Things to Do Near Port of Miami Cruise Terminal Before or After Cruising

This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

As a veteran cruiser, I’m no stranger to flying into Miami to start my adventures on the high seas. Cruising out of Miami is effortless, with the airport conveniently located near the cruise terminals. Miami has tons of cruise options. If you want to go to the Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean, here’s the gateway to make that happen. But what else can you do in town? Check out these things to do near the Port of Miami, before or after your cruise.

Never, ever, ever do this when planning a cruise

Don’t plan to arrive in Miami the day of your cruise.

Most cruises leave port mid-afternoon, so rolling into town on that early morning flight gives you plenty of time to board the ship. Right? Well…maybe.
Travel delays happen for all kinds of reasons; most are beyond your control. No one cares why you’re late, attempts to look for you, or wait for you.
Whether you overslept or encountered weather delays, the result is the same. The ship will leave without you, so get to the port a day early and check out the fun things to do in town.

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Things to Do

Cats and dogs sculpture park Miami — This path with colorful, larger-than-life sculptures of cats and dogs is located behind the Frost Museum of Science and the Perez Art Museum. Photo: Jill Robbins

Here’s what to do in downtown Miami that’s near the Port of Miami. Using the Gale as a point of reference, most of these are walkable or a quick Uber ride away.

Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Frost Museum is a multi-story collection of rotating and static exhibit, as well ass an on-site planetarium and aquarium.

Yes, you will see lots of parents with kids but don’t count it out for grownups only fun.

Don’t miss the whimsical ‘Cats and Dogs Walkway and Sculpture Garden’ behind the museum.

Perez Art Museum Miami

Miami’s flagship art museum houses 20th and 21st-century contemporary art.

Check the event calendar before you visit to see what special events—everything from free yoga to movie sing-a-longs—are happening.

Bayside Marketplace

A short walk from the Gale Miami, this action-packed waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment district has everything from fun bars with killer mojitos to the Skyview Miami. This observation wheel spins 200 feet above the marketplace.

If you want to explore further afield, there are lots of tour vendors and opportunities for bus and boat tours around Biscayne Bay and Miami.

Miami Design District

Find visual art, high-end shopping and creative dining in this trendy neighborhood.

From incredible, Insta-worthy murals to swoonworthy retailers like Dior, Jimmy Choo, and Prada, if you’re looking for vibes, you’ll find them here.

Zoo Miami

A doable distance from the cruise port and downtown – about 25 miles – Zoo Miami will take about 30 minutes in an Uber, depending on traffic.

The zoo has over 2,000 animals, plus add-on experiences like up-close and personal animal encounters or trolley tours, for anyone who doesn’t feel like walking.

Where to Eat

Miami is a culinary hotspot with a food scene worthy of a dedicated trip. While by no means exhaustive, here are a few spots near the port that are worth checking out.

Casa Gianna

Not your average hotel restaurant, Casa Gianna, inside the Gale Miami, brings bright and airy vibes by day, and turns warm and inviting by night. The menu features legit, homemade Italiano explosions of flavor, with a few surprises thrown in, like an excellent tuna tartare.

“I wouldn’t want to come to work if we didn’t have the tuna,” declared our server, which for me was the ultimate stamp of approval. Did it live up to the hype? Yes indeed.

Tuna Tartare at Casa Gianna, Gale Miami — After our server talked the tuna tartare up so well, naturally, we had to order it! Photo: Jill Robbins

La Industria Bakery and Cafe

If a giant tower of waffles topped with ice cream, fruits, and other delights tempts your tastebuds, then this is the place for you.

La Industria also offers some savory delights on its Cuban-inspired menu, including a selection of sandwiches that require both hands to hold.

Sofia Italian Restaurant

Located in the Miami Design District, this versatile, art-forward Italian restaurant offers a range of options, from casual pizza and brunch to a four-course tasting menu.

I’m not usually a dessert person, but don’t sleep on the semifreddo espresso, Sofia’s twist on traditional tiramisu.

The Betsy

The Betsy Hotel in South Beach is a bit of a trek – about a 15-minute Uber ride, depending on traffic – but it’s worth the effort.

Here’s another hotel restaurant that dazzles. I recommend the burrata appetizer, as well as any of their sushi rolls or flatbreads.

I love the high-energy vibrance of South Beach but I prefer the upscale luxury and convenient location that the Gale Miami offers. Lunch at The Betsy allowed me the best of both worlds.

Flatbread pizza served on a wooden charcuterie board. — Flatbread at the Betsy Hotel in South Beach. Photo: Jill Robbins

Where to Stay – The Gale Miami Hotel and Residences

Gale Miami with a view of Biscayne Bay — Located in downtown Miami and near the port is the Gale Miami Hotel and Residences. Photo: Gale Miami.

While you have plenty of options for hotels in downtown Miami, I recommend the Gale Miami as the best place to stay before or after your cruise. It’s close to both the airport and the cruise terminal and there’s lots to do in downtown Miami.

Fifty-one-story high-rise, spacious, modern rooms and suites, chic, artsy touches, and an epic rooftop pool. Hel-lo.

If you want to work out while traveling, there’s a gym with a view that includes state-of-the-art workout equipment, fitness classes, and an outdoor terrace.

I snagged a city view one-bedroom suite with balcony and loved the amount of floor space.

I’ve cruised from the Port of Miami with my kids, with just my husband, and once as a solo cruiser. Here’s what I think:

Who is this for?

While Miami will always have a decidedly 21+ vibe for me, the activities outlined above can be tailored to suit anyone’s interests. Although I didn’t stay at the Gale Miami with kids, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here with kids of any age, especially in one of their two-bedroom suites, which feature a full kitchen and washer and dryer.

Pros/Cons

Staying in downtown Miami when you’re traveling into the city for a cruise:

Pro: Location, location, location. You’re close to everything.

Con: If beach time is important to you, you’re not close to a place where you can swim in the ocean.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay at Gale Miami and you can use their beach club at their sister property, the Gale South Beach—enjoying the best of both worlds.

Bedroom in one bedroom suite Gale Miami — My room was comfortable, upscale, and restful. Photo: Jill Robbins.

Getting there, getting around

You might be tempted to stay in South Beach or one of Miami’s other fun neighborhoods but if you’re taking a cruise, it’s location, location, location. Here’s the math: