Best Luxury Family Vacation Spots in Miami

Miami is often introduced as a city of neon nights and rooftop parties, but that’s only half the story. For families, Miami is a surprisingly polished luxury destination: a place where beach mornings turn into museum afternoons, where a sunset boat ride feels as natural as an ice cream stop, and where warm weather stretches well beyond summer.

From calm waterfront neighborhoods just outside the city core to iconic Miami Beach energy, there are countless ways to experience Miami with kids (without ever sacrificing comfort). The key is choosing the right part of the city – the kind that matches your family’s pace, whether that’s poolside lounging, shopping and sightseeing, or beach-first everything.

This Wander travel guide highlights the best luxury family vacation spots in Miami, the best areas to visit, things to do, and the most family-friendly vacation rentals in Miami.

At a Glance: The Best Luxury Family Vacation Spots in Miami

• Best for iconic beach energy: Miami Beach

• Best for large family gatherings: Miami Shores

• Best for skyline views and walkability: Brickell

• Best for multi-generational trips: Waterfront Miami retreats

• Best for a resort-style stay: Private villas with pools, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchens

1. Miami Beach (Best for Classic Miami Family Vacations)

Miami Beach is exactly what people picture when they imagine Miami – bright sand, palm-lined streets, and that unmistakable blend of glamour and ocean air. But beyond the postcard views, it’s also one of the easiest places in the city to do Miami with kids.

Families love Miami Beach because everything is within reach. You can start the day on the sand, grab lunch at a sidewalk café, spend the afternoon biking the boardwalk, then come back for a sunset swim without ever getting in the car.

Things to Do in Miami Beach with Kids

• Walk or bike the Miami Beach Boardwalk for ocean views and easy beach access

• Visit South Pointe Park, a family-friendly green space with playgrounds and scenic walking paths

• Explore Ocean Drive early in the day for Art Deco architecture without the nighttime crowds

• Spend a beach day at Mid-Beach, which is calmer than South Beach and better for families

Travel Tips for Visiting Miami Beach

• Morning is the best time for family beach time – less heat, fewer crowds

• If traveling with younger kids, stick to Mid-Beach for a quieter vibe

• Bring sandals or water shoes – some areas can have hot sand and shells

Wander Travel Expert Tip

If you want the Miami Beach experience without feeling overwhelmed, build your days around the early hours. A sunrise beach walk and a mid-morning swim feel like a completely different city compared to the afternoon buzz.

Where to Stay in Miami Beach

Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary – 14 guests, 8 bedrooms

If your version of a family vacation includes everyone under one roof – grandparents, cousins, and a few friends along for the ride – Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary is the kind of home that makes it possible. This eight-bedroom waterfront estate feels like a private resort, with a pool, hot tub, sauna, and even a private movie theater for low-effort family nights in. It’s an elevated base for big groups who want beach access, privacy, and plenty of space to spread out.

2. Brickell (Best for Families Who Want a City + Beach Blend)

Brickell is Miami’s sleek, modern heart – a skyline neighborhood of waterfront towers, upscale dining, and walkable streets that feel more “global city” than “beach town.” For families, it’s a great choice if you want a polished base close to museums, shopping, and day trips, while still being a short drive from Miami Beach.

It’s also ideal for families with older kids and teens, especially if you’re planning a trip that mixes relaxation with a bit of exploring.

Things to Do in Brickell with Kids

• Walk along the Brickell waterfront for views of Biscayne Bay

• Spend time at Brickell City Centre, a shopping and dining hub that’s stroller-friendly

• Take a short drive to Bayfront Park, where kids can run around near the water

• Explore nearby Frost Museum of Science for interactive exhibits and aquarium displays

Travel Tips for Visiting Brickell

• Parking can be expensive – choose walkable activities once you arrive

• Brickell is best for families who like a structured itinerary (museums, dining, exploring)

• Plan your beach time as a day trip rather than expecting walk-out sand access

Wander Travel Expert Tip

Brickell is perfect if you want Miami’s energy in smaller doses. Stay here, explore the city, then schedule beach days as a planned outing rather than the center of every afternoon.

