If you are looking for an incredible city with lots of excitement, a diverse culture, and many exciting things to fill your vacation, look no further than The Magic City, Miami, Florida. While exploring Miami, you can tour its neighborhoods, rich with history and culture, venture out to one of the most amazing National Parks, the Everglades, enjoy the many beautiful beaches in Miami, and take a road trip to the beautiful islands of the Florida Keys. Miami is an incredible and exciting city that offers the perfect vacation for its visitors. Rest assured, regardless of your choice, you will have an incredible vacation exploring the best things to do in Miami.
Visit Beautiful Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a nine-mile-long island just off the shore of downtown Miami in South Florida. While it is a long island, its beach is usually described in three sections: South Beach, which includes South Point, Mid Beach, and North Beach. Each section of Miami Beach has its charm and offers different experiences for its visitors.
One of your first stops in Miami should be Miami Beach. It is hands down one of Miami’s top attractions. Visiting Miami Beach is like stepping into a sun-drenched paradise where vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty collide. The iconic stretch of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters invites you to unwind and soak up the sun on this beautiful beach. Beyond the beach, the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach offers a visual feast. Pastel-colored buildings and a retro charm make it perfect for a leisurely stroll and Instagram-worthy photos.
Ocean Drive has many cafes, chic boutiques, and world-class restaurants that serve up a diverse cuisine. As the sun sets, Miami Beach becomes a nightlife haven. The lively Ocean Drive pulses with a vibrant nightlife, offering live music and live shows at several venues. There are trendy clubs and rooftop bars where you can enjoy a taste of the city’s famed party scene. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or dance the night away, Miami Beach promises an unforgettable experience. Spending a few days in Miami Beach is a must when visiting Miami.
Visit South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is Miami Beach’s Southernmost point and is a great place for families. You can go for a stroll or ride a bicycle in the park. There are picnic tables, a splash pad for kids to cool off and enjoy, and a restaurant in the park where you can grab a bite to eat. After spending time at the park, take a walk to the South Pointe Pier.
Take a Stroll Along the South Point Pier
At the South Point Pier, you will have great views of South Beach and the ocean. This is a great place to take a few pictures of the area. If you spend more than a few minutes on the pier, you will have a great view of cruise ships as they leave the port of Miami headed out to their Caribbean destinations.
Other Places to See in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is more than a beach destination there are many things to do in Miami besides the beach. There is a botanical garden, the Bass Museum of Contemporary Art, Espanola Way, and Lincoln Road Mall, to name a few highlights of Miami Beach. Read our blog on the Best Things to Do in Miami Beach to learn about the many places to visit in Miami Beach.
Visit the Wynwood Arts District in Miami
The Wynwood Arts District is a hip and vibrant part of Miami that comes alive at night. Many colorful murals are painted on the buildings in the Wynwood Art District. You will have a wonderful time exploring and viewing the various murals around Wynwood. At night, Wynwood comes alive, and you get a different perspective of this vibrant neighborhood. A day visit is perfect for exploring the art in Wynwood, but an evening or nighttime visit is a must. Exploring Wynwood is also one of the best free things to do in Miami, as there is lots to see in Wynwood.
The Wynwood Art District is more than a neighborhood with murals. It also has great restaurants, shops, and cafes. The Wynwood Walls Museum is a must-see when visiting Wynwood.
Visit the Wynwood Walls Museum
One of the best spots to visit in Wynwood is the Wynwood Walls Museum. At the museum, you can explore more of the art that has made Wynwood a great place to visit. You will be up close to the art. There are over 35 hand-painted murals, two street art galleries, and exhibits at the GGA Gallery. The Wynwood Walls Museum showcases art from many artists and is worth a visit.
The Wynwood Walls Museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Visit the Beaches of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key
Key Biscayne is a small island that is part of Miami and only a few minutes drive from Miami. As you drive to Key Biscayne, you will pass by Virginia Key. Key Biscayne has very picturesque and calm beaches, such as Crandon Beach Park, Hobie Beach, and Virginia Key Beach Park, which are great for families.
