THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI, FLORIDA


Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Tour a Gilded Age waterfront villa filled with European art, then wander formal gardens, grottos, and bayfront terraces. Quiet paths, fountains, and photogenic stonework make this a serene escape minutes from downtown.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens bayfront façade in Miami

Phone: 305-250-9133

Official site

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Explore contemporary art in a striking bayfront building with hanging gardens and sweeping porches. Outdoor terraces and waterfront views make the museum as scenic as its galleries.

Pérez Art Museum Miami with hanging gardens

Official site

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Soar through the cosmos in a cutting-edge planetarium and peer into a multi-level aquarium with Gulf Stream species. Hands-on exhibits make science fun for all ages.

Frost Museum of Science planetarium and terraces in Miami

Phone: 305-434-9600

Official site

Wynwood Walls

Walk an open-air museum of monumental street art by global artists. Grab coffee nearby and keep exploring the neighborhood’s ever-changing murals and galleries.

Colorful murals at Wynwood Walls in Miami

Phone: 305-576-3334

Official site

Miami Design District

Browse high-fashion flagships, design showrooms, and public art installations across pedestrian-friendly blocks. Sculptures and sleek architecture make it perfect for photos and window-shopping.

Palm Court in the Miami Design District

District site

Bayside Marketplace

Shop open-air bayside stores and savor waterfront dining with marina views. Street performers and live music keep the atmosphere lively day and night.

Bayside Marketplace waterfront in Miami

Official site

Bayfront Park

Relax along Biscayne Bay at this downtown green space with sculptures, a fountain, and skyline views. Catch yoga on the lawn or a concert at the amphitheater.

Bayfront Park with Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline

Phone: 305-358-7550

Park site

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Spend a night at Miami’s premier performing arts complex with Broadway tours, ballet, and symphony. Dramatic architecture and generous lobbies set the stage for big nights out.

Adrienne Arsht Center illuminated at night

Phone: 305-949-6722

Official site

Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College

See Miami’s “Ellis Island” and one of its most recognizable Mediterranean Revival towers. Exhibitions and special events highlight the city’s immigrant heritage.

Freedom Tower lit up at night in Miami

Phone (MDC): 305-237-8888

Official page

Kaseya Center

Catch an NBA game with the Miami HEAT or a major arena concert on Biscayne Bay. The waterfront setting and city views make arrivals by Metromover or boat extra fun.

Kaseya Center (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena) on Biscayne Bay

Phone: 786-777-1000

Venue site

Olympia Theater

Step into a 1926 “atmospheric” theater with a starry sky ceiling and ornate Moorish details. Today it hosts films, concerts, and cultural events in a beautifully restored hall.

Ornate interior of Olympia Theater in Miami

Official site

Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park)

Watch locals play spirited rounds of dominoes under shady pavilions in Little Havana. Nearby cafés and Cuban bakeries make it easy to linger and soak up the vibe.

Domino players at Maximo Gomez Park in Little Havana

City parks page

Miami Seaquarium

Visit a classic marine park on Virginia Key with sea life exhibits and coastal views. Educational talks and outdoor habitats make for a breezy day on the bay.

Entrance of the Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key

Phone: 305-361-5705

Official site

Zoo Miami

Ride the monorail or pedal a safari cycle while visiting giraffes, big cats, and tropical aviaries. Open-air habitats and shady paths make this a full-day family outing.

Zoo Miami entrance sign and landscaping

Phone: 305-251-0400

Official site

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Discover rare palms, rainforest plants, and seasonal butterfly exhibits across 83 lush acres. Lakes, sculptures, and meandering paths create a tranquil botanical escape.

Lakes and palms at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Phone: 305-667-1651

Official site

Deering Estate

Tour historic bayfront homes, an art deco-era power house, and fossil-rich natural areas. Sunrise paddles and moonlit tours add adventure to this cultural landscape.

The Deering Estate along Biscayne Bay

Phone: 305-235-1668

Official site

Venetian Pool

Swim in a historic, spring-fed coral rock pool with waterfalls and caves in Coral Gables. It’s a refreshing throwback with Mediterranean Revival charm.

Venetian Pool with waterfalls in Coral Gables

Phone: 305-460-5306

City page

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Climb the historic lighthouse, stroll quiet beaches, and bike shady trails at Key Biscayne’s southern tip. Gulf breezes and ocean views make this a sunrise favorite.

Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs State Park

Phone: 305-361-5811

State park site

Crandon Park

Unwind on wide sandy beaches, kayak calm waters, or explore a coastal hammock on Key Biscayne. Family-friendly amenities and shallow water make it ideal for a beach day.

Crandon Park Beach and palm trees on Key Biscayne

Phone: 305-361-5421

County park page

South Pointe Park Pier

Watch cruise ships glide by, fish from the pier, and capture classic views of South Beach and the skyline. Boardwalks and lawns make it perfect for sunset strolls.

South Pointe Park Pier with turquoise water

City park page

Art Deco Historic District & Welcome Center

Join a walking tour of pastel facades, porthole windows, and neon-lit hotels from the 1930s. The Welcome Center offers exhibits and maps for self-guided explorations.

Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach

Phone (MDPL): 305-672-2014

Official site

Lummus Park Beach

Stretch out on South Beach’s famous sands framed by swaying palms and pastel lifeguard towers. Volleyball courts and paved paths keep the energy high all day.

Lummus Park Beach with iconic lifeguard tower

City park page

Lincoln Road

Stroll a pedestrian promenade lined with shops, cafés, and architecture by Morris Lapidus. Street performers and weekend markets make it a lively hangout.

Lincoln Road pedestrian street in Miami Beach

District site

Española Way

Dine alfresco on a charming, Mediterranean-style street strung with lights. Tapas, gelato, and live music create an Old World vibe near the beach.

Española Way with outdoor dining in Miami Beach

Official site

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Reflect at a powerful outdoor memorial and sculpture garden. Thoughtful design and tranquil ponds invite quiet remembrance amid the city’s bustle.

Sculpture at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Phone: 305-538-1663

Memorial site

The Bass

Experience contemporary art in a renovated Art Deco museum steps from the beach. Installations and rotating shows keep each visit fresh.

The Bass contemporary art museum in Miami Beach

Phone: 305-673-7530

Official site