19 Things to do in Miami (beach, downtown and nearby)

In this guide, you will find 19 of the most iconic and surprising things to do in Miami, including a few little gems.

I am sure you already know how beautiful this city is.

However, you may not know that there are also unique attractions close to Miami that you can visit on a day trip with your car or an organised tour. I am thinking here, for example, about the Everglades National Park, unmissable.

Without further ado, let’s get straight into them

You can read also

• The best areas to stay in Miami (and what to avoid)
• The 3 top beaches to stay in Miami Beach for couples, families and nightlife
• Best itineraries of Miami from 2 to 10 days
• Ultimate guide to the unique drive from Miami to Key West
• All you need to plan a road trip to the Florida Keys

Things To Do In Miami

You may already know that Miami and Miami Beach are two different municipalities with distinct governing bodies.

In this guide, to make the life easier, I have used Miami to identify both of them interchangeably.

Most of the things to do in Miami are close to each other, either in the city or at the beach. It is so easy to get around.

There are, however, 3 exceptions: the Everglades National Park (50 miles south of the city), the Miami Zoo (20 miles south) and the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden (10 miles south)

I would not miss them, even though there is a bit of driving involved.

Plan a full day for the Everglades.

You can think of doing the Zoo and Fairchild on the same day, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Do you need some help on planning your stay? Check out my guide for 2-3 days in Miami.

Are you staying longer? I have prepared four itineraries for 4 or 5 days and 3 plans for 7 to 10 days.

I have also built and shared a handy Google Map with all the attractions so you can easily get around

Things to do in Miami Downtown or nearby

Pérez Art Museum Miami

The Perez Museum is all about modern and contemporary art, with the exhibits mainly on the 20th and 21st centuries featuring artists from around the world.

There’s a permanent collection from the likes of Rosenquist, Rauschenberg, and Ana Mendieta and other 20th Century hits.

Every 3 months or so, they open a new temporary exhibition, making it a great museum to visit on a regular basis.

The museum itself has impressive architecture.

Pass by the gift shop to pick a souvenir. They have art pieces as well as gifts for all ages.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Get your geek on with interactive tech-exhibitions at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

You will find a unique three-level aquarium that takes you to the depths of aquatic systems.

You will be able also to explore the Frost Planetarium that gives you a dive into outer space, exploring innovations and discoveries that seek to expand the realm of human possibility.

It’s a visual odyssey that will stick with you and is fun for all ages including kids as young as 3.

Miami Children’s Museum

The Children Museum has been purposefully built for kids, where there are interactive exhibits and themed games for the little ones to enjoy.

They get to learn everything from veterinary services and construction to baking, emergency services with the fire engine, police bike and ambulance, and also about the Miami cruising industry and container docking.

It even includes a music section with an orchestra and karaoke rooms.

Skyviews Observation Wheel

On the Skyviews Observation Wheel you will have views from 200 feet above Bayside Marketplace on a Ferris Wheel, whether it’s for a fun afternoon with the kids or date night with your partner.

The rotations give you clear views of Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park, as well as Downtown Miami skyline.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

This historic landmark is a mansion turned into a museum, complete with well-maintained formal gardens with hidden spaces and sculptures.

The mansion is massive, with its architecture right from the Italian renaissance period, and the artistry involved gives you lots of spots to marvel at and take photos

A walk in the Wynwood Arts District

Wynwood is one of the most exciting districts in Miami, with one of the world’s biggest street art installations.

It’s so fascinating to have a walk in the streets and lanes, however, for a more organized display, check out at least one of the 10 galleries and museums in the area, all hosting street and contemporary art exhibitions.

Do you want a suggestion?

Go for a walk through Wynwood Walls and marvel at the street murals and artwork created by artists from all over the world.

The whole area is fantastic, with the colourful backgrounds and street paintings everywhere – from the walls and sidewalks to even the trash cans.

It’s accessible with a $10 ticket that you purchase online

Join this very affordable 75 minutes walking tour if you want to have a guided visit that will explain you more about the area and the local art scene.

Rubell Museum

The Rubell Museum is highly recognised as one of the best private contemporary art museums in the world.

A repurposed DEA warehouse showcases contemporary works by established and emerging artists, with over 7,000 artworks from 1,000 artists, some permanently, others in rotation.

