With a storied history and a lot of diversity, there’s no surprise that Miami is absolutely flourishing.
It was founded by Julia Tuttle – nicknamed the Mother of Miami – and is the only city in the United States established by a woman.
More than 14 million people flock to the city each year to enjoy the art, culture, and beaches.
It’s also a popular cruise ship destination, with many people stopping on their way to and from a cruise.
Things to Do in Miami, Florida
Here are some of the absolute must-see places in Miami.
You’ll learn more about the area and have a great time doing it.
Vizcaya Museum
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129 Opening Hours: Wednesday - Monday, 9:30am - 4:30pm; closed on Tuesdays Cost: Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. For adults, it is $22 for non-residents and $18 for Florida residents.
Explore a villa from the 1920s designed with the Italian Renaissance in mind but with many nods to modern architecture at the time.
You can grab a bite to eat or a drink at the cafe, tour the gardens, or participate in the audio tour that will leisurely guide you through the many hidden gems of this museum.
Stop by the dock before you go; if you’re lucky, you’ll see a few manatees.
Tickets must be purchased online, so make sure to book before you go.
The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and guided tours can be arranged for groups.
Additionally, Weekdays and late afternoons are your perfect bet when it comes to avoiding the peak hour madness.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Don’t miss the gardens and the waterfront view, they are truly stunning.
Fairchild Botanical Garden
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am - 4:30pm Cost: Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. For adults, it is $25 for non-residents and $15 for Florida residents
You don’t have to traverse this 83-acre tropical botanic garden on foot; they have a 45-minute tram ride that can show you the highlights.
However, it’s well worth spending more time there if you don’t mind walking around quite a bit.
The walking trails are lush and pristine, the cafe offers a tasty meal, and the butterfly garden is an absolute spectacle.
The garden also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, so check their calendar for more information.
To ensure a comfortable visit, plan accordingly and check the temperature beforehand.
The cooler months of December through April are the prime time to visit.
Tip: if you’re having trouble finding parking: they have an auxiliary lot they can open when things are full as long as you alert the employees.
Frost Science Museum
Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm; Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm Cost: Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. For adults, it is $28.95 for non-residents and $23.95 for Florida residents.
The museum is gorgeous, and there’s plenty to do and experience while you’re here.
Check out the port and city views for a great photographic backdrop.
Kids will get a kick out of interacting with marine life exhibits.
Look at the calendar for shows and events before buying tickets because they have set shows, special exhibitions, and visits throughout the year.
There’s also an incredible planetarium that you must see.
The museum has several exhibits and experiences, so plan your visit ahead of time to make the most of it.
Also, don’t miss the rooftop observation deck with views of Biscayne Bay.
Tip: Try to visit during the weekdays, as weekends can get busy.
Zoo Miami
Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 Opening Hours: Daily, 10am - 5pm Cost: Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. For adults, it is $24.95 for non-residents and $20.95 for Florida residents.
Walking through Zoo Miami feels like walking through a jungle habitat.
You’ll see plenty of different animals and learn about them from the displays if you care to stop and linger.
Check out the Safari Cycles for rent to reduce walking, especially if traveling with small children.
You can pedal through the park and get everywhere more quickly.
If you’re there near the holiday season, check out Zoo Lights.
It’s an annual exhibition where they light the zoo, serve treats, and change up the water ride to make it a Snowman River Ride.
Wear comfortable shoes and consider taking the monorail ride to see more of the zoo.
Don’t miss the feeding demonstrations and animal encounters for a more immersive experience.
Tip: The best time to visit is during the cooler months of December through April. Also, try to visit on a weekday as weekends can get crowded.
Beach
One of the most anticipated parts of any trip to Miami is spending some time on its beautiful beaches.
Check out these highlights if you want fun in the sun.
South Beach and Betsy Orb
Address: Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Opening Hours: 24/7 Cost: Free
South Beach is one of the most iconic Miami beaches.
It has everything: beautiful people reclining on the beach, vendors hawking their wares, great restaurants, and incredible nightlife.
Check out the beach access from Lummus Park, especially if you’d like to use the local volleyball courts.
While you’re in the area, stop and see the Betsy Orb.
It’s an elegant piece of architecture on Ocean Court near the north end of Lummus Park. If you can see it at night, it’s even neater.
The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
Tip: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Explore the Art Deco district nearby for more historic buildings and colorful architecture.
South Pointe Park Pier
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Opening Hours: Daily, 6am - 10pm Cost: Free
If you like things a bit quieter or enjoy fishing, this pier is just the place.
Visitors say it’s more peaceful than many places in Miami; you’re less likely to be disturbed by party boats and loud music from multiple radios.
There’s even a playground, complete with a splash pad.
It’s perfect for younger kids who might not be ready to play in the waves.
Tip: Be sure to bring a camera because there’s extraordinary art and multiple scenic photo opportunities.
Haulover Beach
Address: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154 Opening Hours: Daily, 8am - sunset Cost: Admission fees vary depending on parking and activity. Parking is $7 for cars and $15 for buses, and beach umbrella and chair rentals are available for a fee.
If you’re looking for a beach in Miami that’s perfect for adults and allows public nudity, Haulover Beach Park is your best bet.
It’s the only one accessible to everyone where you can opt for nudity.
But don’t worry, there are areas where clothing is required,
So you can choose what you’re comfortable with.
Just be mindful of the strong currents and rip tides, and check the weather and surf conditions before swimming.
Haulover Beach Park is much more than just ocean access.
