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 welcomes tens of millions of people each year. The beaches, shopping, art galleries, and South Florida's signature parties are among the main draws. But there are other reasons to place the city high on the list of places to visit. With a sizable Hispanic population that infuses a Latin vibe into the city, and a rich cultural heritage that promotes various forms of art, there are plenty of things to do in Miami.
Miami is one of our favorite cities. We visit Miami annually and have contributors who reside in the city. The beauty and diverse nature of the city have also made us choose it for many of our promotional videos.
*We were named a local expert on ApartmentGuide. Read the full article here: Miami vs. Orlando: Which is Better? Honest Take on Cost & Culture. ApartmentGuide is a subsidiary of Redfin.com
Films/TV references
Things to do & See
Maurice A. Ferré Park
Maurice A. Ferré Park is a park in downtown Miami formerly known as Museum Park. In addition to the well-kept green lawns by the waterfront, the park hosts two museums: The Perez Art Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
The science museum includes a planetarium and a multi-level aquarium, which houses many sea creatures. These include mahi-mahi, devil rays, and hammerhead sharks. The planetarium seats 250 people and features a 67-foot-wide dome screen, 8K projectors, and surround sound to deliver a 3D immersive experience the museum calls “visual joyrides” that educate and thrill.
Away from the museums, the park is separated from the Kaseya Center by the Museum Park Marina, which hosts Miami Heat games. The Baywalk at the border is a great place to take selfies, and it offers views of Biscayne Bay. Two blocks down the road, you'll find the Freedown Tower, another famous Miami landmark currently housing an art museum.
South Beach
South Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the United States. The beach offers 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 sightings of exotic cars that complement the tropical environment.
South Beach isn't just about the shoreline and sand. It has a set of Art Deco buildings visitors won't find anywhere else in the United States. The Art Deco Museum, curated by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), is a great place to appreciate South Beach's Art Deco heritage.
Fans of the Scarface movie may think of parts of Ocean Drive as familiar as they featured in the movie. Casa Casuarina is one of the most popular places on Ocean Drive. It is also known as the Versace Mansion. The Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace lived there for five years until he passed away in 1997. It is currently a luxury hotel. A walking tour is the best way to see all the iconic landmarks in South Beach.
Coconut Grove
If you like peacocks, you should stop by Coconut Grove during your trip to Miami. Located along Biscayne Bay, this part of the city is known for its waterfront café, the Dinner Key Marina, and what some have described as an infestation of peacocks.
While there's no shortage of peacocks in Coconut Grove, using the word infestation is a little harsh. Particularly when you're talking about birds as beautiful as peacocks. Beyond the birds, the marina is always alive with boating activity. It's a great place to rent a vessel to see the best of Biscayne Bay.
Coconut Grove also has lively, family-friendly parks for people who want to stretch their legs and engage in calorie-burning activities. The neighborhood is the home of The Barnacle, Miami's oldest house (in its original location). Not to dwell on the peacocks, but you should stop by Peacock Park and check out the views of the bay from the boardwalk by the waterfront before you leave.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
James Deering built the Vizcaya Villa as a vacation home in 1922. It is now a museum owned by Miami-Dade County. It is an Italian-style villa, complete with Mediterranean Revival architecture, along with well-manicured exterior and courtyard gardens.
The building's waterfront location makes it appear like one of the beautiful Lake Como villas. Visitors can learn about the building's history while enjoying the art on the walls of the 34 rooms. It offers a unique story about the history of Miami.
The museum is open to the public every day except Tuesdays and is available for hosting private events. It is a popular wedding venue, although the rentals rates are higher than what you'll pay at Villa del Balbianello. Filmmakers have also taken an interest in the unique villa. Movies featuring it include Bad Boys II and Iron Man 3.
Shop at the Design District
What's a vacation without a good half day of shopping? The Miami Design District is often called the Rodeo Drive of Miami and the city's cultural epicenter. When it's time to shop, this is the place to do it. Almost all well-known global fashion and jewelry brands are present here, each trying to outdo the others with storefronts designed to attract shoppers.
There's a wide range of creative buildings in the district. The most notable ones include the ant colony-inspired Museum Garage, an award-winning project that's hard to miss. Art and design lovers may want to visit the district just to get a close look at these buildings.
In addition to shopping at your favorite brands, the district is known for world-class eateries, including a handful of Michelin-starred ones helmed by celebrity chefs. The district is also known for hosting various social events.
In between the storefronts, you'll also find street art in the pathways. This aligns with the goal of a place with a clear design and art theme.
Coral Castle Museum
Coral Castle in Homestead, just south of Miami, hosts a set of megalithic stone sculptures carved by Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951. Ed built the castle to impress his would-be bride, who rejected him. The outdoor museum is open to all and of interest to conspiracy theorists. The size of the stones has left many wondering if this is really the work of one person.
There are different dubious stories about how Ed built the castle. However, the engineering community agrees that he simply understood basic physics and used it to achieve his goals. Perhaps the most impressive part of the structure is the 8-ton revolving gate, which required repairs with a 50-ton crane in 1986.
