Miami is a city located in southeastern Florida on the Atlantic coast. As the seat of Miami-Dade County, the municipality is the principal, central, and most populous city of the Miami metropolitan area and part of the second-most populous city in the southeastern United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Miami’s metro area is home to an estimated 6,012,331 people, making it the fifth-most populated metro in the U.S.
Miami is a major center and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. In 2012, Miami was classified as an Alpha-World City in the World Cities Study Group’s inventory. In 2010, Miami ranked seventh in the United States and thirty-first among global cities regarding business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement.
But what are the best things to do in Miami? That can be a tricky question to answer because there are so many great options. But we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite activities in this fantastic city. So whether you’re looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, or want to explore all that Miami offers, read on for our top picks!
The best things to do in Miami
Visit the Beaches
Miami is world-renowned for its beaches, and with good reason. The city’s sandy shores are some of the most beautiful in the world, and there’s an endless amount of activities to enjoy here—Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, volleyball, fishing, and more. There are also several beach parks where you can enjoy picnicking, playgrounds, grilling areas, and more.
South Beach is one of Miami’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The beach is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do in the area, including swimming, sunbathing, shopping, and dining. Other famous beaches in Miami include Surfside, Haulover Beach Park, North Beach, Key Biscayne, and Virginia Key. So whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or get active, add a visit to one of Miami’s beaches to your list!
Explore the Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Miami. This area is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the city, all constructed in the signature Art Deco style. Taking a stroll down Ocean Drive is a great way to experience the district, and you can also find several tours that will give you a more in-depth look at the area’s history and architecture. The Art Deco Historic District is also home to various shops, restaurants, and hotels, so it’s the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.
Check out the Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and it’s a great place to spend a day visiting with family or friends. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about them through its exhibits and shows. There’s also a playground, a splash pad, and a petting zoo, so there’s something for everyone at Zoo Miami. Check out the zoo’s website in advance to plan your visit and buy tickets, as the zoo can get quite crowded during peak times.
Take a Biscayne Bay Cruise
One of the best ways to see Miami is from the water, and several companies offer cruises to Biscayne Bay. These cruises typically last around 90 minutes and provide an excellent opportunity to see the city’s skyline and some of its most famous landmarks. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Miami, there are also several themed cruises available.
The best time to take the cruise is daytime, as you’ll get the city’s best views. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, some companies also offer evening and sunset cruises.
See a Show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier cultural venues in Miami. The center hosts a variety of shows and events, including concerts, ballets, operas, and Broadway productions. If you’re interested in seeing a show during your visit to Miami, check the schedule and purchase tickets as soon as possible, as many shows sell out quickly.
Stroll Through Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art gallery that features world-renowned street art from some of the most talented global artists. The walls are covered with murals by some of the world’s most talented street artists, and the area is also home to several art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Wynwood Walls is free to visit, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re interested in art or photography. The Wynwood walls also change frequently, so you can visit multiple times and always see something new.
Visit the Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Miami, and it’s a great place to learn about marine life. The park offers several shows and animal encounters, including dolphin shows and a stingray petting pool. There’s also a Sea Trek Reef Encounter, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and see a variety of fish and other sea creatures.
Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark, formerly the estate of James Deering, an American industrialist. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must-see for any history or architecture lover. This former estate was built in the early 20th century and is now a museum to the public. The grounds are beautiful, and the mansion is filled with fascinating art and furniture. The museum is on 28 acres of land and features a European-style villa, 10 acres of formal gardens, and a 200-foot-long pool. The Vizcaya Museum is open to the public for tours and hosts several events throughout the year. Several tours are available if you’re interested in learning more about Vizcaya.
Shop at the Dolphin Mall
The Dolphin Mall is one of Miami’s largest shopping malls and features over 200 stores and restaurants. The mall is also home to the Dolphin Theater, an IMAX theater, and an arcade. The Dolphin Mall is a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for retail therapy. This mall is also convenient if you’re staying in one of the nearby hotels, as it’s just a short drive away.
