When it comes to holiday destinations, Miami is one of the most beautiful cities. Situated in South Florida, Miami is also known as “The Magic City”. Miami is the home to distinct architectural creations and pristine beaches. You are most likely inquisitive about what makes Miami exceptional. Here you will discover things to do in Miami if you’re planning to visit anytime soon.
1. Entertaining Things to Do in Miami
Are you excited to know what are the things Miami has to offer? Check this detailed list of entertaining things to do in Miami:
1.1. Visit the Most Talked-about Beaches of Miami
For every beach lover, Miami is always at the top of the list. Miami is recognized all over the world for its pristine beaches. Here are a few famous beaches in Miami:
South Beach
North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach make Miami Beach. Each of these sections has its charm.
Out of all these amazing beaches, South beach is the most popular all over the world.
You can visit South Beach with your family as well. You can enjoy the scenic view and yummy food at South Beach without any trouble. There are many bars, restaurants, famous shopping stores, and historic architecture like Art Deco architecture in South Beach.
Fort Lauderdale
Naturally decorated with vibrant blue water and tall coconut palms, Fort Lauderdale Beach is an amazing choice.
Fort Lauderdale Beach was once a college area that turned into a beautiful beach. People love this beach for jogging, cycling, and skating.
You will come by all the basic amenities on Fort Lauderdale beach. Even if you are a first-time visitor, you won’t need to wander here and there to find showers and toilets. You will always find lifeguards on duty to save your day.
Surfside
Surfside is a small beach town in Florida with almost 6000 residents.
Locals visit Surfside for enjoying live music and spend some time in peace. Visitors also get many options for entertainment. There are bars nearby surfside. For fun-filled holidays, you will also find a picnic area on Surfside beach.
Surfside has lifeguards as well for your safety. You will get to meet locals and interact with them as well.
Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is positioned north of Miami beach. Two miles of public beaches make Sunny Isles Beach attractive to visitors.
Once a low-rent beach, Sunny Isles Beach is now the name of luxury. There are many luxury beachfront properties in Sunny Isles Beach.
If you are looking for places for entertainment, Sunny Isles Beach has many theatres, nightclubs, and well-known restaurants.
1.2. Think about What Your Taste Buds Desire
Miami is just the right place for you if you are one of those people who love to try different cuisine wherever they go.
Miami has so many options for a foodie like you. It is obvious to get confused about choosing the right food.
Ceviche is one of the most loved appetizing dishes in Miami. Made up of raw fish mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and pepper, Ceviche has an exquisite taste. Although you can get ceviche everywhere in Miami, South Beach has some amazing places for ceviche.
Trying local seafood will never go wrong if you’re in Miami. Eating these delicious is one of the best things to do in Miami. You can enjoy oysters and yummy paella made with juicy shrimp.
When it comes to sweets and cakes, Miami has a variety of doughnuts. Doughnuts in Miami are made with different flavours like arroz con leche (rice pudding) and dulce de leche ( caramelized milk). Original Miami doughnut houses are recommended if you want to try something unique yet tasty.
There are many other foods to try in Miami. You can go for key lime pie, pastelitos, arepas, and medianoche. You can explore different cuisines in Miami and decide what suits your taste
1.3. Sightseeing for Adding Extra Fun
Who doesn’t go sightseeing when travelling to a new place? No one.
Sightseeing is something common to every traveller. It allows you to explore history and culture. It helps you in finding hidden gems.
When it comes to the most exhilarating things to do in Miami, sightseeing makes the list. You can add more fun to your sightseeing by twisting it.
Speedboat Sightseeing
If you’re in Miami, you must take a speedboat sightseeing tour of incredible Miami. Speedboat tours will make your time more adventurous yet pleasant.
From Fisher island to Star Island, you’ll be able to see every beautiful view from your seat.
You can take a speedboat sightseeing tour from 11 am till the sun sets. Visitors with back problems or visitors who are pregnant must avoid speedboat tours. You may get hurt.
Sunset Cruise in Biscayne Bay
If you crave beautiful sunsets and want to enjoy them to the fullest, you should take a sunset cruise in Biscayne Bay.
A sunset cruise is also a great place for couples to make happy memories.
Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
If you are visiting Bayside Marketplace, you can take Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel to explore Miami from a different angle. You will enjoy a panorama view of beaches and beautiful landscapes from 200 feet high in the air.
