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As one of the top tourist areas in the U.S, there’s no lack of fun to-dos in the Miami Beach area. However, massive and fast-paced crowds that fill the busy city often overwhelm new visitors. Where do you even start?
Start here with this guide! Let’s go over some of the best for an array of preferences and lifestyles.
Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District is one of the best things to do in South Beach, Miami. The vibrant neighborhood sits along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue between 5th and 23rd Street. Peruse the U.S. Historic District’s shops and restaurants yourself or go on a 90 minute guided tour with the Miami Design Preservation League.
A guided tour is the best way to immerse yourself in Miami’s culture as you’ll learn all about the city’s unique history. Regardless of how you explore, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern and Art Deco architecture will instantly transport you to the charming yet ominous feel of the Prohibition Era. Trust locals when they say the Art Deco buildings are a must-see! If you are interested in other tours, make sure to check out a private sunset cruise.
The Wolfsonian – Florida International University
The Wolfsonian is a museum, library, and research center in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District. American Businessman Micky Wolfson Jr. founded the museum in 1995. Despite The Wolfsonian’s surprisingly young age, it encapsulates how the past affects the present with a close focus on art and design’s influence on society.
The Wolfsonian collection is primarily from an era of rapid growth: 1850 to 1950. There are over 200,000 items in the assortment that have uniquely transformed the modern world.
More impressively, the items reign from the United States, Italy, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, and farther! The Wolfsonian is undoubtedly one of the best ways to understand our ever-changing modern world.
Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
The Holocaust Memorial is off 19th Street and Meridian Avenue, just west of the Miami Beach Convention Center. In 1984, a group of Holocaust survivors commissioned the memorial as a safe place for South Florida’s vast population of survivors to mourn. Today, the monument evokes deep feelings of both sorrow and peace.
The memorial was officially opened in 1990 and features a large, hopeless hand grasping up from the ground for help. Sculptures of victims in anguish and desperation surround the monumental hand. Although a far cry from Miami’s fun in the sun vibe, the Holocaust Memorial is a powerful experience and worth the visit. It is open year-round from 9:30 am to sundown.
Lummus Park Beach
A South Beach treasure, Lummus Park Beach is between 5th Street and 14th Place along Ocean Drive. The waterfront is best known for Muscle Beach, an impressive fitness installation that attracts even more remarkable athletes.
Don’t fret if exercise isn’t at the top of your vacation to-do list. The breathtaking beach has over 26 acres of sugary white sand for you to stretch out on and sunbathe. Or you can cross over to Ocean Drive to browse an array of eateries and shops.
Regardless of your reason for visiting, you’ll quickly learn why Lummus Park Beach has served as the backdrop of famous shows like Miami Vice and Burn Notice. The park’s lively atmosphere and unmatched views are symbolic of Miami’s spirit.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Less than a mile from the oceanfront, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is the best thing to do with your family in South Beach, Miami. Not only is it a peaceful green space getaway from the bustling city, but general admission is free! The botanical garden started as a popular golf course in the 1920s and transformed into a Garden Center with agricultural promise in the 1960s.
Unfortunately, tourism, hurricanes, and recessions forced locals to accept the garden as something of the past. However, it has since been revamped and is now the best display of Miami’s natural beauty.
There are eight gardens to explore, each boasting a unique species of the native landscape. You can explore the region yourself or opt for a guided walking tour. Before you leave, be sure to pick out a tropical plant to purchase and take back into the urban area.
Miami Celebrity Homes Cruise
Hosted by Fiesta Cruises, the Miami Celebrity Homes Cruise is among the most exciting things in Miami Beach. The one and half hour boat tour showcases magnificent celebrity homes and sites of famous Hollywood scenes. Expect to cruise past Gloria Estefan and Al Capone’s impressive property and view the backdrop of Hollywood favorites like Scarface and Bad Boys.
Even better—you can indulge in a refreshing drink and delicious snacks while learning about Miami’s rich culture. The boat is equipped with covered seating and bathrooms as well. The family-owned business succeeds at making guests comfortable while helping them experience Miami Beach in the best way possible—by water! Their boats set sail from Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami each day. There are also five other tours to choose from.
LIV
Miami’s energetic nightlife attracts people from all over the country. If you’re visiting for the party scene, plan to stop by LIV, an upscale nightclub located inside Fontainebleau.
The 22,000 square foot dome features breathtaking architecture, impressive lighting, and luxurious decor. LIV is considered one of the best clubs in the country, and thus, a hotspot for the rich and famous like Kylie Jenner, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, and more!
Because the nightclub carries such a zealous reputation, getting in can be difficult. If you’re planning on partying at LIV while in Miami, book your table in advance. Also, keep in mind that the club is more expensive than others as it employs the best sound and lighting advancements and talent.
Espanola Way
If you’re looking for romantic Miami Beach things to do, you can’t go wrong with Espanola Way. Tucked between 14th and 15th Street in Miami Beach, the commercial development is rich in history and art.
The pedestrian-only walkway dates back to the 20s, making it the oldest market in Miami. Spanish architecture sentimental of Mediterranean villages fills the area, making the experience that much more nostalgic.