The Rubell Museum is off the beaten path, over 3 miles away from downtown, however, well worth the extra effort.

I highly suggest visiting in combination with the Wynwood Art District, just 1 mile east.

You can check the exhibitions directly on the Rubell Website

Little tip: make it a full day with a visit to the Superblue Miami, a hip art museum with a unique display next to Rubell.

A stroll in the Miami Design District

Sleek public art and architecture, fine dining, luxury shopping – you’ll find it all in the Miami Design District.

The historic 1921 Moore Building is the heart of the district, with its arcades, spaces and central atrium – particularly popular for events.

Make a visit to the Haitian Heritage Museum to be exposed to the rich Haitian culture, history and art with interesting resident and temporary exhibitions.

Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art with large exhibit rooms and lush garden where there are works from big names like Picasso and Lichtenstein.

If you’re here on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll catch the open-air street-art of the Design District Art Walk.

Also pass by Buena Vista Chocolate & Wine for some treats and fine wine.

Experience Cuba in the Little Havana District

It’s all Latin-inspired here – from the restaurants and cigar shops to the art galleries, rum bars and music venues.

Start out at Calle Ocho, the main strip of the area, and arguably ground zero for Latin culture across the entire United States.

One of its attractions is the Walk of Fame, similar to Hollywood’s version, featuring stars as far back as the 1980s, including Celia Cruz.

Pop by the Roosters with its Cuban-influenced paintings, learn more about their history at the Cuban Memorial Boulevard, complete with its statues of heroes and a flame memorial that is always burning.

Watch how Cuban cigars are made at the family-owned El Titan de Bronze.

Definitely, grab a Cuban-inspired meal at any of the restaurants in Little Havana, like the Ball and Chain with a typical Cuban ambience including live entertainment.

You’ll find souvenirs at the Visitor’s Center where you can grab something to commemorate your trip.

For more information about the area and the Cuban culture, you should join this Little Havana walking tour with lunch which is a great bargain considering that food and beverages are included.

Miami Seaquarium

Physically interact with dolphins and penguins on Animal Encounters at the Miami Seaquarium.

It’s an educational and unique experience, including the opportunity to get into the water for the dorsal pull Dolphin Odyssey.

Touch bamboo sharks, swim freely with seals, learn more about endangered sea turtle species of the Florida waters, check out the Manatee and get to know ways about how you can help protect them – the Miami Seaquarium is a must-visit on your trip to the region.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

A family-favourite, taking a walk through the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a great addition to any itinerary.

From the lovely gardens, to the butterfly exhibit and plant life, iguanas, crabs and beautiful birds – a trip here is therapeutic.

It’s no surprise that many book their weddings and other events here.

Things to do in Miami Beach

Sunbathing at the iconic South Beach

It’s hot, trendy and you can soak in that sun all year round at South Beach.

There are plenty of hotels that are right at the ocean for you to check into.

Want to go topless and avoid tan lines?

Haulover Beach, that’s just a stretch north of it, allows you to take it all off.

Discover the art déco buildings on Ocean drive and around

Explore the history and beauty of the famous Miami’s Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, with structures from the early 20th-century.

From the intersection of Ocean Drive and 5th Street you’ll already see the difference with the structures from the era, continuing along Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue.

This district has over 800 buildings that have been intricately detailed with unique decor elements from as far back as the 1920s.

There are plenty of spots to check out on your trip. Great examples are :

• the Celino Hotel, that dates back to 1937
• 1936’s Beacon South Beach Hotel
• the 1935 Colony Hotel
• the Carlyle that was completed in 1942 and has featured in movies like Scarface and Bad Boys II
• and, of course, the classic Miami Beach U.S. Post Office

Interestingly, a few buildings were actually meant to be destroyed, but the Miami Design Preservation League fought for their protection, and now the district has achieved national prominence.

You can also think of having a 2-hour Art Deco guided bike tour that will take you though the iconic buildings and a few little gems.

Bike Ride on Miami South Beach

Rent a bike or bring your own and explore South Beach at your pleasure.

Check out the sites at your pace, from the famed Versace Mansion to the Art déco hotels of Ocean Drive, and even pedal by Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach’s premier shopping destination.

