Things to do in Miami
When you jet off to Miami, Florida, with Viva Holidays, you’ll experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Magic City first-hand.
There are so many things to do in Miami you might not know where to begin. Beaches, museums, shopping, family attractions, sports and the beauty of the natural world are all ready and waiting for you to arrive.
After reading this guide, you’ll have a better flavour of what to expect and at least a few highlights to add to your itinerary. We’ve got a stunning selection of Miami twin-centre holidays for you to explore. For example, you might want to combine your trip to Florida with some relaxing sunshine in Cancun or an exciting stay in Las Vegas or New York City. Wherever you choose to go, you can rest assured that your break to Miami with Viva Holidays will exceed your expectations.
Whether you’re going on a family trip to Florida, celebrating a special birthday with your partner or just looking for some sunshine in a beautiful setting, Miami is a destination that delights holidaymakers from all over the world.
Let’s dive in now and make a splash with some of the best things to do in Miami.
Miami Beach
There’s a lot more to Miami Beach than sun, sea and sand - although it has those in abundance. This island city in South Florida brings more than a touch of glamour to any holiday. So whether you want to browse world-class shopping, treat yourself to an amazing meal, visit the abundance of art galleries or just relax, Miami Beach has it all.
There’s even a colourful and historic Art Deco district which will transport your imagination back to another time. The local nightlife is also world-renowned, and partying until the small hours is one of the most popular things to do in Miami Beach.
And if you’re looking for a scenic start to your day or a romantic evening stroll, Miami Beach Boardwalk now stretches for seven miles. It’s a relaxing way to people-watch and fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
South Beach
South Beach is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the nine-mile stretch that is Miami Beach. One of the many great things about South Beach is the variety of ways you can choose to spend your time here.
For example, you might just want to grab a book and a cold drink and listen to the waves while you enjoy bathing in the sunshine. Then, after a spot of relaxation, you could head to Lincoln Road, where you’ll find over 200 shops, a tasty selection of bars, cafes and restaurants and stunning art galleries.
And once the sun has set on another magical day, you might want to get your dancing shoes on and head to Collins Avenue, home to many of the best party spots in the city.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive has been made famous by movies and had songs written about it. And it’s easy to see why it remains such a popular spot. The Art Deco buildings provide a beautiful backdrop to the white sandy beach, the bright blue ocean and the typically clear skies overhead.
Ocean Drive after dark is an incredible sight when all the buildings are lit up. You can go for a romantic meal at one of the terrace restaurants and chat about your day and your plans for the rest of your multi-centre Miami holiday.
Renting a bike or taking a walking tour are great ways to explore Ocean Drive, which runs from 1st Street to 15th Street. When you visit this iconic part of South Beach, you’ll feel like you’re in your very own movie.
Española Way
Dating back to 1925, Española Way, as the name suggests, is a pedestrianised area with a scintillating Spanish flavour. There’s so much to see and do that just one night here will never be enough. The vibe is friendly, the food is outstanding, and there are shops galore to explore.
There are also many galleries and even yoga classes and street entertainment at specific times. When you’re in Miami on holiday, a daytime or evening visit to Española Way is an absolute must. Take our word for it; you’ll love every minute.
Time Out Market Miami
Time Out Market Miami is the place to go for a myriad of taste sensations under one roof. The concept has been successful elsewhere and comprises 17 kitchens in a 17,000-square-foot space in South Beach.
It’s essentially a high-quality food hall with bars and entertainment, so that you can make a night of it. Think live music, DJs, eye-catching art displays and dancing.
Wynwood Walls
If street art and murals are your thing, Wynwood Walls is unmissable. There are over 50 dazzling displays in this district. It was created in 2009 and showcases many of the world’s finest street artists side by side.
There are different ways to enjoy the Wynwood Walls experience. For example, you may just want to have a quick browse, take a guided private tour or even try your hand at spray painting under expert supervision. Who knows, you might discover a hidden talent.
Celebrity Home Tours
No trip to Miami would be complete without spending some time on the water. One of the most entertaining and fascinating ways to do this is taking a celebrity home tour. You’ll set sail, feel the warm wind in your hair and cruise around to see the magnificent homes where celebrities used to live and many still do to this day.
You’ll cruise past several islands, including Fisher, Hibiscus and Star and get to see Miami’s magnificent shoreline from a whole new perspective. If you’re a fan of the 80s TV show Miami Vice, cruising around the city’s waters will be a real thrill. But even if you’ve never seen a single episode, you’ll have a wonderful time on the waves seeing how the other half live.
Jungle Island
If you’re on a family holiday to Florida or just have a love of animals, taking a trip to Jungle Island is a great way to spend the day. You’ll find it on Watson Island and have the opportunity to interact with various animals, including lemurs, sloths, kangaroos, flamingos and more.