Where to Stay in Brickell

Wander Brickell River – 4 guests, 2 bedrooms
Wander Brickell River is a refined city escape designed for families who want Miami’s skyline at their fingertips. With two bedrooms and space for four guests, it’s an ideal fit for parents traveling with kids or couples vacationing together. 

It’s the kind of stay that works well for mornings spent exploring museums and afternoons returning to a calm, modern space that feels tucked away from the city rush – while still being right in the middle of it.

3. Miami Shores (Best for Quiet Luxury and Spacious Family Homes)

Miami Shores is one of the best-kept secrets for family travelers. It sits just north of the city’s busiest neighborhoods, offering a calmer residential feel while still keeping you close to the action. Instead of high-rise towers, you’ll find wide streets, waterfront homes, and a slower pace that feels built for family travel.

For luxury family vacations, Miami Shores is ideal because it offers what Miami Beach often can’t: privacy, space, and homes that feel truly livable – perfect for longer stays.

Things to Do in Miami Shores with Kids

• Take a day trip to the Miami Design District for shopping and art installations

• Visit Wynwood Walls for murals and outdoor art that kids actually enjoy

• Spend a morning at Jungle Island, a family-friendly wildlife park

• Enjoy a calm afternoon exploring Biscayne Bay on a boat tour

Travel Tips for Visiting Miami Shores

• This area is best if you plan to rent a car

• Miami Shores is quieter at night, which families often love

• Great for multi-day stays where pool time is just as important as sightseeing

Wander Travel Expert Tip

If you’re traveling with younger kids, Miami Shores is a smart move. It gives you access to Miami’s highlights without forcing you into the crowds every time you step outside.

Where to Stay in Miami Shores

Wander Miami Shores Retreat – 14 guests, 5 bedrooms
Designed for larger families and group getaways, Wander Miami Shores Retreat delivers the kind of space that turns a vacation into a real reset. With five bedrooms and room for fourteen guests, it’s an ideal base for multi-generational travel, especially if you want plenty of outdoor space for kids to play while adults unwind. 

The home feels private and expansive, perfect for days split between exploring the city and lingering by the pool.

Wander Miami Shores – 12 guests, 4 bedrooms
Wander Miami Shores is a polished, family-friendly escape with four bedrooms and space for twelve guests, offering the perfect balance between togetherness and breathing room. It’s the kind of property that works beautifully for families traveling with grandparents or friends – with enough space for shared meals and poolside afternoons, but still enough privacy to make everyone feel comfortable.

4. Miami Retreats (Best for Families Who Want a Private Resort Feel)

Miami isn’t just beach and skyline. Some of the most luxurious family-friendly stays are found in quieter residential pockets where the focus shifts from nightlife to privacy – think Mediterranean-inspired villas, landscaped gardens, and outdoor spaces built for long afternoons.

These are the Miami homes where you wake up slowly, spend the day by the pool, and end the evening with dinner outside under string lights while the kids burn off their last bit of energy.

Things to Do Nearby (Family-Friendly Options)

• Visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a stunning estate with grounds that feel like a fairytale

• Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, great for shaded walks and nature-loving kids

• Spend a beach day at Key Biscayne for calmer water and a family vibe

• Book a boat day on Biscayne Bay for a more private Miami experience

Travel Tips for Residential Miami

• This style of Miami is best if you want pool days built into your trip

• Plan one “big outing” per day, then keep the rest relaxed

• Many of these neighborhoods feel calmer and quieter, especially at night

Wander Travel Expert Tip

Miami gets hot fast, even in shoulder season. A home with a pool isn’t just a nice extra – it’s what turns midday into something enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Where to Stay in Residential Miami

Wander Miami Coral – 12 guests, 5 bedrooms
Wander Miami Coral is a Mediterranean-style escape that feels like it belongs in its own private world. With five bedrooms and room for twelve guests, it’s an ideal option for families who want luxury without the chaos – a place designed for long pool days, slow breakfasts, and shaded afternoons outside. 