This observation wheel does not remain closed even for a single day. On Saturdays and Sundays, the observation wheel is operated from 12 pm to 10 pm. But on the other days, it is open from 1 pm to 10 pm
1.4. Get Amazed by Wonderful Architecture in Miami
No doubt Ocean Drive Art Deco is one of the most beautiful designs in Miami but there are many other beautiful buildings in Miami that you need to see. But you should learn about these architectural structures before adding their visit to the list of things to do in Miami.
Art Deco
Art Deco is an architectural form known for its geometric detailing. Zig-zags, pyramids, and chevrons are a few common themes of the Art Deco style.
Miami is a hub of art deco buildings. When these buildings were being restricted in the 1970s, activists protested against the destruction. They founded Miami Design Preservation League in 1976 to protect this style.
The Celino Hotel, Ocean Drive Art Deco, the Carlyle, and the Webster are a few art deco buildings you must visit.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Located on Biscayne Bay, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beauty that used to belong to James Deering, a famous businessman. It was earlier known as Villa Vizcaya.
The gardens of the Vizcaya estate are made in the style of Italian Renaissance gardens. Veneto and the Tuscan Italian Renaissance are the major influence on these gardens. The woodland landscape is what catches your eye once you visit Vizcaya Estate.
Freedom Tower
Designed by Schultze and Weaver, Freedom Tower is a historic landmark of national importance. Freedom Tower is also known as Ellis Island of the South.
Freedom Tower used to function as the Cuban Assistance Center to shelter refugees.
You will find the beauty of Cuban Heritage in this monument. Freedom tower offers an exhibition of the Cuban diaspora for free to visitors.
Perez Art Museum Miami
A contemporary Art Museum, Perez Art Museum Miami is an amazing architectural structure. The modern-style back courtyard of Perez Art Museum is open to the public as well.
Wynwood Building
If you are looking for a spot for your Instagram pictures, Wynwood Building is where you must go. Most of the buildings in Wynwood get fresh colours annually. Wynwood Building is one such building that doesn’t change its pattern.
Wynwood Building is a beautiful piece of art known for its Zebra stripes.
1.5. Who Hates Shopping?
Well, no one hates shopping. You may like one thing or another. Miami has something for everyone and this makes shopping one of the most enjoyable things to do in Miami.
No one will return empty-handed or at least without getting tempted.
Lincoln Road Mall
Lincoln Road Mall attracts shoppers because of so many reasons. Lincoln Street is in the center of South Beach and is well-suited for pedestrian shoppers. Numerous fashion stores of big brands can also be found in this pedestrian mall.
Besides shopping, you can also enjoy outdoor activities, restaurants, and cafes around Lincoln Mall. A walking tour of Lincoln Mall Road is so much fun and enhances your overall experience in Miami.
Bayside Marketplace
Another attractive spot for shoppers is Bayside Marketplace. This busy marketplace is located at the edge of the water body in downtown Miami. Bayfront Park is also close to this place.
The bayside marketplace has various corners for famous brands like Victoria’s Secret and Sketchers. You can also enjoy fast food here. There are many restaurants to keep your tummy calm after getting tired of shopping.
Design District
For shopping luxury brands, you can choose Design District. Here you will find art galleries, posh restaurants, and designer brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton.
Tropicana Flea Market
One of the biggest Flea markets in Miami, Tropicana flea market is known for various kinds of products. From cosmetics to furniture, you get everything at Tropicana Flea Market.
It is open on weekends from the morning to the evening. You can also enjoy food like fried Chicken, enchiladas, and ceviche from various food trucks and cafes.
1.6. National Parks and Botanical Garden For Nature Lovers
Greenery is always the first choice of nature lovers. Miami has so many national parks and botanical gardens to soothe your eyes.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
Fairchild Garden is a beautiful rainforest with a sunken garden, a scenic stream, and a vine pergola. This botanical garden extends over 83 acres.
Fairchild garden preserves biodiversity in its true form.
Rare kinds of orchids, palms, bromeliads, and cycads are found in Fairchild Garden.
Its lush ground and shady trees are also a great place to relax if you are visiting Fairchild Garden in summer.
Many Art exhibits are also. organized on regular basis in Fairchild Garden.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Spread across 2.6 acres of area, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a sustainable garden. You will find more than two hundred varieties of flora in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
In the middle of the garden, there is a huge lawn where visitors relax and enjoy the natural beauty. You will find a rare variety of orchids and palms in this garden.
There are many things in this botanic garden that will allure a nature lover like you. You will find Koi Pond, Edible Garden, and the Japanese Garden on its premises.
The Kampong-National Tropical Botanical Garden
A 9-acre botanical garden in Miami, The Kampong is one of the most beautiful grounds in Miami. It is located on Biscayne Bay.
