One of the most popular vacation destinations worldwide, Miami is internationally recognized as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It’s situated in southeastern Florida and is the second largest city in Florida, after Jacksonville. Sitting on a large plain with the Everglades to the west and Biscayne Bay to the east, the Gulf Stream’s warm ocean current runs off the coast and allows for a year-round warm climate. In addition to its legendary nightlife reputation, Miami is known for its sandy beaches and palm trees, historical art deco architecture, and its unique fusion of cultures.
Miami is a melting pot of cultural diversity. People come from all over the world to share their food, art and music, and customs. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Americas,” it boasts a significant Hispanic and Latino population; both English and Spanish are widely spoken. Only New York City draws more foreign tourists to the United States every year.
The Miami skyline at night. Stock photo by Gautier Salles via Unsplash.
Little Havana is a hub of Cuban culture, while there is also a strong Jewish community that dates back to when Jewish immigrants began settling in Miami Beach. Miami has a thriving arts scene, and you can find upscale galleries or colorful street art in its uniquely different neighborhoods. The city and its surrounding suburbs are home to several colleges and universities as well as to professional sports teams, hosting major sporting events throughout the year such as the Miami Open Tennis Tournament and NASCAR races.
There are several comprehensive tours you can book to fully take in the Magic City and its surrounding area by land, water, or air. If you’re looking for a flexible schedule to explore the city’s attractions, grab a ticket for a “Hop On Hop Off” bus tour where you can board the bus at any point, spend as much time as you want at a stop, and head to the next destination by the next bus that comes along. Or sit back and relax on an open-air, double decker bus tour that drives you through the key views of not only the city itself but also Coconut Grove, Little Havana, and Miami Beach.
Want a different perspective? Add on a boat tour and set out on Biscayne Bay where you can view the stunning Miami skyline and see the world-famous private islands and mansions, including the Venetian Islands, Sunset Island, and Palm Island where Al Capone’s Mansion was located; the property was demolished in 2023. For a particularly spectacular view, take to the skies with a helicopter or air tour. Back on the ground, a walking and food tour of Little Havana is always a delicious option, and, if you want to explore the Everglades, you can book a tour that will pick you up and take you on an airboat ride through the River of Grass. With so many options for any traveler, here are some of the attractions and neighborhoods that make this coastal metropolis a must-see spot.
Miami Beach and the Art Deco District
The view of South Beach in Miami from a helicopter. Stock photo by Mark S via Unsplash.
Just east of downtown Miami, Miami Beach lies on a nine-mile long barrier between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Widely known for its glitz and glamour, this oasis is also full of rich history, world-renowned art, and family-friendly activities.
Miami Beach is divided into three neighborhoods: North Beach, Mid-Beach, and South Beach. North Beach is the most relaxed and tranquil of the three beaches. Here you’ll find kid-friendly beaches, scenic green spaces, and the most affordable restaurants and hotels. Mid-Beach also offers a laid-back feel, and is known for its luxury hotels, such as the Fontainebleau.
And then there’s South Beach. There’s a reason Bravo started a Real Housewives franchise in Miami. South Beach is globally known as a hotspot for iconic nightlife and upscale cuisine. Here is where you’ll find Ocean Dive, the epicenter of the city and what most people think of when they think of Miami Beach. One of the most famous streets in American cinema, Ocean Drive has been in the background of movies such as Scarface and The Birdcage. This mile-and-a-half long promenade is Miami’s top entertainment destination and considered to be an Art Deco capital.
Go Back in Time in the Art Deco District
The Art Deco District in Miami Beach is home to the largest concentration of Art Deco-style buildings, with over 800 buildings in less than one square mile. The Art Deco design style dates back to the 1920s and 30s; its defining characteristics include geometric and clean shapes, bold colors, and the use of man-made materials. Head to Lummus Park, a popular park and beach in South Beach, and take in a stunning skyline view of the buildings. If you enjoyed that, you’ll certainly want to head to South Pointe Park.
