Things to do in Miami

Things to do in Miami

Miami is one of Florida’s most vibrant cities, and is the cultural, economic and financial centre of the state. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, contemporary art scene and bustling nightlife, you’ll never be short of things to do. Here’s our pick of the top ten things to do in Miami.

• Take a stroll down Lincoln Road

What is it? Designed by iconic architect Morris Lapidus in the 1950’s, Lincoln Road Mall is an endless sidewalk of shops, boutiques, coffee shops, lounges and beautiful buildings.

Where is it? Lincoln Road, Mid Beach, Miami, 33139

Why go? You can while away the hours on Lincoln Road. There’s plenty of opportunities for shopping and it’s a unique and beautiful place to explore.

• Explore Miami’s Design District

What is it? A creative neighbourhood and unique shopping destination, the Design District is a hub for Miami’s architecture and culture.

Where is it? Design District, Buena Vista, Miami, 33127-37

Why go? There’s plenty of shops, galleries and museums to explore, and the district is lined with unique statues and buildings too.

• Take a trip to Perez Art Museum

What is it? A modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to international art from the 20^th and 21^st century.

Where is it? 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown, 33132

Why go? Alongside amazing artwork, the hotel is host to music and entertainment evenings, as well as family-friendly activities.

• Dip into the Venetian Pool

What is it? One of the most beautiful swimming pools in the world, the Venetian Pool is an amazing freshwater pool with waterfalls, Italian architectural touches, bridges and cave-like grottos to explore.

Where is it? 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, 33134

Why go? It’s the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place to relax for the day.

• Broaden your mind at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

What is it? Spanning across 250,000 square feet, the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has four unique parts to it - an Aquarium, Planetarium and the North and West Wings filled with insightful, interactive exhibits and displays.

Where is it? 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 33132

Why go? It’s one of the only science museums in the world to house both an aquarium and planetarium under one roof, with stingrays, mahi-mahi and hammerhead sharks.

• Explore Miami’s heritage at HistoryMiami

What is it? HistoryMiami is an intimate museum dedicated to collecting, showcasing and celebrating Miami’s cultural history.

Where is it? 101 W Flagler St, 33130

Why go? The museum sheds light on everything from Miami’s Cuban diaspora to famous former residents and the city’s street art too.

• Discover the beauty of Wynwood

What is it? Wynwood is one of Miami’s most bustling districts, with a thriving art and nightlife scene.

Where is it? Wynwood Miami, 33127

Why go? Wynwood Walls is Miami’s only outdoor street art park. Make sure you pay a visit to Wynwood Brewing Company to sample Miami’s original craft beer too.

• Eat & Drink at Little Havana

What is it? Little Havana is the Cuban heart of Miami, and is packed with bars, restaurants and eateries that celebrate the vibrancy of Cuban culture.

Where is it? Little Havana, Miami

Why go? Learn about Cuban culture on a Little Havana experiences tour, visit Azucar Ice Cream Company for delicious treats, salsa the night away at Ball & Chain or stop for a coffee at Versailles restaurant.

• Spend the day at South Beach

What is it? One of the world’s most famous beaches, South Beach boasts crystal-clear waters, white-sands and luxury hotels.

Where is it? Oceanfront between 1st and 23rd Streets, South Beach, 33139

Why go? This legendary beach is not to be missed. Take a kayak at sunset, party the night away on the beachfront, take a stroll around Ocean Drive or simply sit and take in those famous Floridan Rays.

• Explore Nature at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

What is it? The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden boasts 83 acres of lush grounds, rare plants and exotic butterflies.

Where is it? 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, 33139

Why go? You can’t miss the rare plant conservatory, filled with beautiful palms, orchids and ferns. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you’re looking for a review of Miami’s culture and nightlife, travel blogger Chloe Gunning AKA Wanderlust Chloe has the insider scoop:

I've visited Florida quite a few times now, but one of my favourite places is Miami. It has incredible food scenes, great beaches, lots of colourful street art and unique vibes.

I think Miami has the best nightlife. The bars along South Beach are a lot of fun after dark! However, smaller towns across Florida have their own unique scenes too. I visited Miami with one of my best friends and we explored lots of different areas. Highlights of our trip include checking out the incredible colourful murals in Wynwood and enjoying the Cuban vibes in Little Havana!

 

 

Best Places to Stay in Miami

Planning a trip to Miami but not sure where to stay? Our guide below covers the best neighbourhoods and places to stay whilst you’re there.

• The Shore Club, South Beach

Located at the heart of bustling South Beach, The Shore Club is a luxurious and modern hotel destination. With the exclusive SkyBar offering unparalleled views of the city and ocean, two infinity edge pools and a spa on site, it’s a great place to relax, recharge and enjoy the vibrancy of Miami’s South Beach. 

