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Looking for the absolute best things to do in Miami? You’ve come to the right place!
We love the glorious coastal city of Miami, with its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food. We’ve had so much fun visiting Miami over the years, and it’s definitely one of those places that you can come back time and time again without ever getting bored.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Magic City, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best things to do! From boat rides and exploring Little Havana to fun day trips and learning how to salsa dance, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Miami was this food tour in Little Havana. We explored the vibrant culture of the neighborhood and ate so many amazing dishes, plus cocktails!
Check out the 6,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is very popular, so book it in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Best Things to do in Miami
- 1. Explore Miami’s “Little Havana” on a food tour
- 2. Rent a private boat and relax on the water
- 3. Learn about Miami’s Art Deco district
- 4. Go on a private sunset cruise
- 5. Take a day trip to Everglades National Park
- 6. Take a thrilling speedboat ride along Miami's coast
- 7. Learn how to salsa dance!
- 8. Cycle around Miami Beach
- 9. See Miami from the sky on a private flight
- 10. Explore the Wynwood Graffiti scene in a golf cart
- Where to Stay in Miami, Florida
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Things to do in Miami
1. Explore Miami’s “Little Havana” on a food tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 11:30 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Eating at family-owned Cuban restaurants, trying lots of local dishes, watching Cuban cigar rollers, listening to traditional Cuban music, meeting local artists, seeing the stars on Calle Ocho
- Inclusions: Lots of food, professional guide, three cocktails
- Rating: 5 stars (check 6,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The absolute BEST thing that we did in Miami was this food tour of Little Havana! We got to eat so much delicious food, drink cocktails, and dive deep into the local culture of this vibrant neighborhood. We cannot recommend it enough!
Little Havana is the most famous Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, so it was absolutely fascinating to learn how it developed during the 1960s and 70s. Our guide, Bianca, was super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and she made everybody feel very welcome.
If we could give you one piece of advice for this tour, it would be: arrive hungry! The portion sizes were very generous and we loved that all of the restaurants we visited were family-owned spots that have been feeding the neighborhood for years.
We got to try really yummy empanadas, as well as croquetas, and guava pastelitos, which were very unique! My favorite dish, though, was the flan ice cream, even though I’m not usually a big fan of flan.
As well as all of the food, we got to learn more about Cuban culture by checking out some of Little Havana’s top attractions, such as Calle Ocho. I also really enjoyed visiting a cigar factory to witness the art of cigar rolling!
Not only did we love every second of this tour, we also thought it was fantastic value for money. We got an enormous amount of food and three Cuban cocktails to boot – I absolutely loved the guarapo! Miami is a pretty expensive city, so we honestly couldn’t believe how much we got for $73 USD.
Book this tour with over 6,500 5-star reviews here!
2. Rent a private boat and relax on the water
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 9:30 pm
- Highlights: Private tour, seeing local landmarks from out on the water, customizable itinerary, beautiful views
- Inclusions: 2-hour boat ride, Bluetooth speaker, cooler with ice, safety equipment, landing and facility fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Miami is a very glamorous city, so why not make like a VIP with this private boat tour? We found that it was the perfect way to relax and beat the heat, while taking in views of the city’s skyline from the water.
Often, private boat tours are only affordable if you’ve got a big group, but we did this tour with just the two of us and only had to pay $65 USD each – not bad, hey? Plus, there’s a cooler on board, so we were able to bring our own drinks and enjoy them as we cruised around!
Our captain, Andre, was so warm and welcoming. When we arrived at the marina, he asked us what we would most like to see, and then customized the route accordingly. We loved cruising along the waterfront of East Star Island Drive, which is where tons of celebs live, and of course we had a blast seeing downtown Miami from out on the water.
We booked this tour during the daytime, but it’s also possible to enjoy the sunset on board, or admire the city lights after dark. Either way, we promise that you’re in for a treat! Honestly, it’s pretty rare to find a private boat tour for such a great price, and getting out on the water is a quintessential Miami experience. Basically, don’t miss the chance to book this tour while you’re in town!
Reserve your boat now and pay later when you book in advance here!
