Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and Latin influence, but there is so much more to this bustling metropolis that makes it one of the most fun cities to visit in America. Aside from its beachside charm, Miami boasts a plethora of unique attractions and wonderful natural areas that you don’t want to miss. That’s why we have crafted a list of the best things to do in Miami, so you can plan the ultimate getaway and make the most of your time in the Magic City.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Miami. You might even recognize it from movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Iron Man 3, and Bad Boys II. This sprawling European-style estate and museum allow visitors to explore over 70 Renaissance-inspired rooms and gardens filled with treasures, antique furnishings, and décor dating back to the 15th century. After touring the mansion, visitors can explore several beautifully sculpted garden areas, including the Formal Gardens, Secret Garden, Fountain Garden, Theater Garden, and even a Maze Garden, and snap some impressive pictures. To make the most of your ticket, visit Vizcaya on a Sunday when the estate hosts a farmer’s market at Vizcaya Village. Here, you’ll find 30 vendors selling organic goods and activities like yoga and kids’ pop-up games.
Wynwood Walls
If you are planning on doing some sightseeing in Miami, make sure to add Wynwood Walls to your itinerary. This 75,000-square-foot outdoor street art museum is the ideal place to take a stroll as you’ll find a plethora of inspiring, colorful murals from both local and internationally renowned street artists. While you can purchase a ticket and explore the artworks on your own, the best way to experience Wynwood Walls is with a guided tour, as you’ll gain more insight into the themes and messaging behind each piece. We recommend booking an official tour with Wynwood Walls as you’ll also get a chance to meet one of the artists and ask a few questions! There are plenty of other murals and artworks adorning the streets of the Wynwood Art District, which you can visit on your own for free, or you can hop on a buggy for a relaxing one-hour guided tour with a local artist.
Zoo Miami
If you’re looking for activities in Miami with kids, head to the only subtropical zoo in the continental US, Zoo Miami. The zoo boasts over 3,000 animals spread out across a 750-acre property, which visitors can explore on foot, by tram, on a rental bike, or even by boat. Enjoy a day getting up close and personal with animals like giraffes, Asian elephants, Bactrian camels, bald eagles, and even a Galapagos tortoise. Those visiting with little ones should remember to pack bathing suits, as the zoo also has a children’s play area and water park, which is refreshing after roaming the zoo in the hot Florida sun. You can purchase tickets to Zoo Miami here.
If you want to see even more animals, you could also head to Monkey Jungle, which offers a more relaxed, smaller wildlife park filled with playful primates like gorillas, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. Jungle Island is another great option for those who don’t want to venture far from Downtown Miami.
Little Havana
Little Havana is the vibrant heart of the Cuban community in Miami and a must-see for any visitor. Spend an afternoon strolling down Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, where you’ll find incredible cuisine, street performers, and lively shops celebrating the Latin influence of the city. Enjoy sampling traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and malanga fritas, followed by a traditional cigar from the Little Havana Cigar Factory. If you’re a foodie eager to try several of the best dishes in the area, consider booking a guided food tour of Little Havana. Also, make sure to stop by Domino Park while in the neighborhood to see some of the locals play dominoes and chess, or grab a table and show off your skills.
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Wondering what to do in Miami with kids to escape the heat or rain? Make your way to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science for a day of science-filled fun! Located along the waterfront beside the MacArthur Causeway and the Pérez Art Museum Miami, this science museum with a planetarium is sure to entertain the whole family. Not only can kids and adults enjoy a myriad of fascinating hands-on exhibits, but the museum also boasts an aquarium with sharks and stingrays and a new interactive area, The Dig, allowing visitors to discover what it’s like to be a paleontologist. The museum spans six floors with an observation deck on the top floor, making it easy to spend the full day. You can purchase your tickets in advance here.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a morning stroll through the lush tropical plants and vibrant flowers at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This large botanical park is easy to explore either on foot or by the park’s tram. Several lakes and ponds create an aquatic garden perfect for photos and spotting fish, while the indoor Whiteman Tropical Fruit Pavilion offers refuge from the rain and a colorful glass-enclosed forest to explore. Other highlights of the botanical garden include a butterfly conservatory, a tropical rainforest, and a lovely on-site café. Tickets can only be purchased in person at the gate, and children five years old and younger can enter for free.
Bayside Marketplace & Bayfront Park
Looking to do some shopping while visiting Miami? Head over to Bayside Marketplace, a two-story open-air shopping mall with plenty to see and do. Visitors can shop at several well-known stores like Victoria’s Secret and Footlocker, then grab a bite to eat at one of the 20+ restaurants and bars. Bayside Marketplace isn’t your average mall, as there are several activities and tours you and your group can experience, such as riding the 200-foot-high Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel that offers unmatched views over Biscayne Bay. Other popular activities include Thriller Miami speedboat tours, water cruises, and big bus tours. After cruising around the mall, head next door to Bayfront Park to catch a show at the popular amphitheater or to take a stroll along the waterfront.
Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District in South Beach is a great place to visit in Miami if you have an interest in architecture. This beautiful historic district features over 800 designated historic buildings, with the majority being built in the 1920s and ’30s in the art deco style. In fact, it’s one of the largest concentrations of buildings built in this style in the country! Take a self-guided tour around the district and see stand-out landmarks like the Bass Art Museum and Casa Casuarina, also known as Versace Mansion, where famed Italian designer Gianni Versace was murdered in 1997. If you want to learn more about the architecture and history of the area, consider signing up for a bike tour of South Beach and the Art Deco District.
South Beach & South Pointe Park Pier
South Beach is famous for its sprawling white sands, lively atmosphere, and iconic hotels, and a trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without a visit. You can easily spend a couple of hours at South Beach soaking up the sun and seawater, exploring Lummus Park, and enjoying a few cocktails at one of the beachside bars while watching the classic cars cruise down Ocean Drive. A great way to discover the area is to take a leisurely walk down to South Pointe Park Pier right around sunset. This 450-foot-long jetty offers outstanding views of South Beach, the city skyline, and the cruise ships coming into port. It’s also a great spot for those who want to try their luck at catching some saltwater fish.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Those with an interest in contemporary and modern art should make sure to stop by the Pérez Art Museum Miami. Located on the water in front of Maurice A. Ferré Park, this Miami art museum boasts a fantastic collection of international art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with works from several female and Miami-based artists spread across three floors. The museum’s permanent collection is always rotating, so there is something new to see every month. Once you’ve finished perusing the permanent collection, you can head outside to the sculpture garden, where you’ll find large-scale installations by artists like Pablo Atchugarry, Gonzálo Fonseca, and Ernesto Neto.
Deering Estate
Built by Charles Deering in 1922, this striking Mediterranean Revival-style mansion is an excellent Miami attraction for those with an interest in art and architecture. The Deering Estate stretches 444 acres and was built to house Deering’s exquisite art collection, which features works by artists like El Greco, Tiepolo, and Degas, along with one of the most valuable collections of tapestries and carpets in the country. Historic art isn’t the only thing on display here; there are several in-house artists creating outstanding contemporary works, along with in-house playwrights and an on-site theater. After exploring the stone house and the surrounding buildings, visitors can head out on one of the walking trails or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
If you’re looking for a unique night out in Miami, check out what’s playing at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami’s premier arts complex that’s home to the Miami City Ballet and the Florida Grand Opera. While the events at this venue are not to be missed, tourists can also visit and participate in a docent-led walking tour to learn more about the building’s modern art installations and architecture. The center also boasts an on-site art gallery as part of their 1300 Project, which show attendees can peruse before taking their seats. The project highlights Miami-Dade artists who play an integral role in the city’s art scene. Those interested in seeing the exhibit can also visit on a free guided exhibition tour on Saturdays and Mondays at 12 p.m.
Miami Design District
If you’re looking to do some high-end shopping in Miami, make a stop in the Miami Design District. This creative and modern neighborhood boasts plenty of well-known designer names, such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada, Cartier, and Chanel, along with jewelry boutiques and galleries. The neighborhood also features fantastic art installations, like Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome, and several Michelin-starred restaurants to indulge your taste buds. On the edge of the district, visitors can stop by the Institute of Contemporary Art, a free museum in Miami with a sculpture garden. Keep an eye out for celebrities, too, as you never know who might be stopping by for a shop.
Venetian Pool
If you are looking for a place to cool off from the Florida heat, a trip to the Venetian Pool is just what the doctor ordered. This stunning 1920s spring-filled pool is massive, with plenty of space for the whole family to splash around. It also features two waterfalls and cave-like grottos for swimmers to explore. There is an on-site concession where you can grab a snack or a drink, along with lounge chairs available for rent. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own chairs, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks, but umbrellas and coolers are not allowed. Make sure to bring a towel and a fully charged camera as you’ll definitely want to snap some pictures of the Mediterranean-style gardens around the pool. Note that children under the age of three are not allowed at the pool.
Everglades National Park
No trip to Miami is complete without visiting the Everglades National Park. The best way to experience the Everglades is by renting a car and driving to the park on your own. There are some full-day and half-day Everglade tours that include round-trip transportation to the park, but with your own vehicle, you can stop at iconic roadside attractions like the Everglades Alligator Farm, Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower, and the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand, where you’ll find plenty of tasty tropical fruits and a petting zoo. One must-do experience in the park is an airboat tour, as you’ll be able to explore more of the park’s swamplands and hopefully see some of the gators and snakes that call the Everglades home.
Crandon Park
If you want to enjoy the Florida sun and get outdoors, head over to Crandon Park for a day of fun and leisure. This island park boasts excellent sandy beaches with plenty of on-site activities like kiteboarding, hiking trails, fishing charters, and beach volleyball. Bring your golf clubs if you want to take a crack at the Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, or head over to the tennis courts and work on your swing. The park also features a lovely Quiet Garden to take a stroll in, as well as kayak rentals, cabana rentals, and a mangrove boardwalk trail. If you’re interested in archery, biking, or boat cruises, check out Eco Adventures to plan a day of action-packed fun.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Those looking to escape the crowds of Miami Beach should head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This sprawling 400-acre peninsula park offers plenty of space to set up for a beach day away from the crowds, and visitors are welcome to fish in the area. You can take a short stroll down Robin’s Birding Trail and then climb 109 steps to the top of Cape Florida Lighthouse for an incredible view of the Biscayne Channel, Stiltsville, and South Miami. The historic 19th-century lighthouse also offers free guided tours for those who want to know more about the lighthouse and the area’s history. You can also opt to pack your own picnic for the day or head to one of the three on-site restaurants. Other activities in the park include biking, hiking, and kayaking, with bike and kayak rentals available on-site.
