What to see and do in Miami in one day

8 a.m.: Breakfast at Jimmy’s

Located on a strip that includes the 1950s-era Vagabond Hotel, this Biscayne Boulevard diner doesn’t look like much at first glance. But this local favorite is the neighborhood’s original takeout spot, full of faux-leather seats that stick to bare legs. Here, oversized portions of American classics—including grits, home fries, eggs, and corned beef hash—are served on multiple plates. There’s also unlimited coffee.

10am: Explore Morningside

Get your gluttony going on the shaded streets of the Morningside neighborhood a mile south. Look for the architectural homages to Bauhaus, Art Deco and Mediterranean modernism in buildings with telltale turrets and Spanish roofs, or explore Morningside Park, which runs alongside the bay and has a couple of small, coconut-strewn beaches. A ramshackle boathouse rents kayaks and paddleboards starting at 10 a.m.

12.30 p.m.: Tour of the Design District

Walk south into the former warehouse district, which developers have slowly transformed into an artistic equivalent of Times Square. The public sculptures here range from larger than life, like the 10-foot-tall crushed plastic cup, to interactive sculptures like a mint-green swing for adults.

1.30 p.m.: Lunch at Elastika

The Moore is one of several clubs that call the Design District’s disused furniture showrooms home. The restaurant Elastika is open to the public – try the kingfish crudo with fermented farro, local kohlrabi and cucumber agua chili. The 1920s atrium, with its moss-green banquettes and potted palms, stands beneath a giant Zaha Hadid sculpture in the shape of an alien-looking white net.

3:30 p.m.: Experience art in South Beach

Hop in a cab and cross the bay on your way to historic Collins Avenue, the gateway to South Beach. It begins at The Bass, with its extensive contemporary art collection in a former Art Deco library flanked by waving coconut palms. These days it provides a platform for bold new acquisitions by young Latino artists as well as donations from Miami’s rich and famous.

5:00 p.m.: Walk along Ocean Drive

Trace the passage of time in the city with a stroll along Ocean Drive, which has been preserved since its mid-century heyday. Take one of the Design Preservation League of Miami’s special tours that showcase the white stucco facades, and look for Casa Casuarina, the baroque mansion once lived in by designer Gianni Versace before he was murdered on the front steps here. For the best spot to watch the sunset, head to South Pointe Park, with its painted lighthouse.

8pm: Dinner at Doce Provisions

Back across the bay, in Little Havana, this popular taco shop is your best spot for dinner. If you couldn’t snag a table, fear not: The chefs have perfected a portable asado roll, a bit like a thick taco, stuffed with pork and pineapple confit, served with cheese-filled croquettes and sticky guava jam.

9pm: Party at the ball and Chain

This 1930s venue on 8th Street made its name by attracting theatergoers who still had energy to let off steam. Over the decades, people came from far and wide to see the burlesque shows and musical program — with a late finish at 5 a.m. Today, pretty much the only thing that has changed is the sound system and the curfew — now it’s a more reasonable 3 a.m. Patrons still dress to dance, including sailors on vacation leave.