Miami is an enormous cultural hub that offers more than enough to keep visitors and residents busy. With so many things to do in Miami, it can be hard to decide how to ration your time. That's why we came up with this handy list of the top 15 things to do in Miami.
When in Miami, a beach day (or a few of them) is an absolute must. Of course, there’s always South Beach, Miami’s most famous beach. With restaurants, designer boutiques, lounge bars, and clubs, South Beach is always booming.
Trying to get rid of those annoying tan lines? Hop over to Hauler Beach Dog Park and take advantage of their clothing-optional policy. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly beach, Oleta River State Park Beach and Sunny Isle Beach both offer water sports like canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Crandon Park Beach and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park are also great options for families in Key Biscayne.
Return to the time when American homes were inspired by European palaces and visit this stunning American Villa and its European-inspired gardens in Coconut Grove. Full of European antiques and decorative works, discover art treasures from the 16th to 19thcenturies while taking an interactive or audio tour. Stop by the Vizcaya Café and Shop on your way in or out to make the most of your time in the Golden Age.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Take a day-trip through the Frost Museum of Science to explore a 250-seat planetarium, three-level aquarium, engineering design lab, Everglades sensory journey, and many other fascinating exhibitions. With so many things to do, the Frost Museum offers something exciting for everyone. Be sure to catch a laser light show and rock out under the planetarium’s 67-foot dome.
Related content: Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami
Take a load off and escape your daily stress with a real rejuvenating detox (we’re not talking about a green juice). Wander the underground hallways of Miami Beach to experience the traditional rituals of bathing with saunas, steam rooms, and massages in a “temple of heat”. Steam, swim, eat, and relax at this unexpected paradise in Miami.
Calle Ocho
For a worthy taste of some Cuban culture, stroll down Calle Ocho and feel like you’ve walked right into Havana. Some of the many pastimes enjoyed here are smoking a stogie from the Little Havana Cigar Factory, playing a game of Dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, eating some classic Cuban food at Versailles or El Exquisito, and sipping on a Cuban coffee from 3:05 Cafecito. No matter where you end up on Calle Ocho, there’s always delicious food and lots to do.
Also known as the “Fifth Avenue of the South”, Lincoln Road Mall is the ultimate shopping, dining, and people-watching destination- and it’s just a block from the beach! There are over 200 designer boutiques, local merchants, and national retail stores along with a variety of restaurants. Visit a rooftop bar or catch a movie on Lincoln Road by taking the new South Beach Loop, the city’s latest free trolley service.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
Gardens and exhibits, a rainforest with waterfalls and a stream, vistas, and a rare plant conservatory fill the 83 acres of the Fairchild Botanical Garden. There are guided and self-guided tours available for visitors, including a handicap accessible, 45-minute tram tour. Walk under the exotic Vine Pergola, visit the Tropical Flowering Tree Arboretum, view the lakes, or grab a book and find a bench to relax in your favorite spot.
Art Deco District
The historic architecture of Art Deco is a modern take on Neoclassicism and sure to take your breath away. The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach is made up of over 800 preserved, short pastel buildings with porthole windows and terrazzo floors from the 1920s and 1930s. Find self-guided audio tours at the Art Deco Welcome Center or just browse around on your own.
Take the kids out for a day of fun at Jungle Island, located on Waston Island. Some of the attractions here include wildlife shows and a petting zoo. There are specific adventure packs for purchase that incorporate the Neo Splash water park, SuperFlight wind tunnel, and SkyWire zip line. The park also has a variety of animal experiences and dining options, including a Concrete Beach Brewery beer trailer for adults.
In 2009, Tony Goldman thought “Wynwood’s large stock of warehouse buildings, all with no windows, would be my giant canvases to bring to them the greatest street art ever seen in one place,” and, boy, was he right! With more than 50 artists (representing 16 countries), 40 murals have covered over 80,000 square feet of walls. This incredible outdoor street park is an absolute must-see in Miami.
Related content: Miami's Famous Wynwood Walls
Escape the saltwater at this beautiful rock quarry filled with 820,000 gallons of spring water straight from an underground aquifier in Coral Gables. At the Venetian Pool, there are two gorgeous waterfalls (perfect for the background of your next Instagram post), cave-like grottos, and historic lookout towers to view the city. For a small fee, take in the beautiful, natural surroundings and splash around in this gigantic pool.
Related content: Spend a Day at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables
This 37-acre park became the first lasting settlement of South Dade County and now attracts over 50,000 visitors a year. The public garden has more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetable, nuts, herbs, and spices, and guests are allowed to sample any fallen fruit. There are free guided tours daily, and the gift shop sells a variety of jams and jellies, seeds, teas, spices, and cookbooks on tropical fruits and vegetables.
The city of Homestead in Miami-Dade County offers a nice break from the bustle of Miami and a chance to stock up on fresh produce. Pick your own strawberries and tomatoes at Knaus Berry Farm or buy some of their seasonal fruits and vegetables. While you’re there, make sure to visit the bakery to purchase all different kinds of breads, cakes, pies, jellies and jams, shakes, and the farm’s infamous cinnamon rolls.
For even more fresh produce, hop over to Robert Is Here, a family-owned and operated fruit stand. What began as just a fruit stand now has an animal farm, play area, and live music on the weekends for all visitors to enjoy. Other popular markets in Homestead include the Mexico Market and Redland's Farmers' Market.
Now open to the public and for private event booking is the Dezer Collection in North Miami. Home to the largest James Bond collection in the world, this exhibit boasts cars, planes, and helicopters straight out of the movies. There is also a Batman Traveling Exhibition with collectables and memorabilia galore along with the classics: the Batcave, Batboat, Batcycle, and, of course, the Batmobile. Tickets are super cheap, and Florida residents get a discount!
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
This 2.2-mile-long pedestrian promenade just 20 minutes north in Hollywood Beach is full of cafes and markets, ice cream shops, gourmet restaurants, and bars. You can walk or rent a bike to travel up and down the beach on the boardwalk or just grab some umbrellas and chairs to set up camp on the beach itself. Wait until the evening and watch the sunset while enjoying live music and a drink on the beautiful Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.
It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to things to do in Miami. No matter what you choose, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never be bored in Miami!
Find more things to do in Miami and find out the latest Miami event by registering at 305area, your free guide to the Miami area.
Cover photo courtesy of PxHere