3. Learn about Miami’s Art Deco district
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Checking out Miami’s colorful art deco buildings, learning about the history of the area from an expert guide, self-guided visit to the Art Deco Museum
- Inclusions: Admission to the Art Deco Museum, headsets during the tour, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Art Deco district is easily one of the coolest areas of Miami, and you can’t say you’ve properly explored the city until you’ve checked it out! This neighborhood has the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the USA, and it’s certainly one of Miami’s most elegant areas. We booked this walking tour of the area, and it truly felt like stepping back in time!
Our guide, Julie, taught us how the area came to be such an iconic part of the city, and took us to historic highlights. Personally, I was fascinated to see the mansion where Gianni Versace lived, and was tragically assassinated in 1997.
We felt good about having booked this tour because the proceeds actually go towards preserving the Art Deco district’s beautiful buildings. We also enjoyed complimentary admission to the Art Deco Museum, which was definitely worth visiting, so that was a real bonus!
Julie also gave us lots of great bar and restaurant recommendations, which was super helpful, so after the tour we decided to stay awhile in the area and check out a few spots. We probably wouldn’t have been to these places on our own, so the tour was worth it.
All in all, we really enjoyed this tour and definitely think it should be on everyone’s Miami itinerary. The Art Deco District is an essential part of Miami’s fabric, and the city just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Check out the 1,100+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
4. Go on a private sunset cruise
- Duration: 1 – 2 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
- Highlights: Watching a beautiful sunset from the water, exploring Miami’s waterways in a luxurious boat, cruising around Star Island, admiring the Miami skyline after dark
- Inclusions: Boat ride, cooler box, rain ponchos (if necessary), safety items, bottle of champagne
- Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Miami has the most stunning pinkish-red sunsets, so why not see one in style? We were so excited when we booked this evening boat cruise, and we had a blast!
We also booked this cruise because, as it was a private experience, we thought it would be super romantic – and we were right! We met our captain, Luca, in Coconut Grove and we set off on what turned out to be a pretty magical adventure.
He welcomed us on board with a complimentary bottle of champagne, which made the night even better, and there was a cooler on board where we could store our own drinks.
We loved cruising along the waterways as we sipped on our champagne, and the sunset we got was absolutely glorious. Watching the sky change behind the city skyline was just mesmerizing! It was super romantic, and Luca took such great care of us.
There was also a Bluetooth speaker on board so that we could play our own music, and since this is a private tour, we didn’t have to worry if our tunes weren’t to anyone else’s taste!
There are 1- and 2-hour versions of this tour. We went for the 2-hour tour so that we could enjoy golden hour and then a glorious sunset, but the 1-hour tour can be a great budget option for big groups. Honestly, you’re in for a great time either way, so don’t hesitate to book this tour!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and reserve this private tour here!
5. Take a day trip to Everglades National Park
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am – 10 am
- Highlights: Airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, live commentary about the history and ecosystem of the National Park, spotting alligators, visit to a wildlife center
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, return transport, professional guide, 50-minute airboat ride, live commentary, visit to wildlife park
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,950+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As much as we love exploring Miami’s glamorous urban landscape, we really couldn’t resist the chance to escape the city and explore the Everglades on this tour! These world-famous wetlands are stunningly beautiful and they’re teeming with alligators, and they’re only around 45 minutes from Miami.
As huge nature lovers, we were so excited to climb aboard an airboat and explore the Everglades. We loved listening to the commentary from our guide, Antoine, because he knew so much about the history and ecology of the wetlands. Best of all, he had a real knack for spotting wildlife and we spotted six alligators thanks to him!
As well as lots of gators, we saw tons of wetland birds, which was super cool, as well as some fish and exotic snakes. The boat ride lasted for 50 minutes, which is 15-20 minutes longer than most tours offer, hence why we chose this one!
Once we were back on dry land, we also visited a wildlife center where we learned about nuisance alligators, and even an alligator wrestling demonstration! We also saw lots of tortoises and peacocks, which was pretty cool.
This tour was so much fun from start to finish. We would honestly recommend it to anyone visiting Miami, but especially families, as it’s perfect for all ages.