The home’s saltwater pool and spa-style details give it a resort feel, while the layout makes it easy for groups to gather without feeling crowded.

Wander Miami Grace – 14 guests, 5 bedrooms
Wander Miami Grace is built for families who want their vacation to feel like a celebration. With five bedrooms and space for fourteen guests, it offers an upscale setting that’s still playful enough for kids, thanks to outdoor entertainment features and open gathering spaces. 

It’s the kind of stay where mornings start by the pool, afternoons drift into outdoor lounging, and evenings end with the whole group together under the warm Miami air.

5. Greater Miami Waterfront Stays (Best for Boat Days and Relaxed Luxury)

For families who want the best of Miami without the crowds, waterfront stays just outside the busiest areas offer an ideal alternative. These homes are perfect for travelers who want calm mornings, outdoor lounging, and the option to build the trip around the water – whether that means paddleboarding, boating, or simply watching the sunset from the backyard.

It’s a slower Miami, and for families, that’s often exactly what makes it special.

Things to Do for Waterfront Family Vacations

• Take a private boat tour through Biscayne Bay

• Plan a family-friendly day trip to Key Biscayne beaches

• Explore Miami Seaquarium for younger kids

• Spend a morning kayaking or paddleboarding in calmer bay waters

Travel Tips for Waterfront Miami

• Pack sunscreen and hats – waterfront areas have less shade

• If boating is part of the plan, look for homes with dock access

• Build in downtime – these homes are designed to be enjoyed, not rushed through

Wander Travel Expert Tip

Some of the best Miami vacations happen when you stop trying to “do Miami” every day. Pick one big activity, then come back and let the rest of the day unfold by the water.

Where to Stay in Waterfront Miami

Wander Miami Oasis – 13 guests, 4 bedrooms
Wander Miami Oasis feels exactly like its name suggests – a private retreat designed for families who want luxury with breathing room. 

With four bedrooms and space for thirteen guests, it’s an excellent option for group trips where everyone wants access to outdoor space. The pool, hot tub, and serene garden setting create a stay that’s built around relaxation, while still keeping you close enough to Miami’s best dining and attractions.

6. North Miami-Style Retreats (Best for Large Families and Group Trips)

When you’re traveling with family, one of the biggest luxury upgrades isn’t a fancy restaurant reservation or an ocean-view brunch. It’s space. The ability to spread out, to have multiple bedrooms, to enjoy quiet corners, and to still gather for meals and poolside afternoons.

That’s where Miami’s larger private homes shine. These are the kinds of stays that make family travel easier: less logistics, fewer hotel rooms, and more shared time.

Things to Do Nearby for Big Family Trips

• Spend the day at Miami Beach, then retreat back to your private home

• Visit Zoo Miami for a full-day family outing

• Explore Wynwood for murals, food halls, and outdoor spaces

• Plan a day trip to the Everglades for airboat rides and wildlife viewing

Travel Tips for Large Group Stays

• Build at least one full “home day” into your trip

• Choose a property with a large outdoor area for meals and downtime

• If you’re traveling with toddlers, pool fencing and shaded seating are major wins

Wander Travel Expert Tip

The easiest way to make a family trip feel luxurious is to remove friction. Large homes let you slow down – and when you slow down, Miami becomes much more enjoyable.

Where to Stay for Large Family Trips

Wander Miami Palms – 12 guests, 7 bedrooms
Wander Miami Palms is the kind of place families remember long after the trip ends. With seven bedrooms and room for twelve guests, it offers an upscale layout designed for fun: a pool, waterslide, movie theater, and game room that make it feel like a private family resort. 

It’s perfect for families with kids who want entertainment built into the stay – the kind of home where afternoons disappear into pool time and evenings end with a movie night without anyone needing to leave the property.

