What to do in Miami, Florida

Quick insights

• Art lovers may appreciate a visit to Miami’s street art museum, Art Deco district or one of its earliest, most lavish estates.
• Experience the flora and fauna of the tropics at a leading Miami science museum, sprawling botanic garden or the nearby Everglades.
• Glamorous South Beach and historic Little Havana are some Miami neighborhoods that regularly draw tourists and locals alike.

If you’re traveling to Miami, no one would blame you for spending your entire trip at the hotel pool with a rum drink in hand, but if you need a break from the poolside fun, there’s plenty to do in “The Magic City.”

Whether you want to eat the best bites, explore culturally enriching museums and landmarks, enjoy family-friendly experiences or find the perfect photo opportunities for social media, Miami has something to offer you.

Here are some things to do in Miami to make your visit more memorable.

World-class museums

For a day of learning and enrichment, consider a visit to one of Miami’s Museums. Expand your understanding of science, art or history at these museums:

• Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: With a three-level aquarium, planetarium and loads of educational exhibits, this downtown Miami museum is an engaging experience for curious minds of every age.
• Miami Children’s Museum: Spark your child’s imagination as you explore this museum’s fun and educational exhibits.
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This waterfront European-style estate and gardens is a National Historic Landmark and a snapshot in time of early 20th-century Miami.
• Wynwood Walls: Located in the artsy, eclectic Wynwood neighborhood, this open-air museum features colorful, hand-sprayed murals from top graffiti artists.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre sanctuary for rare and endangered tropical plants. Enjoy an immersive botanical experience as you explore the garden’s vast and diverse collection of exotic plants.

Fairchild is a striking example of unified landscape design and regularly integrates art installations throughout the garden to elevate the aesthetic experience. Don’t miss the on-site butterfly garden, Wings of the Tropics.

Miami Design Preservation League: Art Deco Walking Tour

Miami has some truly stunning Art Deco architecture in the South Beach neighborhood. If you love this architectural style, you may enjoy a tour of the Art Deco District. The Miami Design Preservation League—a non-profit group that works to preserve the area’s architectural character—offers daily walking tours in South Beach. Their tour guides are known for being passionate about architecture and well-versed in Miami’s most iconic Art Deco buildings.

Little Havana

Little Havana is the cultural center of Miami’s Cuban population. As a haven for Cuban exiles, this west Miami neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most celebrated Cuban restaurants, bakeries, cigar shops, rum bars, music venues and more.

The neighborhood is known for its vibrant street life, which you can take in as you stroll down the main drag, Calle Ocho. During your visit, you can drink a cafecito with the locals, go salsa dancing or tour a cigar factory. You’ll also find iconic institutions of Miami’s Cuban food scene serving up the classics—everything from Cuban sandwiches to ropa vieja to frijoles negro.

Everglades National Park

A visit to Miami puts you within driving distance of one of the most unique geographical features in the world, the Everglades. As one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, these subtropical wetlands are home to animals like the Florida panther, West Indian manatee and American crocodile, as well as a wide range of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals.

You can travel to Everglades National Park, which protects roughly a fifth of this fragile ecosystem. Here’s some of what you can do to experience this national treasure:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Kayaking
• Birdwatching
• Airboat tours
• Fishing
• Biking

South Beach

Beautiful beaches, legendary nightlife and historic Art Deco architecture are just some of what defines this world-famous district in Miami Beach. It’s the place to see and be seen. Perhaps most famous for over-the-top clubbing experiences that rival Ibiza, South Beach is the place to get bottle service and dance the night away.

If the club scene isn’t your speed, South Beach still has plenty to offer you. A stroll down Ocean Drive is a great way to experience the neighborhood and see the sights. Along the way, stop at a café for prime people watching. You’ll also find trendy restaurants, fashion-forward boutiques and pristine beaches.

In summary

From Miami’s most famous neighborhoods to its world-class museums to its remarkable plant and animal life, there’s so much to do in Miami. For a uniquely Miami experience, consider sightseeing in South Beach, getting acquainted with Cuban culture in Little Havana or appreciating the colorful murals of Wynwood.

Take in Miami’s history and architectural splendor with an Art Deco walking tour or a visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. For a day the whole family can enjoy, travel to Everglades National Park, Frost Science or Fairchild.