Check availability and book this day trip here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Take a thrilling speedboat ride along Miami’s coast
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: 11 am – 7:30 pm
- Highlights: Cruising along Miami’s coastline, seeing the city’s most luxurious homes on Fisher and Star Islands, sailing past South Beach and the downtown skyline, learning about the city’s history and culture from the captain
- Inclusions: Speedboat ride, professional captain/guide, all taxes and fees
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 2,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want your movie moment in Miami, then we highly recommend you book this speedboat cruise. We were so excited to hit the water and sightsee in true “Miami Vice” style! And honestly, it felt every bit as cool as it sounds.
We met our captain, Andy, who was a really fun and friendly guy. We set off along the shore of Biscayne Bay, and cruised towards Fisher Island and Star Island, which is where Miami’s creme de la creme lives. I’m not kidding – Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and Mel Brooks all own homes here!
We also loved cruising past Miami Beach, South Beach, and the Art Deco district. The colorful homes looked arguably even more picturesque from out on the water! And not only did we love all of the sightseeing, we also really enjoyed the ride itself. Andy did lots of sharp turns and fishtail spins, so we got a bit of a thrill along the way.
This boat cruise was honestly one of the most fun experiences we had in Miami. Plus, it’s only 45 minutes long, so it was super easy to make time for it! It’s actually a great way to explore if you’re short on time, because you get to see so much by zooming around on a speedboat.
This tour is popular – secure your spot by booking in advance here!
7. Learn how to salsa dance!
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Highlights: Salsa and bachata lessons, dancing in Mango’s nightclub, yummy snacks, live music
- Inclusions: Dancing lessons, mojito cocktail, nightclub entry, sweet and savory Cuban snacks
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
A night out in Miami is a must, but a night out with salsa lessons, mojitos, cabaret, and Cuban snacks? That’s what we call a good time!
We were keen to experience the party scene on South Beach’s famous Ocean Drive, so we booked this tour and it delivered the best night out that we’ve ever had in Miami! Salsa and bachata are both very popular dance styles in Miami thanks to the city’s strong Latin American and Afro-Caribbean populations. And we promise, they’re both so much fun!
The complimentary mojito helped us settle our nerves, and we had so much fun dancing. This class was welcoming to dancers of all abilities, so there’s no need to worry if you’re a total beginner.
After the two classes, we got to see the pros take the stage, and spent the night singing and dancing along. It was so much fun, and the professional dancers were so impressive, even if they did remind us just how much we still had to learn!
But the performances weren’t just limited to dancing. We also got to enjoy multiple cabaret and samba performances, so we truly got a smorgasbord of entertainment. It was such a memorable evening and we loved every moment of it.
Don’t miss out – book your spot here before it sells out!
8. Cycle around Miami Beach
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10:30 am or 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Art Deco District, Nikki Beach, the Versace Mansion, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, South Pointe Park, Miami Beach Marina
- Inclusions: Use of bicycle, helmet, guide
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
On our very first visit to Miami, we found that this bicycle tour was the perfect way to get to know the city! It’s perfect for anyone who’s short on time, as we covered a ton of ground in a short amount of time, and cycling instead of walking is a great way to beat the heat.
Miami is a relatively flat city, so it’s easy to get around on two wheels!
We were in a small group so it was easy to keep up with our guide, Julian, and hear what he was saying each time we stopped. He gave us a fantastic introduction to Miami, starting in the Art Deco District, where he shared plenty of insights into the area’s history. We were excited to see the former Versace Mansion, and we couldn’t get enough of the coastal views as we pedaled along the beachfront.
We made stops at places like the Lincoln Road Theatre, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, where we were able to take in the sights and snap photos without feeling rushed.
Julian was an engaging guide and he did a great job of keeping the pace manageable. We also really enjoyed his historical commentary, and local anecdotes. He certainly gave us a much deeper appreciation of Miami’s culture!
This tour is a fun, active, and efficient way to see Miami, and we’d say it’s suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness.
Reserve your spot on this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you take off!
