ENWelcome to Miami
Idyllic beaches, vibrant colors, art deco architecture, Cuban-inflected enclaves, abundant nightlife—turns out, Miami is way more than just a sunny getaway.
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Things to do in Miami
Top 15 things to do in Miami
#1
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace, a vibrant waterfront mall in downtown Miami—and the city’s most-visited attraction—sits above Biscayne Bay and features many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The open-air market has more than 100 shops ranging from apparel to bath products to electronics, and often live performers are on hand to keep shoppers entertained.More
#2
South Beach
Miami's South Beach neighborhood features 10 miles (16 km) of beaches with a buzzing, carnival-like atmosphere. With a trendy Caribbean-chic café culture and an impossibly hip and sexy nightlife scene, the area is a non-stop people-watching mecca.More
#3
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is an art exhibition that spans 80,000 square feet of wall space. Located in Miami’s Wynwood district, the “outdoor museum” boasts a constantly changing collection of murals by some of the world’s top graffiti and street artists.More
#4
Little Havana
Vibrant Cuban culture permeates every aspect of the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Florida—you’ll find it in the colorful murals, the monuments to heroes past and present, the residents facing off in the domino park as they discuss politics, and in the cigar rollers at work amidst the ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee.More
#5
Fisher Island
An exclusive home to the rich and famous, Fisher Island is located 3 miles (5 kilometers off the coast from Miami. The mansions, apartments, and yachts docked in the marina are owned by some of Florida’s wealthiest citizens. No roads or bridges lead to the island; it is accessible only by ferry or private invitation. There is a golf course and two hotels on the island.More
#6
Everglades National Park
Sandwiched between the sizzling beaches of Miami and the white sands of Key West, the 1.5 million-acre Everglades National Park stands in stark contrast to its seductive neighbors—but don’t make the mistake of passing it by. Visit the park and discover for yourself the spectacular swampy weirdness that draws over one million visitors every year and constitutes a one-of-a-kind destination for nature lovers.More
#7
Coconut Grove
One of the first established neighborhoods in Miami, Coconut Grove melds an eclectic history with a modern vibe, creating a historic, hipster hub for food, art, and culture. From its idyllic waterfront on Biscayne Bay to quaint walking streets lined with boutiques and cafés, the village is the perfect laid-back base for a Miami vacation.More
#8
Wynwood
Break away from the throngs of tourists crowding Miami Beach, and discover the revitalized district of Wynwood. Once nothing but run-down warehouses, the now-hip neighborhood is known for its mural-lined streets. Visitors also enjoy the numerous art galleries, coffee shops, craft breweries, and Puerto Rican–influenced eateries.More
#9
Art Deco Historic District
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is a colorful, vibrant section of the trendy South Beach neighborhood. The area includes about 900 unique buildings—from nautical-themed hotels to pastel-colored mansions—and was the first 20th-century neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.More
#10
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park, 95 percent of which lies underwater, is one of the top scuba diving areas in the United States. Divers and snorkelers flock here to experience Biscayne Bay’s extensive reef system. Above water, you can explore the Florida park’s small mainland mangrove shoreline and keys by boat.More
#11
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Miami is often called the Magic City, and this opulent Italian Renaissance-style villa, as ornate as a Fabergé egg, is its fairy-tale residence. Built for industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Palace is brimming with 15th- to 19th-century furniture, tapestries, paintings, and decorative arts. The seaside grounds, which front Biscayne Bay, are full of gardens, fountains, sculptures, elegant pools canals, trails, and a charming Florentine gazebo.More
#12
Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens)
Thanks in part to its subtropical climate (which allows for large swathes of natural habitat), Miami’s zoo is one of the best in the country, filled with a variety of animals from Asia, Australia, and Africa. More than 200 species roam the cageless exhibits, separated from visitors by cleverly-designed moats.More
#13
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
A hidden gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a secret oasis from the frenetic urban energy. Find diverse flora carefully comingling with lush lawns, fountains, and atria brimming with colorful flowers. This free attraction offers a near-perfect spot to unwind in nature while exploring Miami.More
#14
Miami Beach
With its warm, clear waters and white sands, Miami Beach has perhaps some of the best urban beaches in the United States. Located just over the bridge from the city of Miami, it is also known for its vibrant neighborhoods, fine dining, pulsing nightlife, and architectural claim to fame: the area boasts the largest concentration of art deco buildings in the world.More
#15
South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park was once home to police units and horse stables, and today the transformed waterfront expanse is one of Miami Beach's more popular public spaces. The 17-acre (7-hectare park offers eateries, a dog park, and walking paths, though it's worth visiting for the views alone. You can spot Fisher Island, Biscayne Bay, and Downtown Miami.More
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All about Miami
When to visit
Weather-wise, spring is considered the best time to visit Miami, but timing is key. March is Spring Break season, and many college students flock to Miami for festivities. Come April and May, students are back in school, which may be the best window to visit the idyllic South Beach.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, but that doesn’t stop families on summer break flocking to the white sand beaches. Events like Art Basel bring the crowds, making summer an expensive, albeit exciting, time to visit.