Crandon Beach Park is a white sand beach with calm waters. Its oceanfront tables and BBQ grills are perfect for a family picnic. If you are interested in watersports, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent.
Virginia Key Beach Park is also an excellent place for families. It is a historical beach, as it was the only beach that people of color were allowed to visit during segregation. On Wednesdays, there is an eco-history tour available, where you can learn about the history of Virginia Key Beach Park. Virginia Key has picnic tables and a boardwalk that is perfect for bicycling.
Hobie Beach, also known as Windsurfer Beach, is an excellent place for windsurfing. It is also one of the only beaches where you can take your fur baby and let them run around without a leash. You will find rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and windsurfing equipment at Hobie Beach.
Key Biscayne is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for outdoor activities. There are a variety of places where you can enjoy outdoor sports, such as water sports and biking.
Visit the Miami Seaquarium
If you are headed to Key Biscayne, you will come to the Miami Seaquarium as you drive through Virginia Key. The Miami Seaquarium is a 35-acre park with many exhibits for the family. There are several tropical fish aquariums and a 750,000-gallon Tropical Reef Aquarium. If you would like to get up close with some of the sea life at the aquarium, there is a shark and ray interaction experience, a dolphin experience, and a Sea Trek Reef Encounter. If you are looking for something low-key, there are also touchpools.
The Miami Seaquarium is a great, family-friendly thing to do in Miami. The aquarium is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Several of the encounters at the aquarium require an additional fee.
Visit Calle Ocho in Little Havana
Miami is a city with many diverse activities such as its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. But there are many things to do in Miami besides party and laying out on the beach. One of Miami’s gems is Calle Ocho, or 8th Street in Little Havana. Calle Ocho is bustling with Cuban culture and it is a must see destination in Miami. There are so many things to see in Calle Ocho in Little Havana that you can easily spend a day exploring everything.
Stop by Maximo Gomez Park / Domino Park
Maximo Gomez Park is an incredible location in Little Havana! When passing by the park, you will notice the sound of something slamming down on tables. What is making that sound? It’s Dominos! At Maximo Gomez Park, you will see many groups of people playing Dominos, as is done in Cuban culture. Seeing and hearing people coming together to enjoy a fun game is an awesome sight. Maximo Gomez Park is a unique thing to see in Miami’s Little Havana.
Visit Cigar Stores in Little Havana
Little Havana is the perfect place to purchase Cuban-rolled cigars. There are several stores in and around Little Havana where you can purchase cigars and view them being made. The cigar rollers are incredibly skilled, and it is quite interesting to see how perfectly they roll cigars. If you like cigars, Calle Ocho in Miami is the perfect place to purchase a few.
Try Cuban Coffee at Calle Ocho
The Cuban Coffee in Calle Ocho is hands down the best I have tried. There are several coffee shops and restaurants in Little Havana where you can order a delicious cup of Cuban coffee and enjoy a few Cuban pastries. The pastries and the coffee are the most authentic coffee and pastries you can enjoy in the US, aside from traveling to Cuba.
Enjoy Cuban Food
Calle Ocho is the perfect place to try Cuban food. Several restaurants serve traditional Cuban dishes such as Ropa Vieja and Platanos Maduros, as well as appetizers such as croquetas and potato balls.
We visited Old’s Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina and enjoyed a variety of their dishes. The food at Old’s Havana is so good that it is always a stop on my itinerary whenever I’m in Miami. The food in Miami’s Little Havana district is hands down the best Cuban food I have tried. It is very authentic and worth a try. You will not regret spending a few hours visiting Calle Ocho!
Visit The Bay of Pigs Monument
As you explore Calle Ocho, you will come across the Bay of Pigs Monument. The monument is a historical monument that honors those who died during the Bay of Pigs invasion. The names of those who died are engraved on the monument, and there is an eternal flame at the top of the monument. The Bay of Pigs Monument is located on Calle Ocho between 12th Street and 13th Street at the start of the Cuban Memorial Park.
