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What to Do in Miami

Take A Self-Guided Tour
Updated: June 19, 2023

This post includes 29 ideas for fun and interesting activities you can enjoy in Miami, no matter when you visit, including free, family-friendly, and nighttime attractions.

In addition to the list below, you may also want to check our posts on the following subjects for even more information about visiting Miami.


1) Go to a Concert

No matter when you come to Miami, chances are that there will be at least one big concert to attend, as many notable artists are drawn to this beautiful city.

If you’re interested in attending a musical performance, make sure to check the calendar at the following locations to see who is playing:

Alternatively, you can check the following list of Miami concerts to find out who’s coming to town next!


2) Attend a Sporting Event

Miami is a pretty big sports town, so no matter when you visit, you’ll probably have an opportunity to see a live game from a professional team.

Here are a few of the best teams in the city:

From time to time, there are also special games like the Super Bowl, NASCAR races, tennis tournaments and more.

To see what’s going on right now, check this list of sporting events in Miami.


3) See a Hit Musical/Theatrical Performance

Depending on when you visit the city, you may have a chance to see a popular musical, play, or other theatrical performance. 

In addition to Off-Broadway hits, there are also Cirque du Soleil shows and other entertainment pretty much throughout the entire year!

Check the calendar at some of these theaters to see what will be playing during your visit:

Check this list of theatrical performances in Miami to see what’s going to be playing while you’re in town!


4) Go to a Stand-up Comedy Special

If you’re in need of a good laugh, you probably won’t have to look far to find a great comedy show in this city.

Many famous comedians are drawn to Miami each year, including names like Jerry Seinfeld, Patton Oswalt, Gabriel Iglesias, and more!

Keep an eye on the schedule at the following venues to find a great stand-up performance to attend:

Wondering who’s playing right now? Check this list of stand-up comedy shows in Miami.


5) Save Money With a Tourist Pass

If you’re planning on visiting several popular attractions or taking more than one tour while in Miami, you’ll probably be able to get a pretty big discount by using a tourist pass.

There are a variety of different passes available in this city, and depending on which one you choose and how you use it, you could save between 20% - 50% off general admission prices.

Here are some of the best attractions and tours included with these services:

  • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
  • Thriller Speedboat Ride
  • Everglades Airboat Tour
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
  • Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
  • Daytona Speedway Tour
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Duck Tours
  • Miami Zoo
  • And more!

For more details, please read our post covering Miami tourist passes.


6) Take a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour

Whether you’re looking for an easy way to get around the city or you want to learn some of the basics about Miami without getting carried away, these bus tours should be just the ticket (no pun intended).

A Hop on Hop off Bus Tour will allow you to jump off at dozens of notable locations in downtown Miami, spend some time exploring the area, and then get back on the bus to continue your tour.

This is a great way to not only become acquainted with Miami but also learn about its history. Best of all, you can usually get a discount on tickets by using a tourist pass!

Read our post covering Miami Hop on Hop off Bus Tours for more information.


7) Visit a Family-Friendly Museum

There are a lot of great museums to see in the Miami area, so you might want to consider visiting some of them while you’re here. 

No matter what interests you, chances are there’s a museum that both kids and their parents will enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Ripley’s Believe it or Not
  • Museum of Illusions
  • Miami Children’s Museum
  • Perez Art Museum
  • Shipwreck Treasure Museum

The best thing about each of these locations is that they’re actually included with at least one Miami tourist pass, so you don’t even have to pay full price for admission!


8) Take a Cruise Around Miami

Whether you’re interested in something slow-paced or you’d rather enjoy a thrill ride through Biscayne Bay in a speedboat, there are several different cruises and boat tours available in the Miami area.

While sightseeing cruises cover subjects and locations such as Millionaire’s Row and other Miami sites, there are also glass bottom boat tours that allow you to get a closer look at some of the marine life near the city.

No matter which service you choose, these cruises offer some of the best views in South Florida.

Some of these excursions are included with tourist passes, allowing you to potentially save a lot of money on tickets.

For additional details, please read our post covering Miami boat tours and cruises.


9) Experience the Everglades

If you want to discover the natural beauty surrounding Miami and potentially even see a gator or two, consider making a trip to the Everglades National Park.

This beautiful subtropical ecosystem is full of incredible wildlife and there are several different ways to tour the area.

One of the most popular options is an airboat tour, as these services speed along the water quite quickly and allow you to see a lot of the Everglades in a short amount of time.

You can also take a tram tour, swamp walk, kayak tours, and more. For additional information, please read our post covering Everglades tours.


10) Go on a Food Tour

There are a lot of great things to eat in Miami that you can’t find anywhere else, and you can learn more about some of the best dishes in the city by taking a food tour. 