Kampong has more than 60 varieties of mangoes which you can taste as well. You can also spot different kinds of avocados, palms, bamboo, and other flowering trees in Kampong.
Crandon Park
Crandon Park is an urban park of 800 acres in Key Biscayne which is known for its stunning beach of 2 miles and scenic coastal area.
You can get a guided tour of the reserved area of this park known as Bear Cut Preserve. This preserve is used as Environment Study Area.
A parking facility is also available for the convenience of visitors in this park.
1.7. Explore Wildlife
Doesn’t it amaze you when you see different animals? Each of these animals has something eccentric to share. Miami has diverse species of wildlife.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is one of the most important places you must add to your list. From reptiles to birds, it has thousands of species. Zoo Miami extends over 750 acres and it is the oldest zoo in Florida.
Zoo Miami has animals from Australia, Africa, and other places with warm climates. Giraffes, lions, and zebras are easily spotted here.
You can take Safari Cycle and roam around spotting different animals and birds without getting tired. This experience will make you forget any other jungle safari.
Monkey Jungle
Established in 1935, Monkey Jungle is an eco-show park. If you love monkeys and want to see wildlife in their natural habitat, Monkey jungle is your place.
The behaviour of wildlife is not changed artificially in Monkey Jungle. They are left to behave and interact naturally. Monkey jungle will teach you a lot about monkeys.
Jungle Island
Formerly Parrot Jungle and now Jungle Island is one of the most eye-catching places in Miami. Positioned between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island is known to shelter diverse fauna. You will get to interact with animals and watch bird shows at the heart of Miami. You can also enjoy zip lines, a waterpark, and a swimmable beach.
JungIe Island is open throughout the year from 10 am to 5 pm.
Everglades national park
Everglades national park is the third largest in the USA, excluding non-contiguous states. This national park was added as one of the Wetlands of International Importance as per the Ramsar Convention of 1987.
You can spot alligators, turtles, and cranes in 1.5 million acres of wetlands of Everglades. You will also find panthers in Everglades living in their natural habitat.
You will love a boat tour around Everglades National Park. You will be allured by the beauty of the Everglades.
1.8. Florida Keys to Refresh Your Mood
If you have one extra day to spare, you can visit the Florida keys. But you must know what exactly Florida keys are.
Florida keys are a group of more than a hundred islands in the South of Miami. These islands are outstretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
The overseas highway passes through most of the inhabited islands of Florida Keys.
These Florida Keys offer a variety of water sports and recreational activities. You can find only living coral reefs of the USA in this group of isles.
There are five main isles in the Florida Keys namely Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Big Pine Key, and Islamorada.
Key West
If you are looking for lively nightlife and numerous water sports, you must go to Key West. Key West is known for its buzzing lifestyle. The conch-style architecture of Key West is also a great attraction.
Marathon
Whether you’re on a solo trip or a family trip, you can always enjoy the view of the beautiful waterfront of Marathon. There is a famous lighthouse at Marathon that you can visit.
Key Largo
The home of the world’s largest artificial reef, Key Largo is known for its elegance. Key Largo is untouched to some extent and a self-declared Dive capital of the world.
Coral Reef State Park of Key Largo can tempt you as well. There is a bronze statue of Christ of about 4000 pounds in the ocean. This statue is called Christ of the Abyss.
Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key attracts tourists for its beautiful view and serenity. You can explore wildlife at Big Pine Key. You can see alligators and Key Deer at Big Pine Key.
Islamorada
Self-declared sport fishing capital of the world, Islamorada is known for its small-town vibe. You will enjoy fishing here like nowhere else.
1.9. Museums for a Little Education
For enthusiasts and those seeking extra knowledge everywhere, museums have something unique to offer every time. Miami has some unique museums.
Miami’s Bayfront Park has the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This huge museum is well-suited for you even if you visit Miami on the busiest days. It has a planetarium, an aquarium, and two galleries for Science.
Frost Museum of Science also throws interesting exhibitions regularly.
If you are interested in exploring Art of the 20th and 21st centuries, you can also visit Perez Art Museum Miami. This museum has lots of art collections from the modern era like African-diaspora art and the post-colonial conditions in Africa.
The Art Museum is known for exhibiting art forms focusing on today’s topics that affect society.
To know about the culture and rich history of Jewish people and explore their history, you can go to the Jewish Museum of Florida. The people usually get to see a video presentation about Jewish culture and then proceed to other parts of the premises. It almost takes a two-hour walk to cover all the blocks.
