Miami is a bustling metropolis in a warm climate, situated right on the Atlantic Ocean; and there is a nonstop list of best things to do in Miami, or what some people call The Magic City.
1. Take to South Beach
Numerous people come to Miami for South Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. A strip of coastline 3 miles long, this area is laden with ritzy hotels, barely clad beach goers, and the warm clear waters of the Atlantic. Along Ocean Drive is a bevy of cafes and restaurants, many eager to bring you in with all day drink specials, including cocktails the size of punch bowls.
2. Stroll the Boardwalk
Starting at 5th Street and strolling up to 17th, this is a great way to take in some of the best people watching, as both locals and tourists will walk, bike, and strut their stuff in the city’s year-round warm temperatures.
3. Watch Ocean Drive Light Up
The perfect time to take a tour of the Art Deco buildings that line Ocean Drive is just before sunset. Take in the beauty of this architecture while there is still light out, but watch them become neon magnets as soon as the sun goes down.
4. Charter a Boat on Biscayne Bay
This area of water is an open bay along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, and a popular spot for weekend boaters. For those who don’t necessarily want to head into the open ocean, it is the ideal spot to take a day sail, ride a hobie cat, or speed around in a small power boat.
5. Find Seclusion in Key Biscayne
If you’re looking for a bit of peace to relax and unwind, Key Biscayne has one of the best beaches in which to do so. Crandon Park is situated on the Atlantic side of Key Biscayne, and is full of towering palm trees, expansive (and usually empty) beaches, and picturesque lifeguard stands reminiscent of something you’d find in the Carolinas.
6. Head to the Wynwood Art District
Home to over 70 museums and galleries, this spot has recently become famous for its wall art and graffiti-laden streets; and a very popular background for Instagram selfies. It is one of the largest open-air street art installations in the world, and every second Saturday of the month galleries open their doors for a public art walk through the neighborhood.
7. Eat an Upscale Peruvian Meal at La Mar
Let Latin roots take over you as you sip a Pisco Sour while overlooking downtown Miami and the sun sets next to you on Biscayne Bay. Try their Chaufa Aeropuerto, usually a cheap backpacker dish in Peru, this version will not leave you disappointed. Fried rice, succulent shrimp and spiced sausage all mixed together with a perfectly seasoned soy sauce will leave you wanting to come back for more.
8. Enjoy a Cuban Coffee on Calle Ocho
Lose yourself in Little Havana as you watch the local Cubans talking lively over a game of dominoes. View the statues and monuments with their tribute to their homeland, all while savoring a very delicious and very strong Cuban coffee.
9. Check Out the Events at American Airlines Arena
Take in a basketball game with the Miami Heat, catch a hot concert, or even watch the stunning acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil. Whichever kind of major events float your boat, chances are you’ll find something here to suit your taste, which secures its spot as one of the best things to do in Miami.
10. Stroll the Property of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This Renaissance-inspired mansion and its gardens take their name from the Spanish Coast, as full of beauty as the home for which they are named. With over 10 acres of garden to wander, as well as over 70 rooms filled with riches dating back to the 15th century, it is a perfect spot of splendor to transport yourself for an afternoon.
Where to Stay in Miami
Here are our top recommendations of hostels and hotels in Miami. All are centrally located, highly rated and have excellent facilities.
- Best Hostel/Budget Hotel: Freehand Miami
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell
- Best Luxury Hotel: InterContinental Miami
- Best Airport Hotel: Hilton Miami Airport
Don’t forget to also take a look at Airbnb. They are many awesome vacation rentals in Miami, and many of them are cheaper than your average hotel. Click here to get $40 off your next booking with Airbnb.
Tours You Might Enjoy
Below are some popular tours in Miami that you might enjoy doing.
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