If you’ve got a head for heights and love panoramic views, you’ll also find Treetop Trekking Miami at Jungle Island. Immerse yourself in nature and try out activities such as zip-lining, tarzan swings and much more. Your sense of adventure will be rewarded with spectacular views of the city. This is a fun thing to do in Miami for all ages and an altogether different experience from meeting lots of new animal friends.
The exclusive restaurant and beach club at Joia Beach is the perfect place for a romantic meal away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. Savour some of the best and freshest seafood you’ll find while listening to the water lapping gently in the background.
Little Havana
When you visit Miami on holiday, you can also experience a little slice of Cuban life in Little Havana. The sights, sounds, colours, tastes, and smells in and around the area’s busiest street, Calle Ocho, will captivate you and leave you wanting more.
What can you expect? There are cigar shops, cocktail bars, wonderful live music, remarkable restaurants, eye-catching Cuban art, relaxing parks and much more. If you’re short on time and want to get a flavour of the neighbourhood, we’d highly recommend stopping off at Cubaocho. This Little Havana mainstay is a museum, art gallery, cocktail bar, cafe, and live entertainment venue all rolled into one. It may be called Little Havana, but it will undoubtedly leave a huge impression on you.
Bayside Marketplace
Located on Biscayne Boulevard, Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. It’s an open-air mall with a bounty of boutiques and stores to browse, including jewellery, footwear, fashion, electronics and gift shops.
At Bayside Marketplace, you can also take to the water. There are boat trips to suit all budgets and appetites, from relaxing cruises to jet ski and speedboat adventures.
And if you prefer being above sea level, the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel is just the ticket. It’s almost 200 feet tall with 42 enclosed gondolas. It’s open late, so you can grab mesmerising views over the city skyline when it’s lit up or go during the day to fully appreciate the glistening waters below.
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Also, on Biscayne Boulevard, you’ll find the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This Miami attraction only opened in 2017, but it’s a combined aquarium, planetarium, and science museum that educates and delights visitors of all ages from across the world.
The shows in the Frost Planetarium bring science to life in a spectacular way. So get there early to grab one of the 250 seats and prepare to have your mind blown and senses stimulated. The shows explore the many wonders of Earth as well as looking at life beyond our planet in galaxies far away.
The museum’s aquarium is spread over three floors. It delivers a unique look at South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems ranging from coral reefs and hammerhead sharks to mangroves and the power of weather patterns and currents.
There’s so much to see, do and learn here, and you’ll leave with a brand new perspective of the incredible world and universe we can sometimes take for granted.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is a day out with a difference. It’s America’s only sub-tropical zoo and is home to over 500 different species spread over 750 acres. As you’d expect, there are many fantastic activities on-site, including feeding giraffes and parrots. Safari tram tours and pedal boats are also available to let you explore different parts of this wonderful oasis.
On your trip to Zoo Miami, you’ll see an awesome array of amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles. These include tigers, elephants, monkeys, eagles, toucans, frogs, toads, lizards and crocodiles. There are also educational murals, tours and events that keep visitors informed of conservation measures and the challenges many of these creatures are facing in the wild.
Everglades National Park
Another great place to see wildlife on your holiday to Miami is at Everglades National Park. You’ll need to venture out of the city, but it makes for a memorable day trip. With over 1.5m acres of wetlands, you’ll never be able to discover every part of the Everglades, but a guided tour around this wilderness certainly has the wow factor.
Everglades National Park is a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. It’s a great place to learn more about our natural environment and experience marshes, mangroves and more close up. You might even be lucky enough to see manatees, turtles and crocodiles during your boat ride.
Miami Seaquarium
Miami Seaquarium was founded in 1955 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. It’s approximately 38 acres in size, so there’s more than enough to fill your day. Whatever your age, there’s plenty to do, from swimming with dolphins and seals to an underwater tropical reef tour and Tropical Wings section, which is home to parrots, cockatoos and many other species.
Miami Seaquarium is also home to other aquatic life in the form of manatees, penguins, turtles and sea lions. There’s a big emphasis on conservation too, so a day trip here can be as educational as it is exciting. A playground, skytrail and touch pool are just some of the other things to do - making it an action-packed day you’ll never forget.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The main house at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was started in 1914 and completed in 1922 by James Deering. The architectural inspiration came from the 18th-century country estates in Northern Italy’s Veneto region.
There’s an abundance of fascinating history associated with the Miami landmark. Situated on Biscayne Bay, this estate also features 10 acres of gorgeous gardens. In addition, there’s a magnificent collection of art inside and outside the main house. Internally, you’ll find an incredible array of Italian furniture, including Rococo and Neoclassical styles.
