Miami is a top tourist destination in South Florida because of its stunning beaches, excellent climate, history, culture, sports, and entertainment. Downtown Miami is a thriving modern city and cultural mecca divided from the Atlantic Ocean by Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach.
You will always find enough to do in Miami, from the museums to the alleys of Little Havana. A must-see in the region is Miami Beach, across the bay, with a fantastic stretch of beaches, an Art Deco District, and a vibrant atmosphere. Everglades National Park is one of the well-liked day trip options from Miami that is close by.
Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach is worth visiting, even if you are not interested in the beach. The fashionable South Beach district is dominated by this 1930s and 1940s architectural style.
These distinctively styled structures painted various pastel hues and sporting sizable neon signs were constructed in the wake of a severe hurricane in 1926. Many are hotels and eateries, most of which has been immaculately maintained. Awnings on the bottom level of these buildings provide shade for outdoor dining spaces along some of the main roadways. The area’s two main thoroughfares are Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
James Deering, a wealthy entrepreneur in the 20th century, had this National Historic Landmark, which is situated on 28 acres, as his winter residence. The home, constructed in 1916, has 34 rooms grouped around the central courtyard.
The Vizcaya project required more than 1,100 workers and artisans, many of whom were imported from Europe to achieve architectural realism.
A remarkable collection of European furniture and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries is housed inside the villa designed in the Italian Renaissance style.
Beautiful Italian and French fountains, pools, and statues may be found throughout the grounds. A breakwater with intricately carved female figurines is located at the bottom of the steps leading into Biscayne Bay.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a sizable outdoor-style mall with more than 120 specialty and tourist-oriented stores, many cafes and restaurants, and daily live entertainment. Along with numerous distinctive, one-of-a-kind locations, tourists will find some well-known chain retailers. Tourists and locals alike frequent the market.
The mall is situated along Miami’s waterfront, overlooking docks and boats, as the name implies. Many visitors just come to take in the atmosphere. From here, tour boats depart for destinations all around Biscayne Bay. A local water taxi service also goes to Miami Beach and the hotels in the downtown area.
At Bayside Market, a brand-new destination has emerged: the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. This massive Ferris wheel, which stands 200 feet in the air, contains 42 climate-controlled passenger gondolas and one VIP version with a glass floor. During your 15-minute cruise, you’ll experience stunning views of Biscayne Bay and Miami.
Bayfront Park
A 32-acre park, Bayfront Park, is next to Bayside Marketplace on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard. Several fascinating statues and monuments may be found in the park. The Pepper Fountain, which is controlled by electronics, is one of its distinctive characteristics.
The Challenger Memorial, an outdoor amphitheater where musical concerts of all kinds are held in remembrance of the Challenger spacecraft’s crew, the Light Tower, and a playground for kids are other highlights. Locals frequently visit this location only to jog or walk the paved trails.
Bayfront Marketplace’s waterfront trail continues past the FPL Solar Amphitheater to the park. The Freedom Tower, the FTX Arena, and Maurice A. Ferré Park are a few of the fascinating attractions close to the park.
Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium, situated on the Rickenbacker Causeway on the route to Key Biscayne, is a terrific spot to take the family for an afternoon of fun and learning. In addition to many other sea creatures, this aquatic facility is home to a wide variety of sea life, including killer whales, dolphins, stingrays, seals, and penguins.
The Seaquarium features various animal exhibitions. However, as of this writing, the killer whale and dolphin shows have been canceled. Salty the Sealion is still performing, so don’t give up! Animal interactions can be had for a price if you want to get up close and personal. There are four opportunities to engage with dolphins, one with penguins, and a chance to go swimming with seals.
The Seaquarium features a large selection of educational animal exhibits and a section devoted to marine conservation, in addition to the shows and animal interactions.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is brimming with exciting activities for people of all ages, making it the perfect choice for a wet day or if you’re searching for something to do away from the shore.
The museum has four sections: The aquarium focuses on South Florida and the ocean as a whole. Through interactive exhibits and performances, the planetarium aids in comprehending the solar system. Other permanent and temporary exhibitions that assist in explaining our planet are located in the north and west wings.
Perez Art Museum
The Perez Art Museum, also referred to as the PAMM locally is located on a great piece of beachfront property in Miami. Artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries is shown inside a beautiful tower designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
For more than 25 years, the museum has showcased works of art by regional and worldwide artists. In addition to its permanent collection, the PAMM frequently presents changing exhibitions. The building’s interior resembles a piece of art in and of itself. It is easier to appreciate the artwork when you are calm and reflective, thanks to the open, light rooms and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. The first and second floors are where you’ll find most of the permanent exhibitions, while the second floor is typically where the temporary exhibits are located.
Verde is a highly renowned on-site restaurant at the PAMM. Sit down at a seat inside or on the expansive patio to enjoy a quick lunch while admiring the breathtaking views of the water.
Combining this trip with a stop at the nearby Phillip and Patricia Museum of Science can save you some money on parking ($15 flat fee).
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Miami is lucky because one of Florida’s most stunning state parks is a short bridge ride away. This flawlessly preserved wilderness, which Bill Baggs rescued from development in the 1960s, is the ideal location for a family beach day trip. The 1.25-mile-long soft-sand beach, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the primary attractions.