17 Best Things to Do in Miami (Florida)

Are you ready to take a trip to Florida? You’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or indoor activities, there’s something for everyone. You can go camping and fishing, or explore some of Florida’s beautiful nature preserves. There are also tons of museums, historic sites, and cultural centers that will give you a glimpse into what makes Florida such an interesting place.

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, try visiting one of the many spas in Florida. There are many different types of spas, each offering unique treatments and services. You’ll find everything from luxurious massage parlors to quaint day spas offering massages along with facials and manicures.

Florida has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or a trip through the Everglades. Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to visit:

1. Enjoy Famous Beaches in Florida

bird's-eye view photography of people in seashore

Miami Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and there are plenty of options for both swimming and sunbathing. It’s easy to find a public beach in Miami with free parking, but if you prefer an upscale experience, check out South Beach or Bal Harbour.

The following are some of the most popular beaches:

Miami Beach

This stretch along the Atlantic Ocean has been ranked as one of America’s best beaches by TripAdvisor. You can enjoy a stroll or jog along Ocean Drive (at Collins Ave), which connects with Washington Avenue in Hollywood Beach (where celebrities often hang out).

If you have time, head down Biscayne Boulevard toward Key Biscayne where you can see views from Millionaires’ Row and visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

Crandon Park Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Miami. It’s great for families with kids because it has a playground and public restrooms nearby. It also has volleyball courts and picnic areas where you can have a nice lunch with friends or family members.

Located near Key Biscayne on Virginia Key, it’s perfect for families because it offers amenities like lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic tables; however, there aren’t any restaurants nearby so bring your own snacks!

Haulover Beach Park

The only clothing-optional public park in Florida is located just outside Miami city limits but close enough that it makes sense to drive here if your schedule allows it or even better yet: rent an RV!

It’s important to note that while nudity is permitted at this park during certain hours throughout spring through fall months including weekends only everyone must wear protective eyewear while swimming underwater near shorelines (since sharks frequent these waters, especially during summer months).

For more information about what kind of attire would be appropriate at different times please refer back later when I post about my trip there last year.”

2. Watch the Sunset at Mallory Square

Marc Averette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Miami is on Mallory Square. Every evening, crowds gather at this small plaza just off Duval Street. It’s a nightly ritual, and many people claim it as their favorite activity in all of Florida.

As you might imagine, there are plenty of street performers who come out here to entertain tourists, something that adds to the charm of this place.

There are also loads of food stalls with local treats like key lime pie and conch fritters for sale, which makes it easy to get something delicious if you got hungry while walking around town all day!

The location is great for photography too; with so much happening all around you at once, there will almost always be an interesting background for your photos!

Also Read:   Top 10 Best Flea Markets in Florida

It’s best to arrive early enough so that you can get a good seat before others start showing up (around 4:00 pm). This way, there won’t be anyone blocking your view during sunset time!

3. Take a Day Road Trip to Key West

I, Matrek, CC BY-SA 2.5 PL, via Wikimedia Commons

A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Miami is by taking a day trip to Key West. It’s just a 4-hour drive (or 2 hours if you take the plane), so it won’t kill your vacation budget.

There are plenty of things to do there, including snorkeling, fishing, exploring, and relaxing on the beach. Also popular are sunset cruises that leave from Mallory Square every evening at 6 p.m., which is one of the most popular things to do in Key West.

4. Spend a Day in Coral Gables

Averette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a day of shopping, eating, and exploring in a beautiful area, Coral Gables is the place to go.

The city is home to many outdoor art installations and fountains that are open to the public.

You can also visit the Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Venetian Pool (which is actually an underground pool), Miracle Mile (a restaurant strip), Coral Gables Museum and Library System, the University of Miami (with its gorgeous campus), Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (home to over 50 acres of plant collections) or Biltmore Hotel (known for its history as America’s first luxury hotel).

If you’re looking for something artsier than just walking around town with no destination in mind then check out the various galleries throughout Coral Gables including Art Center/South Florida which houses contemporary works by local artists at Karsh Hagan Gallery which features modernist pieces; McGuffey Art Center which displays work by local artists; and Lowe Art Museum which contains paintings from 17th century Europe through modern times.

5. Meet Flipper at The Miami Sea Aquarium

Averette at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a fan of Flipper, then this is the place for you. The Miami Sea Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in Florida and it’s home to the famous TV dolphin that helped make Miami Beach famous.