The Edward Leedskalnin story is like a fairytale with a sad ending. You can learn more about it from the official museum site. Today, tourists can wander the grounds and marvel at the enigmatic artist's talent. We captured great views of the stones in our main tour of Miami below.
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. Visitors who love the great outdoors will find plenty of activities in the Park. The highlight of your visit to the Everglades is likely to be an airboat ride through the swampy waters, so be sure to book one before you arrive.
Other activities to indulge in include hiking along the expansive trails, birdwatching to catch a glimpse of rare birds native to the Everglades, and camping. The campgrounds allow visitors to get closer to nature and seek out some of the endangered species here.
If you want to have a Crocodile Dundee moment, you can stop by one of the airboat providers, Coopertown Airboat Company, where you may be lucky enough to hold a baby alligator (with its mouth taped to keep its teeth away from you).
Explore the Beaches of Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is an island in Miami-Dade County. Just a short drive from downtown Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway, the island is home to numerous clear sand beaches and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
If the crowds of tourists in South Beach bother you, you'll be happy to know that some of the beaches on the island are relatively secluded, and, depending on the time of your visit, you may end up having the beach all to yourself. (We filmed one of our commercials at one of the quiet beaches of Key Biscayne to avoid a need for crowd control).
While you're on the island, be sure to visit the now-decommissioned Cape Florida lighthouse, which sits on one of the beaches. Built in 1825 on the south end of Key Biscayne, it helped guide mariners off the Florida Reef.
The iconic Miami landmark has featured many times in popular media. These include many episodes of the Miami Vice and Burn Notice TV series. The lighthouse also featured in films like The Mean Season and the 1945 They Were Expendable. Other popular activities in the park include fishing and kayaking.
Miami Children's Museum
Located on Watson Island along MacArthur Causeway, Miami Children's Museum is the perfect destination for youngsters. The museum is filled with educational and entertaining exhibits made to pique children's curiosity and creativity. It's a great way to make learning fun for the kids.
There are four outdoor exhibits that offer the little ones the chance to run around and have fun. As a bonus for yacht lovers, the museum is close to the super yacht dock on the island. Look right as you cross the ICW bridge from downtown and you may be lucky enough to see some great superyachts and mega-yachts.
Miami Circle Park
Sandwiched between the W towers and the Miami River, the Miami Circle Park may appear like just another well-manicured public park with great views. However, the park has a much more interesting backstory. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as it was the site of a remarkable archaeological discovery in 1998.
At the time, the site was intended for the development of new high-rise buildings when archaeologist Dr Robert S Carr conducted an excavation that revealed intact blade-midden deposits. Further excavation in the area unearthed the circle where numerous artifacts were discovered. These included Tequesta artifacts of stone, shell pottery, and bone.
The discoveries prompted the state of Florida to purchase the land from the developers for $26 million for preservation purposes. Today, the circle itself is barely noticeable. The beauty of the park overshadows the historical significance of the circle.
On one side, you have the W Towers, and across the river, you have the imposing Aston Martin building. Further south, you have the beautiful Brickell Key Island. The park is a great place to burn calories while you enjoy the views. Remember to stop by the actual circle and learn more about the archaeological discoveries.
Explore Brickell Key Island
Brickell Key is a triangular man-made island just off the coast of the Brickell part of downtown Miami. Filled with high-rise buildings housing condominiums, the island is also home to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Brickell Key Park.
This part of Miami is a great place to stretch your legs while you're exploring the downtown area. Walking over the simple yet tasteful bridge connecting Brickell Key to the mainland offers excellent views of the island and the surrounding waters.
On the north side of the island, you can stroll along the waterfront while you take in Miami's skyline. You're likely to fall in love with Brickell Key's beauty and serenity while you're here. There's a good change you'll want to talk to a realtor to see if you can score one of those beautiful condos.
Yacht Cruise
The Miami River, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic arguably contribute to the beauty of Miami more than anything else. A great way to enjoy these is to go on a cruise. But you don't want just any cruise. The best way to enjoy Miami is to charter a yacht to see some of the best views of downtown and South Beach.
Chartering a yacht allows you to choose where you want to visit and how long the cruise should last. You'll find time periods ranging from half a day to a full week. You can even go all the way to the Bahamas on your cruise.
Unlike what you'll find in Europe, where you have to look out for the hidden fees not shown on the charter prices, many yacht charters in Miami have all-inclusive pricing. The best views are around Brickell Key and Fisher Island, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your Itinerary.
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.
Homestead Miami Speedway
One of the iconic motorsport ovals in America, Homestead's 1.5-mile course has been home to IndyCar, IMSA, and FIA GT Racing. It's still home to several NASCAR events, and the track is alive and bustling on a race day with a 46,000-person capacity. There's plenty to see and do on non-race days, too, with ride-along passenger laps and car experiences.