Superblue Miami
Have you ever wanted to experience an immersive art show exhibit? If your answer is yes, then purchase a ticket to visit Superblue Miami. Designed to immerse your senses, this digital art-based exhibit features mind-blowing light installations spread across 50,000 square feet, creating a whole new way to experience bold and innovative art. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures and videos, and the content you capture will definitely be Instagrammable! This is an extremely popular attraction in Miami for tourists and locals, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance to avoid being turned away at the door.
Ancient Spanish Monastery
In 1953, two entrepreneurs embarked on the greatest jigsaw puzzle of all time, reassembling an ancient Spanish monastery that had been disassembled and brought to America from northern Spain. The Cloisters and the monastery’s outbuildings come from the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, originally named “The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels,” constructed in 1137 near Segovia. Today, you can visit this ancient monastery in North Miami Beach and wander past the columns that Cistercian monks did for over 700 years. This is a must-see in Miami for anyone with an interest in ancient history and architecture, but be sure to check the website before visiting, as the monastery is often closed for private and church events.
Miami’s Museums
There are several great museums in Miami for all types of interests, and some of them are free too! Those looking for free things to do in Miami or to kill a rainy afternoon can check out the modern and contemporary works at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, or head to the Jewish Museum of Florida to learn more about the Jewish community in a former synagogue (free admission on Saturdays). Families looking to entertain the kids should make their way to the Miami Children’s Museum, where a massive state-of-the-art museum offers 14 hands-on, interactive exhibits spread across two floors. For those with an interest in modern and contemporary art, the Bass Museum of Art, the Rubell Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami are great options.
Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
Biscayne Bay is Miami’s ocean playground, and if you want to get out on the water, a boat tour of the bay is a great choice. Bayride Tours offers tours of the bay on their Celebrity Homes Sightseeing Tour, which will take you past yachts and opulent mansions along the shoreline and past Hibiscus Island, where some of the wealthiest people in the country, like Shaquille O’Neal and Gloria Estefan, have mansions. Another great tour option is a sunset tour across the bay. This guided evening boat cruise also passes Downtown Miami and many of the opulent island homes on Millionaire’s Row, while offering snacks and drinks on board to enjoy during golden hour.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden & Holocaust Memorial
Located in South Beach, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a serene escape from the glitz and glam of South Beach and is a great place to enjoy a stroll and take some pictures. The three-acre garden is completely free to visit and offers tourists a chance to see over 100 species of palm trees, a Japanese Garden, an Edible Garden, and even a butterfly garden. After taking in all the beauty of the garden, you can head next door to take a self-guided tour of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach. This moving memorial and museum was created by a group of Holocaust survivors in the 1980s and is completely free to visit. Tourists can reflect on the tragedy at one of the many sculptures and pay respect to the many Jewish people who lost their lives during World War II.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is the largest underwater park in the US and definitely a bucket-list place to visit for snorkel enthusiasts and divers. The park is home to one of the largest reef systems in the world, with several shipwrecks for divers to explore on the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail. A good majority of the park is designated to the water, so you will need a boat to properly visit the area. You can rent a boat and head out to explore the park on your own, or for the best experience, book a kayak, SUP, fishing, or snorkeling tour with Biscayne National Park Institute.
Coral Castle
If you’re on the hunt for a unique and fun thing to do in Miami, then take the family down to Coral Castle. This niche attraction features a garden and castle-like structure that has been completely carved out of 1,000 tonnes of coral by one artist. You’ll first watch a brief video before being introduced to your tour guide, who will show you the ropes of the castle. It’s quite an impressive feat to see in person and makes for a great pit stop on your way to the Everglades or to snap an unusual family holiday photo! There is also an on-site café where you can grab a snack and a refreshing drink after the tour.
Oleta River State Park
Head out and explore the scenic waterways and wildlife of Miami at Oleta River State Park, located in North Miami Beach. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes and embark on a journey through the mangrove forests and tunnels while searching for hermit crabs, dolphins, and even manatees. For those who aren’t comfortable navigating the water on their own, guided tours are also available at the park, including full-moon night tours. The park also features several mountain bike trails, and bike rentals are available on-site for those who want to pedal their way through the canopy forest.
There you have them, the best attractions and activities in Miami. Whether you’re looking to shop till you drop, explore the swamplands, or spend a day at the beach, we know you’ll have an unforgettable trip to the Magic City. Just remember, wherever your adventures take you, pack lots of water and sunscreen as that Florida sun doesn’t let up! For even more fun, check out our article about the best day trips from Miami next.
