Top 10 Things to Do in Miami

Sun, white sand beaches, and crystalline turquoise waters may be the city’s call to fame, but locals and tourists alike agree—there are so many more things to do in Miami! This southern Florida metropolis is brimming with incredible fine dining experiences, a thriving art scene, and exciting nightlife.

While it’s true, that no visit to Miami would be complete without relaxing on its beautiful beaches, we’ve put together a list of must-see things to do beyond the sand. Get ready to make your visit to the Magic City, well, magical!

Pro tip: To save money while you’re in Miami, we recommend either the Go City Miami All-Inclusive Pass or the Go City Miami Explorer Pass. With these passes, you’ll gain access to different attractions and enjoy a tour of the city. A great starting point to begin exploring Miami!

1. Have Fun in the Miami Beach Area

Who hasn’t heard of Miami Beach? Well, if you haven’t that’s ok, because you’ll have definitely heard of the most famous spot along Miami Beach—South Beach! This area of the city is renowned for its pristine stretches of white sand along vibrant turquoise waters. Don’t be fooled though, this area of the coast is also known for its fun nightlife.

Another must-see in Miami Beach is the Art Decó District, an iconic 1920s neighborhood with colorful, well-preserved buildings along Ocean Drive. Perfect for those who like to appreciate architecture and learn about the city’s history. Ocean Drive also has many restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can enjoy Miami’s nightlife.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Within the Miami Beach area, you’ll also find Lincoln Road. This pedestrianized street is filled to the brim with local shops and cafes. Park it at any one along the avenue and feel like a local with a fresh iced coffee in hand.

Don’t just read about it, experience Miami like a local yourself and join us on a free tour of Miami Beach. Or, if you’re feeling spritely, consider seeing Miami on two wheels when you join a bike tour of Miami Beach. Either way, adventure awaits!

2. Tour Little Havana

Next up on our list of the best things to do in Miami, is to visit Little Havana, the heart of the Cuban American community in the United States. This iconic neighborhood came to life in the 1960s as a haven for thousands of Cuban immigrants fleeing political turmoil during the Cuban Revolution. Today, its colorful streets are alive with the sounds of salsa music, and the rich aroma of Cuban coffee.

Be sure to explore Calle Ocho, the neighborhood’s iconic main street, where the spirit of Cuban culture thrives. Made famous in part by Miami’s own Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull, this bustling strip is lined with classic Cuban cafes serving rich cafecitos, and traditional Cuban cigar shops where you can watch masters hand-roll cigars on-site

Dive into the heart of Miami’s Cuban heritage by exploring Little Havana on a tour of its stunning street art and mouthwatering culinary scene. Want to truly understand the neighborhood’s soul? Take a guided tour of Little Havana’s street art that brings its rich cultural legacy to life through colorful murals.

3. Explore Wynwood

If you’re looking to soak up some serious creative vibes in Miami, Wynwood is your spot. What was once a gritty industrial area has transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, drawing both tourists and locals like a magnet.

The star of the show? Wynwood Walls—the captivating outdoor street art gallery that turns entire building walls into massive canvases. International artists have left their mark here, creating an ever-changing urban art experience that’s Instagram-worthy. 

But Wynwood isn’t just about the walls. The neighborhood is packed with contemporary art galleries, hip cafés, trendy restaurants, and cool boutiques that sell everything from cutting-edge fashion to unique design pieces.

If you time your visit right, don’t miss the Wynwood Art Walk, a popular event that brings the neighborhood’s creative energy to life. Trust us, this isn’t just another Miami destination – it’s a full-on artistic playground that captures the city’s most innovative spirit. See it for yourself on this tour of Wynwood!

4. See Your Favorite Celebrity’s Home

Miami is also synonymous with glamour so it’s no wonder it’s home to many celebrities who seek out the tropical climate, the beautiful views of the Atlantic, and the luxurious lifestyle. Celebrity homes, often impressive mansions, are icons of Miami luxury. Most are located on private islands and waterfront areas of Biscayne Bay, a region that impresses with its incredible views and exclusivity. Among the main islands in the bay are Star Island, Palm Island, and Hibiscus Island.

Cruise Miami’s star-studded shoreline on this celebrity homes boat tour, sailing past luxurious mansions owned by celebrities like Al Capone, Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Paulina Rubio. A must-see Miami experience!

