The 23 Best Things to Do in Miami Beach for a Perfect Getaway

One of the first stops for many visitors to Miami is Miami Beach. Miami Beach is a nine-mile-long island just off the shore of downtown Miami that is connected by three causeways. While Miami Beach is usually described in three separate sections, South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach, each section shares the same incredible white sandy beach. There is a wide range of incredible things to do in Miami Beach as Miami Beach offers different experiences for its visitors. Miami Beach is a paradise for visitors seeking both excitement and relaxation. You will find rich cultural diversity, world-class dining, and endless entertainment options. And for those seeking a tranquil beach getaway, Miami Beach is the perfect place to visit. Keep reading to learn about the many awesome things to do in Miami Beach!

Enjoy the Beach

After arriving in Miami Beach, the first thing you should do is enjoy the beach! The Beach is beautiful, and the water is clear and warm. After spending time traveling, it’s time to explore the different beach areas that make up Miami Beach and get in some rest, relaxation, and sunshine.

Visit North Beach

North Beach is the northern area of Miami Beach and starts around 60th Street. This area is a very low-key and predominantly residential area of Miami Beach. You might be surprised to find just a few people on the beach in this area. This is an excellent part of Miami Beach to visit if you would like to spend some quiet time on a beautiful beach. 

Visit Aventura Mall in North Beach

Although North Beach is a low-key area of Miami Beach, there are still a few great places to visit here, such as the Aventura Mall, one of the largest malls in the US, where you will find stores like Prada and Fendi. You can also take an art walk on the grounds of Aventura Mall, where you will find over 20 pieces of art, including sculptures and murals. 

You can also visit the North Beach Bandshell, an open-air amphitheater that hosts live music from local and international artists. North Beach is a great part of Miami Beach if you are looking for a quieter and more relaxing getaway.

Visit Mid Beach

Mid Beach is the mid-section of Miami Beach, starting around 24th Street and going up towards 60th Street. It is a quieter area of Miami Beach but not entirely low-key. The beach here is as beautiful as South Beach but less congested. This is one of the key benefits of staying in Mid Beach. While not completely empty, the beaches are quieter and less crowded than South Beach. You will find many hotels in Mid Beach, from luxury to mid-range and affordable hotels. If South Beach is out of your price range or you would like to avoid paying higher hotel prices, you will more than likely find an affordable, lower-cost hotel in Mid Beach. 

Spend a Few Days in South Beach

South Beach is an exciting, busy, and vibrant section of Miami Beach. There are many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and areas to explore in and around South Beach. Along with the many venues there are to visit, South Beach has an incredible beach. South Beach is located in the southern part of Miami Beach. It starts at 5th Street and stretches for 2.5 miles. This area has many Art Deco-inspired buildings, art displays, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. If you have seen Miami portrayed in movies and television shows, this is the area that is usually shown. 

The main place to visit and spend time is the beautiful beach. Technically, South Beach is part of Miami Beach, but as you walk up and down South Beach, you will feel as though you are in a different area. The beach is gorgeous regardless of which section of Miami Beach you are visiting. However, South Beach has a life of its own and due to its popularity, more people visit South Beach. South Beach is the busier part of Miami Beach, regardless of whether you are on the beach or walking in town. This area of Miami Beach is colorful, has a vibrant nightlife, and is loads of fun. Spending time in South Beach is one of the best things to do in Miami Beach. Regardless of what you decide to do, you will definitely have a great time in South Beach!

Visit South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. It is a great place to visit and take a leisurely stroll. The South Pointe Park walkway is roomy enough for rollerbladers, bicyclists, and those who would rather just go for a walk. The park offers lots of shade and a covered pavilion. There is also an ocean-themed splash pad that kids will enjoy. There are restrooms in the park located near the splash pad. If you would like to get a bite to eat, there is a restaurant in the park with indoor and outdoor seating. South Pointe Park has everything you need for a great afternoon outing.

The South Pointe Pier

As you walk through the park, you will reach the South Pointe Pier, where you can enjoy a great view of South Beach and the ocean. If you spend some time at the pier, you will have a great view of cruise ships sailing past South Point Pier as they leave the Port of Miami on their way to many Caribbean destinations.

