Blog
September 14, 2023

Top 10 Things to Do in Miami as Recommended by Locals

Are you looking for authentic Miami experiences to add fun and color to your stay in Magic City? At Miami Culinary Tours, we’re not just leaders in Miami food and culture tours, we’re locals who love the place we call home! This means we’ve got all the recommendations for the best things to do in Miami that you could need.

Our city is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, flavors, and experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or you just can’t stay away, there's always something new to discover. And most importantly, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

So, here are our picks for ten must-do Miami activities to enjoy while you’re in town! If you have some questions for us at any point, please just get in touch for the answers you need.

Colorful graffiti mural of a woman's face with closed eyes, painted on a wall. The artwork features vibrant swirls and splashes of various colors.

Explore the Vibrant Wynwood Walls

Once an industrial district that people would actively avoid, Wynwood has transformed into an open-air art gallery, boasting one of the largest concentrations of street art in the nation. The Wynwood Walls feature dynamic murals from renowned artists worldwide, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts and photographers alike. For those looking to take a piece of art home, there are dozens of art galleries featuring both local and visiting artists all year long. 

To fully appreciate the stories behind the art while fueling your adventure in the most delicious way possible, join Miami Culinary Tours' Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour. This experience combines insightful narratives about the murals with tastings from the area's eclectic culinary scene.

Looking to immerse yourself in other parts of our city’s art scene? Don’t miss our Art Lover's Guide to Miami!

Person kneeling on a paddleboard with a paddle on turquoise water.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking Adventures in Miami

It feels like summer all year long here in Miami! Add in some beautiful waterways and our city is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Paddleboarding and kayaking offer serene ways to explore Miami's natural beauty. Rentals are available at various locations, including Oleta River State Park and public beaches like Haulover or Crandon Park. 

For a unique experience, join a guided full-moon tour on the Oleta River, where you can paddle under the stars and enjoy Miami's skyline illuminated at night.​

A couple in vintage costumes dance inside a bar with a band performing in the background. The wall features framed photos and a sign that reads "Ball & Chain." People watch from outside the open door.

Dance the Night Away at Miami’s Ball & Chain

Step into a piece of Miami's musical history at Ball & Chain, a legendary venue in Little Havana. This iconic spot has hosted luminaries like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. Today, it pulsates with live salsa music, inviting guests to dance from afternoon until the early hours. Pair the rhythms with classic Cuban cocktails for an authentic Miami night out.​

You can explore this vibrant neighborhood even further during the day on our highly popular Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour!

Little Havana was also one of our picks for the must-see places in Miami. Read the full list for even more travel inspiration.

A group of people on a Miami Food Tour walking down a sidewalk.

Indulge in Miami's Culinary Diversity with Our Tours!

Miami's rich cultural mosaic is best experienced through its cuisine, so embark on a gastronomic journey with Miami Culinary Tours! We offer guided explorations through our city’s liveliest and most colorful neighborhoods, like Little Havana, South Beach, and the Design District. Each tour provides a blend of delectable tastings and cultural insights, making it a feast for both the palate and the mind.

Ready to find out more about our outings? Browse our range of Miami food and culture tours and find the perfect fit for you!

View through an ornate iron gate of a turquoise swimming pool with lush greenery and palm trees in the background. The scene is sunny with clear blue skies.

Swim in Miami’s Historic Venetian Pool

Nestled in Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a unique aquatic oasis. Carved from a coral rock quarry in 1923, it stands as one of the largest freshwater pools in the U.S. With its cascading waterfalls, cave-like grottos, and Mediterranean architecture, it's a refreshing retreat from the Miami heat.​

The pool itself holds 820,000 gallons of water that comes from an underground aquifer and is filled and drained every day from March to October.

A group of people on a private tour looking at a giraffe in a zoo.

Discover the Wonders of Zoo Miami

As the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S. and the fifth largest in the country, Zoo Miami offers a unique habitat for a diverse range of animals from Asia, Africa, and Australia. Spanning 750 acres, visitors can observe creatures like Asian elephants, meerkats, black lemurs, and tigers. 

Take advantage of the overhead views from the monorail, or rent a bike and ride around the zoo. Enhance your visit with feeding experiences with giant tortoises, camels, and giraffes, or take a guided tram tour for an in-depth exploration.​

Airboat on a wetland at sunset with three passengers, surrounded by tall grass and a glowing, hazy sky.

Experience the Thrill of an Airboat Tour

Venture into the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage site, aboard an airboat for an exhilarating ride through this unique ecosystem. With Gator Park Airoboat Tours, you can glide over sawgrass marshes at speed, witnessing wildlife such as alligators, herons, and turtles in their natural habitat. On a guided tour, a local expert will provide fascinating insights into the area's ecology and conservation efforts.​

Child with a colorful shirt and flag sits on shoulders during a sunny outdoor pride event, surrounded by a crowd.

Attend the Miami Beach Pride Festival

Celebrating diversity and inclusion, the Miami Beach Pride Festival is a vibrant week-long event held annually in April. The festivities include a colorful parade, beach parties, live performances, and cultural events, drawing over 100,000 attendees each year. It's a testament to Miami's welcoming and celebratory spirit.

A boat docked at a dock surrounded by palm trees, offering scenic views for group tours and culinary adventures.

Charter a Boat for Fishing or a Sunset Cruise

Spending the day on the water is something that must be checked off anyone’s Miami bucket list. Those who love to fish should consider charting a fishing boat for the day. If a nice sunset and a glass of wine is more your style, think about finding your way onto a sunset cruise. 

Both of these options are available to private groups or on a per-person ticket basis on one of Miami’s many charter boats. From catamarans to speedboats, there are many boating experiences to enjoy!

A sandy beach with green vegetation in the foreground, beachgoers, and tall buildings under a blue sky with clouds in the background.

Relax on Miami’s Iconic South Beach

No visit to Miami is complete without basking on the sandy shores of South Beach. Known for its Art Deco architecture, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere, it's the quintessential Miami experience. Grab a book, blanket, and an umbrella — maybe even pack a picnic lunch — and make your way to the sand to enjoy a beautiful day by the ocean.

After soaking up the sun, stroll along Ocean Drive to explore a myriad of cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks.​ And check out our Guide to Miami’s Beaches to discover even more of our city’s stunning stretches of sand.

Explore More with Our Miami Food and Culture Tours!

So, now you know some of the top things to do in Miami, it’s time to start planning your trip! Browse our range of Miami food and culture tours and find out which experiences catch your eye. Be sure to book early to secure the outing you want on your preferred date, as we tend to sell out!

If you have any pre-booking questions for our team, please feel free to contact us! We’re here to help however we can.

Try One of Our Food Tours!

Our Little Havana tour is perfect friends & family groups, corporate outings, and bachelorette parties.
View Tours
View Tour Calendar
303-578-6877
Read our FAQs
Miami Culinary Tours, LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration N° ST37786. Copyright © 2023 Miami Culinary Tours. All rights reserved.
Check Availability
menu