Things to do in Miami Beach

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Florida

Little Havana

Little Havana is the cultural heart of Miami's Cuban community, centered on Southwest 8th Street (Calle Ocho), which is lined with Cuban restaurants, coffee windows, and cigar shops. Walking down the street, you can often hear salsa and merengue music drifting from the shops. At the small street-side windows, you can order a Cuban espresso paired with a guava cheese pastry. Cigar shops along the street often have artisans hand-rolling cigars on-site, where you can stop and watch this craft passed down from Cuba. On the Calle Ocho sidewalk, pink marble stars on the ground form the "Latin Walk of Fame," commemorating Latin cultural figures associated with South Florida. Painted rooster sculptures are scattered along the street, serving as highly recognizable decorations for the community. Long-standing music venues like Ball & Chain often feature live Latin bands. This area is also a window into the festive culture of the Cuban community, with annual events such as the Calle Ocho Festival, Viernes Cultural, and the Three Kings Parade held here regularly, featuring music stages, open-air art performances, and cultural parades.

No. 6 of Family-friendly Attractions in Florida

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Garden is the private manor of the industrial giant James Deering. The whole building is Italian Renaissance style, built by the sea. There are 70 rooms of different styles on three floors. of fine art. The 10 acres of outdoor gardens are elegant and peaceful, with well-manicured plants, European fountains and sculptures, and it is also a good place to enjoy the unrivaled sea view of Biscayne Bay. The private manor has hosted dignitaries and celebrities from various countries for many times. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here. It has become a popular location for wedding photos and art photos.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Florida

Miami Beach - South Beach

Miami Beach - South Beach is located on the southern tip of Miami Beach island. With its miles of fine white sand and turquoise waters, it is a quintessential beach resort area in Miami. The colorful, uniquely shaped lifeguard towers on the beach are particularly eye-catching; their pink, blue, and orange structures lined up along the sand have long become the signature image of this beach. It is convenient for swimming and wading here, and when the waves are gentle, it is also suitable for beginners to try surfing. If you don't want to go into the water, you can rent a lounge chair, hide in the shade of the coconut trees, and listen to the sound of the waves, or simply walk barefoot along the shoreline. Just one street away from the beach is Ocean Dr, another calling card of the area. A whole row of pastel-colored Art Deco hotels lines the street; they are bright and fresh during the day, and after dark, the neon lights turn on, and the open-air restaurants and bars are bustling with activity. South Pointe Park at the southern end of the beach offers views of the sunset over the city skyline, as well as distant views of the Atlantic Ocean and cruise ships entering and leaving the port. For shopping, head to the Lincoln Road pedestrian street, where brand stores, boutiques, and specialty souvenir shops are concentrated. Nearby, Española Way is a small street with a Mediterranean vibe, gathering restaurants and cafes. The nightlife here is famous, with a high density of nightclubs, bars, and live music venues, earning it the reputation of a "party beach."

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a long, narrow barrier island lying between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, separated from Miami by the bay. Miles of fine white sand stretch along the east side of the island, with turquoise waters and swaying coconut palms. The hotels and restaurants lining the coast make this a popular beach resort destination in Florida. Miami Beach - South Beach at the southern end is the highlight: the uniquely shaped, pastel-colored lifeguard towers on the beach are incredibly photogenic and have long been the signature of this beach; on both sides of Ocean Drive, just one street away from the beach, are Art Deco buildings constructed in the first half of the 20th century. Their rounded, pink, mint green, and pale yellow facades, paired with neon signs that look like movie posters, make you feel as if you've stepped onto an old movie set. When you're tired of walking, you can head to the Lincoln Road pedestrian street and stroll among the open-air cafes and boutiques; if you want some peace and quiet, head to South Pointe Park at the southern tip of the island, where you can enjoy views of the Miami skyline across the water, and it's also an ideal spot to watch giant cruise ships slowly sail out of the port and wait for the sunset. The beach, neighborhoods, and parks are mostly within walking distance, perfect for playing in the water and strolling during the day, and watching the neon lights turn on at dusk.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Miami