You can enjoy surfing when the waves are just right, or you can have a picnic with your family and friends by making use of the public grills and picnic tables.
You can even explore the water further by checking out the charters nearby.
The best time to visit Haulover Beach is between December and April, as it’s cooler during those months.
You should also try to visit during the weekdays, as weekends can get crowded.
Crandon Park Beach
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Opening Hours: Daily, 8am - sunset Cost: Admission fees vary depending on parking and activity. Parking is $7 for cars and $15 for buses, and beach umbrella and chair rentals are available for a fee.
Check out Crandon Park Beach when you prefer to work up a sweat.
You can hire someone to teach you everything from kayaking to paddleboarding.
You can also rent the equipment and take to the waves yourself.
And if you like exploring, make sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes, as you can also visit the fossilized coral reef and the mangroves nearby.
There’s a lighthouse and some parks to check out.
It’s also not as crowded as some of the more popular local beaches, offering a respite to travelers.
Furthermore, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent, don’t miss the stunning views of Miami skyline across the bay.
The best time to visit Crandon Park Beach is between December and April when the weather is cooler.
Weekdays are also less crowded than weekends, so plan accordingly.
Life in Miami
The neighborhoods in Miami are as vibrant and fun as the beaches, and each has its own different flair.
Check them out to experience each side of life in Miami.
Little Havana
Address: SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 Opening Hours: Varies by business Cost: Free to walk around, prices for food and drink vary depending on the establishment.
Little Havana is one of the highlights of Miami and a great place to explore.
Head to Southwest 8th Street and bring your walking shoes and appetite.
To get a better feel for the area, try heading to it during Viernes Culturales, an art and culture festival that takes place from noon until 11 pm on the third Friday of every month.
You’ll find local art and music, exhibitions at local galleries, vendors, and even a free walking tour at times.
Whenever you go, stop by the Welcome Center and grab some fruit at Los Pinarenos, the oldest fruit stand in Miami.
And, of course, you cannot leave Little Havana without trying authentic Cuban food.
Indulge yourself in Cuban sandwiches, cafecitos, and other mouth-watering Cuban cuisines that this charming neighborhood is known for.
Wynwood Arts District
Address: NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 Opening Hours: Varies by business and exhibit Cost: Free to walk around, prices for food and drink vary depending on the establishment.
Grab your camera and a water bottle if you’re an art lover.
The streets of the Wynwood Arts District have fantastic street art you don’t want to miss.
They’re splashed across the buildings, tucked under bridges, and almost everywhere you can imagine in this area.
If you’re going to take a gander at other types of art while in the neighborhood, you’re in luck.
There are plenty of galleries and other places to check out while you’re there.
Design District
Address: NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137 Opening Hours: Varies by business Cost: Free to walk around, prices for food and drink vary depending on the establishment.
Museums, restaurants, and upscale shopping await you in this bright and posh neighborhood.
Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art or visit the De La Cruz Collection to take in some gorgeous exhibits.
If you’re driving, park in the Miami Museum Garage and be sure to check the building itself out.
They hired five different designers who worked independently of each other to design it.
Once you’ve checked out the art and designer boutiques, there are many award-winning restaurants to relax at.
Off the Wall
These ideas are a bit different but definitely worth your time.
You’ll bring home stories of neat things you’ve seen and done in Miami to share with those you love.
Everglades Airboat Tours
Address: 17696 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194 Opening Hours: Daily, 9am - 5pm Cost: Admission fees vary depending on the tour and activity. Prices start at $30 for adults.
More than one company offers airboat tours that whisk you around the Everglades on an airboat.
These open-concept boats will put you in the action as you glide over the water, checking out the natural wildlife like birds and alligators.
The time the tour takes depends on which one you choose.
Some are a couple of hours, while others last all day and include multiple legs like sailing across the Biscayne Bay.
Bring some cash for tips, sunscreen, and consider earplugs and a tucked-away poncho. The weather can change fast, and you may get wet.
Miami Spice Month
Miami Spice Month is the best time for foodies to visit the Magic City.
(Fun fact: that nickname comes from a speech by the Mayor of Miami to Congress in 1939 when he said Miami is called the Magic City because it changes people from weary to happy.)
In August and September, Miami Spice Month offers access to much more expensive restaurants for a lower fee.
Three-course lunches and brunches are provided for $28, while three-course dinners cost $45 and $60.
You can find out what restaurants are participating and see their event menus the month before.
Call for reservations and mention that you plan to use the Miami Spice Month Menu to ensure it will be available during your visit.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
Address: Various stops throughout Miami Opening Hours: Daily, 9am - 5pm Cost: Prices vary depending on the tour package and duration. Prices start at $49 for a one-day pass.
Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours are a great way to see and travel around Miami.
Many different ones are offered, and you can take more than one to get a few different experiences.
Use these to check out neighborhoods, explore the nightlife, or check out Millionaire’s Row, for example.
Some tours even offer multiple-day packages, so check out a few before you book.
Tip: plan your trip between December and April when the temperature is cooler.
Experience the Best of Miami this Summer – Plan Your Trip Now!
Whether you’re going to Miami for the nightlife, ocean breezes, or great food, you’re destined to have an incredible time.
Not only is the weather subtropical, with warm, welcoming breezes and bright sunshine, but the people are also vibrant and lovely.
Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Miami today because you don’t want to miss out on everything this incredible city offers.
Note: Keep in mind that information about travel can change quickly. To make sure your trip is fun and safe, we encourage you to double-check official websites and government/travel advisory sites for the latest information on travel restrictions, entry requirements, and safety measures.