Spending 5 Days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the easiest way to do South Beach without overcomplicating it. The resort is massive, the food is amazing, and you’re in one of the best locations in Miami Beach. You can go full glam. You can go relaxed. You can do both in the same day.
Here’s exactly how I’d do five days.
If you’re still deciding whether to stay here, see my full review of Fontainebleau Miami Beach before you book.
If you’re flying in, I always compare flights on Skyscanner so I can land early enough to actually enjoy day one instead of wasting it in transit.
Fly into Miami International Airport.
A few quick tips that will save you money and stress:
When you land, check Uber prices before booking.
If it’s over $60, wait a few minutes. Surge pricing usually drops.
Don’t request your ride until you physically have your luggage.
Always double-check the license plate before getting in.
It’s about 20–25 minutes to the resort depending on traffic.
If you prefer having your own car (especially if you plan to explore beyond South Beach), renting a car makes this much easier — you can browse options with Discover Cars and compare pricing before you land.
If you already know you want the Fontainebleau experience (and you should), you can check current availability and rates here and plan ahead — especially if your dates are flexible.
Official check-in is typically 4pm, but they’ll often accommodate early arrivals if your room is ready. If it’s not, store your bags and start enjoying the property instead of hovering around the front desk.
Grab lunch, walk the grounds, and just look around for a minute. The place is big, polished, and very “we’re in Miami now.” The arrival feeling is my favorite part — everything is new and exciting.
You really don’t need to leave the property tonight.
Hakkasan – Upscale Chinese. Dim sum, crispy duck, great cocktails (so I'm told). A great choice!
Prime 54 – If you’re in steak mode, this is it. I like this so much that I usually come here even if we aren't staying at the hotel.
Arcadia Grill – Burgers, casual energy, good for a low-key first night.
Unpack. Eat well. You’re officially in vacation mode.
Start with pastries and coffee at Chez Bon Bon inside the resort — yes, the croissant is worth it — then make your way to the pool and beach. Fontainebleau has multiple pools, plenty of loungers, and direct beach access, so it’s easy to settle in without planning much.
The pool scene has energy but it’s not chaotic. You can people-watch, read a book, float for a bit, wander down to the ocean, and come back again whenever you feel like it. Hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and call that a productive day.
Two good options:
Stay on property at La Cote for Mediterranean-style lunch with an ocean view.
Or head to Naked Taco on Ocean Drive. It can get crowded, but the cowboy steak taco is excellent and the fried doughnuts are elite. If you leave without ordering those doughnuts, that’s on you.
Walk over to Lincoln Road for shopping and dinner. It’s lively with plenty of choices for shopping and dinner.
Highly recommend:
Mister 01 – The coffee pizza sounds strange. It is insanely good. Trust me.
Salt & Straw – Their ice cream flavors are unique in the best way.
Most spots don’t require reservations, which makes this night easy. You can wander, decide, and eat without stress.
Pastries at Chez Bon Bon. Pool. Beach. No notes.
This is where 5 Days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach really shines — you’re not rushing around the city. You’re enjoying the property you’re paying for.
Head to Taquiza if you want something casual, consistently good, and authentic.
If you want more details before you go, learn more in my post about Taquiza Miami North Beach. It’ll help you know exactly what to order.
Dinner at Barton G. The Restaurant.
It’s expensive, dramatic, and very extra — but that’s kind of the point. The presentations are huge, the portions are big, and half the fun is watching other tables’ food come out.
If you go, order the Dollar Dollar Bill Y’all dessert. It’s completely unnecessary and absolutely over the top, which is exactly why you should get it.
If you want a wild breakfast situation, go to Bacon Bitch.
The food is good. The music is loud. The energy is aggressive. It’s not calm — but it’s entertaining.
If that’s not your thing, stay at the resort and keep your morning peaceful. There is no wrong choice here.
Spend the day enjoying South Beach:
Walk the boardwalk
Rent bikes and ride to the pier
Stop for photos along Ocean Drive
Pop into little shops
This is your classic Miami afternoon.
If you want to book a guided bike tour or another activity instead of doing it solo, you can browse South Beach tours here to see what fits your timing.
Circle back to:
Hakkasan
Prime 54
Mirabella
Or just stay poolside with drinks. No pressure.