Go for a Walk Along Ocean Drive in South Beach

While in South Beach, spend some time walking along Ocean Drive. Ocean Drive is an incredible street with many places of interest both on the beach and the street side. As you stroll along Ocean Drive, you will pass by many parks, stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. You will get a glimpse of the Art Deco-inspired architecture of South Beach and find a wide variety of places to visit. 

Take a Stroll or Ride a Bike Along the Miami Beach Boardwalk

The Miami Beach Boardwalk is a little over seven miles long and stretches from 5th Street to 87th Terrace. Whether you are staying in South Beach, Mid Beach, or North Beach, taking a stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk is a great way to take in the scenery of Miami Beach and get some steps in. Or rather, a lot of steps in. Along the way, you can stop and visit a few points of interest in Miami Beach or have a great breakfast or lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. 

Since the Miami Beach Boardwalk is long, it is also a great place to ride a bike. The boardwalk isn’t too crowded, and its seven-mile length makes for a perfect bike ride. 

Spend a Day at Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach is a luxury beach club and restaurant with tiki bars, pools, and outdoor seating. Daybeds, cabanas, and loungers are available to rent so that you can enjoy a wonderful day relaxing and basking in the sun. The restaurant has a variety of menu items to choose from. Its menu is modeled after its many international locations and does not disappoint. Spending a day at Nikki Beach is a great way to have a relaxing and upscale beach day.

Visit Lummus Park

Lummus Park is a beachfront 26-acre park located on Ocean Drive between 5th and 14th Place. The park has many amenities for visitors, including restrooms, a playground for children, paved paths for biking or walking, and sand volleyball courts. Two areas of Lummus Park that stand out are the 6th Street Outdoor Barbell Gym and the 9th Street Muscle Beach. The Outdoor Barbell Gym is precisely what it is named – an outdoor gym complete with weight training equipment. Muscle Beach has different types of workout equipment. The equipment includes bars similar to those used by gymnasts and can be used for calisthenics workouts. You can definitely get a great workout by visiting either gym area at Lummus Park or you can watch people working out while sipping on hot coffee and enjoying the beach. 

Visit the Iconic Palace Bar & Restaurant

The Palace is a top LGTBQ bar and restaurant in South Beach. If you visit the Palace, you should stop by for brunch. The Palace has a great Drag Brunch with a great menu and delicious mimosas. At brunch, you will be entertained by a fabulous drag queen show. The food is great, and the show is a lot of fun. 

If you visit during the evening, there are nightly drag shows between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm. You should make reservations as the Palace gets busy, and you might not get a table. You can make reservations online on the Palace Bar & Restaurant website. 

Visit the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach

The Art Deco District is located between 5th Street and 23rd Street in South Beach on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue. The Art Deco District has colorful architecture from the 1920s and 1930s. As you walk through this area, you will notice the distinct Art Deco buildings that represent these eras. There are Art Deco Walking tours available where you can learn about the history of the area and the Deco architecture of the buildings that make up the Art Deco District in South Beach. 

Visit Casa Casuarina

Casa Casuarina is a site that you will see on your Art Deco Walking tour or as you stroll on Ocean Boulevard in South Beach. It is also known as the Versace Mansion. This is the location where designer Gianni Versace lived and where he was murdered. As a fan of Versace, I could not bring myself to visit the restaurant. However, Casa Casuarina merits mention because you will see it when you spend time in South Beach. 

Casa Casuarina has been renovated and now operates as a luxury hotel and a restaurant. If you try the restaurant, add a comment to let me know about your experience.    

Visit the Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial is a memorial to the 6 million Jewish people who died during World War 2. The monument is a 40-foot outstretched arm with a number tattoo from Auschwitz. Towards the bottom of the arm are statutes of several emaciated people that depict their suffering. The memorial is a somber reminder of the suffering that took place during the war by the millions of Jewish people. The memorial has outdoor areas that include a memorial wall with the names of victims of the Holocaust and several other sculptures. A self-tour brochure is available for a $2.00 donation.

The Holocaust Memorial is open daily from 10:00 am until sunset. It is located on the corner of Dade Boulevard and Meridian Avenue.

Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do in Miami. It is a three-acre botanical garden in South Beach. There are several gardens to visit, including a Japanese Garden, an Edible Garden, a Native Garden, and an Orchid Garden. There is also a beautiful Koi pond in the middle of the garden that is perfect for photos. 