Visit Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is a trendy, upscale area in Miami, also known as “The Grove.” It is home to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, CocoWalk, and The Barnacle Historic State Park. Coconut Grove is a great area that hosts a variety of events, such as yoga on Sundays and food festivals. You can get a glimpse of its history by going on a Historical Walking Tour of Coconut Grove.
Visit CocoWalk
CocoWalk is an outdoor mall located in the heart of Coconut Grove. It is a great stop if you want to grab a bite to eat and is a great place to walk around and go shopping. There are many shops, cafes, restaurants, and a movie theater. If you visit Coconut Grove, don’t miss this great outdoor mall.
Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a short distance from Calle Ocho. This is an incredible estate with a Mediterranean design. Once you enter, you will feel as though you have been transported to Italy and France. Vizcaya was built by James Deering, owner of the Deering Harvester Company. Deering built the estate between 1914 and 1922. Today, you can visit this incredible estate and take in the amazing architecture and design of both the house and the gardens.
The estate has Italian architecture, furnishings, and historical artifacts. The house has over 30 rooms, which are open to the public. Each room is incredibly designed and absolutely stunning. The house reminds me of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
The Gardens are perfectly landscaped and reminiscent of a formal French garden. There are many fountains around the garden. You can hear the water from the fountains, which adds a nice touch to the beautiful and peaceful ambiance of the garden. The gardens have various statues throughout the grounds. The centerpiece of the garden is the aerial hedge. This is an area in the center of the garden where trees have grown and been pruned over the years to create an aerial hedge. The design is exquisite.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located in the northern part of Coconut Grove near Biscayne Bay and is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can purchase entrance tickets online on the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens website.
Visit The Vizcaya Village Farmer’s Market
Across the street from the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the Vizcaya Village, which hosts a Farmer’s Market every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Parking and entrance to the farmer’s market is free. You can also book a tour of the Vizcaya Village and learn about the history of the area. Unfortunately, entrance to the farmer’s market does not include entrance to the Museum and Gardens. However, you can purchase a ticket to the museum online, visit both places and have an incredible day.
Visit the Barnacle Historic State Park
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located in Coconut Grove off Biscayne Bay and is part of the Florida State Park system. The Barnacle House, also known as the Monroe House, was built in the late 1800s and gives a glimpse of Florida’s frontier life. At this historic site, you can visit the Monroe House Museum, spend time on the lawn, and enjoy walking the grounds. The Barnacle Historic State Park is a great, family-friendly thing to do in Miami. Its location right next to Biscayne Bay is a plus as you will have great views of the water.
There is a large lawn on the property where you can relax and have a picnic with your family. The grounds also have a very walkable trail. The trail is an easy in-and-out trail that is a little over a half-mile long. The majority of the trail is paved, making it a nice leisurely walk on the park grounds. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. The park is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and there is a day-use admission price of $2.00 per person.
If you would like to visit the house, you must schedule a tour. Tour prices are $3.00 for those 13 and older and $1.00 for those 6 to 12. Kids five and under are free.
Note: The Monroe house at Barnacle Historic State Park is currently closed until August 31, 2024.
Visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is a great experience that blends education with entertainment. The museum features interactive exhibits, a stunning aquarium that showcases local marine life, and a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers breathtaking journeys through the cosmos. The museum is ideal for visitors of all ages. There are six floors of interactive exhibits with many hands-on activities and live demonstrations. Its exhibits include themes about the solar system, the Florida Everglades, the human body, and prehistoric animals. There are also temporary exhibits that change throughout the year.
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Visit Jungle Island
Jungle Island is an eco-styled theme park located on Watson Island in Miami. It was once known as Parrot Jungle and has been part of South Florida for over 80 years. Jungle Island offers many kid-friendly activities, such as animal encounters, a playground, interactive exhibits, and Jungle Splash, making it the perfect place for kids. General admission to Parrot Jungle includes the park, Tree Walk Village, Jungle Splash, and the playground. There is a lot to keep kids busy with the general admission. However, you can add other encounters for an additional cost, such as the Sloth Encounter and the Lemur Encounter. There are age limits for some of the encounters, which should be verified before you purchase your tickets.