The aquarium also houses more than 500 marine species and has one of the largest collections of marine mammals in Florida.

If you’re a fan of dolphins or whales, chances are good that you’ve seen them on television or at least heard about them from friends who have visited before. But have you ever thought about going there yourself?

Here are some interesting facts about these beautiful creatures:

  • Dolphins have been around for about 50 million years! That makes them older than dinosaurs!
  • Dolphins can swim up to 30 miles per hour – faster than any other animal on earth!
  • Dolphins can hold their breath underwater for up to 20 minutes at a time! That’s longer than many people can hold their breath while swimming laps in a pool!

These animals are amazing creatures with very cool abilities that humans haven’t even begun learning how to do yet (besides maybe being able to breathe underwater).

So why not come visit one today? There are many different types available here so no matter what kind interests most if any will surely find something wonderful within our walls…

6. Explore Little Havana and Calle Ocho

Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Calle Ocho is a well-known hot spot in Miami. The outdoor marketplace is located on Southwest 8th Street and Calle Ocho (S.W. 8th St., between 13 Ave and 14 Ave).

You can buy Cuban cigars, food, art, and more here. If you’re looking for entertainment during your visit to Little Havana, this is the place to go!

There are live bands playing jazz music in one area while salsa dancers perform on another stage across from each other.

This area comes alive with excitement every Saturday night so be sure to check it out!

Calle Ocho also features an open air market where you can experience all things Cuban including traditional music by locals who play instruments such as congas or timbales drums right there on the streets!

Enjoy dancing under the stars while eating delicious Cuban cuisine at one of many restaurants along Calle Ocho as well!

7. Visit Jungle Island and Parrot Jungle

Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Parrot Jungle

This is a zoological park with an interactive and educational experience. Visitors can feed the animals and walk through the exhibits to learn about them. You’ll see animals such as lemurs, sea lions, manatees, birds, snakes, alligators and more.

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Jungle Island

Jungle Island recently underwent a name change from Parrot Jungle to better reflect its nature of being both botanical garden and animal sanctuary. The new name reflects what you’ll find there: monkeys swinging overhead in trees, birds flying overhead on their way from one part of the zoo to another, butterflies fluttering around flowers—it’s truly like being transported into another world!

8. Head to South Beach for Sun and Fun

aerial photograph of seashore and buildings

South Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Miami. It’s got plenty to offer, from great beaches to lots of restaurants and bars, great shopping restaurants, shops, and nightclubs that attract tourists from around the world every day!

People come here just to watch all the action as people walk down Ocean Drive wearing bright colors and clothing styles that are not normally seen anywhere else!

If you’re looking for something more low-key than South Beach then try out Coconut Grove instead which will give you more space without having too many people around at once like on Ocean Drive itself!

The only downside is that there aren’t any public bathrooms available so make sure everyone goes before they leave home or else they may end up needing an emergency bathroom break while walking down

If you want to relax or party all day long, South Beach is the place for you.

9. Explore Freedom Tower

Michael Jimenez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1925, this impressive example of the Mediterranean Revival style was once a major part of Miami’s port-related activities. The building has been restored to its former glory and now serves as an important historical site that tells the story of how Cuban refugees came to America during the 1960s and 1970s.

While you’re there, be sure to check out their exhibit on Coco Chanel which once owned this space!

10. Visit Bayside Marketplace

Baysidemarketplace, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bayside Marketplace is a shopping mall located in Downtown Miami, Florida. It’s owned by General Growth Properties and it opened in 1987. The mall is located in Downtown Miami’s Brickell Financial District, just north of the historic Brickell Avenue Bridge.

It has been expanded three times since its original opening and it has over 300 stores and restaurants today. Some of them are:

  • Bal Harbour Shops
  • Bayside Marketplace
  • Shops at Sunset Place (owned by Simon Property Group)

11. Explore Croc ridden swamplands at the Everglades National Park

black crocodile on body of water during daytime

To experience the swamplands at their best, you’ll need to plan a trip between May and November. This is when the weather is warm enough for alligators and crocodiles to be active in the park’s rivers and lakes.

The summer months are also when Florida experiences its highest temperatures, so come prepared with sunscreen and insect repellent (mosquitoes love those swampy waters).

If you’re planning on staying longer than just one day, consider renting a car or booking a guided tour through Everglades City or Flamingo. You can easily spend an entire week exploring different areas of this massive park!