Upon visiting, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Espanola’s founders’ initial vision is still alive and well. What began as a colony for artists is now complete with creative boutiques, eateries, and weekly events like yoga and salsa for guests to connect.
Ancient Spanish Monastery
The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a popular tourist attraction in North Miami Beach. The building was originally built in Northern Spain in 1133 A.D. as a place for Cistercian monks to practice until the 1800s.
Amid a social revolution, the sacred building switched hands and became granary and stable. In recognition of the monastery’s important history, William Randolph Hearst swooped in and purchased the outbuildings and cloisters.
He disassembled the buildings, packed them, and shipped them to America. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances forced Hearst to sell most of the materials in an auction. When he passed away, two businessmen purchased what remained and rebuilt the monastery that has since reopened in South Florida. Attend church, tour the grounds, or visit an event to delve further into the building’s unique history.
Little Havana
Miami Beach is notorious for its lively Latin culture. Pay a visit to Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood to immerse yourself in the beloved culture.
Little Havana is named after Cuba’s capital city and is considered an exile community. Therefore, it is full of authentic Cuban experiences. Delicious cuisine, cozy cafes, upbeat music, and a friendly community can all be found here. Your visit will be undoubtedly fun-filled.
Little Havana is best-known for Calle Ocho on Southwest Eighth Street, where you’ll likely see locals smoking cigars over a heated game of dominoes. However, the heart of Little Havana has much more to offer than cigar-smoking and domino-playing. Visit the historic Tower Theater or indulge in Versailles notorious cuisine.
Lincoln Road Mall
Lincoln Road Mall is a mere five-minute walk from South Beach’s active oceanfront, making it one of Miami’s hottest entertainment districts.
A 10-acre stretch of unlimited shopping, dining, and entertainment options sit between 16th and 17th Street. Whether you’re planning on shopping till dropping, eating and drinking, or people-watching, Lincoln Road Mall has got it!
Popular stores like LULULemon, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie enliven the sunny strip. The palm-lined walkway also has fan-favorite diners like the Yardhouse and Shake Shack, but there’s plenty of eateries unique to Lincoln Road that are perfect for venturing out. For instance, the Necessary Purveyor is a well-acclaimed yet straightforward restaurant loved by locals and tourists.
Artechouse
The experimental art galleries combine art, technology, and science to create a unique and interactive experience. They accomplish their mission by encouraging media artists to construct contemporary art that guests can enjoy in new and exciting ways.
The Artechouse is an art museum of the future and one of the most amusing things to do on Collins Ave, Miami Beach.
For instance, before your visit, you’ll be asked to download an extended reality app called ARTECHOUSE XR on your phone. Throughout your tour, exhibits will prompt you to use the app to see hidden and virtual art. The futuristic attraction is open Thursday through Monday and is fit for all ages. Consider securing tickets before arrival as the art house is a frequented Miami Beach treasure.
Everglades National Park
This internationally recognized park is approximately one hour from Miami Beach but worth the day trip. The 1.5 million-acre wetlands are on the very southern tip of Florida and home to endangered species such as:
- The manatee
- American crocodiles
- Florida panthers
Because the national park encompasses such a large area, there’s an abundance to partake in. However, you’ll want to plan your activities.
The park contains four visitor centers or entrances. The Shark Valley Visitor Center is closest to Miami Beach and offers a two-hour guided tram tour across what many call the “River of Grass.” Not only will you get up close and personal with Floridan wildlife through sightseeing, but travel guides will teach you all about why the Sunshine State is so unique.
Time Out Market
If you’re visiting Miami Beach for the raved about cuisine, you cannot skip Miami’s Time Out Market. The market is in the South Beach neighborhood and hard to miss!
A massive 17,500 square foot retro-style building sits prominently on the corner of 16th Street and Drexel Avenue. Seventeen restaurants run by well-acclaimed chefs and three creative bars supplying only the highest-quality beverages are inside the massive building.
In addition to delicious dining and drinking, the Time Out Market is also an entertainment expert. Events fit to meet the desires of Miami’s diverse population frequently take place. From world-renowned DJs to fascinating art installations, the market does it all. Take a look at upcoming events before visiting the South Beach gem.
Nikki Beach
This upscale restaurant gone wild is one of the most fun Miami Beach things to do. The bohemian-styled beach club overlooks South Pointe Park’s crystalline the Atlantic Ocean, offering unmatched views of Miami. Most go for the generous menu items but stay for creative cocktails and dance-worthy DJing.
Locals will tell you Sundays are the best day to visit as the club hosts “Amazing Sundays Brunch.” What starts as a delicious and innocent meal often turns into a Miami-style party that extends into the next dawn.
If you’re not into the party atmosphere—don’t fret. Nikki Beach’s versatile and vast atmosphere leaves room for a simple brunch, too. You can even choose from lively indoor seating or a cozy outdoor cabana.
There’s Something for Everyone in Miami Beach
Whether you’re vacationing with a group of friends, your partner, or family members, Miami Beach is stocked with fun for everyone. However, you will find the lively city to be exhausting.
A long day of checking off your list of Miami Beach things to do calls for a cozy place to rest your head at night. Plan by booking a Miami Beach vacation rental nearby.
