If you're wondering what you'll do for fun in Magic City, don't worry about lacking options! This is the party zone of America, where you can swim at beautiful beaches, explore cultural neighborhoods, and sample Miami's buzzing restaurants and famous nightlife all within the same 24 hours. People love the festive holiday feel of Miami, partly due to its endless sunshine hours, and there is a generally laid-back and easy-going culture here that understands the value of luxury and leisure. Whether you're exploring solo, with a partner, or with friends, there's always something unforgettable to do in this sun-drenched city.
Art Deco District and Miami design and architecture
Transport yourself back to the 1920s in the historic Miami Beach Art Deco District. Bursting with vibrant buildings showcasing terrazzo floors, geometric designs, curved ceilings, and lively neon lights, this area is a testament to the Roaring Twenties' spirit and artistic flair. Take a tour, or simply explore on your own. Notable landmarks include the Park Central Hotel, Art Deco District Welcome Center, and Miami Beach Main Post Office. If you're an architecture buff, there are also tours that incorporate Miami Modern as well as Art Deco design. You can also explore the Miami Design District and Wynwood Walls, two of Miami's cultural hubs featuring public art, striking architecture, and open-air events.
Zoos in Miami
For nature and wildlife, Zoo Miami beckons. The zoo offers a safari-like experience, allowing you to observe animals in an open-air environment. It's a huge zoo, home to over 3,000 animals, and you need a good chunk of time to explore it. Adult tickets are approximately $24.95, children's tickets are $20.95, and those under two remain free. Prices are best confirmed online before visiting.
Museums in Miami
Expand your knowledge at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Housing both a planetarium and a contemporary aquarium, this facility invites visitors to learn and explore unique six-level exhibitions. Current favorites include the “Living Coral” exhibit and sustainability labs, as well as new immersive planetarium shows. If you're more interested in gardens and interiors, step into the Gilded Age by visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This opulent villa, built in the early 20th century, showcases Mediterranean-inspired architecture and is surrounded by meticulously designed gardens. Tickets (from around $25 for adults) are best reserved online in advance due to capacity limits. For art lovers, there's the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Rubell Museum in Wynwood.
Beaches and watersports in Miami
Embrace the sun on South Beach's vast sandy shores, a playground for all ages. Beach volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and strolls are part of any good beach day, but there's something for everyone, including many restaurants, shops, and bars. Crandon Park (Key Biscayne) and North Beach are becoming more popular spots for families and those seeking a quieter experience.
For another kind of aquatic adventure, head to Key Biscayne to sample some of the water sports on offer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and even kiteboarding. There are lots of businesses offering lessons and tours to get you started.
Nightlife in Miami
As the sun sets, Miami's nightlife awakens, with various nightclubs offering non-stop entertainment. Choose from an array of venues and diverse music and entertainment genres. You can see comedy, dance the night away, or hang out in a sleek cocktail lounge. Hotspots like E11EVEN, LIV, and Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho continue to draw crowds, while new rooftop bars and immersive live-music venues are redefining Miami nights. Check out the Latin dance clubs that add a touch of Miami's unique culture to the nightlife scene.
Exploration beyond Miami
For a change of scenery, venture beyond the city's limits and explore some of the fantastic biodiversity that characterizes this tropical area. Discover the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, or if you're more into the ocean than the swamp, you can explore the underwater wonders of Biscayne National Park by taking a snorkeling or scuba diving course or tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life and coral reefs that make this park a haven for ocean enthusiasts.
One way to do this is the Miami Combo Tour, which includes a Biscayne Bay Cruise and an Everglades Airboat Ride, providing you with a comprehensive view of Miami and its neighborhoods in one go. Prices start at around $125.00 per person.
Discover Little Havana
Little Havana is a historic and iconic part of Miami, rich with the Cuban culture brought by the many Cuban immigrants to Miami. At its heart lies Calle Ocho, a vibrant street lined with Latin-inspired eateries, charming bakeries, fruit stalls, cigar shops, music-filled bars, and art galleries. The streets themselves are adorned with expressive murals showcasing Cuba's cultural heritage. Start your exploration by indulging your taste buds—local restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor traditional Cuban coffee and a delectable sandwich. Try Sanguich de Miami for its famous Cuban sandwiches, or enjoy live salsa at Ball & Chain. Don't miss Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), the neighborhood's monthly street festival celebrating Cuban music, dance, and art.
Festivals in Miami
Miami's calendar is packed with festivals that celebrate the city's spirit, whether cultural, culinary or musical. A few notable summer festivals include the TYR Wodapalooza Fitness Festival, the Calle Ocho Music Festival, GroundUP Music Festival, and August's Miami Spice Restaurant Months. Autumn brings Art Deco Weekend and the Miami Carnival, while December's Art Basel Miami Beach draws in the attention of the international art world, with installations and parties across the city.
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