Miami FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Miami, Florida.
1. Wynwood Walls
URBAN ART OUTDOOR MUSEUM
Wynwood Walls is a world-renowned open-air art gallery showcasing massive, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. The area has transformed a once-industrial neighborhood into a vibrant hub for creativity, art installations, and hip urban culture. Visitors can stroll through the complex to admire ever-changing artwork, shop in unique boutiques, and enjoy trendy eateries in a lively atmosphere.
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
HISTORIC WATERFRONT ESTATE
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a lavish Italian Renaissance-style villa set on Biscayne Bay, once the winter home of industrialist James Deering. The house features opulent interiors filled with art and European antiques, while its lush formal gardens offer tranquil walkways, fountains, and bay views. Visitors can tour the mansion and grounds to experience Miami's Gilded Age grandeur.
3. Bayside Marketplace
VIBRANT WATERFRONT MALL
Bayside Marketplace is a lively shopping and entertainment complex located along Miami's scenic waterfront downtown. The marketplace features numerous shops, restaurants, and outdoor bars with frequent live music, plus boat tours that depart from its marina. It is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals seeking waterfront dining and fun under the Miami sun.
4. Dolphin Mall
SPRAWLING OUTLET SHOPPING
Dolphin Mall is one of Miami's largest shopping centers, offering more than 240 retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Shoppers can find deals at both luxury and budget-friendly stores, while dining options range from quick bites to sit-down meals. The mall also features a cinema, bowling, and regular live events for a dynamic experience.
5. Zoo Miami
EXPANSIVE WILDLIFE PARK
Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, encompassing over 750 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals. The zoo's open-air exhibits are organized by geographic regions, allowing visitors to see animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas up close in naturalistic habitats. Family-friendly amenities include bike and pedal cart rentals for exploring the grounds.
6. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE CENTER
The Frost Museum of Science is a state-of-the-art facility located in downtown Miami's Museum Park. The museum features immersive exhibits on science and technology, a world-class planetarium, and a multi-level aquarium that explores the ecosystems of South Florida. Interactive displays and hands-on experiments make it a favorite for families and science enthusiasts.
7. Little Havana
CUBAN CULTURAL HUB
Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood celebrated for its rich Cuban heritage, lively street life, and colorful murals. Visitors can stroll Calle Ocho (8th Street) to explore Latin restaurants, cigar shops, and art galleries, and often catch live music or a game of dominoes at Domino Park. The area hosts numerous festivals and is the beating heart of Miami's Cuban-American community.
8. Miami Seaquarium
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MARINE PARK
Miami Seaquarium is a classic marine-life entertainment park on Virginia Key, offering educational exhibits and dazzling live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales. The park includes interactive programs such as swimming with mammals and animal encounters. Its oceanfront setting and conservation efforts make it a beloved destination for families and animal lovers.
9. South Beach
ICONIC BEACH DESTINATION
South Beach is Miami Beach's most famous stretch of sand, known worldwide for its Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and lively boardwalk. The beach itself features crystal-clear water and colorful lifeguard stands, drawing sun-seekers and people-watchers alike. Ocean Drive, which runs parallel to the shore, is lined with trendy restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.
10. Art Deco Historic District
STYLISH ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach features over 800 pastel-hued buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, many impeccably restored. Visitors can take guided or self-guided walking tours to admire the geometric lines, rounded corners, and neon accents unique to this era. The district's lively atmosphere is complemented by cafes, galleries, and boutique shopping.
11. Jungle Island
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL ADVENTURE
Jungle Island is an eco-adventure park located on Watson Island, blending exotic animal encounters with lush botanical gardens. The attraction offers interactive experiences with lemurs, parrots, and reptiles, plus thrilling zip lines and escape rooms. It's an exciting destination for families and nature lovers seeking hands-on wildlife experiences in the heart of Miami.
12. Coral Castle
MYSTERIOUS CORAL MONUMENT
Coral Castle is a unique outdoor sculpture garden built entirely from massive coral limestone blocks by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, over 28 years. The site is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with enormous structures and curious legends about how they were constructed. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories and the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the enigmatic attraction.
13. Miami Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE PLAY & LEARNING
Miami Children's Museum offers hands-on, interactive exhibits for kids, fostering creativity and discovery through play. The brightly colored, two-story facility includes themed zones such as a miniature cruise ship, art studio, and construction site. Educational programs and family events make it a top destination for young visitors and their caregivers.
14. Crandon Park
RELAXING ISLAND BEACH PARK
Crandon Park is a sprawling, scenic park known for its pristine two-mile beach, gentle surf, and palm-lined picnic areas on Key Biscayne. The park also features a marina, tennis center, golf course, and nature center, offering outdoor activities for all ages. Its shallow waters and family-friendly amenities make it one of Greater Miami's top beach escapes.
15. Deering Estate
NATURE & HISTORY PRESERVE
Deering Estate is a 444-acre environmental and historical preserve nestled along Biscayne Bay, featuring a Mediterranean Revival-style mansion and lush protected landscapes. The estate serves as a cultural center, offering tours, art exhibits, and educational programs, as well as opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Guests can explore native habitats, archaeological sites, and a rich legacy of South Florida history.