Fall is peak hurricane season in the Atlantic. While good weather is not always a guarantee, it can lead to disruptions in travel and reservations.
With temperatures averaging in the mid-70s, winter is a perfect escape from colder northern climes. Miami is a popular holiday-season retreat, with holiday lights adorning its art deco buildings and palm tree-lined streets.
Getting around
Walking: Warm weather year-round means Miami is a great walking city. The city’s mostly grid-like layout and numbered streets and avenues make it easy to navigate by foot.
Train: Downtown Miami has a Metromover rail line that goes to popular locations and is free to all passengers. In addition, the Metrorail line travels throughout the city’s metropolitan area if you’re planning a day trip.
Bus: The Metrobus has almost 100 routes within the city limits, making it a reliable way to get from one neighborhood to the other. The schedules for the bus change throughout the course of the day, so plan accordingly to avoid longer-than-necessary transfers. The Miami Beach Trolleys are an easy—and free—option to get to the city’s major beaches.
Taxi: Miami taxis can be easily found throughout the city, and are a good option for those looking to avoid parking problems in the busier parts of town. Uber and Lyft also operate throughout the city’s metropolitan area.
Traveler tips
Miami may be known for its beaches, but the city’s culture is really its backbone. Bolstered by its hispanic population, Miami has the largest Cuban-American population in the country, which makes the city’s Little Havana neighborhood a must-visit area for food, art, music, and nightlife. Before planning your visit, be sure to check the city’s event calendar to make sure you are planning your visit around some of the larger events—especially if you are looking for a trip on a budget. Miami’s busy seasons span throughout the course of the year, making hotel, airfare, and attraction rates fluctuate, with small windows in between to grab the best deals.
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
A local’s pocket guide to Miami
Andrea Manokian
Born and raised in the United States, Andrea is a writer who knows a thing or two about the country’s major cities. Having holidayed in Miami, she’s explored this lively city like a tourist and a local.
The first thing you should do in Miami is...
set one day aside for ocean-related activities such as jet-skiing on Biscayne Bay, sunbathing on South Beach, or enjoying sunset views from a boat.
A perfect Saturday in Miami ...
starts with an early morning ocean dip in South Beach before the afternoon crowds roll in; includes drag-queen brunch at Palace Bar; outdoor shopping in Brickell City Center; a coffee break in Little Havana; a casual sunset stroll in South Pointe Park; and ends with a waterfront dining experience in Bayside.
One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...
cruising down the Art Deco inspired streets of Ocean Drive in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels here, and the beach is right across the street. This is also the place to be if you want to see plenty of vintage convertibles making their way down the street.
To discover the "real" Miami...
check out the street art and art shops scattered along Wynwood. Double check to see if there are any local art walks happening while you’re there.
For the best view of the city ...
head to Rosa Sky Rooftop for some tasty drinks and nighttime views of Miami skyscrapers and city lights.
One thing people get wrong...
is thinking that Miami is only enjoyable for those who are looking for an eccentric nightlife scene, but the city offers many other daytime activities that are ideal for enthusiastic beach lovers and fine dining connoisseurs.
People Also Ask
What is Miami famous for?
The city of Miami is famous for its sandy beaches, art deco architecture, vibrant art scene, and ocean-based activities from boating to stand-up paddleboarding. The most famous stretch of all is South Beach, a barrier island with picture-perfect beaches, but Miami is also famous for its up-and-coming neighborhoods like Wynwood.
...MoreWhat attractions are near Miami, Florida?
Miami, Florida is home to many attractions like the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach, the Perez Art Museum Miami, and the Frost Museum of Science. The city of Miami is also near regional attractions including the Florida Keys, the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, and Everglades National Park.
...MoreWhat is there to do in Miami besides party?
Beyond nightlife, there is a lot to do in Miami. Nature lovers can visit parks and beaches for fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, birding, and snorkeling. Miami is home to an extensive network of bike paths for visitors who may want to explore by bike. Art galleries, street art, and creative boutiques provide even more entertainment.
...MoreIs Miami worth visiting?
Yes, Miami is worth visiting. Travel to this south Florida city for its picture-perfect beaches, art deco architecture, and extensive list of water sports from boating to kayaking. Beyond the beaches, Miami has also gained a reputation as a destination for contemporary art, cocktail culture, nightlife, and a diverse population.
...MoreWhat should I not miss in Miami?
Don’t miss exploring beyond South Beach. While the sandy shores and art deco architecture of South Beach are very special and worth visiting, the city of Miami and its many pleasures extend beyond this barrier island. Visit the art galleries of Wynwood, the seafood restaurants of Brickell, the boutiques in Coconut Grove, and the restaurants of Little Havana.
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