Welcome to Miami! The city with the most personality in Florida will welcome you with open arms so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Yes, to enjoy. Because there is a lot to see in Miami, but also much to do, to observe, to listen to, to enjoy, to savor, and many other verbs to conjugate without rest in this cosmopolitan, bold, and vital city.
Miami will not leave you indifferent. It is true that there are those who ‘use’ it merely as a quick stopover on their trip through Florida and others who only brush past it from the airport with their eyes set on the adrenaline and fun promised by the Orlando theme parks.
But there are also those who devour the city in bites, who immerse themselves fully in its eclectic atmosphere and drink it in one gulp like the refreshing and potent cocktail that it is. I invite you to discover some of the best places to see in Miami and then position yourself in one of those two camps.
Top places to see in Miami by area
Perhaps you will become, like me, an example that it is possible to go from being a Miami agnostic to getting hooked on the city where, without realizing it, you will suddenly feel at home. Perhaps it is that Latin accent that floods its streets or that omnipresent sun that, for a moment, transports you to the Mediterranean. Whatever the reason, Miami will give you a full-blown jolt of emotions.
And now that you know that this special corner of the southern United States has more than enough character to bewitch you, save more than a couple of days in your itinerary to look at it with eager eyes and to complete the list of things to see in Miami.
South Beach, the essential place to see in Miami
Confess it, if you think of Miami, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of a miles-long beach dotted with colorful lifeguard stands, sculpted bodies exercising under the sun in Lummus Park, and outrageous cars roaring in front of the unmistakable Art Deco buildings of Ocean Drive where beautiful people (or not so beautiful) have a drink to see and be seen.
Don’t feel bad for relying on stereotypes because what you imagine is precisely what you will find in this area of Miami Beach. Welcome to South Beach! This neighborhood is, without a doubt, the most iconic in the city, the indisputable place to see in Miami. Exploring the most famous area between 1st and 25th Street at a slow pace, or returning at different times of the day to not miss a thing, is one of the basic things to do in Miami.
In case you have little time, I advise you to go to South Beach in the late afternoon and focus on the area that condenses the most Miami stereotypes, the one that goes from 5th to 15th Street. This way, you can swim at the beach without dying of heat, take the typical photo in front of one of the legendary lifeguard towers, watch the sunset, and see how the nightlife atmosphere spreads its wings when the sun disappears.
Discover South Beach on two wheels What if you blend in with the locals and take to the famous Ocean Drive bike lane? Fair enough, the most typical thing would be to put on a pair of skates and glide between tourists and runners. But a good option is the South Beach bike tour. It is a different thing to do in Miami and a fun way to get to know the most famous part of the city. Do note that the guide is Spanish-speaking. If pedalling is not your thing, you can also do the segway tour.
There is not only a lot to see in Miami, but also much to do. Therefore, if you have time to dive deep into South Beach, take note of all these suggestions:
-Max out your shopping card at Lincoln Road Mall (although if shopping is your thing, this tour of Miami’s outlets has your name on it) and rest later in the shade at nearby Soundscape Park.
-Sleep inside the Gianni Versace mansion, now converted into the impressive The Villa Casa Casuarina hotel. If your budget doesn’t allow it, you can go to the restaurant or settle for checking out the facade from Ocean Drive.
-Have dinner between 14th and 15th, on Española Way, a pedestrian street full of very charming restaurants, especially at night.
-Give it your all in South Beach’s nightlife dancing at the Story nightclub and recharging your strength at dawn with a good burger at Big Pink.
-Surprise yourself with the impressive and curious collection of the Erotic Art Museum, at 1205 Washington Avenue.
-Take a break from the asphalt in the oasis of Collins Park, where you can also visit The Bass modern art museum.
Wynwood, surround yourself with color in the street art mecca
Street art has its own name and it is Wynwood. This neighborhood can boast of having gone from being a decadent and dangerous industrial zone to becoming one of the most touristy places to see in Miami.
The key to this brutal transformation is the street art that flooded the walls with color and creativity, and also wiped out the scourge of drugs and prostitution in one fell swoop. The architect of this change was real estate tycoon Tony Goldman, who in 2009 created Wynwood Walls.
