25 Best Things to Do in Miami (Florida)
source: THE CRAZY TOURIST
Miami does not really need an introduction. It is well known across the globe for its glitz and glamor and its beaches and sunny weather. Miami is a city that will capture you with its dazzling glamor and hold you in its spell. The beauty of the city’s nature will also steal your heart from Biscayne Bay and the clear blue South Florida skies.
Miami is glamor first and foremost but spend a little time here and dig a little deeper to see what is under the surface. Or simply go with the flow and indulge in the glamor in true Miami style.
According to The Crazy Tourist, here is their list of the 25 Best Things to do in Miami:
1. Visit the iconic Miami Beach
Source: flickr
Miami Beach
When you think of Miami chances are you think of a sandy beach with the sun shining.
Miami Beach is the best area in Miami for soaking up some rays on a sandy beach and it is something of a legend in the city.
The beach itself technically outside of the Miami municipality as it is located on an island. Aside from the beaches, the area is also known for its Art Deco district and the odd but beautiful buildings within.
2. Explore Jungle Island
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Jungle Island
Jungle Island is one of the most popular attractions in the city of Miami.
It is located on Watson Island and was formerly known as Parrot Jungle and even had Winston Churchill visit in 1946.
The Jungle is only minutes away from South Beach and Downtown Miami.
Through interactive experiences, Jungle Island enthralls park visitors with a sense of adventure and discovery. Why not catch one of the exciting shows which are a daily occurrence.
3. Wander the Art Deco District
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Art Deco District
With a hint of 1930’s nostalgia, the beautifully restored buildings within the Art Deco District have a lot to offer on a relaxed day in the Miami beach area.
Looking out to see, (a lot of them located front Ocean Drive) the
With its neon signs and canopy covered dining areas, the Art Deco District truly comes in its own after dark.
4. Bayside Marketplace
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Bayside Marketplace
Hosting over 150 specialty and tourist shops, cafes and restaurants, Bayside Market place has it all.
As well known chain stores visitors will find an array of charming boutiques in this outdoor style mall.
Located along Miami’s waterfront, as the name suggests, many locals come here to soak up the lively atmosphere and admire the bay, with its daily live music and fun vibe the Bayside Market does not fail to entertain.
5. Stroll through The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Recognized as one of Miami’s greatest treasures, The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with its stunning architecture, grounds, and artwork are certainly worth a visit.
Featuring 34 rooms arranged around
Over 1,100 craftsmen were bought over from Europe for true authenticity in design, to complete this 28-acre estate.
6. View over 2000 wild animals at Zoo Miami
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Miami Zoo
Providing animals with habitats close to their natural setting, Zoo Miami visitors get the sensation of exploring a real safari.
With open-air exhibits and a
With lots of interaction with the animals, Zoo Miami while not the biggest is fantastic for families especially for the younger ones with a children’s zoo featuring a range of different attractions including camel rides!
7. Soak up the Cuban Flavor at Little Havana
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Little Havana
Well recognized for its cultural flavor, Little Havana offers a great deal of entertainment from
With
While Calle Ocho
8. Explore salt marshes and Indian burial grounds
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Deering Estate
Encompassing mangrove forests, salt marshes, a coastal dune island, coastal tropical hardwood
Visitors are welcome to stroll through the stunning grounds, explore the houses or simply relax and soak up the surroundings.
9. Get hands on at The Miami Science Museum
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Miami Science Museum
With its many interactive exhibits and a large number of hands-on
Established in 1950, the museum has grown significantly and has expanded its space considerably throughout the years.
The Museum exhibits regularly change offering fresh themes and displays to a 2nd 3rd or 4th visit is never too much.
10. Explore Croc ridden swamplands at the Everglades National Park
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Everglades National Park
Just a short drive from Miami, The Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres of swamp lands home to alligators, snakes, crocodiles and a whole host of birds.
As well as walking trails and boardwalks to for wildlife viewing, one of the most exciting
Taking visitors deep into the marshes and streams, the airboat tour is guaranteed to entertain and is the best way to see alligators.
11. Admire Freedom Tower
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Freedom Tower
Freedom Tower also served as the head office of the Miami Daily New for many years.
12. Meet Flipper at The Miami Sea Aquarium
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Miami Sea Aquarium
Actively rehabilitating and rescuing Florida’s endangered manatees, the Miami Sea Aquarium has forever been a firm family favorite attracting visitors from far and wide.
With daily shows displaying dolphins, killer whales
If that’s not enough, check out the large observation tanks containing a wide range of tropical fish, sharks
Still not satisfied? Why not get involved in the “swim with dolphins” program that educates about the behavior and natural history of dolphins
13. Catch a live event
American Airlines Arena
Standing out prominently on the waterfront in a fresh and developing area of town, The American Airlines Arena is the main venue for large concerts and many other events including top name singers and of course the home of NBA’s Miami Heat.
With a Capacity of 19,000 people, the building opened in 1999 and had proudly been awarded the Leed Green Building Certification for being a super energy efficient building.
14. Visit Bayfront Park
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Julia Tuttle Statue, Bayfront Park, Miami
Located on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard, Bayfront park was refurbished and given a fresh new look in the 1980s.
