Miami South Beach attractions aren’t hard to come by. From the picturesque, world-famous beaches to the unbeatable nightlife, there are many things to do in South Beach Miami.
That said, many travelers don’t realize that the area is also home to loads of culture, history, and scenery – scenery that people often miss out on. While much of this is right in Miami, some of the top attractions require you to step out of the South Florida area, if only for several hours.
Listed below are seven must-visit South Beach Miami attractions. Between touring museums and swimming with pigs, all of them are great answers for anyone wondering what to do in Miami Beach.
Keep reading to find out more!
Miami South Beach Attractions: 7 Things to Do in South Beach
1. Swim With Pigs at Pig Island
Wondering what to do in South Beach Miami? Meet the Exuma Pigs!
One of the top Miami South Beach attractions actually requires you to leave the area. Located off the coast of South Florida, the Bahamian Archipelago is home to gorgeous beaches, as well as the famous Swimming Pigs.
A one day cruise to Bahamas by boat is the most conventional type of excursion. However, flying by plane is a better option. Doing so allows you to travel in comfort, save time, and reach a more remote part of the country: the Exuma Cays.
After you arrive in Exuma, you’ll switch over to a boat. From there, you’ll travel to several attractions in the region, including Pig Beach. Between watching the pigs paddle out to you, to interacting with them on the beach, a Pig Island day trip in the Bahamas is one of the best things to do in South Beach Miami. Learn more with our Miami to Bahamas Day Trip.
2. Visit Wynwood Walls
Back in South Florida proper, Wynwood Walls is another one of the best Miami South Beach attractions.
Wynwood Walls is an enclosed gallery that offers some fun things to do in South Beach.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, Wynwood is an artsy area of Miami. The district is covered in street art, murals, and graffiti. Wynwood Walls is a street art museum in that area that contains both an indoor and outdoor section. Utilizing several windowless buildings as canvases, the museum is an eclectic and interesting place to explore.
After visiting Wynwood Walls, spend some time exploring the rest of the neighborhood. You can find breweries, shopping outlets, and many other things to do in Miami Beach Wynwood.
3. Walk Around Lummus Park
Lummus Park is a beachside park that stretches along Ocean Drive from 6th to 14th Street. You can easily spend an afternoon there exploring the area, making it another one of the best Miami South Beach attractions.
Lummus Park is home to many things to do in Miami Beach.
The park is one of the best places in South Beach for walking. There are paved paths and boardwalks, as well as direct access to the beach itself. As you stroll through the area, you’ll pass by beach volleyball nets, playgrounds, and outdoor exercise equipment. Walking on the beach ensures beautiful views of clean sand dunes and the bright blue water.
Alongside Lummus Park are additional things to do in Miami Beach. All of the restaurants and shops are just steps away!
4. Take a Tour Down Ocean Drive
After passing through Lummus Park, give yourself time to take a tour down Ocean Drive. One of the most famous thoroughfares in the country, Ocean Drive is home to dozens of Miami South Beach attractions.
During the day, you can find top-tier restaurants, as well as hotels, if you’re looking for a place to stay. There are also several cultural and historical structures worth checking out – a walking tour through the neighborhood is a great way to see everything.
Once the sun sets, Ocean Drive comes to life. Evening hours allow you to take full advantage of the extensive number of bars, nightclubs, and other venues. From casual, beachside establishments serving tropical drinks to upscale clubs where you can dance until sunrise, the diversity in Ocean Drive venues is staggering.
Many of the top Miami South Beach attractions are on Ocean Drive.
Anyone wondering what to do in South Beach Miami doesn’t need to look any further than Ocean Drive.
5. Learn About and View the Art Deco Architecture
South Beach is home to classic Art Deco architecture.
Miami became the bustling city it is today in the 20th century. Because of that, many of the buildings in the city showcase the architectural trends of that era. In much of the city, including South Beach, these trends manifest in the form of Art Deco architecture.
The Art Deco Historic District stretches along Ocean Drive and encompasses over 800 buildings dating from the 1920s to the 1940s. Unfortunately, many structures were demolished during a period of neglect, but preservation efforts led to the protection of many that remained.
Today, travelers can participate in guided tours through the area. At the Art Deco Welcome Center, tours depart at 10:30 am. Alternatively, private tours are an option, and self-guided tours are a great option as well.
Regardless of how you end up experiencing it, learning about the city’s Art Deco architecture is a great answer for anyone wondering what to do in Miami Beach.
6. Explore the Bass Museum
One historic art deco space you’ll want to visit is The Bass. Located in a 1930s art deco building, the City of Miami Beach founded the museum in 1964. Today, it’s home to a wide collection of contemporary art.
The Bass is one of the city’s many museums.
In many ways, The Bass is emblematic of all that is Miami. The art showcased in the museum is in many forms and comes from people of all backgrounds. Over the years, it’s displayed pieces from dozens of noteworthy individuals, including Isaac Julien, Eve Sussman, and El Anatsui.
If you’re looking for a place that combines history and culture, The Bass is it. It’s, therefore, one of the most interesting Miami South Beach attractions to visit.
7. Day trip to the famous Swimming Pigs
As mentioned, Pig Beach is just one stop on Swimming Pigs tours. What makes the Bahamas one of the top Miami South Beach attractions is getting to experience six other destinations in the area.
The Swimming Pigs aren’t the only animal you can see on a Bahamas day trip.
Before flying back to Miami, you’ll have the chance to swim with nurse sharks, meet iguanas, and walk around sandbars. You’ll also get to experience the extensive marine life of the Bahamas by snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto and an underwater plane wreck.
All of this happens in the morning – when the afternoon rolls around, you’ll hop back on a plane to fly back to Miami. You’ll then arrive back in time for dinner!
Given all that the Exuma Cays have to offer, a Miami to Bahamas day trip is one of the best things to do in South Beach Miami.
Enjoy the Best Things to Do in South Beach Miami
Although there’s an endless list of Miami South Beach attractions, you can’t go wrong with any of the places and activities listed above. The Magic City has a lot to offer, so take our suggestions and enjoy the ultimate South Florida vacation.
To take your trip to the next level, consider taking a day trip to the Bahamas. Air travel makes it easy to fly out in comfort, and the attractions of the Exuma Cays ensure that there’s no shortage of fun to be had once you land. From meeting the Exuma Pigs to swimming with nurse sharks, Exuma day trips offer the experience of a lifetime.
Book a Miami to Bahamas day trip today!
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