­­­­­­Star Rating: 4/5

Price range per night: From £170 per night

Address: 1901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 33139

• The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Miami Beach

A luxurious 5-star hotel in the exclusive Bal Harbour neighbourhood in Miami Beach, the St Regis Bal Harbour is perfect for couples and families. With 27 stories, the St Regus Bal Harbour features spacious and luxurious guest rooms and suites, some with unparalleled views of the beachfront. It’s the ultimate destination for luxury and comfort.

Star Rating: 5/5

Price range per night: From £350 per night

Address: 9703 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154

• Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

Built in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark in the exclusive Coral Gables area. The 271-room resort has spectacular Mediterranean architecture, 133 suites, an 18-hole golf course, tennis court, spa and the largest hotel pool on the East Coast. It’s a perfect destination for couples.

Star Rating: 4/5

Price range per night: From £220 per night

Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, 33134

• Waterstone Resort & Marina, Boca Raton

A luxurious hotel in Miami’s Boca Raton district, the Waterstone Resort is contemporary in design and luxurious in nature. The hotel boasts 139 guest rooms and suites with private balconies, beach access, a stunning waterfront pool, in-room spa treatments and two waterfront restaurants. It’s a great place for families, friends and couples to enjoy.

Price range per night: From £170 per night

Address: 999 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, 33432

• InterContinental Hotel Miami

Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the InterContinental Miami is a luxury hotel overlooking the beautiful Biscayne Bay. This upmarket high-rise hotel has 653 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, spa and fitness centre, and is a brilliant base to explore all Miami has to offer.

Price range per night: From £140 per night

Address:  100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, 33131

 

 

 

The Best Places to Eat in Miami

Miami has some of the best restaurants on the East Coast, with a variety of cuisines including Chinese, Indian and traditional American. So, whether you’re planning a trip to hip Wynwood or looking to explore the Keys, this list of the five best places to eat in Miami has you covered.

• KYU

Chef Michael Lewis has taken Asian comfort food to the next level with KYU. The Modern-Asian eatery has already won a James Beard nomination and is regarded as one of the best places to dine in Miami. Expect Asian classics like pork buns, sashimi and Korean fried chicken - but with a seriously modern twist.

Address: 251 NW 25th St, Wynwood, 33127

• Ghee

Hailed as the best modern Indian restaurant in the whole of America, Ghee is the brainchild of Niven Patel. The restaurant serves made-to-order delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients for an explosion of flavour. Don’t miss the smoked lamb neck, charred ribs with mango or special cheddar naan.

Address: Downton Dadeland - 8965 South West 72nd Place, 33156

                Design District – 3620 2^nd Avenue, 33137

• Mignonette

A casual, diner-themed seafood restaurant, visitors flock to Mignonette for their selection of oysters and Connecticut-style lobster rolls. There are oysters of the day, and a huge selection of other options to choose from – just ask the staff for their recommendations.

Address: 210 NE 18th St, Midtown, 33132

• Alter

Modern and minimal in décor, this award-winning eatery is casual in appearance but exceptional in taste. Chef Brad Kilgore is constantly updating his 5 or 7 course menus so you can experience something different each time you visit. Signature dishes include soft egg with sea scallop espuma, truffle and Gruyere, and sake-cured duck breast grilled over pinecones.

Address: 223 NW 23rd St, Wynwood, 33127

• La Mar

Headed up by Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio, waterfront eatery LA Mar offers gourmet Peruvian food and delicious sushi. with a stunning view of Biscayne Bay. Notable dishes include snapper dressed in aged parmesan, the peruvian classic lomo soltado and a plentiful seafood brunch .

Address: 500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key, 33127

If you want to explore more of Miami’s nightlife, read our guide on the best bars and clubs here .

 

Miami Nightlife

Miami comes alive at night and is home to some of the best clubs and bars in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Miami and looking for inspiration for the best nightlife, this guide will run you through the five best bars and clubs in the city.

 

• LIV

LIV is Miami beach’s most famous club and the place to go if you want a night to remember. Expect to see celebrities lining the VIP booths and sets from world-class DJs every weekend. It’s busy and pretty hard to get into however, so make sure you’re dressed to impress to get past that velvet rope!

Address: 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 33140

Getting there:  Take bus 112, 119 to Collins Avenue at 44th Street
Contact: 0013056744680. www.livnightclub.com
Opening times: Wed-Sun, 11pm-5am
Admission: prices vary from free up to around $100.

 

• Story

Story is LIV’s younger sister and owned by the same people but is more inclusive and accessible. It’s even bigger than LIV however, with a real focus on electronic dance music. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want a big night out in the city.

