Nicknamed the Magic City, Miami is filled with tons of fun activities and plenty of palm trees. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, there are several things to check out while visiting South Florida’s biggest city. There’s a bevy of restaurants, bars, tours, and adventures to be had.
Over the last decade, Wynwood has gone from an area most people would avoid, to one of the top destinations in the country. The walls are filled with ever-changing street art that makes for a fantastic photo op and the nation’s largest outdoor art museum. 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. You’re probably going to get hungry along the way, so consider booking Miami Culinary Tours’ Wynwood food and art tour that mixes just the right amount of local bites with local art information.
@wynwoodmiami
In a city where it feels like summer all year long, there’s no shortage of outdoor water activities. Low impact activities like paddleboarding and kayaking can be done all over town. Rentals can start as low as $20 and can be rented at parks like Oleta River State Park, or public beaches like Haulover or Crandon Park. Themed guided tours like Oleta’s full moon tours offer another way to see Miami in a different light.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/OletaRiver
Let the music move your feet at Ball & Chain where salsa dancing starts around lunch and doesn’t end until the wee hours of the morning. This historic Cuban cafe was once a hangout for the likes of Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. At Ball & Chain, you’ll find live music and classic Cuban cocktails that help lead everyone to the dance floor.
https://ballandchainmiami.com/
@ballandchainmia
Miami is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, which means restaurants with food from these respective countries. Everyone knows the best way to immerse themselves into a city’s culture is through its food. Consider taking a food tour with Miami Culinary Tours as a way to get an in-depth peek into the city. With over a decade of experience and eight different tours to choose from, Miami Culinary Tours is a great way to sample food and learn more about various neighborhoods in Miami. Tour options include: Little Havana, Design District, South Beach, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and more.
@miami_culinary_tours
Built in 1923, Venetian Pool is an historic Miami landmark that’s worth a visit. It’s one of the largest fresh-water swimming pools in the country and is built from a coral rock quarry. The pool features two look-out towers and a natural caves that make for a great place to take in a few moments away from the sun. The pool itself hold 820,000 gallons of water that comes from an underground aquifer, and is filled and drained every day during the months of March to October. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children from 3 to 12 years old.
https://www.coralgables.com/departments/CommunityRecreation/venetian-pool
Zoo Miami is the fifth largest zoo in the country and the only sub-tropical zoo, due to its southern location. Miami’s unique weather allows for animals from Asia, Africa, and Australia to live comfortably across its 750 acres. Animals include Asian elephants, black lemurs, meerkats, tigers, warthogs, flamingos, and more. Take advantage of the overhead views from the monorail, or rent a bike and ride around the zoo. Spend time feeding camels, giraffe, and even a giant tortoise. Admission is $22.95 for adults and $18.95 for children from 3 to 12 years old.
https://www.zoomiami.org/
@zoomiami
Make your way down to the Everglades and spend the day in nature on an airboat tour. If the thrill of seeing alligators excites you, then an airboat tour is right up your alley. Airboat tours provide an up close and personal view of life in the swampy Everglades. Start or end the day at famed fruit and vegetable stand Robert Is Here and don’t forget to get a milkshake for the ride back.
https://gatorpark.com/
@gatorpark
A day at the museum in Miami means breathtaking waterfront views and one parking lot shared between two of the city’s most interesting museums — the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science are conveniently located right next to each other in downtown Miami. PAMM is a modern and contemporary art museum whose exhibits rotate seasonally featuring international art from the 20th and 21st centuries The Frost Museum of Science is home to a 500,000 gallon aquarium, a planetarium, a learning lab, and a variety of exhibits that draw in the attention of both children and adults.
This may seem like an obvious one, but there’s something special (and inexpensive) about spending a day laying in the sun on South Beach. 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.
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 can be done as a private group, or as a per person ticket onboard one of Miami’s many charter boats. From catamarans to speed boats, there are many boating experiences to be had.