By this point in your 5 Days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, you know your routine. The pastry order is locked in. The pool chair strategy is set. No need to reinvent anything now.
If you want something off-property before you leave, stop at Rosetta Bakery for pastries and coffee.
It’s quick, reliable, and a solid final Miami carb moment.
Head to the airport and leave extra time for traffic. Miami can surprise you.
Flight home. Slight sadness. Immediate urge to rebook.
Staying at Fontainebleau makes this itinerary easy because:
You don’t have to leave the resort for great dinners.
The pool and beach situation is strong.
You’re close enough to Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive.
It balances luxury with classic South Beach energy.
You can dress up for Hakkasan and be barefoot at the pool a few hours later. You can go big at Barton G one night and eat a burger the next.
That’s why 5 Days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach feels balanced instead of exhausting.
If you’re planning a shorter trip, check out my One Day in Miami guide to adjust this into a tighter schedule.
And if you’re ready to plan your own 5 Days at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, you can find hotels near South Beach here to compare options and start locking things in.
Cozumel is one of the easiest cruise ports to explore on your own if you know where to start.
✨ Walk straight off the ship into downtown San Miguel
✨ Grab coffee at a local café before the crowds hit
✨ Wander the waterfront, peek into a church, find a coconut stand
✨ Add a beach club or excursion if you want more
If you’re looking for a packed, every-minute-scheduled kind of port day, this isn’t that. But if you want easy, walkable, and low-stress with actual local flavor? Cozumel delivers every time. 🌊
Full itinerary linked in my story!
If you’re seeing this… your algorithm already knows. 🍽️
I’m Wendy and yes, I absolutely plan my trips around the food. No apologies.
I’m talking fresh French toast in a colorful courtyard in Curaçao, street-side bites at cruise stops most people walk right past, and gelato as a legitimate meal decision.
If you eat your way through a destination and call it research you’re going to fit in here just fine.
Follow along. Link in bio for the full blog. 🔗
#FoodieTravel #TravelAndEat #FoodTraveler #TravelWithWendy #FoodieAdventures
Lunch with a side of snorkel gear? Yes, please. 🌊 @tortugasbeachclubcozumel in Cozumel is the kind of stop where you show up for food and somehow end up on a paddleboard an hour later... and honestly, no complaints.
The day pass runs about $22–$25 and comes loaded:
✨ Lounge chairs + restrooms/showers ✨ Snorkel gear, kayaks & paddleboards ✨ Inflatable water park ✨ WiFi & parking ✨ Fresh guacamole nearby (non-negotiable)
The water is clear like, actually stop-and-stare clear and perfect for snorkeling right off the shore. Fair warning though: this isn’t your lay-flat-and-do-nothing beach. It’s an active stop, and if that’s not your vibe, it might not be your spot.
But if snorkeling is the whole point of your Cozumel day? You can also book a guided tour ahead of time, way more structured and worth it if you want to make the most of the water. 🤿
POV: you just found your new favorite travel account 👀✈️
Hi, I’m Wendy… and if you love finding the good stuff when you travel (think hidden beach clubs, cruise stops worth your time, and places that actually live up to the hype), you’re in the right place.
I share honest recs, real itineraries, and everything I wish someone had told me before I booked. No fluff, just the good stuff.
Follow along… we’re just getting started. 🌍
Link in bio for the full blog! 🔗
If you’re flying into or out of South Florida, chances are you’ll pass through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).✈️
• Only 10 min from the beach & cruise port — perfect location!
• 4 color-coded terminals — Yellow, Red, Purple & Green
• Gate C tip: water bottle fillers are UPSTAIRS, not at the gate level
• Arrive 2 hrs early for domestic, 3 hrs for international flights
• Food options include Shake Shack, Starbucks & more — eat AFTER security
• Uber/Lyft pickup is easy & organized — but wait 10-15 min if surge pricing is high
• Rental car center is near Terminal 1 with all major companies available
• Cruising? FLL is basically next door to Port Everglades — super convenient!
My Fort Lauderdale Airport guide covers what to expect before you fly, from terminal layout to transportation and food options.
Head to the blog to read exactly what you need to know…✨
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
