Top Things to Do in Miami

Miami is a city that captivates visitors with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and endless sunshine. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable stay, this guide covers the essential experiences that make Miami one of the most exciting destinations in the world.

Art Deco Historic District

No visit to Miami is complete without a stroll through the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach. This collection of over 800 preserved buildings from the 1920s through 1940s represents the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world.

Walk along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue to admire the pastel-colored facades, neon signs, and distinctive geometric details that define this neighborhood. The Miami Design Preservation League offers guided walking tours that provide fascinating insights into the history and architectural significance of these iconic buildings.

Visit during the evening when the buildings are illuminated with neon lights, transforming the district into a glowing showcase of vintage glamour. Many of these buildings now house boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it easy to enjoy the architecture while dining or sipping cocktails.

Wynwood Walls and Arts District

The Wynwood neighborhood has transformed from an industrial warehouse district into one of the world’s most celebrated outdoor art galleries. The Wynwood Walls, founded in 2009, feature massive murals by renowned street artists from around the globe.

Beyond the Walls themselves, the entire neighborhood is a canvas. Wander the streets to discover new murals, galleries, and creative spaces around every corner. The area is also home to excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops that reflect the neighborhood’s artistic spirit.

Visit on the second Saturday of the month for Wynwood Art Walk, when galleries open their doors for free exhibitions and the streets come alive with live music, food vendors, and performance art.

Little Havana and Cuban Culture

Experience the heart of Miami’s Cuban heritage in Little Havana, centered along Calle Ocho, or Southwest Eighth Street. This neighborhood pulses with the rhythm of salsa music, the aroma of Cuban coffee, and the clatter of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

Stop at Versailles Restaurant, known as the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world, for authentic dishes like ropa vieja, lechon asado, and media noche sandwiches. Visit a local cigar shop to watch hand-rolled cigars being made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The neighborhood truly comes alive during festivals, particularly the Calle Ocho Festival, the largest Hispanic street festival in the country. Even on ordinary days, the energy and warmth of Little Havana offer an authentic cultural experience that is uniquely Miami.

Everglades National Park

Just an hour’s drive from the heart of Miami lies one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness, home to alligators, manatees, panthers, and over 350 species of birds.

Take an airboat tour through the sawgrass marshes for an exhilarating and educational experience. For a quieter exploration, paddle a canoe or kayak through the mangrove tunnels of the Nine Mile Pond trail. The Anhinga Trail boardwalk offers easy wildlife viewing, with alligators and wading birds often visible just feet from the path.

Plan your visit for the dry season, November through April, when wildlife is concentrated around water sources and mosquitoes are more manageable. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to experience the park’s vast, untamed beauty.