Wynwood Walls

Located in Miami, the United States, Wynnewood Walls is a vibrant outdoor art gallery known for its colorful murals and street art. Since its opening in 2009, it has become a popular destination for art lovers and tourists. Wynnewood Walls showcases works by artists from all over the world, and the walls are constantly updated to ensure a new visual experience with every visit. Visitors can wander freely here and admire artworks of various styles, from abstract to figurative, covering a variety of art genres. Wynnewood Walls is not only a place to view art, but also a great place to take photos, with colorful backgrounds suitable for taking creative photos. The surrounding area is also full of artistic atmosphere, with many galleries, cafes and boutiques, where visitors can enjoy local food and shopping experiences while appreciating art.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Miami

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is located on theshores of Biscayne Bayin downtown Miami. It is bordered by Biscayne Boulevard to the west and opens directly onto the bay to the east, making it a rare, expansive waterfront green space in the city center. In the late 20th century, Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi led the overall redesign of the park. Today, the park's amphitheater, musical fountain, and landscape features still maintain a simple, modern style. Several monuments in the park are worth a special stop: the Challenger Memorial, a double-helix steel sculpture in the southwest corner, commemorates the crew of the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster; the Friendship Torch, erected in the northwest corner in 1960, is a symbol of the city welcoming visitors from Latin America and the Caribbean. The waterfront promenade stretching along the bay offers expansive views. While walking or jogging, you can see boats coming and going in the bay. At sunset, the view of the sun setting against the downtown skyline is a popular photo spot in the park. The north end of the park is adjacent to a waterfront shopping area, where an observation wheel, restaurants, and shops are gathered. It is also not far from the home arena of the Miami Heat, making it easy to combine a visit to the park, shopping, and watching a game. The amphitheater is the main venue for concerts in the park, and the park also hosts large city events, making it a great place to experience the urban vibe of Miami.

No. 6 of Night Attractions in Florida

PortMiami

PortMiami is located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, across the water from downtown Miami. Known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," it consistently ranks among the top ports globally for cruise passenger volume and serves as a vital cargo gateway to the Americas. Many international cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages, use it as a homeport, with routes primarily heading to popular destinations such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, andKey West. Super-liners like Royal Caribbean's "Icon of the Seas" make it their year-round home, and its dedicated Terminal A, nicknamed the "Miami Crown" for its unique geometric design, is a highly recognizable landmark in the port area. For most travelers, this is the place where Caribbean cruises begin. When boarding and departing, you'll see mega-ships docked side-by-side on one side, and the downtown skyline and bay views on the other, making it a perfect spot for photos. If you aren't taking a cruise, you can also head to Bayfront Park in the city center or the MacArthur Causeway area to watch the mega-ships sail out one after another at dusk, sounding their horns in salute—a classic local experience.

No. 6 of Activities in United States

Beach Sunbathing in Miami

No. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in Florida

Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a modern science center combining an aquarium, planetarium, and interactive science exhibits. Here you can watch marine animals like sharks and rays swim overhead, or enjoy cosmic films under the giant dome theater. With diverse exhibition themes ranging from human anatomy to space exploration, it's perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum also features interactive health-themed zones and occasional science activities. Its innovative facilities make for a fulfilling half-day or full-day visit, offering a perfect blend of scientific discovery and visual entertainment.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Miami

Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is located in the north of Miami. It is a comprehensive commercial area integrating art, shopping and dining. The mix of low-rise buildings and new-style buildings is a landmark of Miami design, fashion and trend. There are many art galleries, design companies, and art institutes here, which often hold various art events and exhibitions, and Miami Art Week is also held here. In terms of shopping, more than 70 luxury brands have opened flagship stores here, including Hermès, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, Dior and more. The Design District brings together many restaurants, cafés and bars, mostly created by well-known chefs and Michelin-level chefs.