Electrifying nightlife, sizzling culture, modern art scene, and velvety white sand beaches – Miami, Florida, has it all and more year-round. That may be why over 50 million people visit the energetic city annually.
Whether your interests are largely the vast culinary options, performing arts-focused, sunbathing-related, or you’re interested in swamp-style gator hunting, we have a Sunrise Vacation Home property perfectly situated to fit your needs. The city of Miami sprawls over 55 miles, and while it may not be the largest in terms of area or population, it makes up for it in attractions.
Here are the best things to do on your South Florida vacation to the city of Miami!
1. Soak in the Sun on Miami’s Most Popular Beaches!
Miami Beach
The first stop on any visit to Florida should be the beach. Miami Beach, to be specific. Melt off that stress in the warm Atlantic waters and enjoy a good book in the sand. With white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and an over-the-top cultural scene, Miami Beach attracts millions of visitors to its world-famous shores each year. The beach is located on a man-made island offshoot of downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay and is a little resort town of its own.
Divided into North Beach, Mid-Beach, and South Beach, it boasts 44 parks, two public golf courses, two tennis centers, a 7-mile uninterrupted beach walk from one end of the island to the other, multiple community pools, and even an ice rink for those who miss winter. Did I mention it’s also an excellent place for people-watching?
North Beach
This area is great for quieter beaches and families, offering plenty of green areas, easy beach access, and restaurants. Try churros from the local Argentinian bakery and restaurant Manolo’s or a perfectly grilled salmon from the iconic George’s Restaurant and Lounge.
When you want to leave the high rises behind you, venture out into the water at Oleta River State Park by kayak or canoe in this thousand-acre protected area in Biscayne Bay, where you can picnic among the mangroves, paddle through estuaries, and bike ride along paths.
South Beach
On the south end of Miami Beach, you find the aptly named South Beach. The heart, the passion of Miami. If you’ve come to for the party in Miami, this is where you’ll inevitably end up. Between the art deco streets of Ocean Drive and the world-class nightclubs, this beach draws people from around the world, especially celebrities, here. But it’s not all high fashion and nightlife in South Beach. It’s great for the whole family during the daytime.
2. Take a Scenic Walk down Española Way
Stroll yourself through the shaded streets of Española Way within the Miami design district and admire the vibrant art deco district buildings ripped from a 1920s scene. Don’t miss the boutique shops and eateries here, either. With its twinkling string lights, Mediterranean revival architecture, and lively sidewalk cafes, this palm tree-lined path is perfect for afternoon scenic walks.
3. Cycle or Stroll Miami’s Most Scenic Streets
Lummus Park
Renting bikes is the perfect way to beach-hop. Grab your helmet and sunscreen and ride from South Pointe Park to Lummus Park, where you can admire the most iconic stretches of beach Florida has to offer.
Ocean Drive
Like moths to a flame, the neon signage and dazzling lights of Ocean Drive unwittingly draw you in. One of the most iconic stretches of roadway in the world, this touristy avenue is not where I recommend eating or drinking, but is still absolutely worth a visit. If you’re not a night owl, then rent a bike during the day and bike along the far side of the street and admire the beautiful Art Deco buildings from the shade of the palms. Be sure not to miss a visit to the famous Versace mansion.
4. Venture out to the Idyllic Key Biscayne
Further down the coast from South Beach along the 913 lies another small island called the Key of Biscayne. There’s more to do here than just golf at Crandon Park (but if you’re into golf, this is a great place to do it).
At the southern tip of the island is Bill Baggs Cape State Park, where you can enjoy birding trails, a seafood lunch at Boaters Grill, a small beach with a lovely lighthouse, and you can try your hand at fishing just about anywhere. Just off the Rickenbaker Causeway is the Vizcaya Museum and Garden, an absolutely stunning estate right along the turquoise water’s edge.
5. Dance, Eat, and Live Little Havana
Miami is the gateway to the Caribbean, where flavors, music, dancing, and art reign supreme. So it’s no coincidence that Miami itself takes on the persona of the immigrants who call it home. Cuban culture is one of the most dominant in the city, and in Little Havana, you’ll feel as if you’re smack dab in the middle of a Hemingway novel, sipping daiquiris and eating Cubano sandwiches.
Try Ropa Vieja, the Cuban National dish at La Carreta, or hit the famous Versailles Cuban Restaurant and bakery for the perfect Cuban coffee. Calle Ocho is a great street to stroll and take in the Cuban heritage and vibrant street art, such as the colorful rooster statues dotted along the route.
6. Take a Self Guided Tour Around Miami’s Best Art Galleries
Wynwood Walls
Miami’s original street art museum lights up the city with truly amazing works of graffiti magic. Since its start, this museum has seen hundreds of artists representing over 20 countries and has covered over 80,000 square feet of walls. Admire towering murals from prominent local artists and discover unique areas of Miami as you wander through a technicolor outdoor display of street art at its most colorful.
