Quick answer: The essentials in Miami are South Beach and the Art Deco District, the Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Vizcaya, sunset at South Pointe Park, a Biscayne Bay boat trip, the Pérez Art Museum, Key Biscayne, and day trips to the Everglades and Key West.
Miami is far more than beaches. It’s a mix of Latin American culture, art and architecture. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped by area.
Miami Beach
- South Beach: lifeguard towers, turquoise water and a beach scene.
- The Art Deco Historic District: pastel hotels on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Walking tours start at the Art Deco Welcome Center.
- South Pointe Park and Pier: sunset over the cruise ships and Fisher Island.
- Lincoln Road: a pedestrian street for shopping and dining.
- The Miami Beach Boardwalk: walk or cycle from South Beach to Mid-Beach.
- The Wolfsonian–FIU: design and propaganda art.
Mainland Miami
- The Wynwood Walls: an outdoor mural park (ticketed), surrounded by free street art.
- Little Havana: Calle Ocho, Cuban coffee (cafecito), cigars and Domino Park.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: a 1916 villa with bayfront gardens.
- The Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Science Museum on the bay.
- The Design District: luxury boutiques and public art.
- Brickell: skyline rooftop bars and dining.
- Coconut Grove: a leafy village, bayfront parks and sailing.
- The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables: a historic lagoon pool carved from a quarry.
Water and nature
- A Biscayne Bay boat tour past the celebrity mansions of Star Island.
- Key Biscayne: Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with its lighthouse.
- The Everglades: airboat rides and alligators. See our Everglades guide.
- Key West: a road trip down the Overseas Highway. See Key West from Miami.
Food and nightlife
- Cuban sandwiches, stone crabs (in season) and ceviche.
- Nightlife: South Beach clubs, Wynwood bars and Brickell rooftops.
Compare Miami boat tours, food tours and Everglades trips.
Tips
- Use the free Miami Beach trolleys and the Metromover to save on rideshares.
- Use plenty of sunscreen and drink water, because the sun is strong all year.
- Respect the beach flags, because rip currents can occur.
More Miami guides
- Miami travel guide
- Miami itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Miami
- Everglades day trip from Miami
- Key West day trip from Miami
- Miami Airport to South Beach
- Best time to visit Miami
FAQ: Things to do in Miami
What is Miami best known for?
South Beach, Art Deco architecture, Latin and Cuban culture, nightlife and the Wynwood street art.
What can you do for free in Miami?
You can visit the beaches, the Art Deco District, Wynwood’s street murals outside the Walls, Little Havana, South Pointe Park, Lincoln Road and the free trolleys.
Is Miami good for families?
Yes. There are calm beaches at Key Biscayne, Frost Science, Zoo Miami and the Everglades airboats.
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