Today, this original open-air street art museum with works by artists from all over the world is one of the essential things to see in Miami. Admission used to be free, but now it costs 12 dollars and children under twelve enter for free. They also offer the option to visit it with a guided tour that lasts 50 minutes.
But be careful, the Wynwood neighborhood does not live on this artistic space alone. Don’t forget to wander the streets to continue discovering incredible works everywhere, as here any wall is susceptible to becoming a canvas. Keep your eyes wide open when walking down Fifth Avenue and leave time to stop at The Wynwood Marketplace, an outdoor venue with food trucks, a craft market, live music, and of course, graffiti and murals.
- Visit Wynwood Walls, as well as the city’s other essential places, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide, with the Miami and its contrasts tour.
Little Havana, a little piece of Cuba in Miami
Change direction completely, but continue seeing walls decorated with graffiti and color in Little Havana, the most famous Cuban neighborhood in the entire United States. Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of bolero, guajira, and salsa that fills the atmosphere and do a dance in the purest Cuban style walking along the famous Calle 8, the heart of this peculiar Havana in Miami.
Despite being one of the city’s most powerful tourist attractions, Little Havana still exudes authenticity, the kind it was born with back in the sixties, when many Cubans landed here after exiling from their island following the arrival of Fidel Castro and his regime to power.
Nowadays, Cubans still play competitive games of dominoes in the small Domino Park and the aromas of tobacco and coffee continue to dance together in the air. Meanwhile, the voices of street vendors offering cones of roasted peanuts try to impose themselves over the live music coming out of the venues where tourists and locals enjoy a Cuban sandwich.
And between one cliché and another, colorful sculptures of giant roosters made of fiberglass add even more joy and character to this little piece of Cuba in Miami. But watch out, because real roosters also roam freely through the streets of Little Havana, crowing among hens and chicks, while the occasional local tries to take a nap on a ramshackle porch.
Did you know that Little Havana has its own Walk of Fame and that Rocío Jurado has a star there just like Celia Cruz, Thalia, or ‘El Puma’? Take a look at the ground as you walk along Calle 8 to see it. But watch out, don’t forget to look up, lest you miss the iconic facade of the Tower Theater, which opened its doors in 1929 and continues as a movie theater today.
Right across the street, another facade with personality, that of the Azúcar ice cream shop which boasts delicious, but also expensive, artisanal ice creams. If you go, order a cone of the ‘Abuela María’ flavor without asking what’s in it. If you guess the ingredients, please be sure to tell me.
If you’re still craving something sweet after the ice cream, continue along Calle 8 to try the famous guava and cheese pastry from Café Versailles, the neighborhood’s most famous Cuban restaurant. This place, which celebrated its golden anniversary in 2021, is not only a gastronomic temple of island cuisine but also a meeting center for many protests against Castro’s communist regime.
- A different way to get to know this original corner of Miami is with the gastronomic tour of Little Havana.
Dream of being a millionaire on the boat tour of celebrity homes
One of the things to do in Miami that few can resist is the boat tour of celebrity homes. Satisfy your most voyeuristic and nosy side by touring the artificial islands of Biscayne Bay, like Star Island, where the mansions of many celebrities who live or have lived in South Florida are located.
In addition to photographing the facades of these luxury homes owned by the likes of Paulina Rubio, Will Smith, Ricky Martin or even Madonna, this small hour-and-a-half cruise will allow you to contemplate the Miami skyline from the water.
But watch out, if after doing the most popular tour you’ve felt like living the life of these celebrities for a while, how about trying something more? Now you can also rent a luxury yacht with a captain included to spend an unforgettable time living one of the most exclusive experiences to do in Miami. You can do it as a couple, but if you go with friends or family—that is, in a group—emulating a millionaire will be more affordable.
If you are short on time and want to enjoy almost everything
One of the most popular things to do in Miami when you are short on time and do not want to miss anything is the one that combines the boat trip past the celebrities' houses + the city tour + the Everglades excursion.
Downtown, what to do in central Miami
‘Flying’ for free among skyscrapers
As any self-respecting financial center should, Miami’s also boasts skyscrapers. True, it’s a bit far from the New York skyline, but it’s well worth a visit. A different, fast, and above all free way to get to know it is by hopping on the Metromover, a kind of elevated tram on rails that travels between the skyscrapers.