Address: 136 Collins Avenue, South Beach, 33139
Getting there: Take bus 150 to Washington Avenue at 2nd Street
Contact: 0013054794426. www.storymiami.com
Opening times: Thu-Sat, 11pm-5am
Admission: prices vary from free up to around $100.

 

• Ball & Chain

This historic bar in Little Havana plays homage to Miami’s close ties with Cuba. Originally a concert hall built in the 1930s, Ball & Chain was reopened in 2014 and offers live music, salsa dancing and delicious tapas and cocktails.

Address: 1513 SW 8th Street, Little Havana, 33135
Getting there: Take bus 8, 207 to SW 7th Street at SW 16th Avenue
Contact: 0013056437820; www.ballandchainmiami.com  
Opening times: Mon-Wed 12pm-12am; Thu-Sat, 12pm-3am; Sun, 12pm-10pm
Admission: free

 

• Purdy Lounge

A beloved Miami beach bar, Purdy lounge is laid-back, always busy and popular among locals and tourists alike. There’s a secret door leading to the ‘back room’ – a huge dancehall and bar - but most people go to Purdy’s for the last dance and drink of the evening before going home!

Address: 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, 33139
Getting there: Take 123 bus to Dade Boulevard at Purdy Avenue
Contact: 0013055314622.  www.purdylounge.com
Opening times:  Mon-Fri, 3pm-5am; Sat-Sun, 6pm-5am
Admission: free

 

• Mac’s Club Deuce Bar

This historic South beach dive bar is hailed as the oldest in Miami, after being opened by World War II Veteran Mac Klein in 1964. Inside it’s exactly what you’d expect from a classic American dive bar, with dark lighting, neon signs, jukeboxes and pool tables. Plus, it’s open nearly all hours of the day, with two for one drinks starting at 8am.

Address: 222 14th Street, South Beach, 33139
Getting there: Take bus 103, 120, 123, 150 to Washington Avenue at 13th Street
Contact: 0013055316200. www.macsclubdeuce.com
Opening times:  8am-5am every day
Admission: free

If you’re wanting to explore more of Miami, take a look at our recommendations of the best places to eat here .

 

Shopping in Miami

Planning a trip to Miami? If you are, then you must plan a shopping trip. Miami has some of the best shopping districts on the East Coast, with plenty of designer and high street stores to explore. Take a look at our top picks below:

• Sunset Harbour

Sunset harbour is a popular neighbourhood in Miami beach, with plenty of quaint boutiques, clothes stores, restaurants and bars to explore. Don’t miss a trip to Consign of the Times to pick up second-hand designer clothes at a fraction of the price, or Frankie’s for one of a kind pieces that nobody else will have. With unrivalled views of Biscayne Bay, there’s no prettier place to shop in Miami than Sunset Harbour.

Address: Sunset Harbour, Miami beach, 33139
Getting there: Take bus 123 to Dade Boulevard

 

• Aventura Mall

The largest mall in Florida, you’ll be sure to find something you like in one of its 300 stores. There are designer stores like Gucci, Cartier and Givenchy, and plenty of high street favourites like Zara, Topshop and Gap. With 40+ restaurants and eateries, you can easily spend a whole day exploring Aventura Mall.

Address: 19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, 33180
Getting there: Take bus 119 or 120 to Aventura Mall

 

• Lincoln Road Shopping District

Lincoln Road is a cultural hub in Miami, located in the bustling heart of South beach. The shops range from high street, including Apple and H&M, to more upmarket stores like Anthropologie and Adidas by Stella McCartney. As well as all these stores, Lincoln Road is home to the Lincoln and Colony Theatres, and has a plethora of cafes, restaurants and bars, so you can easily while away the hours here.  

Address: Lincoln Road, South Beach, 33139
Getting there: Take bus 113 or 119 to Lincoln Road

 

• Bal Harbour Shops

If you’re looking for somewhere ultra-high-end to shop, then Bal Harbour is the place for you. Miami’s luxury shopping destination, Bal Harbour Shops is an outside mall packed with designer stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, Gucci, Dior and Chanel. It’s not a place to go if you’re wanting to preserve your bank balance – but worth a trip nonetheless!

Address: 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour. 33154
Getting there: Take bus 119 or 120 to Collins Avenue 

 

• Design District

The once-forgotten neighbourhood, Design District recently underwent a huge transformation and is now one of Miami’s best luxurious and high-end shopping destinations. With upmarket stores like Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston and Hermès, the Design District is a one-stop destination for all things designer.

Address: Design District, Buena Vista, Miami, 33127-37

Getting there: There are lots of bus stops in the district. Take buses 3, 10, 16, 93 or 110 to get to one

Still looking for things to do in Miami? Our guide on the top things to do in Miami will help.

 

---

Back to Florida Travel Guides