the world. Why should you listen to my suggestions? I have flown through more than 100 airports in the world and fortunately, I have pictures, stories, and tips to share with you regarding all the fun stuff you can do as you wait for your next flight.
Aside from gaining thousands of flying miles, I am also a travel consultant assisting clients with bookings and specifically advance tour bookings of things to do at airports when the layover is longer than 5 hours.
To make a 15-minute free things-to-do consultation with Alex, use my email, alex@airportllc.com.
This is only recommended for flyers with long layovers of over 5 hours. If your layover is 3+ hours, you can still reach out but we cannot guarantee the ideal package that will change your layovers to mini-vacations. I only support clients flying through US airports and a select number of cities across the world.
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Name: Alex Mutuma
Profession: A professional travel consultant with a focus on airport activities to do during layovers
Email: Alex@airportllc.com
Phone: +1 945 348 889
Website: airportllc.com
Location: 322 Main Packway Street, Boston, US
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