Miami is a lively coastal city that has become a vacation hot spot, attracting visitors from all over the world, with so many things to do in Downtown Miami, visitors will be spoilt for choice! This iconic place highlights Hispanic and Latin culture by showcasing art, museums, delicious dining and so much more. In addition to it being a Florida destination that is known for its white-sand beaches and lively nightlife scene.
You can even island hop by taking a day trip to the Bahamas while exploring the infamous Pig Beach. Heading to downtown Miami is where most of the action is at, attracting both travelers and locals. Don’t know where to start when planning your vacation? Don’t worry, we’ve narrowed down the best things to do in downtown Miami.
1. Bayside Marketplace
Looking for things to do in downtown Miami? Enjoy the palm trees and sunshine at Bayside Marketplace.
Get ready to shop until you drop at Bayside Marketplace! This two-story open-air shopping centre is located in the heart of downtown Miami. The marketplace is known to be one of the most visited places in the area. The surrounding views of Biscayne Bay and streets lined with palm trees are a few reasons to spend some time here.
This waterfront marketplace has over 108 stores to shop in. Popular ones include Express, Footlocker, Bath & Body Works and more. Support small businesses by stopping by local boutiques that sell souvenirs and unique items. In addition to the stores, there are over twenty dining options. Grab some lunch at Hard Rock Cafe or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Visiting well-known stores is not the only activity at the centre. Live music and events are common here. They do have an open container policy as well, which allows guests to grab an alcoholic beverage to enjoy while walking around. Spend your day shopping and dining, all with a relaxing view, one of best things to do in Miami.
2. Day Trip To Pig Island, Bahamas
Pigs taking a quick swim on the infamous Pig Island. One of the best things to do near Miami.
When you think of things to do in Miami Beach, you likely think of the endless nightlife activities. But did you know you can also swim with pigs by taking a day trip to Pig Island? Located on Big Major Cay, is a beach filled with feral pigs that call the island their home. The best part is, all you have to do is show up at Fort Lauderdale Airport and Bahamas Air Tours will take care of the rest! This company was the first in the world to provide Miami to Bahamas day trips by offering flights to the Bahamas.
Today, Swimming Pigs Tours have grown to become a bucket list item for many travelers. The tour starts with a one hour flight from Ft Lauderdale to Andros Island on a private aircraft. After a quick stop, you will begin your 45-minute flight from Andros to Staniel Cay in the Exumas, where your fun will begin.
Get ready to swim with the pigs! Bahama Air Tours supplies you with feed, so you can reward the adorable animals for all of their hard work. Visiting Pig Beach is an experience sought after by people all over the world. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity when visiting Downtown Miami.
3. Wynwood Walls
Vibrant murals at the famous Wynwood Wal. A must-see when exploring things to do in downtown Miami.
Calling all artists, Miami has a hidden gem for you to explore. The Wynwood Walls is a neighbourhood located downtown that displays colourful murals from artists located all over the world. What makes Wynwood Walls so special? It’s history. In 2009, this International Outdoor Street Art Museum was created by Tony Goldman. He took the once vacant streets of the area and transformed them into streets of art.
Today, visitors from all over flock to Wynwood Walls. The art covers 80,000 square feet and includes murals that were created by fifty artists from sixteen countries. They are constantly adding fresh art and new spaces to the area. Wynwood Walls plays a huge part in Downtown Miami History. An absolute must-see when finding things to do in Miami Florida.
4. Miami Metromover
The complimentary Miami Metromver helps you explore things to do in downtown Miami.
Looking for things to do near Miami, but don’t know how to get there? Explore everything Downtown Miami has to offer by using the Miami Metromover. The cost of cabs and Ubers quickly add up when exploring a new place. Luckily, this complementary option allows visitors to explore the surrounding areas. The Metromover provides stops in Downtown Miami, Brickell, Park West and the Arts & Entertainment District neighbourhoods.
This is an easy way to visit popular destinations without having to find a way to get there. Stops included along the route are Museum Park, Freedom Tower, Bayfront Park and the Financial District. You can find the full schedule on their website. A convenient way to plan your trip in Downtown Miami, without having to worry about the stress and cost of transportation.
5. Maurice A. Ferré Park
Maurice A. Ferré Park and its surrounding waterfront museums. This area provides educational things to do in Miami Florida.
One of the top things to do in Miami is to visit Maurice A. Ferré Park, formerly known as Museum Park. This twenty-one-acre urban park is filled with palm trees and giant art sculptures. Take a stroll on the paved walkway and marvel at these pieces, or enjoy a picnic with waterfront views.
The park provides pedestrian access to the surrounding Museums. Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which is only a three-minute walk from the park. This contemporary and modern art museum display international art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Explore the galleries and visit the seasonally changing exhibitions. Take a walk through the Mary M. and Sash A. Spencer Sculpture Garden when exiting the museum.
A fun and interactive museum option is the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. This hands-on centre offers a planetarium aquarium and more. Stop by the two hundred and fifty seated planetarium. They use 16-million color 8K projections to transport you to outer space. Afterwards, learn all about the Power of Science, by exploring their interactive exhibition.
Maurice A. Ferré Park is full of sunshine, sculptures, museums and more. Make it a must-see on your list of things to do in downtown Miami.
6. Calle Ocho Walk Of Fame
Historic Eighth Street: The infamous colorful rooster on Calle Ocho Walk Of Fame
Get ready to pay tribute to the Latin & Cuban cultures by visiting the Calle Ocho Walk Of Fame. Located on your way to Little Havana is this slice of heaven, right in downtown Miami. Famous artists are celebrated here including Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan. Every year, a Calle Ocho Festival takes over the town. It is the largest celebration in the country that honours the Latino culture and has quickly become one of the top things to do in Miami.
Afterwards, keep walking to indulge in the dining scene of Little Havana. Authentic restaurants and cafes line the streets. Grab a coffee at La Colada Gourmet, known as the House of Cuban Cofee. Then try “The Original Cuban Burger” at Rey De Las Fritas. A delicious way to learn all about the culture of Calle Ocho & Little Havana. This special area is one of the most delicious things to do in Miami Beach.
7. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Lush green gardens at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Miami.
Visit “Miami’s home”, a former villa of James Deering, an executive of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens provides a landscape that has Tuscan Italian Renaissance inspiration. The estate is located in the Coconut Grove area of Miami and sits on the gorgeous Biscayne Bay. The surrounding area is filled with a lush forest that is accompanied by stunning views of the crystal blue water.
Start your adventure by exploring the Main House, which began its construction in 1914. Famous for its Mediterranean-style architecture. The collections in this house date all the way back to the 20th century! Next head out to the four immaculate vibrant green gardens. These ten acres of gardens include the Secret Garden, Maze Garden, Fountain Garden and the Theatre Garden.
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is an authentic way to learn about the style and architecture of Miami. They even host events throughout the year, including a Farmers Market and an Opera. Visiting this estate is easily one of the best things to do in downtown Miami.
Sign up for Bahamas day trips by plane to enjoy all that Florida and the Bahamas have to offer!
Discover the Bahamas Out Islands
With beautifully illustrated maps and informative destination guides.
Download the Guidebook