The Botanical Garden holds several events throughout the month, such as Yoga and Tai Chi. You can visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden’s website to find an event that is perfect for you. The Botanical Garden is dog-friendly; however, you must keep your dog on a leash. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.

Visit Española Way

If you are looking for a unique place to visit, Española Way, located in the heart of South Beach in Miami, is the perfect place. Visiting Espanola Way is a great way to spend part of your day or your evening. Espanola Way is a pedestrian-only area lined with several places to visit. As you walk through Espanola Way, you will notice its distinct Mediterranean charm as the architecture around the street was modeled after the villages from Spain and France. The area has several hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and outdoor bars.

Espanola Way is lined with palm trees, bougainvillea, and lights, which add charm if you visit during the evening. There is a large selection of restaurants to choose from. You will find a variety of cuisines, such as Mexican, Italian, and Cuban. A great restaurant to visit is Havana 1957, a Cuban restaurant that offers a wide variety of Cuban dishes and delicious Mojitos. They are open for lunch and dinner. 

Visiting Espanola Way is a great way to enjoy a wonderful Miami Beach evening while spending time with family and friends. It is located between 14th Street and 15th Street off of Washington Avenue. 

Visit the Lincoln Road Mall

Lincoln Road is a pedestrian road filled with many shops, restaurants, galleries, and other types of businesses. Lincoln Road is several blocks long, and there are over 200 shops. If there is a particular shop or restaurant that you are looking for, chances are, you will find it at the Lincoln Road Mall. 

Aside from the many businesses to explore, if you are lucky enough to be in the area on Sunday, you should visit the Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market. The Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are many vendors at the farmer’s market. You will find a variety of fruits, vegetables, and artisan products such as cheeses, honey, and bread. There are also several food vendors to choose from. This is the perfect event for a stroll on a Sunday morning. 

Visit the Bass Contemporary Art Museum

The Bass Contemporary Art Museum brings contemporary art to Miami Beach. It has permanent and long-term exhibits. Some of the permanent exhibits include a few of their outdoor art, such as Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain and Jim Drane’s chess tables. Their long-term exhibits change every few months or longer. It is worth visiting during your trip to Miami Beach and on subsequent trips, as the exhibits change over time.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Check Out Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain

Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain caught my eye as I was walking in South Beach and headed to Espanola Way. It was a great find as it led me to the Bass Contemporary Art Museum, and the sculpture itself merited a visit. Ugo Rondinone is a Swiss artist based in New York. He is known for his artistic sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

The Miami Mountain rock sculpture caught my attention because it is similar to the Seven Magic Mountains rock sculpture in the Nevada desert near Las Vegas. The rock sculpture in Miami is a 42-foot-tall granite rock sculpture painted with neon colors. You can get up close to the rock sculpture, take a picture, and touch the rock sculpture, just like in the Nevada desert. Much like the sculptures in the Nevada desert, Miami Mountain adds a colorful layer to South Beach with blue, yellow, orange, red, and pink neon colors. This is the perfect spot to get a great photo for Instagram or make a TikTok video. 

Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain is located at Collins Park in front of the Bass Contemporary Museum on Collins Ave in Miami Beach.

Ride the Miami Beach Trolley

If you plan to vacation in Miami Beach and choose not to rent a car or just want to leave the car at your hotel, the Miami Beach Trolley could quickly become your best friend. The Miami Beach Trolley has four routes and operates daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. The Miami Beach Trolley is free to ride, and the wait for a trolley is usually about 20 minutes. The routes include the North Beach Loop, the Middle Beach Loop, the South Beach Loop, and the Collins Express Loop. The South Beach Loop has two routes: a clockwise route and a counterclockwise route. 

The Miami Beach Trolley is a great way to get around the area. The stops take you to many of the popular places, such as the Lincoln Road Mall and Espanola Way. The Collins Express Route is a quick way to travel between North Beach and South Beach and any stop in between. 

The Miami Beach Trolley is one of the best free things to do in Miami Beach. It is a great way to get around Miami Beach and you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a parking spot.

Enjoy the Many Restaurants in Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a cultural melting pot that offers a rich mix of Latin American, Caribbean, and international influences. This diversity is reflected in the many restaurants available in the area. You will find lots of upscale dining, affordable bistros, and smaller, more intimate cafes.