This curious transportation system only works in the Downtown Miami area, is free, and has three circular lines. The most recommended from a tourist perspective is the Brickell line, which crosses the bridge over the Miami River.
Watch the sunset at Bayfront Park
Before leaving Downtown, take a stroll through the giant Bayfront Park, a green oasis in the middle of Miami’s asphalt swarm. Guarded by Biscayne Boulevard, this park hosts all kinds of events, so it won’t be strange to come across a music festival or an art fair. Did you know you can even attend a free outdoor yoga class?
From here you can see what they say is one of the best sunsets in Miami, with beautiful views of the bay as a backdrop.
Don’t miss the nearby Bayside Marketplace, an open-air shopping mall next to the marina. If you’re one of those who collect meals at Hard Rock Cafés, here’s another spot that more than just seeing in Miami, you’ll have to taste.
Want another plan? How about attending an NBA game? If you can’t, at least take a look at the outside of the giant FTX Arena, the home of the Miami Heat, the city’s basketball team.
Find the American replica of Seville’s Giralda
Behind the stadium, at 600 Biscayne Boulevard, you’ll see a very interesting building. On one hand, because it’s the first skyscraper built in Miami and, on the other, because it looks like a copy of the Giralda in Seville itself, a monument that served as inspiration when it was built in 1925 to be the headquarters of a prominent newspaper of the time.
It is the Freedom Tower, the tower of liberty, which houses the headquarters of Miami’s MOAD, the Museum of Art and Design, currently (July 2022) temporarily closed.
Visit the PAMM, the most recommended modern and contemporary art museum in Miami
Also on Biscayne Boulevard, but at number 1103, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum Miami, yes, a museum with a Spanish surname. This place is interesting not only for the modern and contemporary art collections it houses inside, but also for its exterior.
The building’s architecture is worth admiring. But it gets even more interesting when you discover its spectacular gardens overlooking the bay. This is another perfect place to watch the sunset in Miami.
If you want to save money, you can get there on the free Metromover using the dark blue line, Omni Loop, and getting off at the Museum Park stop. To keep saving, I suggest buying the Go City Miami All-Inclusive Pass which includes free admission to all PAMM exhibitions and a 45-minute guided tour of the facilities. If you’re going with kids, ask for the family pack at the entrance so your little ones can have a blast doing plenty of activities in the museum.
How to save money on things to do in Miami If you are staying several days, it pays off to get the Go City Miami All-Inclusive Pass. When you buy it you get access to plenty of attractions and activities included in this tourist card: museums, guided tours, theme parks and even some of the highlights of a trip to Florida, such as the airboat ride in the Everglades or admission to the Kennedy Space Center.
Coral Gables and its elegance
It’s worth taking a stroll through Miami’s most elegant neighborhood. Coral Gables, to the south, was the dream come true of real estate developer George Merrick, who built a mini-city of colonial architecture today dotted with impressive mansions hidden behind the privacy of huge fenced gardens.
Simply driving along Old Cutler Road under the evocative natural tunnel formed by the branches of giant ficus trees originally from India is already worth it. If you have more time, you can have an enhanced experience by walking along the Old Cutler Trail.
Also make a note to take a dip in the world-famous Venetian Pool, a luxurious pool with caves built in 1923 on an old quarry. It is recommended to buy tickets for Venetian Pool in advance. Careful if you’re traveling to Miami with children because those under 3 years old cannot enter.
It’s also worth visiting the luxurious Biltmore Hotel . If you can afford the luxury of sleeping there, you can learn about its fascinating history and its Spanish-style architecture. Did you know that its main tower is also inspired by the Giralda in Seville, just like the Freedom Tower? If you’re not staying overnight but have something special to celebrate, a great luxury plan to do in Miami is to treat yourself to their delicious brunch.
What to see in Miami with children
All the things to see in Miami that I have just suggested are completely feasible to do with children. I took this trip with my children aged 5, 3, and 10 months. If you are looking for plans for children in Miami, here are a few to surprise and entertain the little explorers.
- Visit a place designed 100% for children, the Miami Children’s Museum, especially because it’s all about playing. This plan with children in Miami is great for rainy days or days of excessive heat.