9. See Miami from the sky on a private flight
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Time: 7 am – 10 pm
- Highlights: Aerial views of Miami, Star Island, Miami Downtown, Biscayne Bay, live commentary
- Inclusions: 40-minute private small plane flight, cold drinks, free parking
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Miami is a beautiful city, especially when seen from above, so taking this scenic flight is one of the best ways to see the cityscape in all its glory!
We were truly wowed by how gorgeous the Magic City’s islands and waterways looked from the air. But honestly, a big reason that we booked this tour was that we thought it was such great value for money. Compared to a lot of other flights we’ve taken, $99 USD for a 40-minute ride is pretty impressive!
Our pilot, Piero, was a truly lovely guy and we really enjoyed listening to his commentary as we flew over the city. He pointed out opulent celebrity homes to us, took us over Biscayne Bay, and taught us a little about the history of the iconic South Beach area.
We even had the option to personalize the itinerary, but to be honest, we were more than happy to trust Piero, because he clearly knows Miami like the back of his hand. This flight is yet another way to enjoy Miami in true VIP style. It’s the ideal way to celebrate a special occasion!
Perhaps the only downside to this tour is that since it’s such an exciting experience and represents such great value for money, it does tend to sell out pretty fast! Fortunately, you get free cancellation when you book through Viator, so there’s really no harm in grabbing your spot in advance!
This tour is likely to sell out – book it in advance here to secure your spot.
10. Explore the Wynwood Graffiti scene in a golf cart
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Seeing the colorful street art murals, learning about famous local artists, exploring Wynwood
- Inclusions: Golf cart transport, driver and guide, small group size
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Checking out the Wynwood Art District is one of the most iconic things to do in Miami! This colorful area came to be in 2009, when local developers decided to revitalize old warehouses by turning them into works of art. The idea was to foster a community of artists, and when we visited the area on this golf cart tour, we saw that it was definitely a good one!
We loved our guide, Lance, because he not only taught us about the murals that we saw, but he had us cracking up with laughter all the way around. Cruising through the district in a golf cart couldn’t have made this easier, it was an ideal way to beat that sweltering Miami heat.
I loved learning about not only the murals themselves, but also the buildings that they have been painted onto, which include schools, boutiques, and hotels. But most of all, some of the optical illusions that we saw were just amazing!
The great thing about Wynwood is that the artwork is constantly changing, so even if you’ve been to the area before, I still think that it would be worth doing this tour! It’s perfect for those with mobility issues, too, as you’re driven around the entire time.
We couldn’t go to Miami and not check out Wynwood, and nor should you! Plus, traveling around in a golf cart is not only practical, it’s such a fun and novel experience.
Check availability and book this unique tour here!
Where to Stay in Miami, Florida
Now that you’ve planned your ultimate Miami itinerary, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Miami isn’t the most affordable city, so hotels are a little higher priced than other places. But, you do have access to beachfront or downtown stays, so the location is key!
Here are three hotel recommendations for a range of budgets.
Luxury – $$$
East Miami is a luxury stay, located right in downtown Miami. The rooms are upscale and modern, with floor to ceiling windows, balconies, and all the comforts of a luxury hotel. There are also four onsite pools, a spa, a rooftop bar, and top-choice restaurants. It’s only a 15 minute drive from the lively South Beach area and its location in downtown Miami puts you right in the action.
Rooms start at $400 USD a night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Albion Hotel is located a block from Miami Beach, so you’re very close to all the action! I love the style of this Art Deco hotel, it’s eclectic but makes for a comfortable stay. Best of all, you can enjoy this location and style at a moderate price point with rooms starting at $200 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Located in the Little Havana neighborhood, La Havana Colonial is a perfect budget friendly stay. The hotel is quaint and charming, with queen, full, or double twin rooms. The rooms are simple, but a comfortable accommodation and the Little Havana district is such a fun area to explore.
Prices start at $100 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Miami here.
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you like sun, vibrant culture, and amazing food, you’ll love Miami! We love visiting this coastal city and always find something new to explore. Whether this is your first or fifth visit, I’m sure you will enjoy a few items on this list, they are the top things to do in Miami after all!
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other USA blogs. We’ve put together resources on cities all over the world and love sharing our favorite places with fellow travelers. I’ll leave a few related reads below to help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
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