Go For a Swim at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a historic aquatic oasis that transports visitors to a Mediterranean paradise. The Venetian Pool was built in 1924 from a rock quarry. The stunning pool is surrounded by lush landscaping, charming bridges, cave-like grottos, and two picturesque waterfalls. The pool has crystal-clear water that is fed by a natural spring on a daily basis. The pool’s architecture is reminiscent of Venice and is very elegant. Whether you’re swimming in the cool waters, exploring the hidden caves, or simply basking in the beauty of the surroundings, the Venetian Pool provides a one-of-a-kind experience that blends history, nature, and relaxation.
The Venetian Pool is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm and Weekends from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located in Coral Gables. It is a lush sanctuary of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world that is dedicated to the conservation and celebration of tropical plants.
The botanical garden is large and spans 83 acres. The garden has an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants, including towering palms, vibrant orchids, and ferns. The pathways throughout the garden lead through its diverse landscapes, tranquil lakes, flowing streams, tropical rainforests, and arid deserts. You will enjoy walking through and exploring the different gardens. The botanical garden also features themed exhibits such as the Butterfly Garden and Children’s Garden. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the perfect place to visit.
Visit Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables
Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre park in Coral Gables, adjacent to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The park is an urban oasis with a man-made atoll pool flushed by the tidal action of Biscayne Bay. The atoll pool is not very deep, making it a great spot for swimming or learning how to kite surf.
The park is perfect for nature walks, bird-watching, and picnicking. There is a marina offering access to boating and fishing. If you would like to grab a bite to eat, there is a snack bar on the grounds, or you can try the Red Fish Grill which is a great place for dinner. Matheson Hammock Park seamlessly blends natural tranquility with convenient amenities, making it a favorite escape for locals and visitors.
Ride the Miami Trolley
Florida has an amazing Trolley system in many of its cities. Miami is one of the cities where you can ride the trolley to get around town. The trolley is free and has several lines that travel in and around the greater Miami area. If you have yet to rent a car for your visit to Miami, riding the Miami Trolley is a perfect way to visit many of the sights in and around Miami.
The trolley has lines in Miami neighborhoods such as Wynwood, Little Havana, Biscayne, Brickell, and many others, covering just about everywhere you might want to travel to in Miami. If you are catching a cruise ship in the Port of Miami, you’re in luck, as the Coral Way Trolley has several stops at Port Miami Cruise Port.
Take a Ride on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
One of the best ways to view Miami is from the Skyviews Observation Wheel. The Miami Skyviews Observation Wheel is a large Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye and the High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas. It is located near the Bayside Marketplace. The night view from the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel is incredible, and it is the perfect place to take amazing photographs of the night lights in Miami. During the day, the view is just as incredible, and so are the pictures.
Skyviews Miami is located along the bay and is open weekdays from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm and weekends from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Visit the Bayside Marketplace
While you are visiting Skyviews Miami, spend some time at the Bayside Marketplace. The marketplace is an outdoor mall with many shops and restaurants. The variety of restaurants includes a selection of larger chain restaurants, smaller eateries, ice cream stores, and cafes. Several tour operators are also available, where you can book sightseeing and party cruises or go for a boat ride around the bay.
Go on the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
One of the best ways to see the sights in Miami is by taking the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour. You can hop off at any site along your route and then hop back on the bus. This is a great way to see the sights around Miami. There are three routes to choose from: the Red Loop, the Everglades Loop, and the Blue Loop, which is the night tour.
The Red Loop takes you through the many sights of Miami, including several popular neighborhoods such as Wynwood and Little Havana. The Blue Loop/Night tour takes you through Miami’s exciting sights at night, and the Everglades Loop is a four-hour loop that takes you to the Everglades.
Perfect Day Trips from Miami
While visiting “The Magic City” of Miami, you are pretty close to a few incredible areas that you can explore on your trip. You should absolutely try to add one of these destinations to your Miami itinerary.
Take a Day Trip to Key West
A day trip from Miami to Key West will give you a chance to explore the southernmost point of the continental United States, known for its laid-back island vibe and rich history. The journey along the Overseas Highway, with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, is an experience in itself.
