– This post was written by Fauve de Ruiter –
Miami is in many ways one of the hottest places in the US, thanks to the trendy artworks, celebrities aplenty, and of course its tropical weather. The city is filled to the brim with things to do, see and eat. Wondering where to start? Don’t sweat it! After this blog post, you’ll have everything you need to know.
COVID-19 restrictions may impact the hustle and bustle of Magic City at the moment, but start compiling your to-do list regardless. And if you’re heading over soon, make sure you are aware of, and comply with, the latest COVID-19 regulations.
Before we dive into the bountiful array of things to do in Miami for couples, singles, and families, here are a couple of interesting facts for you. This way, you can already impress everyone around you with all your insider knowledge before you’ve even been to Miami, which is – here comes fun fact number one – also known as… Magic City!
Miami – which many people know as as a heavily Latin-inspired vacation Valhalla – has an interesting history. It was named after the local Mayaimi tribe that lived around Lake Okeechobee until the 1800s. It is also the only major city in the States that was founded by a woman, Julia DeForest Tuttle, who’s known as the Mother of Miami.
Miami has a large Latin community (they make up 70% of the population), because of its proximity to South America and comparable climate. This is notable in day-to-day life thanks to the amazing options of restaurants available and the amount of Spanish spoken throughout the city.
As Miami native Joshua Cebello wrote in the Miami Times:
“In Miami, the Spanish language is a secret passport. You don’t need it to get into the necessary places, but it’s endlessly helpful for getting you into the most important ones.”
Miami’s tropical climate and splendorous flora and fauna makes it a true traveler’s paradise. A beach day is always an option, but due to the climate and prime location between two national parks, you can witness extraordinary wildlife up close. Especially the humongous and world-famous Everglades is an unforgettable trip for all visitors. During the trip, you might even see the incredibly rare Florida panther, one of the most endangered species in the world. Or spot crocodiles and alligators on the same day, as the Everglades is the only place in the world where these creatures coexist.
Things to do in Miami for couples
There are many amazing – and romantic – things to do for couples in Miami, making it the perfect romantic getaway. Mix up your candlelit dinners with some exciting activities throughout the day.
The first stop on your activities list should be a trip with Jungle Queen. Escape the heat on one of these historic boats and learn all there is to know about the rich history of Miami. There are also options for a dinner cruise with live entertainment, which guarantees a fun night out.
Feel more like wandering through a spectacular museum? At ARTECHOUSE, art lovers can get their fix. It has exhibitions that are constantly changing and evolving. The numerous exhibitions will always leave you stunned (and with some amazing Insta-worthy pictures on your phone).
At ARTECHOUSE, creative innovation has no limits. And they weren’t kidding. All exhibitions are multi-sensory, immersive and interactive. It is a permanent home for technology-driven artists, either emerging or already established. At ARTECHOUSE they can experiment, play around and showcase their work to artists from all over the world.
ARTECHOUSE was set up not too long ago, in 2015. It has already showcased over 20 exhibitions, welcomed and engaged over 1 million visitors and XR app users, and has opened three different locations in three years’ time.
“One of the most challenging parts of being a media artist is that our ideas sometimes do not fit in any place. Having a home like ARTECHOUSE — a place for these ideas that are beyond everyday tools, beyond museums and galleries — is something very special.” – Refik Anadol, Media Artist
Faith would have it that ARTECHOUSE is located next to Miami beach. So, since you’re already in the neighborhood… why not take a quick dip in the sea after your visit. Did you know that Miami Beach is largely manmade? Due to rising sea levels and erosion, Miami Beach needs to be “renourished” quite often. The sand that you will be wiggling your toes in is originally from a mine near Fort Myers and brought over by the truckloads.
If you are feeling peckish after your sun-soak-session, head over to the nearby Rusty Pelican. Boasting unrivaled views over the marina, it will be the romantic cherry on top of a great day out in Miami together. Finish off your day with a romantic stroll over the bridge as you enjoy a refreshing breeze.
If you’re interested in learning more about Miami, treat yourself and get chauffeured around the city in an old-school cabriolet. You will feel like a true VIP as you tour around Miami’s famous Art Deco District and the colorful (and must-see!) Wynwood Walls.
If you aren’t ready to say goodbye to Miami Beach just yet, you can also do this tour there and stay in that area. There is much to see apart from the white sandy beach and crystal clear ocean. To name but a few of Miami Beach’s top sights: the Art Deco District, the city palace of the late Gianni Versace named Casa Casuarina, and the always buzzing Ocean Drive, where many scenes of Miami Vice were filmed.
The aforementioned Art Deco District of Miami is world-famous because it features the biggest Art Deco architecture collection in the world. Keen to explore it? There is a walking tour available that allows you to explore the district at your own pace. All proceeds of the tour go towards upholding, protecting, and maintaining this beautiful area.
If you keep following Ocean Drive up to Mid-Beach, you’ll hit the Fontainebleau hotel. Famous movies have been filmed in and around here, including Scarface (1983) and The Bodyguard (1992).