Currently, the most popular locations you can visit on these tours are South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, and Key West.

Dining options range from Cuban sandwiches to key lime pie, with all kinds of fusion in between!

Whether you’re just looking for the best food to eat while you’re in town or you want to learn about the culinary culture of the city, check our post covering Miami food tours for more details.


11) Visit Daytona Speedway

NASCAR fans won’t want to pass up on the chance to visit Daytona Speedway, one of the most famous and beloved tracks in the world.

In addition to guided tours, visitors can also see the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

You’ll also have an opportunity to take a picture in front of the Daytona 500 Champion Car!

There’s a lot to see and do while you’re here, and admission to the tour is actually included with some tourist passes.

Of course, if you want to take things to the next level, you can also take part in the NASCAR driving experience they offer at Daytona Speedway!


12) Go to Kennedy Space Center

Although it’s about 3 hours outside of Miami, this is definitely one of the most popular and family-friendly destinations in Florida and it’s definitely worth a visit.

The Kennedy Space Center is home to several historic launches, and they now provide bus tours, exhibits, and other fun activities for anyone who loves space exploration.

Whether your kids want to be the next astronaut to explore the universe or you just want to see where and how it all happens, this is a great location to visit.

Admission is included with at least one major tourist pass, but if you’re not interested in those services, you can also purchase tickets here.


13) Take a Tour of the Art District

Miami is home to some of the most beautiful artwork in the world, including a lot of art deco buildings and architecture close to South Beach and plenty of street art in the Wynwood neighborhood.

Whether you want to experience these areas for yourself and see the Wynwood walls and murals or join a professional guide to learn more about the art district of this city, there are several different types of walking tours available in the area.

The cheapest option is our free self-guided art deco district tour, but there are many excellent paid tours you can take which will cover a lot more ground.

For additional information, please read our post about art district tours in Miami.


14) Go to the Seaquarium

If you’re looking for a great family activity, consider going to see some of the most interesting and popular aquatic life in the Miami area at the Seaquarium!

In addition to a variety of different types of tropical fish, this aquarium is also home to exhibits on manatees, sea turtles, penguins, dolphins, rays, and many other beloved animals.

Young visitors will love the opportunity to visit the touch pools and actually feel a variety of fish, sharks, invertebrates, and more.

Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets for a dolphin encounter, allowing your children to actually interact and swim with the dolphins!

Admission is included with some tourist passes, but if you’re not interested in those services we recommend purchasing tickets here.


15) Visit Little Havana

Experience the Cuban side of Miami with a trip to Little Havana, where you’ll discover a lot of interesting cultural landmarks – and some of the best food in the city!

Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or you just want to explore the area, you may want to consider taking a tour of the area to learn more about all the notable sites.

This is also where you’ll find Marlins Park, a must-visit for any baseball fan!

For more details, make sure to read the Little Havana section of our Miami walking tours post.


16) Take the Kids to Zoo Miami

If you’re looking for another great family activity, it’s hard to beat a trip to the zoo.

The Miami Zoological Park is home to a variety of animals including elephants, monkeys, rhinos, koalas, camels, parrots, giraffes, and even alligators!

You can also upgrade your tickets to include animal feeding opportunities, allowing your kids to feed some of the residents of the Miami Zoo.

Admission to this attraction is included with at least one tourist pass, but if you’re not interested in those services, you can also purchase skip-the-line tickets here.


17) Head to Key West

Just a few hours south of Miami, Key West is one of the most beautiful locations in all of South Florida.

There are a lot of different things to see and do in this area, including some of the following options:

If you’re wondering how to get there, consider taking a day trip by bus to the Florida Keys.

There are several companies offering this service, and you can find some of the best options on our Miami bus tours post.


18) See a Wallcast Concert or Movie

The New World Symphony in Miami hosts a special series of concerts and movies known as Wallcast, projecting the video over 7,000 sq ft in size on the wall of the New World Center.

Whether you’re interested in music or film, there’ll be plenty of great shows to see throughout the year, with Wallcast events typically taking place at least once every 1-2 weeks.

Since Wallcasts take place after dark, this is a great nighttime activity in addition to being both free and family-friendly!

For more fun after the sun goes down, check our post covering things to do at night in Miami.

Learn more about Wallcast concerts and movies.


19) Visit the Beach

If you’re looking for a great family-friendly activity that won’t cost a thing, consider spending some time soaking up the sun and feeling the sand on Miami’s beaches.

This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in the city, and people come from all over the world to enjoy South Beach. 

There are a variety of fun things to do here, including swimming, enjoying the views, having a picnic, or even just relaxing and sunbathing.