Visiting these museums will give you a humbling experience and at the same time it will fill you with extra knowledge about different sides of society.
1.10. Fun with Water Sports
If you love adventure, Miami will never disappoint you. Miami offers numerous water sports and many fun activities. A list of things to do in Miami is incomplete without adding water sports.
Parasailing
Parasailing is a water sport that lets you get pulled by a vehicle while remaining attached to a parachute-like canopy.
In Miami, there are beaches everywhere. You can go parasailing and enjoy fun-filled moments. You can also enjoy the view of the Miami skyline and Coconut grove while parasailing.
Parasailing is safe in Miami. You don’t need to be trained for parasailing. You will be provided with all the parasailing safety equipment. If you want to add more fun, you can also choose to get wet.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is an adventurous sport if you love water. Jet skiing is also known for improving your coordination skills.
Since there is water everywhere in Miami, you can enjoy a jet ski tour of Miami.
2. Tips for Budget Travelers in Miami
A budget traveler is someone who loves traveling and chooses a wallet-friendly option for tickets, food, shopping, and other things.
If you are also a budget traveler ready to visit Miami, there are many free things to do in Miami. You will explore Miami and have fun to the fullest, and yet you will spend very little.
2.1. Beaches are Free for Everyone, Aren’t They?
Beaches define Miami, and yet they are free. The blue waters of Miami can be enjoyed without spending a single penny.
Haulover, Surfside, and South Beaches are a few of the most beautiful beaches you must go to.
2.2. Take Metromover
Sightseeing can be done just right by taking a fully automated Metromover free of cost.
Metromover has three routes, including the main line running from Museum Park Station.
You can enjoy the city view from the Metromover, including high skylines, urban parks, and the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.
2.3. Watch Live Performances at Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a great stop for both locals and visitors.
Most people go to Bayside Marketplace for its independent shops. You will also find outlets for big brands.
Live performances by different bands and gigs at this marketplace attract visitors. You can enjoy these performances free of cost. Watching these performances is one of the many living things to do in Miami.
This marketplace gets visitors at nighttime because of its major focus on entertainment.
2.4. Miami Museums on Free Days are the Savior
Museums in Miami can be expensive, especially if you’re going with your family.
Wolfsonian-Florida International University has an art museum which is free on Fridays between 6 pm and 9 pm. This university museum is known for its collection of numerous paintings, industrial design posters, and furniture.
The Freedom Tower also includes the Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design, and you can enter the Freedom Tower without paying any fee.
This museum hosts exhibitions showcasing contemporary and modern artworks. You can enjoy the charm of these artworks for free.
Weintraub Observatory Star Show of Patricia and Frost Museum of Science is free on Fridays after 7 pm.
2.5. Those Shows at Miami’s Parks are Free
Miami’s parks witnelivesive performances and gigs now and then. These parks are free to everyone and well-maintained.
You can get free yoga classes at Bayfront Park and watch free movie screenings at Soundscape Park.
2.6. Little Havana for Exploring Cuban Culture
On the west of Downtown Miami, you will find Little Havana. Little Havana is all about the uniqueness of the cultural scene.
You will find many art galleries along the route. There are many restaurants in the locality. You can try the best Cuban Sandwiches in these restaurants.
Tower Theater is an entertainment center in the neighborhood. This theatre is one of the cultural and historical landmarks of Miami, which is known for screening independent movies frequently.
3. Best Time for Visiting Miami
Since there are so many things to do in Miami, you must be excited to visit this beautiful city. But first, you must know what time is best suited for visiting Miami.
Spring is the most preferred time for paying a visit to Miami. Starting from March, the beautiful weather of Miami lasts till May. This weather has less crowd and more pleasing weather. The weather is warm in Miami during this time but not too hot to start bothering you. There is very little chance of rain in Miami during this time and humidity is also not too high.
Spring is also the right time to visit Miami because of its affordable accommodation facilities. You get an amazing stay at a lower price in Miami during this time. You will also find lower rates for plane tickets in Spring.
Final Thoughts
From pristine beaches to aesthetic architectural designs, the magic city of Miami has everything you need for a fun-filled vacation. Since every visitor has different choices, Miami has something for everyone. No one will return home without enjoying the visit.
Whether you go on a solo trip, a couple’s trip, or with your family, you will find many things to do in Miami. You will find it easy to mingle with the atmosphere of Miami.
Tell us which of the things to do in Miami attracted you the most in the comment section below. Share your experience if you have ever visited Miami.
Last Updated on by Narayani Bhardwaj