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The best things to do in
Miami
The city of tropical beaches and palm trees

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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 it is fair to ask why these people visit Miami. The beaches, shopping, and South Florida signature parties are some of the main reasons, but there are other reasons to place the city high on the list of places to visit. With a rich cultural heritage emphasizing different forms of art, there are plenty of things to do in Miami. Here are the ones you should consider:

Some of the best things to do in Miami

Maurice A. Ferré Park

Maurice A. Ferré Park

Formerly known as Museum Park, Maurice A. Ferré Park is a marvelous park in downtown Miami. In addition to the well-manicured green lawns by the waterfront, the park hosts two museums: The Perez Art Museum, a contemporary art museum, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. The science museum is particularly interesting. It includes a planetarium and a multi-level aquarium which houses a variety of sea creatures, including 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 facilitate a 3D immersive experience the museum refers to as “visual joyrides” that educate and thrill.

Away from the museums, the park is separated from the Kaseya Center, host to the Miami Heat games by the Museum Park Marina. The Baywalk at the border offers excellent views of Biscayne Bay and is a great place to take selfies. Two blocks down the road, you’ll find the Freedown Tower, another famous Downtown Miami landmark currently housing a contemporary art museum.

South Beach

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.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Shopping at the Design District

Shopping at the Design District

Practically all well-known global fashion, jewelry, and fine timepiece brands are represented here, with each trying to outdo the competition with beautiful storefronts designed to catch the attention of shoppers.

In addition to an excellent opportunity to shop for items from your favorite brands, the district is known for housing world-class dining establishments, including a handful of Michelin Star restaurants with celebrity chefs and art galleries. This district is also known for hosting various social events.

In between the creative storefronts, you’ll also find tastefully designed street art in the pathways. This aligns with the goal of dedicating the neighborhood to innovative design, art, and architecture.

Coral Castle Museum

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

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.

Explore the Beaches of Key Biscayne

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).

Other activities you can indulge in while you’re in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park include canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.

Miami Children’s Museum

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 also 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, so if you like large yachts, be sure to look to the right as you cross the ICW bridge from downtown. You may just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some marvelous superyachts and mega-yachts.

Miami Circle Park

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 overshows the historical significance of the circle. On one side, you have the W Towers, and across the river, you have the imposing new Aston Martin building. Further south, you have the beautifully constructed Brickey Key Island.

The park is a great place to burn calories while you enjoy the views. Just remember to stop by the actual circle and learn more about the archaeological discoveries.

Exploring Brickell Key Island

Exploring 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.

If you’ve indulged in fine dining at one of many wonderful restaurants in the city, a stroll through the park and around Brickell Key will help you keep those calories in check while enjoying some of the best views Miami offers. You can also take a break from your walk and simply sit back and relax as you observe yachts of various sizes go by.

On the north side of the island, you can stroll along the nicely constructed walkways along the waterfront while you take in Miami’s skyline, including the Kimpton EPIC hotel on the other side of the Miami River. You’re likely to fall in love with Brickell Key’s beauty and serenity while you’re here, and you may feel a need to talk to a realtor to see if you can score one of those beautiful condos.

Yacht Cruise

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 the flexibility to decide 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.

If you’re feeling adventurous, 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, so you know exactly what you’re paying from the quote. The best views are around Brickell Key and Fisher Island, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your Itinerary.

Spanish Monastery

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

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

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.

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.


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Cuban Sandwich

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.

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