And why not joining this 90 minutes bike trip to experience South Beach with a local?

Millionaire’s row of Miami

You can see the houses of the millionaires from a boat or from the road along Collins Avenue between 41st Street and 62nd Street.

It’s the 90s version of New York’s Central Park West, rows of oceanfront mansions and luxury hotels.

Its grand nature has somewhat dwindled though, with the ultra-wealthy no longer snapping up properties here.

But, true to its name, the homes here are still million-dollar properties.

Celebrities love their waterfront views, and you can go on a sightseeing cruise and check out these holiday homes of Miami’s Rich and Famous.

Cruise   Road Segway Tour

Other Unique things to do in Miami

Everglades National Park

Get up close to alligators in the Everglades – America’s largest subtropical wilderness.

It’s home to a wide array of birds, fish and reptiles, and you simply can’t get through it all in one day.

Hop on a boat and explore the islands with dolphins and crocodiles showing up on the ride, check out the active manatees or even panther sightings (if you’re lucky).

Hike through the Mahogany Hammock, Pinelands, and Anhinga Trails while bumping into turtles and alligators along the way

Snap shots of eye-popping species for bird photographers, and even paddle through the watery world of mangrove tunnels and cypress domes – you can do it all here.

Whether you’re coming to the Everglades for the wildlife or do some fishing, each trip will be unique.

You can also access two drive-in camping grounds – Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground- from the Homestead entrance.

How can you organise it from Miami?

Get on this organized trip for a 4-hour guided tour, inclusive of a 45-minute airboat ride as you glide through the natural habitat. Transport to and from Miami is provided.

You can also drive yourself to the Park and get on a 35-40 minute Airboat Tour and 30-minute Wildlife Show, which stops at popular spots for photos.

Tour from Miami    DIY Airboat

Zoo Miami

Fancy a trip to the largest zoo in Florida?

Get to see exotic animals in a protected habitat.

The zoo has different exhibits:

• Mission Everglades for the native fauna and flora of the region, including alligators, otters, black bears and panthers;
• Asia exhibit with orangutans, Asian elephants and even Sumatran tigers;
• Africa exhibit with big game you’d see on Safari like the reticulated giraffes, the African elephants and the black rhinoceroses;
• Amazon and Beyond exhibit at the northwest corner of the zoo where you learn more on central and southern American civilizations and get to see wildlife like the jaguars and Orinoco crocodiles, to fruit bats and howler monkeys;
• Australia exhibit complete with koalas, tree-kangaroos, emus and giant tortoises.

While here, pop into the Sami Family Amphitheater for the daily animal presentations and shows.

To skip the queue, buy the ticket online (recommended on weekends and school holidays)

Zoo ticket

Airplane Flight Tour

This is one of the best experiences to have in Miami to see it all, from the top.

Miami Metro is the 8th largest metropolitan area in the United States, so wide and so beautiful.

Just imagine yourself along Miami Beach, following the famous Ocean Drive, an experience to remember for a long long time.

There are a few companies offering flights.

Usually you can select between a 30 minutes flight and a 60 minutes one.

I highly suggest going for the 60 minutes’ flight, if you can afford the price difference.

You will regret having a short flight once you are up in the air with that spectacular view.

30 minutes flight   60 minutes flight

Go clubbing (for any age)

The great thing about Miami is that you can find a place for any age to have a drink and spend some time dancing.

Cuban culture is, of course, very popular. There are many possibilities to experience a night of Salsa and Merengue.

One of these is the Mango’s Tropical Cafe, with live music and plenty of fun, not necessarily till the early hours of the morning.

And you can always find salsa lessons in the early part of the night.

For the younger generation, you will just have to choose from a wide variety of options.

Space in Miami downtown and LIV in Miami Beach are the most popular clubs,

Copa Room is a relatively new club with performances and open bar, which makes the night a little bargain.

For a late night party, check out also Do Not Sit On The Furniture. It starts getting busy around 1am.

About the Author

Stefano is a seasoned travel expert and the visionary founder of MEL365.com, a leading travel website with traffic across 6 continents. With a rich background in the travel industry, Stefano spent four pivotal years at Amadeus Travel Distribution System, gaining invaluable insights into travel technologies and distribution.