South Pointe Park is a beautiful, 17-acre space at the southern tip of Miami Beach, famous for its sunset views. It offers a stunning panoramic perspective of the South Beach shoreline, PortMiami’s cruise ships, Downtown Miami’s skyline, and Fisher Island. Fisher Island is a private, artificial island located off the southern tip of Miami Beach that is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest places to live in the United States.
Miami’s Diverse Neighborhoods and Attractions
Coconut Grove
Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove is a lush and laid-back area along Biscayne Bay. This upscale area’s residential streets are lined with leafy trees, and there are several parks and green spaces. Peacocks are common — keep an eye out for them as they freely roam!
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Located in Coconut Grove, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a former private estate on Biscayne Bay that was designed in the Italian Renaissance style. The home’s builder, James Deering, was an industrial executive who constructed this opulent villa as a winter home. Vizcaya is one of the most intact and remaining structures from the Gilded Age. The expansive property includes not only an art collection of over 2,500 pieces but also 10 acres of stunning gardens. A trip to Vizcaya can be filled with hours exploring the antique art objects and over 30 beautifully decorated rooms in the Main House and then taking a leisurely stroll through the lush and landscaped gardens.
Find Culture and flavor in Little Havana
Little Havana is home to many Cuban exiles and is named after Havana, the capital and largest city in Cuba. Visit the main strip, Calle Ocho, where there’s numerous shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can roll a Cuban cigar, grab a coffee in the traditional small plastic cup, listen to live music, and watch the locals play dominos at the aptly named Domino Park.
The Walk of Fame is a street of stars, similar to Hollywood, that celebrates famous artists and Latin personalities. Little Havana is also where you’ll find some of the best and traditional food in Miami, including the cubano. Visit Sanguich de Miami or Manolo and Rene Grill for this sandwich that’s layered with pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard between two slices of sweet Cuban bread. Some of the other delicious and traditional foods to try are rice and beans, fritas (fries), queso frito (fried cheese), and flan (custard dessert). Sit outside in one of the many cafes after you visit the shops to rest your legs, have a bite, and enjoy live music from one of the many lively bands.
Miami Design District
The Miami Design District is known for its luxury fashion, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. It spans 18 square blocks and is filled with design showrooms and high-end retailers, making it a go-to shopping destination. This area hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year and is known for its dedication to featuring art, whether in a gallery or through the several installations scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Wynwood
A Miami mural in the Wynwood district of Miami, FL. Stock image by George Pagan via Unsplash.
The Wynwood neighborhood north of downtown Miami is among the city’s most vibrant and lively districts, attracting food and art lovers from all over. Wynwood is often recognized as a hub of contemporary art, whether you’re visiting one of the many art galleries or simply admiring the colorful street murals. In addition to numerous art galleries, Wynwood is full of shops, eateries, and is home to many craft breweries.
One of the most popular attractions here for both tourists and locals alike is the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art installation. This is a must-see destination, featuring murals painted by hundreds of artists from around the world and covering 80,000 square feet of walls. If you enjoyed that, you might like the Museum of Graffiti, the world’s only museum dedicated to the art of graffiti.
Downtown Miami Districts, Landmarks, and Attractions
Downtown Miami
The Miami skyline in the evening. Stock photo by Rutherford Steele via Unsplash.
Downtown is the urban center of Miami and encompasses the Central Business District, the Historic District, Government Center, the Arts & Entertainment District, Brickell, and Park West. Known for its shopping, museums, nightlife, and restaurants, it’s also just minutes from the beach.
The Downtown area is a hub for finance, culture, and arts. It has one of the largest concentrations of international banks in the U.S. and its seaport, PortMiami, is the busiest cruise port in the world. Quite densely populated, this 3.8 square mile area along the bay has the third-largest skyline in the U.S., with hundreds of high-rises and glittering skyscrapers.
Notable Miami-area landmarks and buildings include:
The Historic Alfred I. duPont Building: completed in 1930, this is Miami’s only Art Deco skyscraper and was built as a symbol of the end of the Great Depression. It is now a venue that hosts weddings, parties, and other special events.
Originally serving as a newspaper headquarters, the Freedom Tower was repurposed in the 1960s as a Cuban Refugee Assistance Center, and played a critical role in providing support for those who were fleeing communism and political persecution. It became known to some as the “Ellis Island of the South” and a symbol to Cuban refugees of the American ideals of liberty and democracy.