7. Luxury Miami for Families Who Want “Iconic” (Best for Bucket-List Trips)

Some Miami trips are about relaxing. Others are about doing Miami the way you’ve always pictured it – stylish, waterfront, sun-soaked, and unforgettable. If you’re planning a milestone vacation, a holiday reunion, or a multi-family getaway, Miami has no shortage of properties that turn the trip into something genuinely special.

This is where Miami’s high-end villas and estates stand out: spaces that feel cinematic, built for long stays, big meals, and unforgettable afternoons in the sun.

Things to Do for Bucket-List Miami Trips

• Take a family cruise through Millionaire’s Row for iconic waterfront views

• Spend a day exploring the Art Deco Historic District

• Book a beach cabana day in Miami Beach

• Plan a private chef-prepared meal at home for a special evening in

Travel Tips for Luxury Milestone Trips

• Consider concierge services for grocery stocking and in-home dining

• Plan activities early in the day, then keep afternoons flexible

• If traveling with multiple families, choose a property with plenty of common space

Wander Travel Expert Tip

The best luxury family trips aren’t packed with plans. They’re defined by comfort: a home that feels effortless, and days that don’t require constant decisions.

Where to Stay for Iconic Miami Luxury

Wander Miami Palms – 12 guests, 7 bedrooms
For families who want their vacation to feel like a private resort, this property delivers with entertainment, space, and a playful edge. It’s a standout option for multi-family trips, with plenty to do without ever leaving the home.

Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary – 14 guests, 8 bedrooms
A true showstopper for large groups, Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary blends Miami Beach’s iconic energy with resort-level amenities, making it ideal for family milestone travel.

What to Expect from a Luxury Family Vacation in Miami

Miami is a destination of contrasts. It can feel energetic and glamorous, or calm and tropical – often in the same day. For families, the experience is shaped by where you stay and how you plan your days.

Weather and Best Times to Visit

Miami is warm year-round, but the most comfortable season for family travel is typically late fall through spring. Summer is still beautiful, but heat and humidity can make midday sightseeing tougher.

Getting Around Miami with Kids

Miami is spread out. Some areas are walkable (Brickell, parts of Miami Beach), but most family itineraries are easiest with a rental car or rideshares.

Dining with Families

Miami has plenty of upscale restaurants that welcome kids, especially in areas like Brickell and Miami Beach. Many families also choose to eat at home for part of the trip – which is where private kitchens and outdoor dining areas become a huge luxury advantage.

Family Travel Tips for Visiting Miami

• Plan beach mornings. The earlier you go, the calmer the water and the cooler the sand.

• Schedule downtime. Miami heat makes midday breaks essential.

• Choose a home with a pool. It transforms the trip, especially with younger kids.

• Don’t over-plan. One big activity a day is often enough.

• Consider a boat day. It’s one of the most memorable family experiences in Miami.

Expert Tips: How to Make Miami Feel Truly Luxurious for Families

Luxury in Miami isn’t just about the destination – it’s about how you experience it. The city rewards travelers who build in comfort, privacy, and time.

Lean into the “slow mornings”

Start with breakfast at home, then head out late morning. Miami’s best moments often happen when you’re not rushing.

Choose one signature experience

For some families, it’s a private boat charter. For others, it’s a day in Miami Beach with cabana service. Pick one standout moment and let the rest of the trip feel easy.

Make the home part of the vacation

A luxury villa with a pool, hot tub, and outdoor dining isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s a destination in itself – and the best family vacations treat it that way.

Book Your Miami Family Escape with Wander

Miami is a city that knows how to put on a show, but it’s also a place where family vacations can feel surprisingly effortless. With the right neighborhood and the right home, your trip becomes less about chasing attractions and more about enjoying the rhythm of warm days, waterfront evenings, and time spent together.

Whether you want Miami Beach energy, Brickell convenience, or a private poolside retreat for a multi-generational getaway, Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Florida make it easy to experience Miami and the rest of the Sunshine State at its most luxurious and comfortable.

From sleek city stays like Wander Brickell River to spacious family estates like Wander Miami Palms and Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary, these homes offer the space, privacy, and elevated amenities that turn a trip into something unforgettable.