Miami, Florida, is one of the most visited cities in the US, and for good reason. Miami offers beautiful skyline views, stunning beaches, and a lively atmosphere. Must-do things while in Miami include visiting the Miami Art Museum and watching a boat show downtown.
From affordable yet highly-rated Miami hotels to unique Miami hostels to some of the most lavish and expensive hotels in Florida, Miami accommodates all types of travelers.
The bustling city of Miami is known for many things, from beaches to food to nightlife.
Miami in mid-February is a sensory extravaganza as it is the time of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The four-day event has established itself as a big name in South Florida’s culinary scene and draws many visitors interested in gourmet food, drinks, and much more. Brunches, lunches, dinners, fitness classes, wine tastings, and late-night parties are all part of this event.
Attractions of South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Grand Tasting Village, Burger Bash, Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best, Food Network & Cooking Channel Beachside BBQ
Close Interactions With Animals
For wildlife lovers and sea animals, Miami offers plenty of opportunities through its national parks, zoo, and aquarium. Zoo Miami, one of the largest zoos in the US, not only houses a diverse range of animal species, but it also boasts many shows and animal interactions, as well as rides and attractions. The Miami Seaquarium is the place to see a range of marine animals up close. They offer exhibitions and thrilling experiences, including swimming with dolphins and seals.
Best places in Miami for animal interactions: Miami Zoo, Everglades National Park, Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, Deering Estate
Coral Gables
Coral Gables is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractions, boasting impressive Mediterranean architecture and a range of exciting activities, including sightseeing, shopping, and dining. The region is home to a number of wonderfully preserved historic structures, such as Coral Gables and the Biltmore Hotel, the ultimate regal experience. Mature banyan and live oak trees impressively adorn the streets, and there are many entertainment options and botanical attractions, adding to the neighborhood’s allure.
Popular attractions and things to do in Coral Gables: Visiting a Mediterranean Paradise, Venetian Pool, Exploring Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miracle Mile Shopping, Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course, Coral Gables Museum
Extreme Sports
For those looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities, there are plenty in Miami. Fans of water sports can engage in jet skiing, kayaking, flyboarding, snorkeling, and many more activities. While skydiving in Homestead is an option for individuals who love facing the heights. In addition, the Design District has a machine gun shooting range, and there are numerous other activities located across the city, including one of its kind Zipling Adventure Park.
Best extreme sports in Miami: Kiteboarding, Jet Skiing, Skydiving, Parasailing, Windsurfing, Ziplining
Beautiful Beaches
When many people picture Miami, they picture sunny days and beautiful beaches. Miami is known for its soft white sand beaches with aqua water. The top Miami beaches to visit include South Beach, North Beach Oceanside Park, and Surfside.
South Beach is what most people picture when they envision a Miami beach. South Beach features great spots for swimming and surfing and is lined with brightly colored Art Deco-style homes. This area is also known for its crowds, restaurants, and bars.
Best beaches in Miami: South Beach, Miami Beach, Crandon Park Beach, Haulover Beach, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach
Delicious Food
Miami is famous for its cuisine, from unique dishes to delicious alcoholic drinks. Some of the best foodie spots in Florida can be found in Miami. Quinto La Huella, for instance, is known for serving up the best steaks and chimichurri in Florida.
Delicious foods Miami is known for include key lime pie, Cuban coffee, churrasco, stone crab, conch fritters, and jerk chicken. A popular drink associated with Miami is the Miami Vice Cocktail, a mix of a strawberry daiquiri and piña colada.
Best restaurants in Miami: Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, Zuma, The Bazaar by José Andrés, Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
Best dishes to try in Miami: Cuban Sandwich, Stone Crab Claws, Key Lime Pie, Arepas, Seafood Paella
Home Of The First Burger King
Speaking of food, another fun fact about Miami is that it is home to the first Burger King. The company states that the Burger King franchise was created by James W. McLamore and David Edgerton in Miami in 1954.
There are currently over 20 Burger Kings in the Miami area, so be sure to try a juicy burger while visiting the city.
Best menu items of Burger King in Miami: Whopper, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Impossible Whopper, Chicken Fries, Bacon King
Called The Capital Of Latin America
Miami is also known as the Capital of Latin America. The large Latin American population in the city of Miami, along with the cultural influence, led to the city’s nickname of the “Capital of Latin America.” The Latin American cultural influence in Miami can be seen in the city’s architecture, food, music, and population. Miami has a large Hispanic population specifically, and around 70% of Miami’s population speaks Spanish.
Best Latin Attractions in Miami: Little Havana, Calle Ocho, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Ball & Chain, Perez Art Museum Miami
Being The Cruise Capital Of The World
Another nickname for Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World.” This name is thanks to PortMiami’s constant flow of cruise ships and role as a global gateway. PortMiami sits on Biscayne Bay and is a hub for notable cruise ship companies. This impressive port consists of eleven terminals, with cruises setting sail out of PortMiami, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises.
Best cruises serving Miami: Caribbean Cruises, Bahamas Cruises, Western Caribbean Cruises, Eastern Caribbean Cruises, Transatlantic Cruises
Everglades National Park
Florida is known for its majestic Everglades National Park. This incredible nature preserve stretches 1.5 million acres, featuring tropical and subtropical habitats. While Everglades National Park is just outside Miami, most people still associate this swampland with the bustling city.
One way to explore the Everglades is via airboat tour. On these tours, guides take passengers through marshes and swamps in a special airboat, providing facts about the Everglades and its unique flora and fauna.
Location: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
What to do: Airboat Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley Tram Tours, Canoeing and Kayaking
Ultra Music Festival
Music lovers know Miami as the host of the Ultra Music Festival. Ultra is an annual electronic music festival featuring famous and up-and-coming DJs, incredible light shows and stage production, art installations, and official merchandise for sale. A few of 2023’s notable performers include Afrojack, Alesso, David Guetta, and the Swedish House Mafia.
Unable to attend this iconic EDM festival? No worries! Ultra uploads live sets of performers onto their website for the public to enjoy.
Where: Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
When: Every March
Exciting Nightlife
Miami is famous for its exciting nightlife. From ginormous clubs to hopping happy hours to live music and dancing, there is always something to do. Some vacationers choose to unwind in the evening at one of the classy South Florida hotel bars, while others prefer a night out on the town filled with bar hopping and sightseeing.
Vacationers wanting to bust a move should check out the best dance clubs in Miami, including LIV in Mid Beach, E11EVEN Miami in Downtown Miami, and Club Space in Downtown Miami.
Best nightlife destinations: South Beach, Wynwood Arts District, Brickell, Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, Little Havana
Art Deco Architecture
A fun way to explore this unique district is via a walking tour. The Miami Design Preservation League offers walking tours daily from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for $30 per person.
Best places to admire Art Deco Architecture in Miami: Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, Espanola Way, Lincoln Road, Miami Beach Architectural Historic District
The Vibrant Neighborhood Of Little Havana
Miami is also known for its vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana, offering a slice of Cuba in Southern Florida. In the 1960s-1970s, thousands of Cuban exiles came to America, many finding themselves in Miami’s Little Havana. The neighborhood soon came to be known as a welcoming spot for immigrants to move.
Today, Little Havana is known for its Latin American and Cuban art galleries, delicious restaurants and cafes, cigar shops, and lively bar scene.
Top Attractions of Little Havana: Art Walks, Domino Park, Cuban Cuisine, Live Music and Dancing, Calle Ocho Festival