Perez Art Museum
Jorge M. Pérez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County is a contemporary art museum in downtown where the focus is on 20th-century cultures of the Americas, Africa, and Western Europe. Much of the collected works have been donated, with 110 works coming from Perez himself, alongside Cuban, Uruguayan, and Colombian painters.
This museum is a great place to experience other cultures through art and expression. With Miami boasting such a richly diverse immigrant population, museums like these help support community artists and storytellers while protecting their heritage and traditions.
7. Buddhism and Capitalism in Upper Buena Vista
Get on the upscale shopping path to enlightenment at Upper Buena Vista. A 120-year-old majestic oak tree is the star attraction of this funky retail destination, complete with a meditation center. The Bodhi “wish tree,” as it’s called, is based on the Buddhist tradition of designating a tree to be used as the object of wishes and offerings.
While it may not be what Buddha intended, this outdoor center is bustling with patio bars, cafes, and excellent eateries like Cafe Vigil and El Turco Turkish Food.
8. Spot Unique Animals at the Zoo Miami
Visit America’s only subtropic zoo. Due to its unique humid and tropical climate, the zoo holds many species of animals that can’t be kept in other environments; with over 3,000 species and one hundred exhibits, this is no small petting zoo. Zoo Miami has been an AZA-accredited zoo since 1984, so it conducts itself and keeps its animals to the ethical standards of rigorous inspection.
The nearby Jungle Island can’t say the same. This is also a great way to get close to the local alligators in the Everglades exhibit if you can’t make it to Everglades National Park on this trip.
9. Smell the Flowers at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
Named in honor of famed plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, this garden is a must-stop for all plant lovers out there, or really for anyone who enjoys getting to experience rare palms, vines, vibrant tropical plants, and if you’re lucky maybe even an iguana sighting or two. This 88-acre Eden is complete with a butterfly exhibit and guided tram options right in the heart of the Coral Gables neighborhood.
10. Explore Bayside Marketplace
Welcome in the cruise ships, ride the Ferris wheel, and rock out at the Hard Rock Cafe. This is where the “basic” tourists flock for restaurants, shopping, and live music. The bar scene is always ablaze, Latin music is pumping, cocktails are flowing, and the lingering smell of seafood grilling fills the air. Sometimes, touristy spots like this are worthwhile
11. Spend a Family-Friendly Day at a Local Museum
Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Combine science with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an aquarium here at the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, animal care, education, and innovative research projects. This is a perfect place to wow the kids with hands-on sting ray experiences, hammerhead sharks, and star-gazing.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Previously known simply as Villa Vizcaya, this massive property was once the estate of James Deering. Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a tribute to the Italian Renaissance era is located in the present-day neighborhood of Coconut Grove on Key Biscayne. As I mentioned above, it’s an excellent place for an afternoon if you want to take in lovely green scenic gardens and revel in old-school Miami history.
12. Take a Day Trip from Miami
Everglades National Park
- Distance from Miami: 28 miles
- Approx. Drive Time: 39 minutes
With its proximity to Miami, it’s almost a crime not to make the trip to the Everglades. Airboat tours filled with murky swamps and elusive gators take you along the banks of the mangroves of southern Florida. Kayak alongside the endemic and endangered manatee at Flamingo Marina or go look for gators along the trails around the Tamiami trail.
This park is accessible by car, but it should be noted that it covers vast wetland areas prone to flooding. Remember NEVER approach or touch wildlife and ALWAYS keep out of bodies of fresh water, alligator attacks in Florida are more common than you think.
Biscayne National Park
- Distance from Miami: 41 miles
- Approx. Drive Time: 57 minutes
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away and almost 95 percent water, Biscayne protects a rare combination of crystal clear waters, emerald atolls, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs; a scuba and snorkel paradise. Where else can you set off on an underwater trail that takes you among shipwrecks and world-class dive sites?
This national park is only accessible by boat and protects coral reefs, wetlands, and mangrove ecosystems off the southern tip of Key Biscayne. Dolphins, turtles, and pelicans are commonplace. If you’re not a diver or a swimmer, birding, fishing, and lobstering are also popular in this area.
There is no entrance fee at Biscayne. Those without access to boats of their own can coordinate with third-party boat tour companies like The Biscayne National Park Institute.
Experience The Best of Miami With Us!
Miami truly is the Magic City. While many people visit Miami due to its proximity to other outdoor activities in Florida or while passing through on their way to Key West, there is plenty to offer tourists right here in the lively metropolitan area. With this travel guide and a stay in one of our centrally located vacation rentals, you’ll be prepared to explore from North Miami to Brickell, all without the help of a guided tour.