5. Go Wild at Zoo Miami

Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity in Miami? Look no further than Zoo Miami! Home to over 3,000 animals from 500 diverse species, this world-class zoo offers an unforgettable wildlife journey around the globe. Stroll through immersive habitats that transport you to Africa, Asia, South America, and Florida’s own Everglades.

Along the way, discover interactive exhibits, feed friendly animals, and marvel at majestic wildlife in naturalistic settings. With kid-friendly play areas, convenient food courts, and endless opportunities for exploration, Zoo Miami promises a full day of adventure and discovery for visitors of all ages. Buy your tickets to Zoo Miami here!

6. Check Out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Speaking of icons, another must-see in Miami is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Also known as Villa Vizcaya, this former mansion was built between 1914 and 1922 by James Deering to be used as his winter home.

The building itself features remarkable architecture with Italian Renaissance elements, ornate facades, high ceilings, and luxurious halls.

Now a museum, the building houses Deering’s priceless collection of more than 10,000 objects, including furniture, paintings, sculptures, and ceramics that reflect the collector’s passion for European culture.

Don’t miss this Miami must-see! Grab your Vizcaya Museum and Gardens ticket, complete with a convenient hotel round-trip transfer. Experience this stunning historic landmark without the hassle of transportation.

7. Spot ‘Gators at the Everglades National Park

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Everglades National Park is an absolute must when in Miami. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers of southern Florida, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning haven of biodiversity, home to countless plant and animal species — including Florida’s most famous resident, the alligator.

Explore lush wetlands, spot some real, live ‘gators basking in the sun, and keep an eye out for rare birds soaring above. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or taking an airboat tour, the Everglades offers a truly immersive wilderness experience that every nature lover will cherish.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with one of the most unique and vital ecosystems in the world! Book your tour of the Everglades here.

8. Sail to Key Largo or Key West

Looking to escape Miami’s slice of paradise for another slice of paradise? Key Largo and Key West are your perfect getaway spots in the Florida Keys. While both islands are stunning, Key Largo is a dream for nature lovers and anyone looking to chill in a more laid-back tropical setting.

Our Key Largo trip (transportation included!) lets you experience this peaceful island your way. Whether you want to go scuba diving, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or check out the marine life from a glass-bottom boat, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to get up close with the amazing underwater world of the Keys!

You can also head down to Key West on a day trip, and explore the crown jewel of the islands. This colorful spot is where Caribbean vibes meet American charm, packed with fascinating history around every corner. 

You’ll be able to spend the day exploring historic sites and soaking up the unique local culture. Let us handle the transportation while you focus on the fun—discover more things to do in Key West here!

9. Things to Do Off the Beaten Path

Miami isn’t just your average city, there are tons of cool ways to explore this Florida hotspot. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite ‘off-the-beaten-path’ things to do for you to check out. So dive into these unique experiences and see why “boring” is never a part of the Miami experience.

• Relax courtside at an NBA Miami Heat game
• Soar over the city on a flyover tour
• Try your hands at a kitesurfing lesson
• Hit the beach on a jet car experience
• Venture outside the city for a rural quad bike tour
• Go on a segway adventure of Miami Beach
• Tear up the waves on jet skis
• Take a day trip to the Bahamas

10. Visit Disney World in Orlando

Rounding out our list of the best things to do in Miami is a visit to another iconic Florida city, Orlando. The best way to get there is to hop on the Brightline high-speed train and zip up to the theme park capital that’s about 280 miles north of Miami. The train ride isn’t just practical, it’s a relaxing way to travel!

And hey, while Orlando’s famous for its parks, there’s way more to discover. We’ve put together a guide packed with cool things to do beyond the roller coasters – from local spots to unique experiences that most tourists miss. Perfect for when you want to see the real Orlando!

If you’re hitting up Orlando expressly to visit one (or more) of the theme parks, make your visit smooth and hassle-free with our convenient day trip to Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, hotel pickup included!

And that about wraps it up, folks! Pretty wild how much Miami has up its sleeve, right? From beach vibes to shopping sprees, and even quick getaways to Disney – this city’s got a little bit of everything. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, you’re all set to start mapping out your perfect trip. And trust us, we’ve barely scratched the surface – explore all of the best things to do in Miami with Civitatis!