Moving to Miami? Bienvenidos! With year-round sun and tons of beautiful beaches to soak it up in, this glitzy South Florida city is an excellent choice. Most Miami activities are (surprise!) outdoors. In between sunbathing, swimming, and sipping cocktails (or craft beer), make time to check out South Beach’s famous Art Deco architecture, take in the Cuban culture in Little Havana, and hang out with gators in the Everglades.
Here’s our list of the 10 Best Things to do in Miami:
Beaches
You’re in Miami—you need to go to the beach. There are a ton of options, so here’s the vibe at some of the highlights. South Beach is where partying and art deco buildings come together; it’s the Miami you see on TV. Looking for some serenity and seclusion? Head down to Key Biscayne (a.k.a. “The Key”). Want to pretend you’re on a deserted island? Crandon Park on the east of the key is where you want to be.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
With its stunning architecture, grounds, and artwork, The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is recognized as one of Miami’s greatest treasures. Nestled in the hippie enclave of Coconut Grove, this Italian Renaissance-style villa boasts 34 rooms filled with exquisite European antiques and decorative works from the 16th to 19th centuries arranged around a breathtaking courtyard. During the early 20th century, over 1,100 European craftsmen came over to complete this ornate 28-acre estate for Chicagoan industrialist James Deering.
Jungle Island
Reopening after Hurricane Irma on Memorial Day Weekend 2018, Jungle Island is home to almost 3,000 animal, bird, and plant species. There’s also a petting zoo, trails, zip lines and more—it’s a great place to tire out the kiddos (and adults)!
Bayfront Park
Sometimes life in Miami can just be too exciting and some relaxation is needed. This 32-acre park is located in downtown Miami on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard, right on the water. Check out a concert at the amphitheater, splash around in Pepper Fountain, and see the Challenger and WWII Memorials.
Coral Castle
This wild landmark is the work of Edward Leedskalnin. No one knows how the eccentric Latvian American artist built the massive castle—including a 9-ton gate and hand carved garden sculptures—out of 1,100 tons of coral rock over the course of 28 years, but we’re all glad he did it.
Venetian Pool
Located in Coral Gables, The Venetian Pool is an iconic spring-water-filled pool (the largest in the US!) built out of a coral rock quarry in 1923. This family favorite features waterfalls, grottos, and a tropical backdrop for soaking up the sun.
Ocean Drive
Running along the oceanfront of Miami Beach, this South Beach neighborhood thoroughfare is pretty much a required stop in Miami. Ocean Drive is the center of the Miami Art Deco District and is mostly known for its art deco hotels, which have been featured in all kinds of movies, from Scarface to The Birdcage. Start at Fifth Street and head north, stopping for a drink or dinner along the way.
The Everglades National Park
Head down US-41 to get your nature on in the Everglades. The 1.5 million acres of swamplands are home to alligators AND crocodiles, snakes, and birds like the blue heron. The wetlands preserve is free to drive through, though the real way to travel deep into the marshes and streams is by airboat. Live out your dreams of being Steve Irwin.
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The brand new 250,000-square-foot museum occupies four buildings: the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium, and the North and West Wings, featuring interactive exhibits for all ages. The “Aquarium” takes up three levels, one of which houses sea creatures in a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream tank.
Little Havana
You can’t come to Miami without getting a dose Cuban culture. Stroll down Calle Ocho in Little Havana to see the Mediterranean-style houses, order a Cubano at the kitschy Cuban diner Versailles, and smoke a cigar to the hum of Latin music.
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