Welcome to the best things to do in Miami besides party!
Miami is a vibrant city with something for everyone.
Although you might first think of the flashy vibes of South Beach, Miami has so much culture, art, and natural beauty on top of that.
On today’s post, I’ve rounded up the top fun things to do in Miami!
Let’s dive in.
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Miami Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Miami
Where To Stay In Miami
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
1. Explore Little Havana
Little Havana is the Cuban heart of Miami.
This bustling neighborhood boasts Latin American shops, art galleries, and cafés selling Cuban coffee as strong as the locals.
Many of these locals like to pass the time at the popular Maximo Gomez Park, locally known as Domino Park.
Of course, you can’t miss Calle Ocho, aka SW 8th St, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare.
If you don’t stop by this little piece of Cuba, did you really visit Little Havana?
For some of the best food in Little Havana, make sure to visit Islas Canarias Restaurant, open since 1977.
The late Anthony Bourdain even ate here on his show Parts Unknown!
Afterwards, finish off with a sweet treat from Azucar Ice Cream Company.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Tampa, Florida
2. Experience South Beach
You’ve got to experience South Beach at least once when you visit.
It’s one of the places Miami is most famous for, and I’ll tell you why.
Ocean Drive offers quintessential Miami with its glitzy nightlife, world-class restaurants, Art Deco buildings, and oceanfront views.
This street is so legendary, it’s even been the backdrop for famous movies like Scarface and Miami Vice.
Check out the the colorful bars like Mango’s Tropical Café, or get your salsa on at Salsa Mia, a bar that also offers salsa dance classes.
Lincoln Road Mall is an open-air promenade full of shops and restaurants.
For architecture lovers, visit the Art Deco Historic District, home to hundreds of Art Deco buildings all within one square mile.
If you need to get a jog in during your trip, head to South Pointe Park, a free park with stunning ocean views.
Related: Miami Instagram Captions
3. Visit Wynwood Walls
Dubbed Miami’s most Instagrammed place, Wynwood Walls is an art installation that features colorful graffiti and street art.
You’ll be amazed by the immense, striking murals created by artists from around the world.
The attraction includes 80,000 square feet of painted walls, as well as an indoor section with more art and a gift shop.
Or, if you want to try your hand at graffiti art, there’s even an area where you can learn how to do it yourself!
Grab your tickets ahead of time on their website here.
4. Explore Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve, teeming with wildlife like gators, birds, and even panthers.
It’s only an hour drive away from the hustle and bustle of Miami, but feels like a completely different world.
To really scope the area out, take an airboat tour or hop on a 2-hour tram tour to experience the unique landscape this park has to offer.
The Everglades is an amazing place to explore, especially you’re visiting Miami with outdoors lovers or kids.
Make sure to bring bug spray and wear sun protection for this adventure!
If you want a hassle-free way to visit Everglades National Park, I recommend this highly-rated Everglades Tour from Miami w/ Transportation.
5. Admire Art Deco Architecture
Art Deco is a distinct style that originated in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
It can easily be recognized by pops of color, bold geometric shapes and lines, and metal accents.
Basically, it’s super pretty and vintage!
Today, Miami boasts one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the world.
The Art Deco Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains over 800 Art Deco buildings, all within one square mile.
Some of the highlights include The Webster, a high-end boutique, and The Carlyle hotel.
Even the Miami Beach Post Office has an exquisite architectural design you’ll be sure to appreciate.
Another can’t-miss landmark is The Versace Mansion, a lavish establishment with hotel rooms available for booking and an exquisite dining experience inside.
To really get the most out of your visit to this area, I recommend taking an Art Deco Bike tour!
Visiting this neighborhood is a must if you’re in Miami for a girls or couples trip.
6. Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery
Construction of this medieval monastery first began in Spain in 1133 AD and was completed eight years later in 1141 AD.
It was later brought to the US, but wasn’t rebuilt completely until about 1953 due to financial issues.
That year, Time magazine even recognized it as “the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history.”