Highlights include an electronically controlled Pepper Fountain, a huge amphitheater used for a range of musical events and performances, a tower for laser illuminations and features three very important monuments; the challenger memorial commemoration to the crew of the challenger aircraft that exploded in 1986, the touch of friendship; a symbol of Miami’s relationship with central and south America and the World War II Memorial.
15. Take a slow cruise down Ocean Drive
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Ocean Drive
Running along the Oceanfront of Miami Beach and passing by the iconic sands of south beach, Ocean Drive is a popular tourist destination night and day and offers a great opportunity for those with a special interest in the unique skyline and scenes Miami has to offer.
The Beacon being some of the most exciting and notable structures in the area but also don’t forget to look out for those beautiful pastel colored art deco buildings.
16. Soak up the sun at South Beach
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South Beach
Renowned for being the most popular section of Miami beach, in the summer the beach is packed with locals and visitors from around the world but in the winter months the area becomes more of a chilled out area and is a great place to take a stroll whilst admiring the art deco buildings that provide a backdrop for the beach.
17. Be childish at the Miami Children’s Museum
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Miami Children’s Museum
Founded back in 1983 but only moving to its current site as recently as 2003, the Miami Children’s Museum is a great place for children to be educated and entertained at the same time.
Appealing to the imaginations and curiosity of youngsters the exhibits are interactive and revolve around themes such as cultures around the world and art.
The museum is set in a unique looking 56,000 square foot building.
18. Learn about locomotive history
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Gold Coast Railroad Museum
The Gold Coast Railroad Museum was created in the
Famous carriages include the one that once carried Roosevelt, Truman
There are also some wooden toy train sets for children who will inevitably be inspired to play with trains after looking around the museum.
19. Visit Crandon Park
Source: wikipedia
Crandon Park
South of Miami Beach and across the Rickenbacker Causeway you will find Key Biscayne, a beautiful but small area with stunning beaches and fantastic park areas. Crandon Park is probably the most visited park in the area and for good reason.
The reef here means that the swimming conditions are ideal. Also in the park, you will find an Amusement Center and Nature Center adding even more to the family appeal of Crandon Park.
Facilities in the park are good with plenty of parking and lifeguards keeping lookout year round.
20. Stroll around Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
21. See some coral art
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has a vast collection of rare tropical plants including vines, flowering trees
Exhibits of note include the Richard H Simons Rainforest which was built thanks to a generous grant and showcases the habitat of tropical and often endangered rainforests around the world.
Source: visionsoftravel
Coral Castle
Coral Castle is the work of eccentric Latvian American artist Edward Leedskalninand is made from 1100 tons of coral rock.
The building was built by Edward alone and is both an impressive feat and a stunning work of art.
It is not actually known how Edward achieved this massive feat and this is partly the reason why so many visitors to the castle are left fascinated by their trip.
22. Swim in the Venetian Pool
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Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables just outside of Miami is a little taste of Venice. It is a historic aquatic facility and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
It was built in 1923 out of a coral rock quarry. The pool holds 820,000 gallons fed from underground spring water and in the busy spring and summer months in emptied and refilled daily. The pool gets very busy in peak season and the attraction stops selling tickets once its capacity is reached.
23. Pay your respects to the victims of the holocaust
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Holocaust Memorial
Situated on Miami Beach, the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is a good place to take time out and pay respects to the victims of the
During its planning period, many people objected to the memorial being built saying it would ruin the fun and sun party atmosphere of Miami Beach.
24. See smart design at the Wolfsonian FIU
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Wolfsonian FIU
The Wolfsonian FIU is a museum, library
The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and explores everything from book covers to propaganda pieces.
25. Catch a performance at the Olympia Theater
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Olympia Theater
There are plenty of theaters in Miami but none are as iconic as the Olympia Theater. Located on Flagler Street, the theater has a range of performances and events throughout the year ranging from concerts to comedy but what will really stick in your memory is the interior decor.
The theater is styled in Moorish fashion with splendid balconies and columns that would not look out of place in North Africa.
List of Image Sources
25 Best Things to Do in Miami (Florida):
- Miami Beach: flickr
- Jungle Island, Miami: flickr
- Art Deco District: flickr
- Bayside Marketplace, Miami: flickr
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: flickr
- Miami Zoo: flickr
- Little Havana, Miami: flickr
- Deering Estate: flickr
- Miami Science Museum: flickr
- Everglades National Park: flickr
- Freedom Tower, Miami: flickr
- Miami Sea Aquarium: flickr
- Julia Tuttle Statue, Bayfront Park, Miami: flickr
- Ocean Drive, Miami: flickr
- South Beach, Miami: flickr
- Miami Children’s Museum: flickr
- Gold Coast Railroad Museum: flickr
- Crandon Park, Miami: wikipedia
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: flickr
- Coral Castle, Miami: visionsoftravel
- Venetian Pool, Miami: flickr
- Holocaust Memorial, Miami: flickr
- Wolfsonian FIU, Miami: flickr
- Olympia Theater, Miami: flickr