Table of contents
Highlights
- Miami is one of the most fabulous ports of call in America thanks to its exquisite cuisine and expansive greenscapes.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a chart-topper on everybody’s list when they head south to paradise.
- Nestled in the heart of downtown, you’ll find theaters, contemporary art museums, children’s museums, and other cultural excursions.
- Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you won’t be disappointed by anything you find in Little Havana, whether that’s a Cuban sandwich or a strong cup of coffee.
- Of course, there are also countless beaches just waiting for you to relax into their sunny shorelines.
If you’re sitting there wondering what to do in Miami, you’re about to venture into some seriously colorful territory. This metropolis is world-renowned for its Latin flair and, without doubt, you’ll dine on some of the most delectable dishes here.
Interestingly, though, there are also gorgeous greenscapes to dip in and out of as you walk along these city streets. It’s time for a new travel blog! Below, we’ll outline the best adventures as well as a few hidden gems that will live on in your heart forever.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Do you have anyone in your party who would roll their eyes at the thought of an afternoon in a museum? Vizcaya Gardens will quickly dissuade them of that notion.
This gem is the center stone in a 1916 National Historic Landmark. It’s so remarkable, you could never cover it in a day. The gardens span 10 acres and the estate has 32 immaculately-decorated rooms for you to explore.
Everything here has an Italian Renaissance flair, which is very befitting of a city as colorful as Miami. More specifically, if you’ve ever had Venice on your mind, you’ll appreciate the Venetian flair that dazzles the entire estate.
When you’re ready for a little sustenance after your exploration, take the seven-minute drive to Bayshore Club for a fantastic meal overlooking the water.
Little Havana
Cuban culture is one of the brightest colors in an already-vibrant Latin culture. As you step out of Venice, consider cha-cha-ing up to Little Havana.
Here, you’ll taste Cuban dishes as authentic as the actual streets of Havana. Truthfully, you could walk into any one of these restaurants and walk out of them feeling satisfied.
If you’re a coffee aficionado, it will come as no surprise that the coffee served within these streets is incomparable. Just be prepared for it to be strong enough for a spoon to stand up and dance in.
Shortly, we’ll explore what to do in Miami with kids. So, this may be a nice morning pitstop before you wrangle everyone for a fun-filled day in one of America’s best vacation destinations.
If you time it right, swing through Domino Park to watch the masters at play. Friends of all skill levels gather together every day to play a few games. It’s nice to experience such a community feel in an otherwise-crowded American city.
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is to Miami what Central Park is to New York. Of course, Central Park is 25 times the size of Bayfront Park. But, it still poses the same question: how can so many green acres exist amid such a metropolis?
Located in Downtown Miami, you’ll be able to soak up stunning views of Biscayne Bay, as well as the city skylines. Somehow, Miami has managed to beautifully blend the urban and the tropical in this gorgeous greenscape; it’s worth every bit of time spent within its nonexistent walls.
Which, by the way, if you’re heading north to New York after your Miami marvels, be sure to check out our guide to unforgettable experiences in New York.
Jungle Island
Zoo Miami is your main attraction if you’d like to take the family on this kind of excursion. But, for something that could be classified as a hidden gem, by comparison, head for Jungle Island, instead.
They’ve expertly interwoven the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with the thrills of the jungle. You’ll enjoy plenty of animal encounters – including lemurs and sloths, more gardens to stroll through, and oodles of activities that answer the question of what to do with kids in Miami.
Matheson Hammock Park
A hammock park in paradise – does it get any better than that? If you’re with the kiddos, it might be difficult to get them to chill and swing in the air for a few hours. But, if you’re flying solo or enjoying a couple’s trip, this is a nice pitstop along the way.
That said, there’s an unusual feature here that everyone could enjoy: a man-made atoll pool with naturally flushing waters thanks to the tidal action of Biscayne Bay. With proper supervision, this could still be a fun day for all. The windswept breezes that stroll through this park along with its vivacious waterside views make this one for the books.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
When thunderstorms hit (which are very likely on a summer afternoon in Florida), there are plenty of opportunities to head indoors and make some new memories. Miami has some of the finest museums and theaters to enthrall you.
In answer to the question of what to do in Downtown Miami, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) exists for the contemporary art lovers in the house. They dedicate their efforts to curating international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Tickets are reasonably priced at $18 for adults and $14 for children if you have mini art lovers in the making.
Wynwood Miami
With art in mind, you might want to head over to Wynwood next. It’s Miami’s globally-recognized art district that’s sure to leave you feeling inspired. Basically, it’s one giant art installation.
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Wynwood, Miami, the answer is simple: wander. Start at the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor art exhibition. Then, head over to the Bakehouse Art Complex, a community art space housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building.
From there, you’ll want to see The Margulies Collection at The Warehouse and support their nonprofit efforts. Within their 50,000-square-foot space, you’ll also be able to partake in their educational programs and special exhibitions.
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami Children’s Museum knows how to treat the kiddos to a most spectacular display. If one of the rainy days throughout your trip happens to fall on a Monday, take them over to Mini Mondays. You’ll all enjoy activities like Easel Play, Cooking Play, Music Play, and more.
To complete a cultural circle, you can even catch a show from the museum’s in-house theater troupe. This is a great way to encourage your little ones to embrace cultural immersion, especially if that’s something that floats your boat. Miami could be the place where you instill a great love that turns into a lifelong family affair.
The Kampong
In case you didn’t get your garden fix in Vizcaya or Jungle Island, make one more stop at The Kampong. This is a nine-acre stunner on the edge of Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, open Tuesday through Friday.
Here, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the beloved plant explorer David Fairchild who once called The Kampong his home. It’s still an active plant research center so, when you visit, you’ll officially become a plant explorer yourself! To do this right, sign up for one of their guided tours and walk away more informed than you were yesterday.
Perhaps you’ll use this experience as a tie-in to a trip to The Lion City. Therein, you’ll find Kampong Glen, one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters.
With avenues like Arab Street and Barboush Street, you’ll delight at the very sight of the street vendor’s wares. Be sure to lean into our guide to the top things to do in Singapore before you go.
What to Do In Miami: Dance In the Streets and Dine In Delight
The answer to what to do in Miami is, like its streets, multi-faceted and oh-so-colorful. Soak up the gardens; eat the best Cuban sandwich north of the border; and soak up some savory rays that only the Sunshine State can provide.
Interested in heading up the eastern seaboard to visit Canada next? That’s fantastic! Be sure to check out our guide to all the abstract attractions and hidden gems in that glorious city, too.
