Best Things to Do in Miami: Join the Party (2023)

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Discover the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Miami, from beachside bliss to cultural delights and beautiful parks, with our comprehensive guide.

Miami is where the sun kisses the skyline, and the stars come out to play. It’s much like they did in iconic movies like ‘Scarface,’ ‘The Bodyguard,’ and ‘Miami Vice. Speaking of glitz and glamor, did you know that Miami boasts the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world? Walk along Ocean Drive, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. This city is also a cultural melting pot where salsa rhythms and Cuban coffee fuel the day. So, if you’re eager to discover the best things to do in Miami, read on for a journey that promises an unforgettable adventure as diverse as the city itself.

Best Art and Cultural Destinations in Miami

The Art Deco District

As mentioned, Miami has the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, which are spread throughout South Beach, especially in the Art Deco District. The area has 800 designated historic buildings, bringing back to life the glory of Miami in the 1920s and 1930s.

With its bright pastel colors, geometric lines, and curves, Miami’s take on Art Deco is nothing short of eye-catching. And there’s no better place to learn about this architectural style than the Art Deco Museum located in the historic Art Deco Welcome Center. This museum offers a plethora of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and concept of Art Deco, along with educational programs and events.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offer a different kind of cultural experience. Nestled in Coconut Grove, this historic estate resembles a Renaissance-style Italian villa. Step inside the main house to explore 34 rooms adorned with European and American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts spanning centuries. Surrounding the house are 10 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens with fountains, pools, and exotic flora.

One of the most popular attractions at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the Italian Garden, which is known for its stunning views of Biscayne Bay and its intricate designs. This peaceful paradise is the perfect escape in the bustling city of Miami. Next up on your Vizcaya Museum and Gardens adventure: the Main Pool! This decorative outdoor space was once the place to be for fancy parties back in the day. Now, visitors can kick back on the terraces and soak in the views of the gardens and the bay. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and just enjoy the moment.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday – Closed

Ticket Prices: Adults – $25, Children (6-12) – $10, Children (under 5) – free

Wynwood Walls

For an artistic adventure that breaks free from traditional museums, Wynwood Walls is a must-visit. This open-air art gallery showcases the world’s top graffiti and street art talents. In just 20 minutes, you can navigate this compact space and take in the creative wonders. As you explore the art, you’ll find benches and rocks to relax on, and perhaps you’ll take some Instagram-worthy shots. Wynwood Walls is also a lively hub with shops, cafes, and restaurants. By night the neighborhood transforms into a dynamic nightlife spot with bars, clubs, and live music venues, ensuring the energy stays high.

Little Havana

Little Havana is a cultural gem and a testament to Miami’s Cuban roots. Calle Ocho serves as the vibrant center of this neighborhood, where you can savor Cuban cuisine, enjoy the rhythmic melodies of Latin music, and watch Cuban dance performances. The walls and sidewalks are adorned with creative street art that tells stories of Cuban heritage.

Little Havana also hosts community events like Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) on the last Friday of each month, featuring live music, local food, and cultural performances. Dive deeper into the neighborhood’s history at Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park, where monuments and sculptures honor Cuban exiles and invite visitors to share their own memories of Cuba.

Best Shopping Destinations in Miami

Miami Design District

Whether you’re a fashionista, an art lover, or just someone who loves to surround themselves with beauty, the Miami Design District is the place to be. For first-time visitors, it’s like stepping into a world where couture is the norm, stylish vibes fill every street, and high-end fashion boutiques take center stage! You’ll have the chance to check out the latest collections, try on luxury labels, and treat yourself to a little retail therapy. And with its gorgeous architecture and public spaces, this mall is like a beautiful work of art in and of itself.

Bal Harbour Shops

Bal Harbour Shops is a luxury shopping destination located in the upscale village of Bal Harbour, just north of Miami Beach. This shopping center is renowned for its high-end boutiques and luxury brands, making it a mecca for celebrities, fashion enthusiasts and those seeking unique shopping experiences.

Bal Harbour Shops features an impressive collection of designer stores, including Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and many more. It’s a place where you can explore the latest fashion trends, find exclusive designer pieces, and enjoy a premium shopping experience.

