Things to Do in Miami

Posted: 2/20/24 | February 20th, 2024

Miami is vibrant city known for its beach culture, party scene, and Cuban influence. It’s definitely considered one of the more high energy, fun cities in America. Miami attracts millions of visitors per year. Personally, Miami isn’t my favorite city in the States (though I do love the beaches), but there’s absolutely no denying that there’s a lot of fun to be had here. From beaches to partying to Cuban culture to the nearby Everglades, you can do a lot of things. (And if you’re looking to splash out, there are tons of luxurious hotels, upscale shopping districts, and high-end dining to be found here.)

Here are some of my top things to see and do in Miami:

1. Explore the Everglades

Everglades National Park has 1.5 million acres of swamps, prairies, and sub-tropical jungles. It is one of the most unique and largest public parks in the United States. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site, it is home to 14 rare and endangered species including the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, and West Indian Manatee, among others. Over 350 species of birds, 300 species of fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles live in this unique environment. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore the park using your own two feet, but to traverse the waterways, you’ll need to hop in an airboat. The park is only an hour from the city. Airboat tours cost around $37 USD. If you want a more active boating experience, kayak tours are also popular (expect to pay around $100 for a kayak tour that includes a kayak rental).

2. Visit Little Havana

Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, was born almost overnight. In the mid-1960s, an estimated 300,000 refugees fled Cuba, with most landing and settling in Miami. Today, over 1.2 million Cuban Americans live in Miami, with Little Havana centering around “Calle Ocho” (SW 8th Street). This is one of my favorite parts of the city and the food here is incredible. Eat in one of the little restaurants and bakeries, walk the vibrant streets, enjoy a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or Café Cubano (espresso shot sweetened with brown sugar), or get in on some salsa dancing. It’s an arty, quirky neighborhood worth exploring. Food tours around Little Havana cost around $69 USD and are the best way to learn about the area from an expert local guide.

3. Admire the Art Deco of South Beach

Located in South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is an area of Miami Beach noted for its concentration of over 800 Art Deco buildings all within one square mile. Art Deco was a popular architectural style from France, common between 1910-1939, characterized by its bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and embracing of modern materials and technology. You can also take an Art Deco bike tour of the area to gain even more insights into the architecture and history.

4. See the Art in Wynwood

Wynwood is a former industrial neighborhood that has evolved into a cultural hub and trendy hotspot for graffiti and street art, as well as hip shops, cool restaurants, chill cafes and coffee roasteries, artisan breweries, and art galleries. The most popular attraction here is the Wynwood Walls, a collection of 40 murals from some of the world’s best street artists. The impressive 35,000 square feet of outdoor space, built around existing warehouses, features artists from 21 countries. The murals are constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll get to see, but many murals address social and political issues, offering commentary on topics such as environmental conservation, immigration, racial justice, and human rights. The Museum of Graffiti, the first museum in the world dedicated to this art form, is also located in the Wynwood neighborhood.

5. Take a Sightseeing Cruise

Seeing the city by boat allows you to get a different perspective of Miami and its coastal sights that are otherwise inaccessible by land. Cruises are generally around $30-45 USD.

6. Learn to Salsa

Renowned for its sizzling nightlife and rich Latin culture, Miami’s salsa scene is something that must be experienced. From the iconic Calle Ocho in Little Havana to trendy South Beach, salsa aficionados can find a variety of venues catering to different styles and skill levels. In Little Havana, Ball & Chain has free salsa classes every Thursday starting at 9pm. If you’re looking for more of a nightclub experience, Mango’s Tropical Café is the best place to go. They offer a Sip, Savor, & Salsa experience every day from 7:30pm–10pm. Tickets are $89 USD and include beginner salsa and bachata lessons, a mojito, food, and entrance to go dancing in Mango’s Nightclub afterward (it opens at 10pm).

7. Immerse Yourself in Art

An artsy, avant-garde city, Miami offers many different quirky immersive art experiences, with interactive installations, cutting-edge technology, and multi-sensory environments.

8. Visit the Museums

While museums aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Miami, there are actually quite a few museums in the city worth checking out. Some of the museums worth checking out include: The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), HistoryMiami Museum, Bass Museum of Art.

9. Do Some Water Sports

Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping excitement of jet skiing, the rhythmic experience of paddleboarding, the exhilaration of windsurfing, the quiet calm of kayaking, there are tons of options to choose from. You can find pretty much every water sport here.