Hard Rock Stadium
Home to the Miami Dolphins and the Miami college football team, the Hard Rock Stadium is a hub for sporting activities in the city. Make an experience of a gameday by joining in with the famous tailgate parties. The stadium continues expanding its sporting importance to the Magic City, with Formula One's recent debut as an addition to its annual events.
No doubt helped by the allure of the Magic City, the Miami Grand Prix is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after F1 races of the season, and tickets become hard to come by soon after they go on sale. It's best to shop early if you want to score one of the premium hospitality seats.
Discover Brickell in the MetroMover
The best way to see Brickell, the heart of downtown Miami is via the Metromover. This free, automated rail transit system gives riders an eco-friendly way to explore downtown Miami. With its elevated tracks providing panoramic views of Miami's skyline, the Metromover is as much a sightseeing experience as it is a practical mode of transportation.
Covering 4.4 miles across three loops - Brickell, Inner, and Omni, the train service connects major landmarks including Bayside Marketplace, the Kaseya Arena, and Brickell City Center. Riders can hop on and off at any of the 21 stations to explore the bustling streets of Brickell, the cultural offerings of the Arts & Entertainment District, or the waterfront views of Bayfront Park.
The service's connection to the Metrorail also makes it easy to venture further to places like Coconut Grove. Whether you're in Miami for a day or a week, the Metromover is a convenient and enjoyable way to see the city's highlights while experiencing a slice of local life.
Shop & Dine in Brickell City Centre
Brickell City Centre is a vibrant destination in the heart of Miami's financial district, offering a sophisticated blend of luxury shopping, world-class dining, and entertainment. Spanning over 500,000 square feet, this mixed-use complex is a hub of activity for locals and visitors.
Its innovative design, highlighted by the Climate Ribbon, an architectural masterpiece designed by Swire Properties to provide natural light, ventilation, and shade, elevates the shopping experience while reflecting Miami's tropical charm. Visitors can explore a selection of high-end retailers, including brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Chanel, alongside several boutique stores.
Beyond shopping, Brickell City Centre is a culinary and entertainment hotspot. Foodies can indulge in a variety of cuisines at its renowned restaurants, including Uruguayan dishes at Quinto La Huella and freshly prepared Italian food at Casa Tua Cucina. The complex is also home to CMX VIP Cinema Experience (the first CMX location in America), where moviegoers can enjoy luxury seating, gourmet dining, and handcrafted cocktails.
Cool off at the Museum of Ice Cream
An ice cream museum? Yes, and the even more interesting part is its not unique to Miami. The museum has locations in other major cities, including New York, Singapore, and Austin. So, what should you expect to see in an ice cream museum? Apart from the seemingly endless supply of ice cream, the museum has various ice-themed exhibits. There's the Hall of Freezers, the ‘Creamliner', and the Rainbow Tunnel.
But the best part is once you're in the museum, you'll have an unlimited supply of ice cream. If you're traveling with kids, you'll have the little ones jumping for joy and reminding you of how much fun it was long after your trip. Strangely, there's a bias towards the color pink all around the museum. Perhaps someone in management likes strawberry ice cream more than other flavors. Compared to other things on this list, you'll have to agree that this is a unique experience, but what makes it a museum? Let's not get technical; just enjoy the ice cream.
FORTLOC Miami Tour - The best of the Magic City
Airport
Transportation
- Bus: Several buses are available to take you to all parts of the city
- Taxi: Several taxi companies available. The taxis can found on the arrival (ground) level of the airport, outside of the baggage claim areas.
- Train: There are four different train services: MIA Mover (terminal to car rentals), Metrorail (Orange line), Tri-Rail, and Skytrain (Concourse D transit).
Ride Hailing
Uber, Lyft, Wingz, Blacklane
Popular Local Cuisine
Churrasco
Churrasco is a staple of the dining scene in Miami, popular among locals and tourists. The steak dish originated in South America. It typically consists of perfectly grilled skirt steak marinated with citrus, garlic, and spices. It is often served with chimichurri sauce, a flavorful blend of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Brazilian churrascarias often serve the steak with cheese bread, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and caramelized bananas.
The city's top steakhouses offer churrasco paired with tropical cocktails and South American wines. Waterfront dining spots offer churrasco with a unique Miami twist, pairing it with fresh seafood and vibrant tropical flavors. In the heart of Little Havana, places like Versailles and La Carreta serve a Cuban-inspired version of churrasco, along with black beans, Moros rice, sweet plantains, and Chimichurri Sauce.
Best Time to Visit
Summer can be scorchingly hot and unbearably humid in Miami. In addition, hurricane season starts in summer and goes into fall. Late fall and Winter are great times to go but avoid early December. That's when Art Basel comes to town and the price of hotels and transportation doubles in many cases. You definitely want to avoid early spring, as that's when the springbreakers come to town. That means you'll have to deal with crowded beaches which you definitely don't want. Besides Art Basel, Miami hosts some other high-profile events that could affect the pricing of hotels, particularly in the Miami Beach area.
Historical Weather by Month
Miami, Florida, United States
Where to Stay