In addition to fashion boutiques, Bal Harbour Shops also offers fine dining options, art galleries, and beautiful landscaped gardens. The open-air shopping center provides a serene and sophisticated atmosphere for visitors to enjoy while browsing through the exquisite collections of fashion and luxury goods.

Brickell City Centre

Brickell City Centre stands tall as a top-notch shopping and entertainment hub right in the heart of Miami’s financial district, Brickell. This urban hotspot has become the go-to destination for luxurious shopping, fine dining, and cultural immersion in the Magic City.

Here, you’ll discover a vast array of high-end retail stores, featuring renowned international brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Valentino, and Blue Nile, along with a mix of chic boutiques. As you meander through the meticulously designed retail spaces, you can keep up with the latest fashion trends, hunt for unique accessories, and stumble upon hidden gems.

What sets Brickell City Centre apart is its cutting-edge architectural design, seamlessly blending shopping, dining, residential living, and office spaces. This expansive complex is part of a larger mixed-use development, encompassing upscale condos, towering office buildings, and a stylish hotel. 

Beyond shopping, the culinary scene at Brickell City Centre is a treat for your taste buds. A diverse array of restaurants and cafes caters to every palate, offering gourmet cuisine and casual dining experiences. Additionally, the complex hosts various cultural events, art installations, and entertainment options, making it a vibrant hub cherished by both locals and visitors seeking an enriching urban adventure.

Best Science and Nature Adventures in Miami

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a beautiful and historic park located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, just a short drive from downtown Miami. The park is known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Miami.

One of the highlights of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is its picturesque lighthouse, which dates back to 1825 and is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, making it a popular spot for photos and enjoying the coastal scenery.

The park also offers a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and hiking along scenic trails. The beaches here are known for their soft, sandy shores and clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

This park is not only a natural gem but also conveniently located next to the annual Miami Open tennis tournament venue, which typically takes place in March.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until sundown

Ticket Prices: Start from $2

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of the best hangout spots in Miami, for anyone who loves science, nature, and a good adventure. This remarkable institution stands out as one of the few worldwide that combines both an aquarium and a planetarium under one roof.

The planetarium, situated in a distinctive spherical building, offers an innovative experience. It features a 250-seat auditorium equipped with an 8K visual system, powered by six 3D-capable projectors that display a wide range of colors. The result is a life-like journey through space with stunning visuals and surround sound.

On the other hand, the museum’s centerpiece is a three-level aquarium filled with various marine habitats and ecosystems. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe underwater life up close and learn about different aquatic environments.

The museum also has two main sections, the North and West wings. These spaces are filled with interactive exhibitions mainly dedicated to the Everglades ecosystem. Additionally, there’s an onsite café on the ground level of the West Wing where you can grab a meal or a snack during your visit.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults – $29.95, children (4-11) – $22.95, Children (under 3) – free

Everglades National Park

For those yearning for an adventurous tour, Everglades National Park beckons. This park covers over 1.5 million acres and is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. It’s a bonanza of biodiversity where visitors can take a gander at water snakes, dolphins, panthers, and a plethora of feathery friends. To make your journey more adventurous, tread the Anhinga Trail, a jolly boardwalk that leads you through the heart of Everglades National Park.

In addition to its wildlife and scenic beauty, Everglades National Park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, boating, and fishing. You can explore the park by kayak, canoe, or motorboat, or you can simply relax on one of the park’s many beaches and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Ticket Prices: Start from $15

Miami Beach Boardwalk

The Miami Beach Boardwalk offers a laid-back and picturesque experience along the eastern coast of Miami Beach. This roughly four-mile-long oceanfront pathway is perfect for a casual stroll, a refreshing jog, or a relaxed bike ride. On one side, you’ll be treated to views of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, the Miami city skyline provides a beautiful backdrop. Palm trees line the boardwalk, adding to its ambiance and providing easy access to Miami Beach’s renowned sandy shores.

As you explore, you’ll come across various parks, convenient beach access points, and opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. Plus, the boardwalk is conveniently close to a variety of restaurants, cozy cafes, and inviting shops. This makes it an ideal spot to take a walk, unwind, or even indulge in some local cuisine while soaking in the vistas of Miami Beach.

Keep in mind that this boardwalk is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, which means it can get quite lively, especially on weekends and holidays. Nonetheless, it remains a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to soak up the quintessential Miami Beach atmosphere.