When you arrive in Key West, you will find that it is very walkable, you will be able to see many sites during your day trip. The first thing you will notice is its charming streets lined with colorful Bahamian-style architecture and swaying palm trees. You can spend the day exploring iconic sites such as Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum as well as the Southernmost Point buoy. You can stroll down Duval Street, which has many lively bars, shops, and quaint cafes. For a touch of nature, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. You can learn about the history of this park and go swimming and snorkeling from the beach.
The drive to Key West will take about three hours. Booking a tour is convenient, as tour companies offer pick-up and drop-off services from many hotels. You will be taken by air-conditioned motorcoach to Key West, and you will have about six hours to spend exploring the area. There is a lot you can see in six hours.
Take a Day Trip to the Florida Everglades
On a day trip to the Everglades National Park, you will visit one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Known as the “River of Grass,” this vast subtropical wilderness is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. There are many tours and experiences to choose from. You can start your adventure with an airboat tour, which offers an exhilarating ride through the sawgrass marshes and a chance to spot elusive wildlife up close. Your knowledgeable guide will give you insights about the ecology and history of the Everglades.
You can also take an evening airboat tour or a pontoon sail on the Barron River and Chokoloskee Bay. There are so many different tours that it can be difficult to decide which one to go on. If you do decide to visit Florida’s beautiful Everglades National Park, you will be captivated by the beauty of this amazing natural park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting Miami to help you plan your next vacation.
The length of your trip will depend on the sites that you would like to visit. To get a good glimpse of what Miami offers you should stay at least 5 days. If you would like to explore the area in greater detail and also take day trips to Key West and/or the Everglades then a stay of no less than 7 days would be better.
Miami has a tropical climate that changes throughout the year. During the summer time there is more humidity and rainfall. Fall has varied temperatures as summer is ending and winter begins. The temperatures average in the high 80’s and begin cooling as winter sets in. The winter season is usually more pleasant with less rainfall and temperatures ranging in the high 70’s. During the spring, the temperatures begin to warm up and can range from the high 70’s to the high 80’s as you get closer to summer.
Hurricane season in Florida begins in June and ends in November. You should take this into consideration when booking travel during this time.
The best time to visit Miami is during winter, as the temperature is milder and the rainfall is very light.
The best way to get around Miami is by car. This offers the most flexibility and ease as you can set your itinerary, your travel pace, and the destinations you would like to visit.
You can also use a rideshare program. Although you can easily get to places around Miami using a rideshare program, the cost will add up very quickly. You will be driving around to various destinations, some of which might not be close to each other.
Another option is to use the Miami Trolley. The trolley is free of charge and has routes throughout Miami’s many neighborhoods. If you do utilize the trolley, there will be about a 20-minute waiting time for a trolley to arrive. You will also be walking a lot as you will need to make your way to each stop. You should have sufficient water as it can get hot in Miami. Riding the Miami Trolley is one of the best free things to do in Miami as it is a great way to ride around the city exploring all the different neighborhoods in Miami.
Yes, Uber and Lyft are both widely available in Miami.
Yes, there are taxis available in Miami. You should verify that the taxi has its documentation displayed and that it has a meter. There is usually a license or decal with that information on the car’s exterior. You should also have an idea of the going rates for your ride. You should be cautious as there are illegal taxis operating in Miami that can charge overinflated prices.
As with all large cities, there are areas that are less safe than others. You should be aware of the area that you will be visiting. For the most part, Miami is a safe city, especially in more touristy sections of town. These areas have more police presence, and they work to ensure the safety of their tourists. As in all places, you should be aware of your surroundings, be cautious, and exercise standard safety techniques when exploring an area.
Is Miami Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Miami is definitely worth visiting! Miami is a cultural melting pot with a lot of history and places to visit. There are many wonderful neighborhoods in Miami to explore, such as Wynwood, Little Havana, and Coral Gables. Miami Beach, where you can enjoy the Art Deco District and vibrant nightlife of South Beach, is a short drive away. There is no doubt that you will enjoy a getaway to the beautiful, Magic City of Miami!
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