Why not top off this experience with a feast at one of the many amazing restaurants Miami has on offer? For example, the popular Tacology, which is only a 20-minute drive away from the Art Deco District.
The rooftop bar at Hotel East is also simply stunning, and for more live entertainment, Lagniappe is a must-go on a Friday night. It is very hard to get bored at Lagniappe thanks to its never-ending schedule of live music and fresh-off-the-grill charcuterie platters.
Things to in Miami do for singles
We’ve hardly scratched the surface when it comes to things to do in Miami. So, let’s quickly carry on.
Feel like stretching your legs? Have a stroll along the colorful Wynwood Walls. If you’re an art fiend, you will be satisfied here. The Wynwood Walls are the brainchild of the late real estate developer and art aficionado Tony Goldman. In 2009 he determined he wanted to do something to transform Wynwood’s aesthetic. And boy, did he succeed!
He quickly realized that Wynwood’s huge walls and warehouses served as perfect canvases for art. Ever since then, the Wynwood Walls have served as an exhibition ground for world-class and emerging artists alike. Nowadays, Wynwood is known to be one of the more trendy and hip neighborhoods of Miami.
For the daredevils among us, the Thriller speedboat ride is a good choice. Not only is this thrilling tour good fun – and surely a different way to experience the bay – but it is also nearby the Bayside Marketplace. Here you will find many shops, restaurants and other sources of entertainment.
If convenience is more your thing, why not have a look at the hop-on-hop-off bus that zooms through Miami? By buying this ticket you can conveniently see all major tourist attractions across the area. A little tip: if you buy the premium or deluxe tickets, you will be able to join the Biscayne Bay boat tour and the Panoramic Night tour – well worth the money! Who doesn’t want to ride around on top of a double-decker, with the gorgeous Miami skyline as a backdrop?
Oleta Park is not only popular for its serene surroundings, but also for something else; you can rent kayaks! This is an immensely popular activity for the local community. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, so make sure you get your kayaking excursion in during your Miami trip. Apparently, if you head over to the nearby islands, there’s a big chance you’ll come across a boat party or two…
If you fell in love with the eclectic Wynwood area, you should spend the rest of your afternoon at El Patio. At El Patio there’s always a good atmosphere. The DJs generally play energetic Latin music, which makes it the perfect spot to soak up the sun and have a good time!
For more popular hospitality venues, You can also check out The Bar in Coral Gables. This self-described watering hole is a very popular pub amongst locals for its karaoke and DJ nights. It’s good to know that Coral Gables can count Jennifer Lopez as one of its locals. So who knows… Maybe you will be singing ‘Let’s Get Loud’ with Jenny from the Block herself when you visit?
Things to do in Miami for families
Miami is a playground for both daredevils and people who like things to be a tad more easy-going. Its illustrious local flora and fauna and great weather also make it a beautiful summer holiday for the family. With so many things to do in Miami for families, we better get started quickly.
An unforgettable family experience is a trip to the Everglades, Sawgrass Recreation Park specifically. Get up and close with nature as you glide through the swamps on one of the available guided tours.
Would you rather see animals with fewer teeth? Get tickets for the Flamingo Gardens. These gardens were originally designed as a citrus orchard back in 1927, but this certainly isn’t the case anymore. As soon as you walk in, you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful tropical gardens that stretch on for 24 hectares. Enjoy walking around the premises, spot some of the largest trees in Miami, and of course see the flamingos!
Want to escape the heat, but the kids still need to get rid of some energy? Spend an afternoon at the gorgeous Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. This almost 100-year old pool was made in an old rock quarry. The fresh crystal clear water is a feast for the eyes – and the rest of the senses, as temperatures and humidity can rise quite high in Miami!
After all that swimming you may want to grab a bite to eat. Swing by Coyo Taco for a quick and hearty meal. All Coyo Taco’s locations are extremely popular thanks to their authentic Mexican atmosphere. As they say themselves: “the guacamole is smashed to order”. They pride themselves on their authenticity and quality of food, which you’ll notice when you taste their hand-crafted tortillas!
Another fun-filled family activity includes a visit to the Miami Zoo, the oldest zoo in the state of Florida. As Florida has a tropical climate, Miami Zoo boasts a wide array of different animals. They have received all sorts of accreditations, ensuring that they have top-notch animal welfare standards and practices. This is also notable in the huge enclosures that are made to be as close to the natural habitat as possible.
Lastly: adrenaline junkies, rejoice! Head over to Xtreme Action Park for an action-packed day of fun. At Xtreme Action Park you can do all sorts of activities, such as go-karting, roller skating, VR experiences, laser tag, and much more.
If you find it difficult to pick and feel like mixing efficiency with convenience, you can also opt to get a Go Miami Explorer Pass. Through this special pass, you can select multiple attractions and get access to some nice discounts!
And that’s it, your recommendations for things to do in Miami. You are now prepared for an action-packed, fantastic-food-filled getaway to Magic City. Grab your suitcase and pack – and don’t you dare forget that sun lotion! But before you start, there’s one more thing… Turn up the sound of your device and click here.