12. Visit Disney Land

Disney Land Florida
Disney Land Florida

If you’re looking for things to do in Florida, look no further than Disney World. The world’s most famous theme park is located just outside of Orlando, and it’s home to some of the most iconic characters of all time—including Mickey Mouse, Snow White, and Donald Duck.

The park is divided into four main sections: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each section has its own unique attractions and experiences that make it worth visiting on its own. For example, Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain, while Epcot features futuristic rides like Test Track and Soarin’.

But if you’re looking for a different kind of thrill at Disney World, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy during your visit. For example:

The Animal Kingdom offers a safari ride through African wildlife; Epcot has a nighttime fireworks show; Hollywood Studios has the Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit; and there are several water parks that offer slides and pools for guests who want to cool off on hot days (or nights).

13. Experience Life on the Water

white and blue ship on sea under blue sky and white clouds during daytime

There are many things to do in Miami that involve water, from cruise ships to paddleboarding.

Take a cruise. A variety of companies offer tours around the gorgeous waterways of South Florida.

Hire a yacht or jet ski for your friends and family members to enjoy together!

Take a ferry ride across Biscayne Bay to visit Key Biscayne and other beautiful islands in the area, such as Crandon Park and Virginia Key Beach Park.

Also Read:   11 Best Vacation Destination In Florida

Go on a fishing trip with your dad! Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen with you if it’s going to be sunny outside because he’ll want to go during peak hours when there’s less chance of getting bored on his own boat…but make sure _you_ don’t get bored either! If none of these options appeal then perhaps consider renting some kayaks instead?

14. Go on a Walking Tour of the Art Deco District

Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a way to get a glimpse of what it was like to live in Miami during its Art Deco heyday, this walking tour is the perfect option.

The tour will take you through some of the most iconic spots in the Art Deco District, where visitors can peer inside buildings that were once occupied by high-society figures like Meyer Lansky and Joe DiMaggio.

You’ll also see some of their favorite hangouts and learn about their fascinating pasts. The walk lasts three hours and costs $30 per person (with a 10% discount if you book online).

While we recommend booking ahead online or at least calling ahead on your first day there; tours are often sold out due to popularity so plan accordingly!

15. Catch a Show at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Averette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a rich experience, plan on making a trip to Miami. The city is overflowing with art, culture, and history. One of the best ways to see what makes this city so special is by taking in all that Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has to offer.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was originally built as an estate for James Deering in 1916 by renowned architect, Richard Morris Hunt.

While it wasn’t completed until 1922 due to World War I interruptions, it retains the Italian Renaissance style and Mediterranean charm that made Hunt’s other projects famous around the world.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has been open to visitors since 1936 when it was donated as a museum by philanthropist Charles Loring who had purchased Deering’s estate after his death in 1925 (he sold off parts of the property which are now occupied by Coconut Grove).

It currently hosts tours daily that offer insights into how wealthy families lived during various eras throughout Miami’s history which makes it a must-see attraction when visiting this beautiful city!

16. Visit Miami Science Museum

Knight Foundation, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A visit to the Miami Science Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. This museum has interactive exhibits that children will enjoy, such as a giant ant farm and an exhibit on how various animals use their senses.

It’s also a good rainy-day activity when you don’t want to go far from your hotel or Airbnb apartment. One downside of this museum is that parking can be limited at times, so plan accordingly!

The planetarium shows are especially interesting; they’re only shown on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m., but they’re well worth checking out if you have time before heading back home!

17. Visit Zoo Miami for an Adventure with the Animals

Tomfriedel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Zoo Miami is the largest zoological park in Florida, and also one of the oldest. The zoo has more than 1,200 animals on display from over 650 different species!

Admission to Zoo Miami is $35 for adults, $30 for children ages 2-12, and free for children under 2 years old. There are several exhibits that you can visit:

The Amazon & Beyond Exhibit – This exhibit showcases animals found in South America like the jaguar and crocodile;

Discovery Island – This island is home to exotic birds from around the world;

African Savanna – Located on an elevated platform above two lakes at Zoo Miami’s African Plains area are elephants, zebras, and other African animals such as giraffes and antelope;

Florida Wilds – See sloths hanging upside down while they sleep or watch primates swing through trees in this unique habitat!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with friends or family members while exploring new places around town then consider going on an adventure tour with one of our local companies who offer guided tours throughout the state.

These tours will take you to some amazing places where your group will learn about all kinds of things including history as well as current events happening around town today!