Today, the Ancient Spanish Monastery features magnificent gardens, ornate hallways, and beautiful fountains.
This is a fantastic place to take a step back in time, and snap amazing pictures.
7. Take a sunset cruise
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Miami, a sunset cruise is a must-do.
I recommend Castaway the Day Sunset Cruise.
This scenic sunset tour through Biscayne Bay lasts about two hours, and includes free cancellation.
They offer a complimentary glass of champagne, and take you on a relaxing tour around Miami’s most iconic landmarks.
Can you think of a more relaxing and beautiful way to spend an evening in Miami?
I recommend this highly-rated Miami Sunset and City Lights Cocktail Cruise.
8. Visit the Frost Museum of Science
If the unpredictable Florida weather sends you inside, consider visiting this museum for the day!
The Frost Museum of Science is the perfect place to visit with little ones, or science lovers.
They offer engaging weather and technology exhibits, plus an impressive planetarium and aquarium inside.
9. Relax on the beach
You obviously can’t visit Miami without spending time on its beaches!
It’s difficult to say which Miami beach is the best, because it all really depends on the experience you’re after.
Lucky for you, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for the quintessential Miami experience, head to the iconic South Beach.
For a quieter and more upscale vibe, Mid Beach is your ideal destination.
And if your heart’s desire is a more unique, off-the-beaten path type of feel, make your way to the Biscayne Caye beaches.
Whatever energy you’re craving, Miami’s beaches are sure to satisfy.
10. Explore Biscayne National Park
Speaking of Biscayne, don’t miss Biscayne National Park.
One of Florida’s lesser-known national parks, Biscayne holds protected coral reefs, mangrove forests, the Florida Keys, Biscayne Bay itself, and over 10,000 years of human history.
This park is full of things to do!
There are loads of water activities: from boating and fishing to diving and snorkeling, there’s no shortage of fun in the sun here.
For those traveling with family, this is an ideal spot where everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.
11. Take a dip in Venetian Pool
For a truly rejuvenating experience, stop by the Venetian Pool.
It’s the perfect way to cool down in the summer, and a wonderful place for families and kids.
This alluring pool was designed to resemble a natural lagoon in a Venetian setting.
It’s located in the adorable town of Coral Gables, which is also worth exploring itself if you have time.
The pool’s water is kept at a crisp 77 degrees, and is emptied and refilled daily with fresh, natural spring water from an underground aquifer.
Priced at about $21 for adults (age 13+) and $16 for kids (ages 3-12), this is one of the best things to do in Miami for cheap.
12. Stroll Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
If you want to channel your inner Daphne Bridgerton or have an elegant photoshoot, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
It’s a beautifully gilded estate with 10 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, just waiting to be photographed and admired.
Fun fact: several scenes from Iron Man 3 were filmed here!
It’s also great for a quiet morning stroll, and don’t skip the museum inside the mansion!
13. Explore Miami Design District
This sleek neighborhood is completely dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture, and dining.
If you’re a luxury lover, you’ll enjoy browsing the upscale shopping and galleries here.
Make sure to visit the super-Instagrammable Dior Café, for a truly elevated coffee run experience!
After that, explore the neighborhood’s best contemporary art, like the iconic Fly’s Eye Dome.
14. Visit Monkey Jungle
For the kids or the animal lover in your party, plan a visit to Monkey Jungle.
This 30-acre zoological park has been around since 1935!
It was established for the exhibition and study of endangered monkey species, and has carried on that conservation to this day.
Currently, it houses over 300 primates!
You can take tours here to learn about the animals, which helps fund conservation efforts.
These tours even include a delightful encounter with the adorable monkeys.
15. Visit Cape Florida Lighthouse
Cape Florida Lighthouse is a picturesque lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, on Key Biscayne.
It was constructed in 1825, to guide mariners off the dangerous Florida reef.
The lighthouse and surrounding state park make a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Entrance is priced at a reasonable $8 per car, and it’s only a 25-30 min drive from Downtown Miami!
Visiting this landmark is the perfect way to spend the day.
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