21 Amazing Places to See and Things to Do in Miami, FL

August 19, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2140 Views

Miami is a city in Miami-Dade County in Florida state of the United States of America. The city is known for its pristine beaches and fun vibe. Partying and clubbing are some of the most fun things to do in Miami at night. The city has a pop culture standing of its own. It has been featured in several films, television shows, and music videos. There are movies, shows, and songs dedicated to the city. Many of the best places to visit in Miami are recognized because of their pop culture fame. The city has been featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Ace Ventura, Bad Boys franchise, Baywatch, The Bodyguard, Donnie Brasco, Iron Man, and so on.

The majority of Miami’s tourist attractions are close to the coast. The beaches of Miami have it all. People come here to enjoy the ocean view, relax in the golden sands, enjoy street food, get thrilled of water sports, or just swim to beat the heat. Each of the Miami beaches has a vibe of its own.

Aside from the beaches, there are several outdoor activities to do in Miami including nature trails, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, jet-pack rides, parasailing, off-roading, and so on. The city has gardens, public parks, sports venues, entertainment venues, recreational areas, wildlife parks, and golf courses. These places are the major Miami attractions for family tourists.

But, Miami is more popular with bachelors and is a prominent spring break and pre-wedding partying destination. Nightlife in general is an integral part of Miami travel with several clubs, pubs, bars, nightclubs, dance bars, and so on. You can find these spread throughout the city and along the beaches in Miami.

The city is well known in the art community as well for its role in the Art Deco movement. Art museums and galleries are a major part of Miami sightseeing. It is also a renowned center for innovative performing arts.

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Table of Contents

Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Miami in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Wynwood Walls

These warehouse walls act as an art gallery of sorts. The walls feature large murals of celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters. It is one of the most popular things to see in Miami. The murals are changed from time to time. While here, you should also check out Wynwood Doors. These are building doors painted by different artists and these too are changed from time to time. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this wall.

I suggest you should try a Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Tour.

2. Margulies Collection

This art gallery exhibits the collection of Martin Margulies. The collection features contemporary artwork and vintage photographs. It is one of the best places to visit in Miami for art admirers. You will need about an hour to tour this collection.

3. Pérez Art Museum Miami

This museum is dedicated to international artwork hailing from 20th and 21st centuries. The art gallery is supposed to be reflective of the international culture of the city and the country. It is one of the best Miami tourist attractions to see modern artwork from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

4. Freedom Tower

Built-in 1925, this National Historical Site exhibits the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. During the 1960s, this building was used to receive Cuban refugees. Today it is known among Miami attractions for housing the Museum of Art and Design and the Cuban American Museum. You will need an hour to explore this building.

5. Gesu Catholic Church

Built-in 1925, this is the oldest church in the city. This pink church is also one of the most photogenic monuments you will come across during Miami sightseeing. The architecture is a blend of several styles. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

6. HistoryMiami Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history of southern Florida and the Florida keys. The museum has 4 permanent exhibits namely Tropical Dreams, The History of Ourselves, Whitman Family Gallery, and Folklife Gallery. Collectively these exhibits shed light on several aspects of the region from pre-historic times to the modern period. You will need about an hour from Miami to tour this museum.

Day 2

1. Little Havana

This Cuban neighborhood is the most famous district to explore when you visit Miami. It has been featured in films, television shows, and music videos. The area is great for colorful houses, street art, street food, restaurants, and its general Latin American vibe. It is one of the best things to do in downtown Miami. You will need a couple of hours to explore Little Havana.

I suggest you must try a Little Havana Food and Walking Tour.

2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

This villa was built in the 20th century and belonged to an industrialist named James Deering. The villa is known for its Italian Renaissance style of architecture. The villa has 70 rooms featuring different types of decors and antique art. It is one of the most fun places to go in Miami for art and architecture admirers. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this place.

I suggest you should get your admission ticket to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in advance.

3. Key Biscayne

This town sits on an island in the Florida Keys. The town and the island are popular for their pristine golden sand beaches and several fun things to do in Miami. It is also popular for its seafood joints, golf courses, water sports, boat cruises, and recreational parks. The island is also home to Bill Baggs Cape Florid State Park where people can enjoy nature trails, birdwatching, camping, and other outdoor activities to do in Miami. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy this island.

Day 3

1. Jewish Museum of Florida

Built during the 1930s, this building was previously a synagogue. Now it is a museum dedicated to the history of Jewish people around the world. There is also an exhibit focused on the history of the community in Florida. You will need an hour from the Miami trip to visit this museum.

