With a nickname like “The Magic City,” you know that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Miami Florida. Able to cater to everyone from couples and families to solo travelers and groups, Miami has something to offer everyone. And while many travelers might be visiting to see the beaches, there’s a lot more to see in and around the city.
To help you plan the perfect Florida vacation, we’ve put together a list of seven of the top things to do near Miami. Some of the activities and sites listed below are the best things to do in Florida, while others will have you exiting the country altogether (albeit briefly).
Read on to get started!
Things to Do in Miami Florida: 7 of the Best Activities
1. Enjoy the Many Sights of Explore Wynwood
Miami has a thriving art scene that’s not difficult to find. However, one of the best areas in the city to soak it all in is Wynwood. With murals and artwork everywhere you look, Wynwood is a feast for the eyes regardless of how skilled you yourself are with a paintbrush.
You might find the colorful Wynwood Walls to be one of the best places to go in Florida.
In addition to artwork, Wynwood is also an area full of different forms of entertainment. From breweries and dance venues to clothing stores and dance clubs, it’s not hard to spend an afternoon or an evening exploring.
As the area caters to a young and hip crowd, Wynwood is also a great spot for people-watching. Regardless of where you are in the neighborhood, you’re bound to see some interesting characters everywhere you look.
2. Embark on Miami to Bahamas Day Trips
One of the best things to do in Miami Florida actually has you leaving the region and the country altogether. That said, it’s an excursion you won’t want to miss out on: Miami to Bahamas day trips.
If you think there are many fun things to do in Florida, wait till you arrive in the Exumas!
While traveling to another country might seem like a lot, air travel makes it easy. Flying by plane to the Bahamas can have you in beautiful Exuma, ready to see all the famous sites in the area, in around two hours. That gives you the entire morning and afternoon to soak up the sights of the region.
Staniel Cay is a gem in the crown of the Bahamas.
Swimming pigs, nurse sharks, an underwater plane wreck, and of course, more beautiful beaches, are some of the many sites you’ll get to enjoy when you sign up for Bahamas day trips by plane. Given all that it has to offer, these excursions really are some of the best things to do in South Florida.
3. Go People Watching on South Beach
After getting back from the Bahamas, you’ll find it difficult to forget the stunning beaches of the Bahamas. Luckily, Miami also has its fair share of beaches, one of which is South Beach.
Bright, colorful, and full of character, visiting South Beach is one of the best things to do near Miami.
With soft white sand, turquoise water, and gorgeous year-round weather, enjoying your time at South Beach is easy. But in addition to the natural beauty of the area, other elements make it a fun place to explore.
South Beach is also famous for its nightlife (much of which you can also enjoy during the day). From tiny bars that border the beach to nightclubs, dance bars, upscale restaurants, and so much more, a visit to South Beach promises an upbeat experience regardless of what time of day you visit. All of that makes it another one of the best places to go in Florida.
4. Soak up the Sights of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Another one of the best things to do in Miami Florida is to visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Located on Biscayne Bay, this historic estate is a site you won’t want to miss.
Constructed in the early 20th century, the estate is the former villa of businessman James Deering. It exhibits a stunning collection of architectural elements and influences, with the Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance inspiring much of its design.
Besides being an architect’s dream, the gardens of the museum are also worth exploring. They stretch out for dozens of acres and feature everything from classic Italian Renaissance gardens to native woodlands. Have a quality camera by your side at all times as you explore!
Visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the many fun things to do in Miami Florida.
5. Cycle Across the Venetian Islands
Despite what their name might have you believe, the Venetian Islands aren’t in Italy – they’re in Miami. However, they are reminiscent of the floating city in Northern Italy, and because of that, they’re well worth a visit, especially when you’re on the hunt for fun things to do near Miami.
Located in Biscayne Bay, the Venetian Islands are a chain of artificial islands surrounded by water. As they’re connected to one another by bridges, the islands offer sweeping views of the bay and city surroundings.
The Venetian Islands are perfect for bike rides and looking at houses.
Besides offering natural beauty, the Venetian Islands are also a great place to see some of the many beautiful luxury houses that make Miami famous. Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity while doing so!
6. Poke Around Little Havana
While its beaches and nightlife might be its most famous attractions, remember that Miami is also a cultural Mecca. Because of that, do yourself a favor and tap into the Cuban culture that’s present. And there’s no better place to do that than in Little Havana!
As its name implies, Little Havana is a Cuban neighborhood in the city. From Cuban restaurants and cafes to fruit stands and more, the area offers a glimpse into the beating heart of Cuba. It’s the perfect place to appreciate Cuban music, food, culture, architecture, and more.
Strolling around Little Havana is one of the many fun things to do in Florida.
Given all of that, visiting Little Havana is another one of the best things to do in Miami Florida.
7. Dive Into Downtown
Even if you’re not someone who particularly enjoys city life, exploring downtown Miami is still something you’ll want to do. The area is one of the liveliest city centers in the entire United States.
While much of downtown Miami caters to business people, you can still find plenty to do for tourists and travelers. That’s because the area is home to dozens of luxury hotels, most of which are in high-rises. Around the area, you’ll also find all the amenities you need to have a fantastic, cosmopolitan vacation, including upscale restaurants and incredible shopping.
The Metromover train makes traversing downtown Miami easy.
However, one of the reasons why staying Downtown is one of the best things to do in Miami Florida is the location. When you stay there, you won’t have to worry about how to get from one area of the city to the next. The central location makes it easy to reach Wynwood, the beach, and many more places.
Discover more things to do in Miami with the KAYAK Miami Travel Guides.
Fun Things to Do in Florida: Don’t Miss Out!
While the beaches and nightlife may be some of the best things to do in Miami Florida, there are many other fun things to do in South Florida that you won’t want to miss out on. Making time for any of the activities mentioned above is sure to ensure your vacation is a memorable one.
One excursion you won’t want to pass up on is Miami to Bahamas day trips by plane. These fly you down to the prettiest parts of the country, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the local sites, then take you back to Miami that same evening. They make it easy to see sites that most visitors to The Magic City don’t get a chance to see.
Look into signing up for a Miami to Bahamas day trip today!
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