Tourist Attractions in Miami, Florida

People familiar with Miami have two main perceptions of the city. Some think of it as a beautiful locale travelers visit for its inviting palm trees and tropical beaches. Others conjure up images of Miami Vice and Cocaine Cowboys when they think of 'The Magic City'. Regardless of the perceptions, Miami is currently one of the hottest travel destinations in North America.

The city consistently welcomes tens of millions of people each year. So, why do people visit Miami? The beaches and shopping are two of the main reasons, but there are other reasons to place the city high on the list of places to visit.

Types:

Ride-Hailing, Taxi, Bus, Train

Bus:

The city's bus service is run by Miami-Dade Transit and should get you all around the city without much trouble.

Train:

Miami has both Metrorails and Metromovers. The two of them should help you reach most parts of the city. You'll need a fare card to access the metro rail service while the metromover service is free.

Taxi:

Several taxi companies are available and are easily reachable by phone.

Ride-Hailing:

Uber, Lyft, Blacklane

Airport:

Miami International Airport

Code:

MIA

Terminals:

Type:

Ride-Hailing, Taxi, Bus, Train

Bus:

Several buses are available to take you to all parts of the city

Train:

Trains depart every 30 minutes during weekdays and every 15 minutes during weekends. You'll need an EASY card to access most of the city's public transportation.

Taxi:

Several taxi companies available. The taxis can found on the arrival (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas.

Ride-Hailing:

Uber, Lyft, Wingz, Blacklane

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Cuisine

Local Favorite: Cuban Sandwich

Cuban immigrants have shaped Miami for centuries. From culture to architecture to cuisine, Cuba has played a prominent role in the history of the South Florida city. Arguably, the most famous dish from Miami is the Cuban sandwich. It is authentic Miami cuisine made using freshly baked Cuban bread, succulent roasted pork, yellow mustard, pickles, baked ham, and Swiss cheese. Cuban workers in Florida needed a cheap, easy-to-eat lunch item. This requirement led to workers making and consuming traditional sandwiches that they grew up with in their homeland. Miami is in a long-term feud with fellow Florida city, Tampa, over which destination was the American birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. Miami foodies staunchly refute Tampa's assertions of being the home city of the Floridian staple.

Restaurants

Select Cuisine:

Landmarks

Ocean Drive

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

South Pointe Park Pier

Bayfront Park

Cape Florida Lighthouse

South Beach

Top Tourist Attractions

South Beach

South Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the United States. The shallow waters at the beach offer visitors the chance to swim and play in the warm Florida waters with relative safety.

Famous for featuring in many movies, Ocean Drive is one of Miami’s top attractions. The popular street is known for its proximity to the beach, the seemingly endless row of palm trees, and the numerous sightings of exotic cars that complement the tropical environment. South Beach isn’t just about the shoreline and sand. It has an intriguing collection of historic Art Deco buildings visitors won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Coral Castle Museum

Coral Castle hosts a collection of intriguing megalithic stone sculptures carved by Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951. The outdoor museum is open to visitors who appreciate art and others interested in investigating conspiracy theories. The size of the stones has left many wondering if this is really the work of one individual.

It is said that while Ed was alive, he would charge people a few cents to see his creations. Today, tourists can wander around the grounds and marvel at the creativity of the enigmatic artist.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million acre wilderness of shallow waters and protected species including the Florida panther and the American crocodile.

Travelers who love the great outdoors will find plenty of activities in the Park. Visitors can tour the swamplands on airboats or hike the expansive trails that run through the parklands. There are also campgrounds that allow travelers to get even closer to nature by sleeping under the stars.

Miami Exotic Auto

Miami Exotic Auto offers car lovers the chance to drive an exotic car from well-known brands like McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari on a professional racetrack. Drivers can push the limits of speed as they glide around the circuit as fast as they dare.

While the fleet isn’t the largest one will find, it includes enough modern supercars to satisfy most gearheads’ desire for a thrill ride.

Miami Children’s Museum

Parents will find the Miami Children’s Museum to be a perfect destination for youngsters. The museum is filled with educational and entertaining exhibits made to pique children’s curiosity and creativity. There are also four outdoor exhibits giving kids the chance to run around and have fun.

Spanish Monastery

The Spanish Monastery is one of the more unique historical venues available to see on a trip to Miami. It is claimed to be one of the oldest buildings in North America and dates back to the 12th century.

Located in North Miami Beach, the monastery was originally built in Sacramenia, Spain. In 1926, William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery, had it dismantled and shipped to the US. Due to Hearst’s ensuing financial issues, the crates that held the bricks remained in storage for decades before being sold at auction.

Once called 'the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history' by Time Magazine, the monastery's bricks were purchased in the mid-1960s and reassembled. Today, travelers can take guided tours of the Spanish Monastery. It is also a popular wedding venue.

Miami is an eclectic city that combines various cultures that have come together. Its attractions are some of the most unique in the US thanks to its blend of historic and modern tourist delights.