2. The Art Deco Historic District / Miami Beach Architectural District

This area has around 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943. These buildings are known for their beautiful art-deco style and pastel color palate. You will come across several historical places to see in Miami. The area is home to several iconic hotels with a history of hosting celebrities. You will need an hour or so to explore this area.

I suggest you should book a Walking Tour of The Official Art Deco.

3. The Wolfsonian

This museum is dedicated to art and design. It houses more than 180,000 items of decorative arts, handicrafts, artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and so on. It is one of the best places to go in Miami to witness antique items as well. The museum exhibits originate from North America, Europe, and Asia. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

4. Lincoln Road

This pedestrian street mall is part of South Beach. Shopping is one of the most popular Miami activities and you will find almost everything at one of the shops here. The street also has restaurants, cafes, bars, and art galleries. You will need about an hour to explore this place.

5. Holocaust Memorial

This sculpture garden was designed by Kenneth Treister and was founded by a group of Holocaust survivors. The garden features several sculptures depicting the horrors faced by the people during the holocaust. The beautiful sculptures have made this memorial rank among the top things to do in Miami. You will need about 30 to 45 to explore this place.

6. Bass Museum of Art

This museum exhibits the collection donated by John and Johanna Bass. The museum features artwork by renowned artists including Botticelli, Rubens, Dupre, and Makart. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes from Miami travel to explore this museum.

Day 4

1. Zoo Miami

This zoo has more than 300 articles and is one of the most popular Miami tourist spots for families. The zoo has African lions, elephants, deer, antelope, gazelle, alpaca, oryx, clouded leopard, orangutan, rhinoceros, jaguar, wolf, and giraffe, hyena, tiger, and so on. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo.

I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket to Zoo Miami in advance.

2. Monkey Jungle

This wildlife park houses 30 species of primates in the recreated forest-like environment. The park is quite popular for animal interaction activities and shows. These are popular activities in Miami for family tourists. You will need a couple of hours to tour this place.

3. Coral Castle

This sculpture garden was developed during the 1940s by Ed Leedskalnin. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Miami, not just for the wonderful sculptures, but also for the legend surrounding its creation. Leedskalnin claimed he used ancient Egyptian methods to move heavy stones to the site, though it was never revealed. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Miami sightseeing to explore this site.

Day 5

1. Miami Seaquarium

This aquarium and marine life entertainment park is one of the most popular Miami tourist attractions. You get to witness several shows featuring seals, orca whales, sharks, and so on. People can also engage in encounters with animals at this place. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the seaquarium.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket to Miami Seaquarium in advance.

2. Miami Children’s Museum

This museum features multimedia and interactive exhibits to engage children. The museum covers a variety of subjects including science, technology, history, evolution, zoology, geography, cosmology, and so on. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

3. Jungle Island

This zoological park houses rare and exotic animals. But, more than the animals this park is well known for animal encounter activities in Miami and animal themed shows. You will need about 2 hours to tour this animal park.

If you are looking for more fun places to go in Miami, Florida check out the section below. We have put together an exhaustive list of a variety of attractions and activities in Miami.

Things to do in Miami

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Miami , California

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Perez Art Museum
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Doors
The Bass Art Museum
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Miami Children’s Museum
History Miami Museum
Institute of Contemporary Art
Wolfsonian Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Rubell Museum
Lowe Art Museum
Coral Castle
Holocaust Memorial
Freedom Tower
Coral Gables Museum
Cape Florida Lighthouse
Jewish Museum of Florida
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum
Museum of Graffiti
The Margulies Collection
Stiltsville
Superblue Miami
Cubaocho Museum & Performing Art Center
De la Cruz Collection
Artechhouse Miami
Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
Miami City Ballet
Miami Circle National Historic Landmark
Haitian Heritage Museum
Gesu Church
American Museum of Cuban Diaspora
Curtiss Mansion
Museum of Art and Design
MDC Tower Theatre
Pan American Art Projects
Bay of Pigs Museum & Library
Viernes Cultural Center

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Miami

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Virginia Key
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Miami

Miami Seaquarium
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Jungle Island
Venetian Pool
South Pointe Park Pier
Crandon Park
Bayfront Park
FTX Arena
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
Haulover Park
The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden
Pinecrest Gardens
Grapeland Waterpark
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Hobie Island Beach Park
Maurice A Ferre Park
Amelia Earhart Park
The Underline Park
The Tropical Park
Domino Park
David T. Kennedy Park
Lock and Load Miami
Casino Miami
Margaret Pace Park
Crandon Golf
Hialeah Casino Park
Fun Dimension
Peacock Park
Magic City Casino
Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
Montgomery Botanical Center
Alice Wainwright Park
Dezerland Action Park
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
AD Barnes Park
Zoo Miami
Monkey Jungle