Bayfront Park is situated on Biscayne Bay and was the Greater Miami community’s first public gathering space. It now spans 32 acres and offers a wide range of recreational and entertainment experiences. This urban oasis features open lawn spaces, a sandy beach area, and an outdoor amphitheater, making it a popular spot to host numerous events including festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts.
The Bayside Marketplace is an extensive, open-air shopping center is located downtown along Miami’s waterfront. Featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment, this popular attraction is also where you can catch a bay boat tour that departs from the marina, which takes you exploring around Biscayne Bay and allows you to observe Millionaire’s Row, a stretch of oceanfront featuring luxury villas and hotels.
Mary Brickell Village (commonly called “Brickell”) is a trendy neighborhood that offers some of the best shopping and nightlife in the city, and is also known as the Financial District of Miami. Modern, high-rise buildings tower over the bay and the Brickell City Centre mall is where you can find art galleries and retail stores. World-class restaurants, hotels, and cuisine are just some of the features you can count on finding here.
The view from a Miami skyscraper. Stock photo by Diego van Sommeren via Unsplash.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a modern and contemporary art museum features collections that are focused on 20th- and 21st-century international art, and the museum is committed to offering educational resources and public programs for visitors of all ages.
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a science museum, aquarium, and planetarium all in one; the building itself serves as an educational exhibit on sustainable and environmentally responsible architecture. Visitors can purchase an Explorer Ticket, which is an admission pass that includes the museum exhibitions, aquarium, and one planetarium show.
The Kaseya Center in Biscayne Bay is arguably the state’s premier indoor sports and entertainment arena, as it plays host to the NBA’s Miami Heat, as well as various concerts and sporting events. The Waterfront Theatre at the arena offers performances such as concerts and cultural events.
Towering almost 200 feet above Bayside Marketplace, the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Climate-controlled Gondolas hold up to eight people, and rides last 12-15 minutes.
Exploring Outside Miami
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a vast tropical preserve that’s renowned for its distinctive ecosystems and extraordinary biodiversity. Located about 50 miles southwest of Miami, the park covers around 1.5 million acres of swampy terrain and at least one million people from all over the world visit the Everglades each year.
An alligator surfaces in the waters of Everglades National Park. Stock photo by Sterling Lanier via Unsplash.
Since the unique ecosystem contains both wetlands and forests, a diverse range of wildlife call the park home, including crocodiles, alligators, dolphins, panthers, and manatees. Due to the numerous bird species, bird-watching is a popular activity here. Other recreational activities include hiking, kayaking, airboat tours, and fishing.
The park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conservation efforts aim to restore and protect the park’s natural balance, which has been disrupted by human activities and invasive species to the park.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and the fifth-largest in the country. Located about 20 miles from Miami, it’s renowned for its extensive collection of animals, diverse habitats, and commitment to wildlife conservation and education.
With almost 750 acres and 4 miles of walkways, Zoo Miami is home to more than 2,500 animals representing close to 400 different species. The zoo’s expansive grounds are divided into distinct themed sections, with each representing a different geographic region and mimicking the natural habitats of these animals from around the world. It’s the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States, relying on Miami’s warm and mild climate to provide open-air exhibits, and animals are often separated from visitors by wide moats or natural barriers rather than traditional cages. This allows for a more immersive and natural viewing experience.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Voted Best Botanical Garden in North America by USA Today from 2021-2023, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s mission is to spread the beauty of tropical gardening. Fairchild sits on 83 acres and features collections of rare plants as well as flowering trees, fruits, and butterflies. The garden is named after the famed plant explorer, Dr. David Fairchild, and has been accomplishing its mission of spreading its joy since 1938.
Venetian Pool
The historic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is known for its unique design and architecture. It was created in the Mediterranean Revival style, which focuses on the styles of palaces and waterfront villas. This former rock quarry was turned into a pool in the 1920s and is open to the public. Featuring a grotto, waterfall, and a Venetian-style bridge, the Venetian Pool has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