In the gardens, you’ll find yourself frequently stopping to admire the Italian sculptures, busts and vases which complement the natural aesthetic of flora and fauna.
FTX Arena
Formerly the American Airlines Arena, this amazing venue cost over $200m to build. It’s home to the Miami Heat basketball team, which plies its trade in the NBA. Even if you’re not a huge fan of basketball, watching a game here is a brilliant experience, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the on-court action.
The FTX Arena also hosts various shows, including comedy and music gigs. So, when you’ve got your dates sorted for your Miami Package Holiday, it’s worth looking to see what events will be on during your stay so that you don’t miss out.
Crandon Park
Crandon Park may not be one of Miami’s hottest tourist spots, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it. Spanning 808 acres in Key Biscayne, it was created in 1947 and used to be part of a coconut plantation.
Some of the things to do in this part of Miami include the family amusement centre, glorious gardens, a pristine two-mile beach, an environmental area known as The Bear Cut Preserve, tennis courts, a marina and a golf course.
The Rickenbacker Causeway connects Crandon Park with mainland Miami, and it’s a popular weekend spot for locals. So go for adventure, have a family picnic, relax or just laze on the beach - it’s entirely up to you.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Named after Dr David Fairchild, a former Miami resident and renowned plant explorer, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden opened its doors in 1938. The gardens are home to water exhibits, a dedicated butterfly area, a children’s garden, and so much more across its 83 acres.
There are far too many plant species on show to list out here, but the Florida Orchids, many of which are only grown in South Florida, are a particular highlight. The gardens also host several events throughout the year, which are suitable for a range of ages. How does a haunted birdhouses and creepy critters tour sound? Perhaps an after-hours sip and stroll with live music, food and cocktails would be more up your street?
Even if you’d just like a relaxing walk to get away from the city for a while, there’s no better place than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
The Olympia Theatre
Another of Miami’s cultural attractions that’s steeped in history is the Olympia Theatre. Dating back to 1926, it was designed by John Eberson, and since 2020, it’s been run by the City of Miami. It had a spell under different names before reverting to being just the Olympia Theatre again in 2014.
It’s been a versatile venue throughout its lifetime, playing host to musical acts including Elvis Presley, The Police and Johnny Cash. It’s also been a movie theatre and, at the time of writing, it’s home to an immersive Van Gogh art exhibition. So if you’re seeking a splash of culture on your holiday to Miami, the Olympia Theatre needs to be on your list of places to visit.
Rubell Museum
If contemporary art floats your boat, the Rubell Museum in the Allapattah neighbourhood of Miami should feature high on your holiday itinerary. The museum relocated recently, and the vast gallery space encompasses 53,000 square feet - delivering a mix of long-term installations and changing exhibitions.
You could spend a few hours here or an entire day. At every turn, there’s something to capture your imagination and challenge your perceptions. Miami has a thriving art scene, and the Rubell Museum gives local and international artists a platform to showcase their talents. All the exhibits form part of Don and Mera Rubell’s collection, which totals over 7,000 works by more than 1,000 individual artists.
Miami Design District
Look no further than the Miami Design District when designer shopping is part of your holiday plans. There are 170 stores to browse, so you’re sure to find exactly what you want. Brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier all have a presence.
It’s not just heaven for avid shoppers, though. The Miami Design District is full of galleries, public art and many of the city’s most sought-after dining spots. Creativity is at the core of this district, and it’s a great place to spend some time and give yourself a well-deserved holiday treat, whether that’s a new outfit, world-class cuisine or something else. In addition, it’s located close to Wynwood - another of the city’s famous artistic hot spots, so you can combine the two when you’re in the area.
We could probably write dozens more blogs about the marvellous things to do in Miami. Instead, booking your trip with Viva Holidays today is the best way to experience it.
You can book any of our Miami twin-centre holidays for just a £49pp deposit. So whether you’re planning your honeymoon, an unforgettable family trip or want to mark a special occasion with your partner, you can tailor our packages to suit your tastes.
If you haven’t booked with us before, you can rest assured of our commitment to making your holiday perfect. Here’s a recent review from a happy holidaymaker:
“This is the first time we have booked with Viva Holidays, and I have to say the service has been first class. Andrew was so helpful and gave great advice. We wanted some changes, and Andrew was great at giving us prices, and nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend - thank you, Andrew, much appreciated.”
Our twin-centre Miami holidays also take in Jamaica, New York, Las Vegas, Cancun and Key West, so you’ll get to enjoy the best of more than one destination.
If you’d like to book your Miami break today or have any questions, we’re open Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm and 9am - 8pm on the weekends.
Get in touch now, and look forward to discovering your favourite things to do in Miami.