Shopping in Miami

Bayside Marketplace
Dolphin Mall
Midtown Miami
Lincoln Road
Design District
Miracle Mile
Bal Harbour
The Falls
Tropicana Flea Market
Brickell City Center

Beaches & Islands in Miami

Miami Beach
Star Island
Nikki Beach
Virginia Key Island
Bal Barbour Beach
Venetian Island
Key Biscayne Beach
Hobie Island
Surfside Beach
Flagler Memorial Island
Nixon Beach
Palm Island
South Pointe Park Pier Beach
Anna Maria Island
Lummus Park Beach
Gasparilla Island
Mid Beach
Long Key Island
North Beach
Grand Bahama Island
Haulover Beach
Siesta Key Island
Sunny Isles Beach
Grassy Key Island
Crandon Park Beach
Eleuthera Island
Hollywood Beach
Hibiscus Island
Oleta River State Park
Indian Creek Island
South Beach
Sunset Islands
12th Street Beach
Fisher Island
La Gorce Island
Bay Point Island
Normandy Isles
Belle Meade Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Miami

Boat Cruise
Speedboat ride
Jet Ski
Beach Sports
Bus Tour
Walking Tour
Paragliding
Nature Trails
Hiking
Camping

Sightseeing in Miami

Collins Avenue
Biscayne Boulevard
The Miami Wharf
Venetian Islands
Little Havana
Miracle Mile
Brickell Avenue
Star Island
Venetian Causeway Beach
Tamiami Trails
Miami Tower
12th Street
Art Deco Historic District
Lincoln Road

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Miami

Stubborn Seed
Motek
Boia De
La Traila Barbecue
La Mar
Taquiza
Zitz Sum
Phuc Yea
The Surf Club
El Bagel
Itamae
Old Greg’s Pizza
Ariete
Amara at Paraiso
Cote Miami
Zak the Baker
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Leku
Ghee Indian Kitchen
Lucali
Luca Osteria
Mignonette
Makoto
Byblos Miami
Jaguar Sun
All Day
Macchialina
NIU Kitchen
Carbone
Over Under
Los Felix
Joe’s Stone Crab

Where to Stay in Miami?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Miami. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Miami.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Miami

How to Reach Miami?

By Air

Miami International Airport is the main airport to reach Miami. You can get direct flights to visit Miami from Dublin, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, Madrid, Paris, Seattle, Chicago, Charleston, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Medellin, Houston, New York, San Jose, Juan Santamaria, Tel Aviv, Washington DC, Pittsburg, New Orleans, London, Panama City, Dubai, Helsinki, Stockholm, Boston, Rome, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Bogota, Doha, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Istanbul, San Francisco and many more. You can get buses and cabs to get to Miami tourist spots from the airport.

By Road

The Silver Service train route of Amtrack connects Miami to New York, Charleston, Savannah, Washington, Jacksonville, and Orlando. The bus network is far more widespread. You can reach Miami by bus from several cities in the USA.

If you are planning to visit Miami by road, you should head for highway routes 75, 95, 98, 27 or 41.

By Water

Despite being a coastal city, there are no travel water routes to reach Miami. You can get boat rides from Miami to reach the Florida Keys islands and back.

Image Reference

Wynwood Walls – bebatut / Flickr
Margulies Collection – Marius Watz / Flickr
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) – Maciek Lulko / Flickr
Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College – Ed Webster / Flickr
Gesu Catholic Church – Tamanoeconomico / Wikimedia Commons
HistoryMiami Museum – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
Little Havana – Infrogmation / Wikimedia Commons
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Steve / Flickr
Key Biscayne – guerriernoir / PixaBay
Jewish Museum of Florida – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
The Art Deco Historic District / Miami Beach Architectural District – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
The Wolfsonian – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
Lincoln Road – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
Holocaust Memorial – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
Bass Museum of Art – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Zoo Miami – David Mark / PixaBay
Monkey Jungle – Bjorn Watland / Flickr
Coral Castle – Michelle Raponi / PixaBay
Miami Seaquarium – FrodeCJ / PixaBay
Miami Children’s Museum – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
Jungle Island – LEONARDO DASILVA / Flickr