- Cool off at Flamingo Park (11 Street & Jefferson Avenue) either with a dip in the Flamingo Pool children’s pools or playing in the shade at the playground surrounding them.
- Tour the most touristy spots in Miami by hopping on and off the sightseeing bus.
- Learn while having fun at the FROST museum, the interactive science museum where you can spend a very educational and entertaining day. Plus point for its planetarium and minus point for the aquarium.
- In case of a crisis, nothing beats FunDimension, a children’s entertainment center with plenty of attractions for kids to let off steam and leave feeling completely relaxed.
- Taking a dip at Miami’s beaches is always a good plan: Matheson Hammock Park and Crandon Beach are some of the most suitable.
*If you read other pages, you’ll see several options for zoo-style places like Jungle Island, Miami Seaquarium, or Monkey Jungle where you can see animals in captivity. To remain faithful to my personal parenting philosophy and respect for wildlife, I will not recommend them here.
What to do in Miami: excursions
Miami is a great base of operations for exploring many of the other attractions Florida has to offer. For that reason, there are plenty of excursions from Miami, either on your own if you go with a rental car or by booking guided tours. Get ready to fill your schedule with new things to do now starting from Miami and not just in the city itself.
Looking for crocodiles in the Everglades, a classic visit in Miami
The Everglades National Park is a true gem of biodiversity. Get the idea out of your mind that it’s just a place to see crocodiles, because it offers a unique ecosystem in the United States that is worth discovering at a leisurely pace. Without a doubt, the excursion to the Everglades is something you cannot return home without having done.
Heading to the Florida Keys
Ideally, you should visit the Florida Keys at a leisurely pace and go all the way to stroll through picturesque and colorful Key West, where you can spend the night. But the exorbitant hotel prices there make many choose the convenience of visiting Key West from Miami in one day. Additionally, that tour offers the option of adding experiences such as snorkeling.
Experience the magic of meeting Mickey at Disney World
One of the dreams of many who travel to Florida is to go to Magic Kingdom or one of the other three parks in the Disney complex in Orlando. Don’t miss out on making it a reality thanks to the excursion to Disney World which includes transportation from Miami plus a one-day ticket to your favorite park.
Escape to the world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
If you don’t plan on going to Orlando, a great idea to enjoy Universal Studios is to book the Universal Orlando Resort excursion. It’s true that you’ll have to wake up very early, but walking through The Simpsons’ Springfield or feeling like Harry Potter at Hogwarts Castle is well worth it.
Sailing to the paradise of The Bahamas
Did you know that you can go to The Bahamas from the port of Fort Lauderdale? Waking up in Miami, but spending the day swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean island of Bimini is much simpler than you think. The excursion to the Bahamas Islands makes it very easy for you and at least satisfies that craving for the classic and expensive multi-day cruise.
On the way to space at Kennedy Space Center
Visiting the NASA facilities at Cape Canaveral is a must on any trip to Florida. But if your route doesn’t go through there, you don’t have your own transportation, or you have few days, the best option is to take the Kennedy Space Center excursion from Miami.
Why it is so important to travel with insurance
But before arriving in Miami, first, please, take out travel insurance to enjoy the city with peace of mind. During my stay there, my 11-month-old baby started having a very, very high fever that wouldn’t go down, so I had to take him to the emergency room at a hospital.
Thanks to the fact that I had Mondo travel insurance, my insurance assistant took care, with all the empathy and care, of facilitating the procedures immediately. After a free assistance call, they sent the ID card to my email giving my son the right to be treated without having to pay anything, as well as a list of hospitals and medical centers closest to the neighborhood in Miami where I was.
Another advantage of Mondo travel insurance, in addition to the COVID-19 coverage, is the 24-hour medical chat available in the app. A resource that gives a lot of peace of mind when there is a health problem far from home in an unknown place.
Take advantage now of the 5% discount on Mondo travel insurance for being a reader of this blog!
More useful articles about Florida: What to See in Florida on Your Own in 15 Days The Everglades: Florida’s Biodiversity Treasure Kennedy Space Center: How to Visit NASA at Cape Canaveral How much does a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando cost? Where to see manatees in Florida
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