Best Things to Do in Miami with Kids

Zoo Miami

Kids love animals, and at Zoo Miami, they’ll get to see over 2500 animals from around the globe, which can create an unforgettable experience for them. Explore habitats that mirror African savannahs and lush Amazon rainforests, where you can encounter giraffes, rhinoceroses, and adorable koalas in their carefully crafted environments. With interactive exhibits, guided tram tours, and opportunities for close encounters with wildlife, Zoo Miami promises an immersive and informative adventure that celebrates the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $22.95 – children (3-12) – $18.95, children (under 3) – free

Jungle Island

Formerly known as Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island is now an eco-adventure park on Watson Island. It’s a fantastic place for family fun and adventure, allowing you to explore Miami’s tropical beauty while getting up close to the world’s rarest and most exotic animals. Kids and adults alike can enjoy thrilling animal shows and informative exhibits as they stroll by streams and waterfalls. For those seeking an insider’s perspective, VIP tours take you behind the scenes. Plus, Jungle Island offers event spaces, including the newly renovated Treetop Ballroom, perfect for hosting family-friendly gatherings.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults – $29.95, children (3-9) – $16.95

Miami Children’s Museum

Located on Watson Island, this delightful place is all about play, imagination, and creativity for kids. With 14 interactive exhibit galleries that are bilingual, your little ones can explore, discover, and have a blast. Daily programs ensure that everyone can enjoy learning and playing together. To add more excitement, the museum offers special seasonal camps, classes, and custom birthday party packages. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds, and learning is an adventure.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Start from $16

Best Nightlife Spots in Miami

LIV

Located within the renowned Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, LIV occupies a massive 18,000 square feet, fusing an ultra-exclusive lounge with a high-energy nightclub. What sets LIV apart is not only its impressive size but also its attention to detail. With three expertly staffed bars, headed by some of the best mixologists in the industry, LIV ensures that your night is filled with the finest cocktails. For those looking for the ultimate VIP treatment, LIV offers fifty banquette areas and six private skyboxes, each equipped with dedicated table service. It’s no wonder that it is a magnet for celebrities and VIPs, drawn to its vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable parties.

E11EVEN

E11EVEN, situated in downtown Miami, stands as an unparalleled entertainment venue that leaves an indelible impression. This 24-hour club is a true gem, offering a dynamic nightclub experience with top-tier performers and DJs, exquisite culinary delights, and an array of private VIP rooms all attended to by exceptional service staff. This award-winning spot showcases an extraordinary cast of world-class aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and dancers, bringing a level of circus and performance art rarely seen in a nightclub setting. These spectacular acts are choreographed to original music against the backdrop of state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology, creating a sensory extravaganza. E11EVEN is renowned for hosting live performances by music industry giants like Drake, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Nicky Jam, and many more, making it a desirable place for both music enthusiasts and nightlife connoisseurs.

South Beach

This iconic Miami neighborhood is a tropical oasis, with miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a sizzling nightlife scene. South Beach is where the party never stops, with an endless lineup of bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges to explore. So, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to hit the town!

When you’re not shaking it on the dance floor, you can work on your tan on one of South Beach’s famous beaches. The soft sand and warm sun will have you feeling like you’re on a tropical vacation in no time.

And for those who want to take in the stunning views of the ocean, grab a cocktail and head to one of the many rooftop bars. The panoramic views of South Beach are simply breathtaking.

How to Experience the Best Things to Do in Miami in Style

The list of the best things to do in Miami is extensive, and navigating the city with ease can greatly enhance your experience. And there’s no better way to experience a city as glamorous as Miami than with your own private chauffeur. Alongside the usual booking in advance, our newly launched on-demand Chauffeur Hailing Service, provides immediate pickups in Miami, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable chauffeured ride within minutes. Your chauffeur will take care of everything from driving to parking, leaving you free to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

If you’re planning to explore more of Florida or need to travel between different cities within the state, our City to City ride is the perfect choice for you. With our door-to-door rides, you can avoid waiting in lines or switching between various modes of transportation.

And finally, when traveling to and from Florida, why not rely on Blacklane airport transfer service to provide seamless transportation to airports such as MIA and West Palm Beach Airport? With our service, you can avoid parking and traffic hassles, ensuring a smooth travel experience and arrive at the airport on time.