Miami Beach is one of the best towns in which to explore different cuisines, especially Cuban food. You will find a variety of Cuban cafes and restaurants. If you like coffee, I recommend trying Cuban coffee with a Cuban pastry.

You should take the time to enjoy several different restaurants. Your taste buds will definitely appreciate it!

Explore the Greater Miami Area

Miami Beach is a small part of the greater Miami area. If you are visiting for several days and want to venture out, visiting the rest of Miami is a great option. Miami is a large city and there are numerous things to do in Miami. You will not regret venturing out and exploring the many things that the City of Miami has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting Miami Beach to help you plan your next vacation.

How Long Should You Stay in Miami Beach?

There is a lot to see in Miami Beach. If you would like to visit several places around Miami Beach and enjoy the beautiful beach, I recommend staying for a minimum of four days. Five to seven days would be better, especially if you want to explore the area beyond Miami Beach. The city of Miami is an incredible city. There are many neighborhoods to explore, sites to visit, and numerous things to do in Miami. 

What is the Weather Like in Miami Beach?

Miami Beach has a tropical climate that changes throughout the year. Some months are more humid than others, and some have heavier rainfall. 

Miami’s winter season runs from December to January. It is very pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the high 70s. These months typically have the lowest rainfall during the year. 

Spring runs from March to May. The weather is starting to warm up and can range from comfortable to a little hot. During these months, the high temperature can range between 78°F to 87°F. During the month of May, rainfall begins to increase as Miami heads into the summer months.

Summer runs from June through August, which are the hottest months in Miami. The humidity is also high during these months, bringing heavier rainfall to Miami. 

Fall runs from September to November. September is a hot month, with temperatures averaging around 87°F. As October and November approach, the weather becomes milder and more pleasant.

When is the Best Time to Visit Miami Beach?

Generally, the best time to visit is December through May, the winter and spring seasons in Miami Beach. But there are a few things to take into consideration when planning your vacation to Miami Beach. 

Winter is a great time because these months have the lowest rainfall, less humidity, and pleasant temperatures. However, the great temperatures make this the high season in Miami Beach, and you could see higher prices during your visit.

Spring is still pleasant in Miami Beach and a great time to visit. However, spring break will be sometime in March or April. These months can get crowded and busy. You might not end up with the relaxing vacation you planned if you visit Miami Beach during Spring Break.

Another thing to consider is that hurricane season runs from June to November. If you decide to visit during these months, you should take this into consideration. 

What is the Best Way to Get Around?

If you are staying in Miami Beach and are in town for a beach vacation, you might not have to worry about renting a car. Uber and Lyft are readily available, and you can use the Miami Beach Trolley to get around town. Just keep in mind that if you use this option, you will also be walking a lot. 

If you want to explore the City of Miami, your best option is to rent a car. Renting a car will give you more flexibility, especially because there is no trolley connection between Miami Beach and the City of Miami. You will need to use Uber or Lyft to get between both areas, which can add up over time. 

Miami does have a free trolley available, which is super convenient. However, it doesn’t connect Miami Beach to the rest of Miami. 

What is Parking Like in Miami Beach?

Parking can be challenging and expensive in Miami Beach. Many hotels have parking fees, and you will more than likely have to pay for parking if you drive around and visit sites in the area. If you are staying in Miami Beach and have a car, you might consider leaving it at the hotel parking area and riding the Miami Beach Trolley. The trolley is a free and convenient option when exploring Miami Beach.

Is Miami Beach Safe?

Miami Beach is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any popular tourist area, it can have its share of risks, so it is better to be cautious. 

If you are out at night, staying aware of your surroundings is important. Stick to well-lit areas, and avoid walking alone late at night. If you are out enjoying the nightlife, don’t leave your drink unattended. If you are using public transportation or a ride-sharing service, make sure you verify the driver and vehicle details before you get in the car. 

By staying aware of your surroundings and taking basic safety precautions, you can have an incredible and safe time in Miami Beach.

Is Miami Beach Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Miami Beach is definitely worth visiting. You will find many boutique hotels to stay at. Its beautiful white sand beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can also enjoy a variety of watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, on its stunning beaches. Miami Beach has a vibrant and energetic nightlife that is sure to entertain you well into the night. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer diverse culinary experiences and options. Miami Beach in South Florida has it all and is absolutely worth visiting!!

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