Attend an Event at American Airlines Arena
The American Airlines Arena is one of Miami’s most popular venues and hosts various events throughout the year. The arena is home to the NBA’s Miami Heat and hosts concerts, shows, and other sporting events. If you’re in Miami for a specific event, check the schedule and purchase tickets in advance. American Airlines Arena is also a great place to tour, even if an event isn’t happening during your visit. The arena offers tours that take you behind the scenes and look at the inner workings of this popular venue.
Go on a Boat Tour
Miami is known for its beautiful waterways, and one of the best ways to see the city is from the water. Several boat tour companies offer tours of Miami’s canals, and you can also find tours that include narrations about the city’s history. Boat tours are great for seeing Miami’s skyline and unique city views. If you are considering having a boat tour during your stay, be sure to book in advance, as these tours can fill up quickly. Some companies also offer private boat tours, which can be an excellent option for groups or families.
Visit the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
The Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is a moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The memorial features a series of sculptures by world-renowned artist George Segal and a Holocaust museum. The memorial is open to the public, and there is no charge to visit. The memorial is located in Miami Beach, and it’s a great place to learn more about this dark period in history.
Take a Stroll Through Lummus Park
Lummus Park is one of Miami Beach’s most popular parks, and it’s a great place to take a stroll or relax in the sun. The park is on Ocean Drive and features various plants and trees. Lummus Park has a playground, a basketball court, and a fitness center. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Visit Jungle Island
Jungle Island is a popular tourist attraction in Miami and is a great place to see exotic animals. The park is home to over 3,000 animals, including lions, tigers, and chimpanzees. Jungle Island also has several shows and exhibits, and you can feed some animals. This is an excellent activity for families, as there are also several playgrounds and kid-friendly activities.
Explore the Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is a public swimming pool located in Coral Gables, and it’s one of Miami’s most popular attractions. It was built in 1923 and designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Pool is filled with fresh water and surrounded by coral rock caves and waterfalls. The Venetian Pool is open to the public for a small fee and is a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Visit the Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre park home to many species of plants and animals, including alligators, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and fish. It offers a variety of activities, such as airboat tours, hiking, camping, and fishing. It also has something for everyone and is a great place to spend a day or two. The Everglades is also great to see some of Florida’s unique wildlife.
Watch a Miami Marlins Game
The Miami Marlins are the city’s Major League Baseball team, playing their home games at Marlins Park. The ballpark is located in Little Havana and is also home to the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Statue. Watching a Marlins game is a great way to experience Miami’s Cuban culture. It is also great to see one of Miami’s professional sports teams. Marlins games are typically very affordable, and you can find tickets for as little as $10. Buy tickets in advance if you can, as they often sell out.
Visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre garden located in Coral Gables. It features a variety of tropical plants and trees, as well as a butterfly house. The garden also offers a variety of educational programs and classes where you can learn about plants and animals. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is open daily, with a small entrance fee.
Attend a Festival
Miami is home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Miami International Film Festival every January, the Ultra Music Festival in March, and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in February. These are just a few of the many festivals that take place in Miami each year. If you’re looking for something to do, chances are there’s a festival taking place. Check out the city’s website or a local newspaper to find out what’s happening during your stay. Attending a festival is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture.
Explore Little Havana
Little Havana is a Miami neighborhood home to a large Cuban population. The neighborhood is known for its Cuban restaurants, cigars, and live music. Little Havana is a great place to explore Miami’s Cuban culture. It is also a great place to find some authentic Cuban food. Be sure to try a Cuban sandwich while you’re in the neighborhood.
Conclusion
Miami is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, history, nightlife, or just spending time on the beach, you’ll be able to find it in Miami. With so many things to see and do, you’ll need more than just a weekend to experience everything the city offers. However, these twenty attractions are a great way to get started.