Miami. As soon as you say the word, everyone knows what you are talking about. What makes this world-class city so popular however? There is actually a lot to do both in the city as well as in the greater Miami area so if you are headed there make sure that you visit the following 20 spots.
- Art Deco District
The Miami Beach Architectural District is a U.S. historic district located in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida. Pre-1980's it was an area that was starting to be ignored with many of the Art Deco buildings falling into disrepair. However in the 1980's the area saw a resurgence in popularity and restoration partly due to the TV Show Miami Vice. Now it is an Art Deco paradise that is well known for the Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace's murder on the front steps of his former mansion on Ocean Drive which is now a hotel.
- Miami Beach Boardwalk
This Boardwalk is a great way to get oriented and to take in some of the best sites around Miami Beach, South Beach, and more. Besides walking along some of the prettiest beaches in Miami it also passes some important cultural and entertainment sites.
- Wynwood Walls Street Art
This unique outdoor destination features huge, colourful street murals by artists from around the world.
- Little Havana
One of my favorite spots, Little Havana is where a lot of Cuban's who were fleeing from Cuba ended up. This Cuban hotspot is full of Latin American art galleries, busy restaurants with great food, cafes with walk-up windows where you can grab Cuban coffee or cigars, and Latin music night clubs.. Make sure to head to Calle Ocho where you will feel like you stepped out of Miami and into Havana as locals will discuss politics over a game of dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park (aka Domino Park). If you are a film buff then make sure to check out the historic Tower Theatre for independent and revival films. Check out our Areas of Miami article for more information on this spot.
- South Beach
Known for its beaches, the glamorous nightlife scene, and celebrity-chef eateries this is the place to be. If you head to the pedestrian friendly strip mall on Lincoln Road Mall you will find a mix of chain stores and indie fashion shops. If architecture is more your thing then walk along Ocean Drive for views of its well-preserved art deco architecture and outdoor cafes which are fantastic for people watching. Check out our article on South Beach + Tropical Deco for not only more things to do but also walking routes.
- Crandon Park
Originally a coconut plantation, this 808-acre urban park was donated to the city in 1940. Now it features one of the largest zoo's in the area, Crandon Gardens, a nature center, marina, golf course and a tennis center. It is found in the northern part of Key Biscayne and connects mainland Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway.
- Ocean Drive
The main road through South Beach, this is a great street to walk and explore during the day but expect to pay through the nose at the restaurants. In the evening a variety of night clubs open up and the strip becomes super lively. Make sure to check out our article on FreeBee for free transportation.
- Bayfront Park
Known as "Miami's Front Porch", this 32-acre park is favorite among locals and is found in Downtown Miami. Built in 1920 on former railway land, it was then rebuilt in 1926 after a hurricane wiped out most of the foliage. Over the years the park has been expanded and items have been added to it like a rock garden, massive fountain, band stand, Bayfront Park Auditorium, Amphitheather, and more. It has also been the location of very important items throughout American history like the Presidential campaign rally of JFK, entertainment for the troops during WWII, memorial services for President Franklin Roosevelt, and more.
- Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a two-story open-air shopping center located in downtown Miami, not far from Bayfront Park. The food court is air conditioned but do not be surprised if you see a few cockroaches. It is actually the top visited attraction in Miami, walking distance to the Brightline Train stop - read our article on that here, and it is not far from Miami cruise port either so you will usually see a bunch of suitcase pulling tourists.
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Found in Coral Gables, this 83-acre garden was opened in 1934 and features rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. It is also dog friendly!
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Previously known as Villa Vizcaya. This historic 1916 waterfront mansion was once home to James Deering and features 32 rooms surrounded by 10-acres of gorgeous gardens which the public can explore. It has been featured in a variety of movies from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to Bad Boys II, Iron Man 3, and many more.
- Deering Estate
This 444-acre park is a former home to Charles Deering and features the Richmond Cottage (a 3-story wooden house but in 1900); a very well preserved 1920's, 3-story stone mansion; and a ton of nature activities from canoe tours, moonlight kayak tours, walking, birding tours, and more.
- Lummus Park Beach
Here you will find the quintessential South Beach experience: tans, bikinis, and nightlife.
- Coral Castle
Made of oolite limestone, the myth is that it was single-handedly built by Edward Leedskalnin using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve the stones. Built in 1920, it took over 28 years to complete as he worked on it in secret at night. this Castle is well worth a visit and make sure to visit the mind-bending sculpture garden which is also carved from the massive coral rock. Billy Idol even wrote his song "Sweet Sixteen" about this castle.
- Everglades National Park
The United States' largest subtropical wilderness, the Everglades, is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve on the southern tip of Florida. Here you can find endangered leatherback turtles, Florida panther, West Indian manatee, crocodiles, and so many more. It is actually the only place in the world where you can see crocodiles and alligators in the same place. Feel free to explore by walking through the areas or take a float boat tour. Check out our Everglades article here.
- Jungle Island
Previously known as Parrot Jungle the park underwent a massive restoration after Hurricane Irma devastated the area and reopened in mid-2022. It is 1/2 eco-adventure park, 1/2 Jungle Island and features animals, zip lines, ropes courses, bridges, climbing nets suspended up to 60 feet in the treetops, a 19,000-square-foot trampoline park, and more!
- Biltmore Hotel
Built in the 1920's, this gorgeous hotel is well worth a visit just for its looks alone. If you want a reason to go then make sure to check out their spa, an 18-hole golf course, tennis club, gym, outdoor pool with private cabanas, the shops in the basement, or any of the dining options which include French and Italian fine dining, burgers, a pool-side eatery, and afternoon tea. Make sure to check out our article on this hotel.
- Venetian Pool
Opened in 1923 for Coral Gable's High Society, in a former quarry pit, this pool is filled by spring water from an underground aquifer. The 820,000 gallons are emptied every and refilled every night.
- Shop an Outlet
Miami has two of the largest shopping centers in the US and both are outlet locations meaning you can get designer for less. Dolphin Mall has 240 stores in 1.4 million square foot area and Sawgrass Mills over 355 stores in a 2.4 million square foot area. Dolphin Mall is close to the Miami Airport, near the university so it tends to have a younger crowd. Sawmill is near Fort Lauderdale and is usually voted as the better of the two.
- Metromover
While we mentioned Brightline farther up, Miami also features the Metromover which is a free mass transit train that connects Downtown Miami, Brickell, Park West and Arts & Entertainment District neighborhoods.