The best part is, each of these activities is entirely free!

Check our list of free things to do in Miami for even more fun that won’t cost a dime.


20) Attend Jazz at MOCA

Jazz fans won’t want to pass up the opportunity to enjoy a free live performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami.

Known as Jazz at MOCA, this outdoor concert takes place rain or shine on the last Friday of every month at 8 pm.

Better yet, the galleries at the museum are open by donation (pay-what-you-wish) from 7 pm - 10 pm!

It’s hard to pass up a guaranteed free concert every month, and even if you’re not interested in the music, you can just head into the museum instead for a very low price.

This is one of the best nightlife activities in all of Miami.

If you’re looking for more activities that won’t cost a dime, check out our post covering free things to do in Miami.

Alternatively, you can also find more fun after dark on our post about things to do in Miami at night.


21. Spend Time in Coconut Grove

This is the oldest neighborhood in Miami, and there are plenty of fun activities and attractions to enjoy in the area.

If you're looking for free activities, head to David T. Kennedy Park and enjoy a nice hike. They also have cycling trails, volleyball courts, and more.

Looking for a snack? Head to the Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Market for fresh produce.

You might also want to visit the historic Kampong Botanical Gardens.

Locals and tourists alike will find plenty of opportunities to get outside and experience the natural beauty of South Florida in Coconut Grove.


22. Ride a Bike Down Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is one of the most famous streets in all of Miami, and it's home to some of the most notable sites in the city. As such, it's a great place to enjoy a bike ride!

There are a lot of bike rental services in Miami that will allow you to rent a bicycle for an hour or two. One of the easiest options is Citi Bike Miami, because there are multiple stations alongside Ocean Drive.

For as little as $10.95 for 2 hours, you can enjoy a fun bike ride down this historic street and see some of the best art deco architecture in the entire city.


23. Check Out Bayside Marketplace

This open-air marketplace not only offers some of the best shopping in the city, but it's also right next to Biscayne Bay. Even if you can't find anything to buy, you'll still enjoy excellent views of the water!

There are almost 70 shops and 30 restaurants at this market, so no matter what you're looking for, you'll probably find it here.

If you're also interested in going on a boat tour or cruise, this is near the location where some of them depart, so it might make sense to combine these activities.


24. See the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

Calle Ocho is one of the most famous streets in Little Havana, and it's also home to their own Walk of Fame which features notable Cuban and Latin American cultural figures such as Gloria Estefan.

Whether you're looking for a great spot to snap some photos or you just want to find your favorite Cuban stars, this is an excellent place to enjoy a short walk.

While you're in the area, don't forget to try out an authentic Cuban cuisine such as the Cubano sandwich, as there are plenty of great restaurants in the area offering this unique and delicious dish.


25. Discover Key Biscayne

This beautiful spot just south of Miami Beach is home to Crandon Park, which has golf and tennis courts, a beautiful beach with clean white sands, and several other outdoor activities.

You might also want to check out Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which has one of the most pristine beaches in all of South Florida.

There's also a nice coastal barrier reef, and an underwater archaeological trail where you can go snorkeling and experience the natural beauty of the coral reefs in this area.


26. Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

For visitors who have already seen most of the other natural beauty in and around Miami, this is another place you might want to visit that sometimes gets forgotten.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former villa of James Deerling, one of the more successful businessmen in the area.

In addition to offering guided tours of the estate, they also have farmer's markets and other family-friendly activities at least a few times each month.


27. Hang Out in Coral Gables

This is another notable neighborhood in the Miami area, and it's home to a lot of fun activities and historic attractions.

When it comes to unique architecture, there's no better spot to visit. One of the more notable examples is the Merrick House, which has actually stood here since before the city of Miami had fully developed.

The Biltmore Hotel and the Villages of Coral Gables also offer an interesting look at the way that housing was constructed in the area.

You might also want to check out the Venetian Pool, a freshwater pool with watrerfalls, grottos, and plenty of snack options to enjoy.


28. Head to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

If you're looking to see some of the more rare and beautiful flora and flowers in South Florida, this botanic garden houses a huge collection of tropical plants.

In addition to all the wonderful plant life, there is also a butterfly exhibit, a children's garden, and plenty of other family-friendly activities and events offered throughout the year.

They allow family picnics in the area, but they also have a Glasshouse cafe for those who get hungry while visiting.


29. Go to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

This science museum is unlike many others, as it not only has a planetarium, but also houses a fantastic aquarium filled with a variety of fish, sharks, and other aquatic life.

There are multiple levels to the aquarium, and the planetarium houses an 8k screen with 3D-capable projectors, allowing visitors to experience the most incredible films and laser light events.


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