The Best Things to do in Miami

Miami is a colorful and iconic city in South Florida, and is often the place people think of when visiting Florida. While this city has TONS to offer for every traveler, including night clubs, white sandy beaches, natural wonders, cruise ports, architecture tours, sailing, and even more, here are some of the best things to do in Miami when you vacation there!

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Visit the Wynwood Walls

One of the most colorful neighborhoods in Miami is the Wynwood District. Lined with murals on nearly every corner, Wynwood is a wildly popular place to visit in Miami. From fun bars and restaurants, to live music and arts exhibitions, you can immerse yourself in the Wynwood District for hours on end. The Wynwood Walls were originally a warehouse district in the 1920s, later being transformed into an open air art gallery, with ever-changing murals on the vast walls that sprawl the district.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and be prepared to take LOTS of pictures. You may see local artists painting brand new or refurbishing murals. It’s a popular place to visit for the 20-30 somethings, as there is a lot to see and do in the area, but something can be found for most ages, and the food is a local prize to be enjoyed. While Miami usually fares well with bright colored clothing for pictures, I’d opt for something a little more muted to let the murals shine!

Walk Ocean Drive

Probably one of the more “notable” or “popular” destinations to visit in Miami is Ocean Drive. Now, this is not necessarily because Ocean Drive outshines all the other streets, but this is the street that backs up to THE Miami Beach. Ocean Drive is home to LOTS of shopping, restaurants, and is the home to lots of nightlife. Miami’s signature art deco architecture style, and loads of fancy cars.

Ocean Drive does overlook the beach, to an extent (there are lots of palms between the street and the road in most places), but the road is famous for it’s many high-end cars and Art-Deco restaurants, but if you’re looking for the best pics, then you’ll have to walk up and down to enjoy the Art Deco and the rainbow sidewalks.

Visit South Beach

South Beach, Miami, is one of the more “famous” beaches in Miami from the exposure in Hollywood, and for many good reasons. South Beach has white sandy beaches, crystal clear, gentle waves, colorful lifeguard stands, and may even have vendors up and down the beach.

While it may not be the most tropical beach because of the buildings, the hotels and high-rises offer a sense of privacy if you’re in the right stretch of Miami Beach.

South Beach tends to have more visitors parking, tourists, and is a bit busier than North Beach Miami, while both offer similar nature of white sandy beaches with crystal clear water.

If you’re looking for adventure on the beach, search for a parasail or a helicopter tour to tour from above, or a sailing trip to see Miami in all her glory from the beautiful blue ocean.

book Your Miami Beach Helicopter Tour here!

Miami Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for something free to do in Miami, the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is a great activity. Located right near the convention center, this park is a great space for a little nature escape. This park is filled with tropical plants local to the area and sprawls just over 2.5 acres. See the beautiful Banyan trees that grow in a unique way, and meander through the winding paths of the park.

If you’re exploring the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, the Holocaust Memorial is within the same block. This is another free activity that is very moving and emotional, which pays homage to the Holocaust survivors that settled in Miami. Miami historically became a hub for Jewish immigrants in the 1950s, and continues to have a large population of Jewish people.

Visit Little Havana

One of my favorite areas in Miami to explore is Little Havana. This neighborhood is full of vibrant culture and great food. This area became a place of safety for immigrating Cubans back in the 1950s and 60s, and has continued to thrive with the vibrant Caribbean culture. Walk down Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) and explore much of what Little Havana has to offer.

Ball and Chain is a must visit spot in Little Havana. Historically a popular night club from the 1920s and 30s, this is one of Miami’s oldest live music venues. You can find live music, dancing, and Cuban inspired drinks and food, and is a must visit when you’re in Little Havana. Try a Cuba Libre, or a “rum and coke” served with lime, or an authentic mojito for a refreshing option!

Another popular spot along Calle Ocho is Domino Park, where you can see the locals enjoying games of dominos and sporting their colorful shirts.

Take a Boat Ride

Miami is a great place to get on the water, and taking a boat ride is a great way to see Miami’s seaside. Biscayne Bay National Park is a gorgeous spot for sunset sails, snorkeling on the reefs, and seeing the city of Miami from the tranquility of a sailboat. Or, if a yacht is more your speed, Miami has a plethora of motor yacht tours available.

Biscayne Bay can be shallow in some spots, so it is best to book a charter with a captain that knows the waterways if you want to get out on the water. Check out this sailing charter to explore Biscayne Bay!

Explore Española Way

Another popular, pedestrian-only area in Miami Beach is Espanola Way. This little stretch of restaurants and shops is a quaint cobblestone street that much more resembles St. Augustine or the cafes in Europe than the hustle and bustle of Miami. This street is lined with pretty trees, so is a great spot to avoid the direct sun in the middle of the day and stay a little cooler in the South Florida heat.

Need a place to stay in Miami? Check out these Miami Beach Hotels!

Miami Beach Boardwalk

The Miami Beach Boardwalk is another great walking experience in Miami, and is a great place to run, rollerblade, or bike if you want to keep your fitness up while you’re traveling. This 4 mile long, paved walkway runs along Miami Beach. You can find shops, restaurants, beach access, and more along this beautifully paved stretch of the beach.

Kayak/Paddle Oleta River State Park

Located just North of Miami Beach you can find Florida’s largest urban park, which is also a nature lover’s dream. This park offers trails for walking, biking, and tons of paddling options through the mangroves. Rent a kayak or paddle board to explore both the open water and hidden oasis. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as iguanas, eagle rays, small sharks, lots of fish, and more! If you’re truly trying to get in touch with nature on your Miami trip, the state park offers camping as well.

Collins Avenue

In South Beach, Collins Avenue is a continuation of Florida’s famous A1A highway, and is known for it’s famous art deco architecture style. This architecture can be seen all over Miami, but Collins Avenue has a large concentration of the style lining the street. With hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs, and more, Collins Avenue is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Want some comfort food? Head to Big Pink, and try their famous “TV Dinner”. If you’re staying on Collins Avenue and want to venture out a little bit, try brunch at Limonada and get a fresh coconut to drink!

If you drive north on Collins Avenue, you can find big resorts and nightclubs like Fountain Bleu. Just north of the big clubs it will get a little more residential, and is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami or South Beach.